Where I am At

Man oh man it's been a while since I have written.

1.  Carb fast was a complete waste of time.  You know why?  Because we werne't meant to live carb-free.  I think it was good in that I figured out I could control myself that well, but it didn't help me lose weight.

2.  I've started doing Fitness Blender workouts and I really like them.  Anyone else done them lately?

3.  We had a little bought of winter illness at our house and I just dropped the weight loss ball.  My plan is to do 3 Fitness Blender workouts a week and then also count calories a few days a week to just stay on top of things, and mostly just hope that I don't gain weight over the holidays.

In other news Blue Bell Christmas ice cream was devine.

So, back to Fitness Blender.  Anyone else done them?

Down a bit

So, coming into the end of month #2 I have lost a total of 10 pounds.  I guess that's no so bad, although I think this is official week #9.  I did come down last week, but I was at a low a couple of weeks earlier and I'm not as low as that.

I'm not sure the whole sugar thing is working for me.

I'm feeling deprived and I'm not eating in situations that I'm hungry because there's nothing to eat that fits my "standards"...

I am going to stick with it this week and the calorie counting though.

Fo sho.

STUPID SCALE

I am up this week, like 2 pounds!  I'm so stinkin' mad about it!  I followed the diet plan last week and every day I would see it tick up.  I'd do a harder workout and the scale would be up half a pound.

DROVE.

ME.

INSANE.

I am doing Jillian's 30 day shred right now and it's a but kicker (in more then one way).   BUT, since I feel like my eating is kinda under control right now I wanted to do more in the work-out way.

In other news, I've started using my hand blender to make smoothies and I am LOVING it.  Right now I'm doing:

• 1/2 cup of water (I hadn't used water before because I thought it would mute the taste but it's just fine, I don't miss the juice at all).
• 1/2 cup of frozen fruit
• 1/2 cup of fresh fruit
• 1/4 cup oatmeal (I saw this on someone's blog and I thought it would help add bulk and fiber, and it does both)
• 1/3 cup greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup spinach
• 1/2 of a bananna
• 1 t chia seeds
• 1 T ground flax seeds

Sometimes I add some ice cubes if I'm hot.  I have added avocado a couple of times, but I don't really notice it and it's so fatty and delicious on its own I'd rather just mash it up.  I was really feeling left out of the smoothie club because I don't have a blend-tec blender, but that is REALLY not in the budget right now and this actually makes clean-up a HUGE breeze!

I just zip it all together with my hand blender and throw a straw in the cup that came with it and whamo -- it's delicious.  I've made two today (P is sick so I'm really hoping the antioxidants are going to save me from her).

Then, to clean up I just put some hot water in the cup and I blend that with the thing, cleaning both the cup and the blender and I air dry.

Just don't stick your finger in the blade.  Only REALLY STUPID people would do that.

Anyway, I'm just going to stick with the plan and keep trying to eat right and workout hard.  That can only pay off, right?

TELL ME I AM RIGHT.

Down...

I hate this.  I hate that I get super frustrated because I'm NOT losing, and then I somehow ladder down a few pounds.

I'm down 2-3 pounds this week, and I feel pretty fantastic.  This makes it almost 13 pounds since the beginning of my no carb plan.  That's pretty great, in about 8 weeks (HORRAY!).  I, of course, wish it was faster.

BUT, I kind of feel like my eating is now under control.  I'm not taking a lot of effort to not eat carbs, and I'm trying to not go crazy with carbs on my cheat day (I did have this yesterday, it was nice to just make one portion, plop some ice cream and chocolate sauce on it and know it's gone and not tempting me in the fridge all week).  I think a lot of my weight loss hinges on that cheat day, so I still need to be conscious (but not so conscious that I feel cheated).

So, since eating seems to be under control I'm going to try and work on my physical activity more.  I'm doing harder videos and trying to be more intense while I do them.  It feel pretty good after it, so far... this isn't the video I've done, but it looks like a goodie! :)

Anyway, does anyone else "ladder" on their weight loss?

It's annoying, but I've been annoyed by other things. :)  Many, many annoying things.

2020

No, that's not my eyesight. That's the year I will reach my goal weight if I keep on this path.

Seriously.

I am pretty well the same this week. I know last week wasn't going to be great because my cheat day was last Monday (because I worked Saturday). I've still been getting headaches and I just don't feel all that great. I'm about 75% sure it's allergies but I haven't really a clue.

I'm uber frustrated because I'm also not losing weight even though I am following the 1200 calories/day thing.

So, I'm just going to soldier on. This week I'm cutting out flour and grains. So, it's just me, protein, fruits and veggies. I'm hoping this will kick this plateau's butt. I'm also going to try and do some sinus rinsing to help with the allergies.

If I'm not down on Saturday I will pull my hair out, although I don't think it will be much it might be some loss. :)

Keep on keepin' on. Thoughts on what I'm doing wrong?

Plan:
1200 calories/day plus about 1/2 of my workout calories.
No sugar except on one cheat day/week
Fruits, vegetables and protein (except on cheat day)
Work out 3 times/week plus gardening (which just kicked into high gear).

Up....

Last week was a bad week.  I totally kept to my diet, at least I didn't go OVER the diet, but I wasn't shocked when the weight didn't come off.  Last week's problems:

I had a bunch of headaches.  I have no idea what it was from, but it was annoying.  I'm really feeling like SO many of my headaches are tied to food... I need to watch what I am eating when they happen.

• On  Wednesday I saved some points for dinner, but we ended up at a potluck with pizza and I ended-up eating very few calories.
• On Thursdays I worked.  My life is a joke at work and I didn't NEAR my calorie limit that day.  I get home around 8 pm and I'm just BUSHED and I hate eating that late.  Not sure how I can fix this, but I know when I go well under 1200 calories/day the weight doesn't come off.
• Friday I was STARVING, probably thanks to Thursday.  I still kept within my limits.
• Saturday I worked again.  Just a re-run of Thursday.  Again, not even close to my calorie loads.
• Sunday was fast Sunday -- I'm sure I ate all my 1200 calories right at dinner
• and then I had my cheat day on Monday.

And thus we see I didn't lose a lot of weight.  But, I also lost over 2 pounds last week so I should expect it, I guess.  I'm not overly bummed.  Happy to stay on track this week.

How's YOUR weight loss going? Thoughts on what I can do at work?  I can barely pee little loan eat...

Down 2.4!

I am down 2.4 pounds this week.  That makes it a total of 10 pounds in the 5 weeks since I started.

I'm not really sure what happened those couple of weeks ago when the results were practically nothing, even though I was working the same as I do now...

I think weight watchers has something to their system, but I really didn't want to pay and I don't find the meetings or their online tool that helpful.

I think with calorie counting you just need to tweak it so it works for you.  That isn't to say that the amount of calories that I am at right now (I tend to eat 13-1400 on the days I work out and just over 1200 on the days I don't) will work forever.  I do know that on the couple of weeks where this wasn't working, I was going below 1200 and apparently that wasn't doing my body any favors...

I am still not sure if the low carb thing is helpful.  I plan to stick to one cheat day until I at least reach an average weight.  I may then add another sweets opportunity during the week.  I do find myself "hungrier" after my cheat days.  Not sure if it's the sugar or what... but that is the truth.

This weekend I went to a potluck.  I'd been to one like 3 weeks ago, in which I pulled the skin off some KFC and ate the chicken.  I was so sad seeing all the other food.  This time I could eat whatever I wanted and it turns out that I didn't just swoon over much of anything.  I did have one tasty dessert and I had some enchiladas that were pretty yummy.  I think I could make the enchiladas on my own and just eat the filling over some quinoa or brown rice for dinner.  Frankly, I mostly like the filling anyway.

I did have a burger last Saturday and it as yumm-o... Oh and fries.  I hadn't had fries in about a month!  The were alright, but the onion rings were much more worth the calories.  I think calorie counting gives you a similar restraint to budgeting is that you figure out what you want to prioritize your calories for.  For me, it would be the onion rings, all the way!  Oh and some "fry sauce" or ranch to dip them in.

My favorite things seem to be creamy things -- mayo and sour cream.  I find it's worth the calories for me to have a tsp of mayo on my sandwich, I just love that stuff.

And life goes on, doesn't it?  Are you ready to jump on the weight loss bandwagon now that your kids are in school?

Week #4, stalled no more!

So, I think I'm down 1-2 pounds.  It's hard to say, I worked night shift on Friday night so I'm not really sure my weight from Saturday should be counted, BUT in the 4 weeks I've been doing this, I'm down 4 pounds, which seems really great to me.  I also really think that my love handles are shrinking, and somehow I think my neck is larger, but I digress...

Last week I ate my full calorie count, always going just above 1200 calories, some days to as much as 1400 if I worked out a ton.  It seemed to work, and in reality my body may have been fighting back the past few weeks from the first week's big loss.

Just a reminder that the key is often sticking to the plan.

Funny, I just watched an episode of the Biggest Loser where the guy wasn't eating enough calories (it was back when the blonde trainer was on, not a big fan of hers) but she flipped through his calorie count and he too was eating around 1100 calories/day and she said it just wasn't enough.

I think it's easy to get caught in the trap that less is better...

but it's not.

Unless we're talking love handles.  And then yes, less is better. :)

Anyone else making progress?

If I Could Move My Arms, I'd Throw In The Towel

I gained .4 pounds last week, which was just crazy frustrating.  AT one point it was more like 1.2, but if I go Saturday to Saturday it's .4 -- {sigh}

I was REALLY frustrated on Saturday.  I may have taken my cheat day a little far, which didn't help my numbers on the scale at all... but...

I'm back at it.

A big part of me wonders if I have PCOS.  I haven't ever had the "string of pearls" look on my ultrasound, and when it took so long to get pregnant with P I had hormone levels checked, and she didn't seem to think I had it (and I didn't push it).  I did lose weight, and I did get pregnant.

SO, here's the diet as it stands now:

1.  Low carb.  I'd still try to keep it low on carbs.  I can still eat fruit (although, I am careful with this as I tend to feel "funny" if I only eat fruit).
2.  I am now going to allow whole grains.  I just made some 100% whole wheat "deals to meals" bread, and I'll probably make a sandwich out of that a couple of times a week.  I still want to stay away from potatoes, and only small amounts of corn or wheat.
3.  No sugar, or at least really low.  As, bread has sugar.  Except on cheat day, of course... but cheat day needs to be kept in moderation (a little concerned as I'm working night shift this weekend and being sleepless is a big queue for carbs for me... yay!).
4.  Eat all my calories that My FitnessPal tells me to.  At the VERY minmum 1200-1300/day.  There were several days last week that I went under.  No bueno.  I will also eat the calories it tells me to eat when I work out.  AT LEAST increase it to 1400 on days I workout.
5.  Keep my regular workout routine going.  Today I did Aikido drills (this isn't the video, but this one looks good!).

It seems like, if I do have PCOS I will have a harder time losing weight (duh) but that if I keep the low carb-ness up I should be able to be successful.  Anyone have thoughts on PCOS they'd like to share?  Again, I don't know if I have it, but at one point in pregnancy they said I was glucose intolerant, so I think that glucose could be a trigger or issue for me.  I'm determined to stick to the low carb/no sugar thing til' Halloween, and hopefully til' the end of the year.

Week 2: Lost

Last week was a wash.  My weight was up, I think, this AM.  But between the EXTREME soreness from that Firm workout (BTW, it was the 2nd one on this DVD and it kicked my BOOTIE, not sure why -- but it did).  Then, I am 98% sure I caused a bleeding ulcer from my ibuprofen taken from being so sore, I felt pretty yuck through Friday and made do on Saturday.  I felt it a little tomorrow, but I don't think I'm bleeding anymore -- so that's a high note.  Needless to say, I doubt my body was wanting to shed lots of weight during this time.  So, I'm just back on track today, hoping that I can keep losing weight.

So, here are my questions for you:
1.  Eat the calories I use in exercise, or don't eat the calories.  That is the question.  Last week I didn't eat them, but I was also a mess... so I think I'll try and eat 1/2'ish of them this week and see how it goes now....
2.  Ever get constipated on a low carb diet?  I added in some popcorn this weekend and wow.  Better then a fiber pill.  Feeling much better, thanks so much for asking.  I think I'll allow popcorn within my calorie counts 3 times this week.  I know it's a carb... my apologies.
3.  What to do with the soreness?  Am I just working out too hard?  I KNEW the last workout was crazy hard, but I powered through and I paid the price all week.  Worth it?  Anything I can take (obviously besides nsaids or ibuprofen... that's pretty well out for a while).

Now, it's time to answer.
You.
Answer.

The One Where I Whine

Well, my body hates me.

I was really sore from my Firm workout.  It was rediculous.  I almost threw-up during it, but I kept going.  Sad, but true.

So, back to being sore -- I took some ibuprofen.  I thought it was pretty close to dinner, but apparently it wasn't.

Because my stomache hates me now.

And last night it REALLY hated me, after I ate a cup of grapes and cherries.

All those years in nursing school... just to be a small lump of sadness on the couch.

My legs, my stomache, and I just want to shove bread in my mouth.  Because nothing says fix your stomache like chicken.

And fruit's pretty well out....

I hope I feel better tomorrow.  I'm pretty sure I will... right?

Oh, and did I mention I got like 12 mosquito bites from when I turned the compost yesterday?  Turn on the flood gates, my life is hard!

One Potato Two Potato

Hello! Long time no see, eh? This summer has been fast as far as activities go, but slow as far as exercise and diet go. I didn't just fall off the wagon. I jumped off, did a few somersaults, and wound up somewhere in between Kansas and Kentucky.

Now on to the good news! I have been following Hilary's posts on Facebook regarding her carb fast, getting back on track, etc. Well once again she inspired me to re-evaluate my own food and exercise habits and you know what I found? Crap. Lots of crap.

So here I am! I'm back on track following a plan that my trainer wrote for me but this time I'm throwing calorie counting in there as well. Jillian Michaels always says losing weight is simple: it's calories in and calories out. Simple science. I always fought it but now I get it.

I'm on day 4 and I have lost 4.3 pounds. Yeah there's probably water weight in there and my body is just revving up because I went from eating burgers and fries and pizza to lean chicken and broccoli. It's like being on the ranch week one. I'll put up a big number this week and then probably go to more "normal" weight losses each week.

So my food plan includes lots of lean protein, no carbs after 4pm, and a lot of water just to name a few things. My exercise plan is to do 30 minutes per day of focused exercise (dvd's, gym machine, etc.), be as active as possible the rest of the day (play wii with the kids, ride bikes, walk to the park, etc.), and jog 3 times a week to train for a 5k and 10k I have coming up in September.

It's good to be back!

Carb Fast Week #1

People.  I just ate Quinoa, and I was thrilled.
Ok, maybe not thrilled but it was nice to have a new texture.
Here's my week, in bullet points:

• I lost 5 pounds from last Monday to this Monday, yay!
• I ate 1200 plus my calories from exercise, this week I plan to eat 1200 plus 1/2 my calories from exercise, if I feel hungry -- if not I still need to eat the full 1200.
• Constipation is an issue, and it's not really resolving.  It's hard to think that SO many salads aren't fixing that, but they aren't.  Maybe the quinoa and beans that I'm adding this week will help.
• I get headaches if I don't drink enough water (and I do mean a TON of water)
• My first cheat day is Saturday, and currently I don't have a ton of plans of what to do with that day... but, give me time. :)

And that is all.

I have yelled more since this started, but I really need my family to pick up some slack around here.  I'm not amused by the "mom will do everything" motif they have going right now.

Is that the lack of carbs talking?  You be the judge. :)

Carb Fast Day eternity. :)

Sorry for missing so many days.

Day 3 was supposed to be the "worst day" - word on the street from "everyone"... it wasn't all that bad.  I mean, I was ornery just like usual, but nothing -- no dreams of brownies or anything like that.

Day 4 I took El Presidante school shopping and he wanted to go for Italian for dinner.  I talked him into Fuddruckers, where I got the cesar salad.  It came with garlic toast and croutons.  I almost cried pushing all that onto Conner's plate.  I love me some delicious oily home-made croutons. {sigh]

Anyway, I made it through.

I'm staying under my calorie limit (which is 1200 plus whatever I workout, a dietician friend, as well as myfitnesspal both recommended I eat what they tell me to, so I am).  I've lost 4 pounds as of today... so, that's good.

Part of me wonders if I was sticking to the calorie counts, if I would still lose, regardless of my lack of carbs.

Thoughts on that?  Why does a low carb diet increase weight loss?

So far, so good.

Carb Fast Day #2

I forgot to write last night.  I had taken Mr Middle school shopping and I also took him out to eat, which just happened to be the food court at the mall....

pure. torture.

But, I stayed strong, I got a salad at paradise bakery, their cobb chicken with avocado salad.  BUT, I still had like 300 calories to eat once I got home.  I ate some cherries and then some fruit salad and string cheese.  I am missing peanut butter.  I think I'm going to add that next week.  What do you think?  I was going to add legumes and quinoa next week and also a cheat day on Saturday.  I think a cheat day is the only way I'm going to make it on this diet, but that's a WEEK from THIS Saturday.  No cheats this week. :)

I didn't have any video workouts.  But I did do "fitness testing" with my kids, I gardened for about 20 minutes and I did "Just Dance" for 20 minutes.  BTW, Just Dance 1 seems to be a LOT less responsive then the later versions.  Princess P literally sat on the couch and beat Mr Middle who was actually trying... Mr middle wasn't too pleased about that. :)

Eating was alright.  Sometimes I stare in the cupboard for inspiration and I think "I could have some wheat thins." then I hear that giant gameshow-like buzzer saying "ERRRRR"....

I hear day 3 is the worst.  We've got some plans so that should help.  I need to figure out something tasty for dinner.  Maybe steak and mushrooms...

Yummmm....

Food Diary -- keyword: Losing

Carb Fast Day #1

Well, here I am as the day is dying down.  Somehow, through the graces of God -- my kids decided to play outside.  Thank you.  Thank you for the tender mercies.

Because, not only am I starting the carb fast, but it's the first day of marching band season and I took the kids to the library and we have two more weeks of summer.

I'm beat.

And kinda ornery.  Not too bad, except when everyone was talking about what dessert I was going to serve them after family home evening.  That wasn't particularly pretty. :)

Anyway, here's my food diary -- you can get in with the password "Losing" (capital L).

I started the day out with the NYC ballet workout.  Just a half an hour, but man that first half out KILLED my abs.  I need to make time to do the full workout, it's one of my favorites, but today wasn't that day.  I also went out and gardened for a half an hour.  Not my regular walk around and pull a few weeds.  I turned some compost (nothing more tasty then steaming compost when it's like 90 degrees outside -- today was a cool day), ripped out a tomato plant, all sorts of fun.  Anyway, between those two I was close to 400 calories from working out.

Myfitnesspal says that I should be eating 1200 calories PLUS what I burn working out.  We'll see how that works out.

I started out with a hard boiled egg and some avocado.  About 10 o'clock I had some grapes.  I felt kinda sick after the grapes.  I don't think I can do JUST fruit.  It's weird.  Does anyone feel like that?  I have weird blood sugar fluctuations so I'm thinking fruit may be out before lunch.  I just made a bowl of fruit salad and I feel fine now (but I did mix in some Greek yogurt).

I am currently just over 1400 calories eaten, it says I'm supposed to eat 117 more calories.  I'm not really hungry, but I made a lot of fruit salad, so it's an option.  BUT, I am going to try to stop eating 2 hours before bed.  So, that gives me about an hour to feel out my hungry-ness.

Thoughts on my carb fast?  Does it make you want to do one?  It sure doesn't do that to me! :)

Hobbies

I kind of think that hobbies are a good weight loss tool.  I tend to get really caught up in what I am doing, so much that I leave behind other cares.  Like swimming in syrup.

I see so many yummy ideas on pintrist.... I just need to get to the store and buy the stuff to get going on a few.

But then I think of the scrapbook supplies, just sitting there waiting to be transformed into pages.  And then I feel tired.  It would feel good to get some of those pictures done and I do love pretty paper.

Gardening is a great weight loss tactic for me.  I get so enveloped by my beloved drip system and planning it all out, I don't think about food.

So, what distracts you from food?

Working out can be a great tactic, but you can't do that all day.  You might kick your 3 year old with one of your fancy tae bo moves.... :)

Plans for Protein

I'm not just done to jump into things.  I have to give things a great deal of thought and preparation.

I've been thinking about the protein aspect, and what I have in my freezer an how that can be turned into dishes I like.

Steak -- I love steak, and I think in moderation it can be a good meal.  It has a lot of iron and frankly it's tasty.  I love it with mushrooms on top!

Pork chops -- These are pretty stocked in my freezer because they've been so cheap lately!  I like to cook them with a little balsamic vinegar.  Yum.

Shrimp -- I don't know if I have any, but they are such a great snack.  Just need to find some cocktail sauce that is without sugar.... which I have done before.

Sausage -- I love the chicken sausage from sprouts.  I am hoping we'll have some tomatoes from the garden and I make a sauce out of those and combine with the sausage for a yummy meal.  Maybe add some roasted cauliflower... yum.  I can also make some pasta for the kids.  I'm not a huge pasta fan, more of a sauce fan -- so if I put that over the cauliflower and I'm 90% sure I'll be just as satisfied. :)

Eggs -- I love veggie fritatas.... love finding what's in the fridge and throwing it in.

The problem with a no-carb diet is the fact that cheese is totally in-limits and I'm going to have to be careful with that one.  I love my cheese.  I mean, L-O-V-E and I don't think that a low carb diet is healthy when you're using cheese and pork rinds as substitutes.

What about you, what do you like to eat when you're emphasizing proteins?

Thoughtful

I've been thinking a lot about making a "comeback" really focusing on what I want to be as a person, which includes being more healthy, active and not as focused on my love of food.

Because I do love food.  I went with a friend and had breakfast on Saturday and it was SO delicious.  The french toast an the candied bacon.  Yum.  Delish.  I think about it often, I want to swim in the syrup.  It's just part of me.  I really liked food.

And frankly, I don't think anything's wrong with that, but I do need to mitigate it.

I am 98% behind a carb fast starting a week from today.  I've already thought of protein and veggie filled dishes that I really like, so that I won't feel like I am starving myself, or that my life lacks luster because I can't eat this or that.  I did a kickstart once with my friend Lara where we could only eat low fat proteins and cantaloupe.  I was pretty sure I was going to kill my family by the end of that.

I do want to feel like I have control over my body though.  I don't particularly, at this point... but I want to.

It's more then just the food though.  I tend to get up early and get all my jobs done and then collapse on the couch at about 2 pm and watch TV until the kids come home and sometimes beyond that point.

Frankly, I don't think there's anything wrong with an actual lunch break where I sit down and eat something and enjoy something that is just mine, but then I need to get up.

I need to find a hobby or something.  I'd like to make some of those ideas on pintrist a reality.  So many cute things to make for P.

Anyway, I'm wanting a life makeover.  Not just eating or health.  The whole she-bang.  Drew is heading back to work on Monday and my regular job life will return with just working once a week or so.  I always feel so invigorated at the beginning of the school year (which is crazy early here in AZ, darn it!  BUT my kids are tired of the heat, it'll be nice to have them occupied in an air conditioned building).  I can do this.  Who wants to support me?  What would you like to change about you?

Do you think it's possible?

Carbs

I, for the first time ever, am considering a carb fast. Good idea? I just hink I need to find some self control. And, that is all. :)

Thoughts?

Vacation

Headed on vacation at some point this summer...

I just need to remember to stay active.  I think I'll do fine as long as I really enjoy the food that I'm eating and I stay active.

what do you do on vacation?

Down, Up, Down, Up, Down....

I need to get back on track.  I need to just enjoy WHAT I am eating.... instead of stuffing my face, and thinking about what else I can eat.

I also need to actually eat at work, instead of feeling like my blood sugar is 12, and bieng ravenous much of the day.

I just need to work on those two things, for two more weeks.  Then I'm sure I'll have more problems. :)

A Bad Week

Blech.  A really yucky day on the scale.

Drew was gone all last week at scout camp, and I was working.  The shifts were insane, I maybe got a cup of water a few times in those 12 hours, lucky to get a half a sandwich...

Just one of those things.

Let's just say one's bowels really notice it when you're not drinking like you normally do.

But I'm back at it today.  I didn't workout this morning, but we did family fitness testing, and I think I may end up working this afternoon.

Life is good, just need to be good to myself.

I can do it....

Down the toilet

I feel like my weight is circling -- like toilet water.  It's SLOWLY going down (maybe a clogged toilet?) but it IS going down and I'm feeling a lot stronger. 

I felt like I was strong when I wasn't working out, but it turns out I wasn't.

Because I feel much more strong now. :)

I am loving riding my bike.  I'm hoping to take the kids out once or twice early in the morning sometime this week.

My butt isn't loving the bike as much as I am, to say the least.  What do you do to pad your posterior?

I realized today that my initial goal when I weighed 210 was like 175.  I really thought even THAT was a pipe dream.  But I'm down to 171 right now, and I've gotten to 158 so I know I can go lower, BUT I'm needing to live a lifestyle of health, not just weigh the right amount.

Weigh In

So, once again my weigh in really was nill.
I'm not sure how I feel about it.
I really am focusing on working out right now, and I find it somewhat difficult to be REALLY on top of what I'm eating when I'm working out a lot.
I finally got back onto my bike (note, P is 3, and I haven't biked since she was born and her pregnancy ruined my pelvis) on Saturday.  I'm hoping to do a lot more of that, I think it's great for my body and works JUST what needs to be worked on me.
Anyway, that's where I am at.  The pounds are circling lower and lower, but it's really slow and gradual, not what I'd hoped for, but time is on my side. :)

My Own Gift

My gift to myself was to not weigh in on Sunday OR Monday.  My birthday was on Saturday and I didn't want to have the weight of a weigh-in taunting me.

So I didn't.

I went to a shower on Sat with delicious food, and then we went to the melting pot and then it was home for cake.  And somehow I needed some cheese fries before bed.

Hey, it's my birthday. :)

I did better yesterday, but I knew the news wouldn't be great.

SO, I got up and did a transfirmer workout this morning.  This one has a ridiculous segment where you do step ups and lunge backs from the entire step (which is about knee height) for like 5 full minutes.  I wanted to scream at them.  Ok, I may HAVE screamed at them.  My apologies. :)

My weight got down to 170.6 last week, so that's good news.  I didn't get to a 16x number, but life goes on and I can still keep losing weight.

I feel like I'm really on top of the whole working out thing, but as always it's the food that's catching me up.  BUT, I'll eat when I'm hungry, and stop when I am full. :)

Stupid Scale

I weigh in on Monday mornings.  I'm stupid, call it like you see it - -but I figure it's a good day to start the week off right, right?

I'm up THREE pounds from yesterday.

Darn you mothers day and your lure of my infinite wisdom and no cleaning.

Oh well, I entered my weight in my phone app and I got the day started with an insane Firm workout (I literally started to lose hearing about 3/4 of the way into the "Explosive Power moves" workout).  I'm feeling good and I know I can do this.

My goal this week is to be under 170.  I keep tickling around it 170.2 several times but I just want tot see 16x on my scale.  End of story.  I know, don't get all about numbers but it's a measurable thing, and I like it... and I want to be it.

Sad news, my birthday is this next weekend, but I can do it.  Hopefully I get to that 16x number before Friday.  Right?

How was your week?

Up.

And, not the movie up. :(

But I sojourn on.  I am up today probably mostly because of Fast Sunday yesterday.  I ate more later in the day then I usually do, and it's hard to listen to your body when you're famished.

If you go Saturday to Saturday I was down 1.2 pounds, so whatever.  Either way I think I'm on the right track.

I did another firm workout this morning.  I think my ultimate goal is 3 cardio/weights workouts and one yoga workout, most likely with P later in the day.  BUT, I did notice that I go through today's workout a lot better then I'd done it in the past.  The purple firm videos have these cardio bursts that are HARD.  I think last time I hda to breathe through one of them, but this time I did full steam ahead.

Yay me!

I did my measuring today.  It made me realize that I really need to get on this wagon, and fast.

I went to Goodwill on SAturday (50% off day) and I SERIOUSLY need some capris.  NONE of the size 12's fit me.  now, it's goodwill and you can only do so much but I was pretty sad coming out with size 14 pants.  BUT, it's more important to not have skin tight pants here in the desert, then to have the pride of size 12's.  It did renew my spirit to get this weight DOWN though.

It will happen.

I've got nothing but time. :)  How'd you do this week?

Down, down...

My weight was down 2.8 pounds this week!  I'm pretty darn jazzed.

I worked out 3 times, along with some gardening and swimming.  Just a bit more active. 

Most of it has come from just eating what I want when I'm hungry and stopping when I am full.  I am happy, I'm satisfied, and I'm losing.

Am I eating a balanced diet?  Maybe not.  I think that's something I am going to work on next week.

For this week my goal is 5 workouts.  3 in the mornings and 2 others stuffed in.

I was thinking this morning about how different it feels when you're really "on the wagon" when you're ready to make it work.  It's a good feeling.

Are you on the wagon?

A New Leaf

I am done.

I am tired of clothes not fitting, and I just don't want to go out and buy new ones! 

I like the ones I have.  I need to fit into them again.

My low weight was almost a year ago at 158, I am now at 173, and have hit 175 depending on water weight.  I'm super disappointed in myself, but I have had a lot going on.  Anyway.  It's time to be honest.  I put my "new" weight in my phone app today and I'm excited to see the numbers slowly shrink.
So, it's a new leaf today.  I'm getting back to this blog and I'm hoping to start up a little email chain to encourage and support people.  It's totally true, if your surround yourself with people that have a similar goal, as you see them make progress, it makes you want to make progress.

SO, today I worked out.  I still have my cold, so I don't want to go all crazy, I did some youtube stuff (lots of great workout videos on youtube -- I especially like this channel).  I am aiming for 30'ish minutes 3 times/week plus one walk with a friend and hopefully one dance party.

BUT, this week's goal is to spend 1 minute each day visualizing how it feels to be hungry, and to be full and to throw food away.  My plan is still to eat what I want, when I'm hungry and to stop when I'm full.  I know it sounds dumb, but it helps me to realize that I can do it.  The goals don't have to be giant, just a measurable goal.

If you'd like to be part of my email group please email me, or comment here with your email addresses (don't put your read address, write it all out like thisismyemailatgmail.com -- got it?).

We can do this, I NEED and want to do this.  Will you do it with me?

Weighty

Blech, I was sick all week, and that makes it extra hard to figure out when you're full.

I just know I need to get on this.  I'm not gaining, and I am slowly losing, I just need to keep it up.

I'm going to have to buy a new rash guard if I can't lose weight soon.

That's a bit of a stimulus, plus I also have a cute skinny skirt that doesn't quite fit.

Fingers crossed.  I can do this.

Mindful Eating

It's going alright.  I see this as a long term solution. 

Easter and its delicious homemade doughnuts didn't help.

But life goes on.

I am enjoying The Firm workouts.  I think they're great.  I love the combos of cardio and weights, it seems to get it done in less time.

And time is sometimes in short supply. :)

How's your weight loss going?

Eating What I Want

The diet is sort of working.  I was out of town the end of last week, but I didn't gain weight, so that's a plus!

I think why this diet works is really TASTING the food.  And having GOOD FOOD, not just a lot of stuff that doesn't taste so great.

Also, listening to your tastebuds and having what they want.

But super small amounts.  I am eating a lot less.  And that's good. :)

Eating When You're Hungry, week 1.

The sad news is that while I'm doing these diets and these weird things I'm slowly gaining weight.

I need a plan that will last a lifetime.  And while I'm stuffing my face full of vegetables and leafy greens I feel the same way when the french fries come up, and I'm not responding to my own hunger cues at all.

So, I'm going back to the original way that I tried to lose weight with.  That is

1. Eat what you want
2. Eat when you're hungry
3. Savor what you're eating
4. Stop when you're full

And it's the type of diet that will last you a lifetime, because -- HELLO, that's what you SHOULD be eating.  I'm already craving lots of veggies thanks to my veggie diet, so hopefully in combining all that with this, I will get some results.  If not, I guess it's back to weight watchers, but I can't seem to make that stick, and I don't think I can count points the rest of my life without losing my mind.

Anyway, that's my plan.  I know this plan works.  I lost about 30 pounds with it before I got pregnant with Paige.  I tried to continue it once I was pregnant, but I went on the diabetic diet and it killed it.

But this is doable, it makes it so you CAN go out and you CAN enjoy life, you just need to be OK with throwing things away that you can't eat.  Last night I actually visualized what I would do if I was full and how I would just throw the food away instead of throwing it into my face.

Let's hope it works.

Let Them Eat...Pie!

Wikipedia says that a physicist named Larry Shaw created Pi Day in 1988 when he worked at the San Francisco Exploratorium. Pretty sure my dad has been celebrating it longer than that, sorry Larry!


My dad used to send me to school with pie for me and pie to share with my friends, because he's cool like that. Pi Day is one of our families favorite traditions! Especially when mommy picks up pie at Marie Callendar's and doesn't have to make it. :) 


So for today, go ahead and eat some pie. Then go run on the treadmill to work it off.  It's a holiday, we don't count points/calories/carbs/etc. on holidays, right? Happy Pi Day!

My absence explained

Well, after one month of having a really great time and a really great loss on WW (7.8 lbs. total loss), the thing I needed distracting from no longer needed distracting. I'm pregnant! Yay! So, I'll be taking a break from this cute little blog-- though I'll still be following it, checking on my sweet friend's progress. I'll be back though, because starting January 2013 (or maybe a couple weeks before, mostly because I hate New Year's resolutions), I'll be back on the weigh loss wagon. Hopefully, though, I won't have gained much more with this last baby (with #4 I had very little I needed to lose afterward, I am hoping to repeat that process).

Try to keep this under wraps for now because I will not be making a general (i.e. Facebook) announcement until the end of the month when I get to see the little darling inside me. :D

Down 3

I'm down 3 pounds, and I feel REALLY great.

I'm just continuing to eat my 5 a day and then working out to the firm 3 times a week, plus a couple of other bursts of cardio -- either walking or some dance jam or some serious gardening.

I can see this working.  I am starting to really crave my fruits and veggies -- and that's a good thing.  I just need to make SURE my fridge is stocked.   I think that's the key. 

I am liking the firm too!

I did my monthly measurments yesterday.  It was pretty much a wash -- as has been the whole year.  I'm really hoping that April will have good results.  Crossing my fingers!

Firm Review

I thought I'd review some of the videos I've bought.  I always love to read Amazon reviews.
This week I've done Turbocharge Weight Loss.  It's a great video.

It's 20 minutes.  A strict 20 minutes, not like how Jillian's 20 minute video is really 28.

It is hard.  It get you going.  They have these 8 second turbo-charge times where it's like plyometrics, fast quick movements, really gets your heart going.

The only thing it requires is weights.  For one of the videos you need a lighter and a heavier, and the other one it's just one hand weight.

It is two different videos, with 2 different instructors.  One does more cardio and one does more weights with cardio (in the traditional firm way).  That's a good bang for your buck!

Anyway, I really liked it, I'd recommend it. I've seen these at Walmart and Target (although, I think it's cheaper on Amazon).

Please forgive me, The Firm

Remember when I asked if you guys thought the Firm was intense enough?  That was dumb of me.  The Firm has totally gotten me back, much of that in my butt, and I don't think it's very nice of it -- but it is definitely intense.

It's a fact.

I'm not sure I have lost any weight.  But, I am feeling better.  I'm really getting into the groove of getting 5/day.  My body really likes it.  I feel like I have a lot more energy.

I'm doing The Firm workouts 3 times/week, along with my regular motherly duties.  This is kind of a big deal as I haven't been on a regular workout routine, really, since I moved here. 

I'm getting into my groove.  Getting into a healthy lifestyle.

That doesn't mean that I don't make mistakes.  I ate a bit too much at the ol All You Can Eat Waffle House, but hey... when you're eating your fruits and veggies I think you can make a mistake every now and then, am I right?

I do need to check myself on portion sizes.  And only one portion.

The end.  Doesn't everyone need to do that?

5 A Day

Along with my new fancy exercise regime I am also trying out a new eating policy.

It's called 5 a day. :)

That's right 5 fruits and veggies.  I'm not exactly sure what FIVE means, like is it 5 cups or 5 portions?  I mean, I think fruits are fairly well packaged on their own -- one apple, one banana, a handful of berries.  Vegetables are more elusive, but I hope to do well with them too. 

The plan is one fruit with breakfast, a vegetable and a fruit at lunch, and 2 veggies at dinner.

So, what's your favorite fruits and veggies?  I really like red peppers and I've been doing well at eating it with the yummy jalapeno dip from Costco.  I figure that dip may very well take me through my 5 a day plan.  I love that stuff!

I have kind of been eating like crap for a few weeks, and my insides sure know it.  This may be tmi, but the whole constipation thing totally bugs me.  I am hoping this fiber, along with the exercise system reinvigorates me. :)

So, wanna do my 5 a day challenge? What's your favorite fruits and veggies?

Why Hilary, you're so Firm

I haven't been myself lately.  I'm kind of depressed and tired.  I figured it was being almost home entirely.  I go days at a time without seeing another adult besides Drew (and even spottings of him are rare).  I was thinking that this is pretty different from how I lived in CA.  I always saw other people at pick up or drop off.  Anyway, I've been down in the dumps.

I also haven't been exercising.  My arm was hurting again, so I stopped, but it's not getting better... so I think that maybe some movement will do it good.  I'll just have to watch it.

But my other DVD's are just bummin' me out.  I'm SO tired of all of them!  Sure, I have loads of Lindsay Brin and Jillian, even some Yoga Booty Ballet, and a few others, but I'm just tired of what I'm seeing.

The light switch came on today.  Gosh darn it, I need new videos.  And for some reason I'm really craving the Firm.  It seems like Jillian is sometimes SO intense I just feel like dying by the time afternoon hits.  Let's face it, I get up at 5:30 to work out and then I'm going-going until my "lunchtime" when I take an hour out to just enjoy some TV, and I cant just drop dead after that.  But, when I do Jillian I totally want to.  I am just too tired.

Also, I haven't been good at working out since before December.  I think it was before Thanksgiving.  After that my arm was hurting, so I took December off except for some walking.

So, I got 6 new Firm videos today from Amazon for like 25 bucks.  I'm excited.  I haven't gotten new videos for almost a year, maybe even more.  Some of them are used, but I really like my ol' fashioned Firm fanny lifter (which I hear you can use similar to the transfirmer, so I am hoping so -- those ones were pretty cheap).

Here's the ones I got today...


Do you guys like The Firm?  Do you think they're intesnse enough?  Am I crazy?  Inquiring minds....

Report on Saturday's weigh-in

Well, it was kind of an iffy week, but I pulled through it with a 2-pound loss. Yay!

I guess I haven't told you, yet, why I started WW. We're trying to conceive and last month when I found out I wasn't pregnant I was super depressed. I talked to Dean and said I needed to be able to focus on something else that I have control over being successful at. So I decided to try WW (again); thankfully, he was on board. He's always on board with goals that I have. I have at least another week till I could possibly find out that I am expecting, so I am going to try to keep on. At least with every month I am not pregnant, I can look at it as an opportunity to lose a few more pounds. And another thing I look forward to is the possibility of running another triathlon this year (if I am not pregnant by May, then I'm good to go).

Last year, I ran Triathamom. It was one of the hardest, best, most rewarding things I've done. And I want to do another one. The other lady in the photo (in blue) is a friend of mine who also ran her first tri. She blogged about it here.

So, Saturday I did my normal routine and worked VERY hard at my step class to sweat off something more. It's a good thing I did. And as far as other working out goes, Zumba has been my go-to class during the week, mostly because it fits so well into my schedule right now. I know I am going to have to work in workouts more than 3x per week eventually. But I am starting slow for now and it seems to be working.

Valentine's Day is going to be my challenge this week. But Dean and I aren't doing our V-day dinner (or possibly lunch in our case) till Saturday.... after weigh-in. So I just might be able to have a couple of those chocolates he'll be giving me. :)

Taking Care

Last week was a bit of a loss.  My allergies have been going crazy, but I am now finding that with some sinus rinsing (yuck), a zyrtec and sometimes some nasal spray I can keep it at bay.  When I'm SUPER tired I just don't think it's great to haul myself out of bed at 5:30 am. 

But, this morning I felt peppy and ready to go but then my arm started hurting, not just stiff -- really hurting, so I stopped.

And as I showered I just felt glum.  I'm stuck around 166 and I just can't seem to do weight watchers and counting my points anymore.  I should.

But, then I thought back to eating with my brain on.  Really deciding if I'm hungry, and eating until I am full.  I can really tell if I'm full now, and since P is sleeping a lot better now (knock on wood) maybe I can do it myself.

WW compells you to eat until your points are gone, which has its good points, but mindful eating compells you to eat with your heart.  Eat WHAT you want, when you want to -- including weekends.  End of story.

Of course, I'm never hungry in the AM, but I almost always always eat stuff that's good for you, but after that I'm turning my brain onto my stomach.  Time to take care of myself. 

In other news, I think that toning is out until the arm's feeling better.  I'm vowing for a walk daily.  I hope it works out. :)

Not so good...

I did my weigh in and measurements yesterday.

A pretty big diappointment.  I only made it to 166 (six pound loss) and I lost 1/2 an inch.

Most of it, was most likely by either crazy allergies or a cold that I've been festering for a bit.  I know it just throws your body off wack.  My body isn't usually even ON wack, so that's extra fun.

Either way, I was having a hard time getting up to exercise.

But I reminded myself that each day is a day I am choosing to live heathily.  That comes with each choice and each blessing I get from those choices.  I have no real deadline for losing weight, I am getting healthier and I just need to keep going.

Am I right?

Weekly weigh-in (two days late)

4.2 pounds

Yep! That's what I lost. Go me! I was so nervous Friday night, I decided to do my Biggest Loser video 
It was harder than I remember it. Then the next morning I got my basket at Bountiful Baskets, went to the gym and did part of a step class (in which I was totally lost a good amount of the time), then went to weigh in. Needless to say, I was very happy about the loss. Hopefully, this week goes just as well; though I'd be pleased as punch with a lesser loss... but I'll take another 4 lbs. if that's how it works out! :D

Also, yesterday, I recorded my measurements. I don't have any losses to report in that area yet, though, because it's my first measurement. I'll keep you posted on that.

I love the new WW program. It seems so much more doable now (for me). I love the extra points you get for a week. The free fruit is great; it really motivates me to eat more fruit and veggies. The online tracking tools are easy to use. Activity also seems to be stressed more in the program and rewarded more. Overall, I love it.

Here's to a great week, friends!

Nervous

Tomorrow is weigh in and I have to admit I am nervous. I am not concerned about whether I gained or lost (I am pretty sure I lost), I am mostly nervous about how much. Tuesday I had high hopes that I would lose like 5 lbs. in one week. That ain't gonna happen.

However, it's been a pretty good week. I've been able to stay within my points range and have had some really yummy food, too. My favorite discovery of the week was a kicked-up tuna sandwich. It'll be even better when it's two points lower because of low-cal bread.

And I have gone to the gym twice! (Yeah, didn't do the little walks with the babe. My patience was not at it's pinnacle this week.) My gym attendance had been dismal up until this week. But Zumba was kind of calling my name and it lived up to it's sweat-filled promises.

Tomorrow's plan is to sweat off as much as I can at a step class right before my meeting/weigh-in. It'll be a busy, busy morning. I can't wait!

Weekly Weigh In

Down .6 pounds this week.  That puts me down 6 pounds for the year, so far.

I'm pretty jazzed.  I want to lose one more to put me at 165 by this weekend, when I will also measure.  Hoping to see some good news from those measurements.

Excited that Jillian's front and backside are on Hulu now.  I did them this AM, and while I'm still not doing any plank stuff I still had a great workout.  Darn rotator cuff, you sure seem to be taking a long time to heal.

I've been eating nuts at night as my snack and I think I may be allergic to them.  Searching for another protein-y snack to have at about 8 pm.  I'm gonna write something for my regular blog on that, in case you have thoughts.

Anyway, we're almost done with the first month of 2012, how are you doing on your goals?  We have lots of time to lose weight, but being healthy is a decision you make daily.  I, didn't do so great on Saturday, but I feel like I'm doing pretty well so far.

Keep up the good work (or, start on the good work... if that's where you're at!) :)

Hi! I'm new here.

*waves* I just started WW today. After being depressed for too many months about my weight and not being pregnant yet, I decided to try to be more successful at the one I probably have more control over, my weight (since God seems to be saying, "not yet" on the baby issue). I weighed in and went to my first Power Start meeting. I have done WW before and this time it didn't seem much different. Though I must say, I am excited to have most fruits now cost me nothing. Because before I was not at all motivated to eat fruits if they were going to cost me a point. Now I am excited because THEY'RE FREE!!! 

My exercise plan right now consists of going for a daily walk with my almost-two year old and getting to the gym at least three times next week. I'll let you know how it goes. 

I am new at the blogging thing, so forgive me while I get my bearings. Anything you'd like to hear about, just tell me. 

P.S. I feel totally nervous posting along side my good friend and blogging diva, Hilary, but I know she'll be nothing but supportive. 

Weekly Weigh In

A day late, and a dollar short. :)  Anyway -- this week's weigh in saw me lose a big .6 pounds.  HOWEVER, that does give me 5 full pounds for the year so far, which isn't bad in 22'ish days. 

I made cookies yesterday, and even though they are crazy healthy they can also easily be my downfall -- as I did put chocolate chips in them.

Working out is going well though, as is walking with my friends.

Getting into the groove. 

I've got plenty of time to get this weight off (but I must admit I wish it would hurry).

Sick

It's officially winter and we are all officially sick. Just nasty colds but still, annoying! I haven't worked out all week except for one evening of running around with the kids at the park. I just feel blah.

Another conundrum: why is it that all I crave is CRAP when I'm sick?! On a normal weekly basis the idea of a McDonalds french fry is disgusting. A slice of pizza? No thank you. But when I'm sick? Bring. It. On.

Last night I caught myself eating an ice cream sandwich with the kiddos. I don't even like ice cream sandwiches! I stopped (after eating 3/4 of it) and threw it in the trash. Why was I eating it? Because I'm sick. Well sure, that makes sense.

People talk about eating soup when you're sick. Blech! I don't like most soups normally anyway but when I'm sick? I want to eat a big Cafe Rio pork salad, watch my favorite movie The Holiday, and nurse my cold away.

I guess in the end it all boils down to convenience but mostly comfort. When I'm sick I want those comfort foods and it doesn't matter if they are healthy or not. I haven't indulged all my cravings this week but that could just be because there is no Cafe Rio nearby. :)

What do you eat when you are sick?

Weekly Weigh In

Well, I lost .4 pounds last week.  Honestly, I need to just get on the scales ONLY on Saturdays.  I, because I hate suspense, got on the scale on Friday and saw it'd gone UP for some reason and that night I ended up blowing it becuase I was bitter I hadn't lost any weight.  The next day I'd lost and who knows if it was just a fluke of the scale on Friday.  Anyway, I wish I hadn't had the extra food on Friday, but it is what it is.

Have you weighed in this week?  Good news?  Bad news?  Have you given up already?

DON'T. :)

Firm for Free!

Drew found The Firm for free on Hulu the other day.  I was pretty well elated as I am getting REALLY tired of my current workout videos.  I liked it when I had Netflix that would send me a new one every now and then, but I'm happy to take a little water break during the commercials of these.

Now, they aren't the full firm workouts, but today's was 20 minutes long.  I was supposed to work (emphasis on suppose) to work today, so I didn't want anything major anyway.

Plus, lately I've been gardening up a storm and burning a ton of calories that way.  Don't you love it when your workout can actually be super productive?


Today I did the Ignite Calorie Burn and I liked it alright.  They do these "bursts" for 8 minutes which were good, but not so long that it's awful.

I am pretty sure I did tear my rotator cuff last month, so I'm still trying to let that heal and not do heavy weights at least until next month.

I find something super comforting about the stepford wife-ish-ness about The Firm.  Everything in rhythm, everything feels great.  They were the first videos I ever started working out to, and they feel like home. :)

Weekly Weigh in, and measurements

I lost 4 pounds last week.  Not a huge surprise.  I was up a bit thanks to the holidays.  I am guessing it won't be a 4 pound loss every week, but I liked it last week. :)

In other news, I measured and it was pretty sad.  I'd gained about 2 inches around my entire body.  I was looking at my other measurements and noticed they were exactly the same as the last time I weighed this weight.  funny how that happens, no?


Last week I did Lindsay Brin's Postnatal bootcamp, total body workout yoga and Lindsay Brin's High Intensity Interval training (which was insane and super painful).  I also walked 3 times and I did a dance jam and I worked in the yard a bit, I plan to work in the yard even more coming up, and that's always great, productive fitness fun.

If only I lost as many calories napping.

And did I mention I just took on the school carnival?  I am dumb.

Willpower

I was watching the Today Show this morning and they had an interesting author on talking about willpower.  It's something that I really wonder about.  How do I find the strength to lose weight, when other people don't?  Mostly, I think it's because it was super important to me.  Everyone has different things that are important to them.  Honestly, I'm not 100% sure that it's STILL as important to me as it was 2 years ago when I actually started losing weight pretty well -- with a plan (because I was 30-40 pounds heavier back then).  I'm still overweight though, so I do want to stick with it.

These were the thoughts I gleaned from the segment...

1.  Willpower is refreshed with sleep.  The woman on the show said willpower is like your gas tank that is refilled each night with sleep.  For those of you who know me, know my sleep is SUPER important to me, especially night sleep (I don't do well with naps, most of the time, I wake up super ornery and not refilled at all).  I go to bed around 9 pm every night (falling asleep somewhere between 9:30 and 10 usually.  And I get up between 5:15 and 6:15, depending on what's in store, and if it's an early workout day.  I can't stress it enough, lack of sleep is how I gained the weight (thanks to P and my other kids) and getting enough rest will make it more possible.

2.  You can "catch" willpower -- by having good friends you see things they do, and you want to do them yourselves.  I must say that i have great friends, but also by reading blogs and seeing things that other people have done (especially people who have similar stressors to myself, like kids and jobs, etc.) has been a huge motivator.  I like how said you can "catch" it though -- like it rubs off on people.

3.  Re-frame your goal so it's something you WANT to do.  No one wants to count calories.  That's not a fun goal.  But losing weight is a fun goal.  And counting calories is just how you're going to get there.  However, my first goal in 2010 was to "follow weight watchers this year" and while it wasn't fun, it worked and it was measurable.  It was also a relief when that year was over. :)

Anyway, some good topics that I enjoyed listening to.  Let's see if I can find the segment somewhere....
Ok, I couldn't find it, but NPR has a show with her on it -- I might try and listen to it in some spare time.  Interesting stuff.

What do you guys think about the 3 things I "learned" on the show?  Truths?

Weekly Weigh In.

This week's weigh in was 170.  My personal low was 158, achieved last spring right before we moved.  I was at least 160 before we got here and the weight just came up.  I also didn't workout for most of December because of my arm (I'm pretty sure I tore my rotator cuff, but after a month of Alieve and rest it's doing much better).

My goal is to be a size 8, and I figure that means I need to lose 20-30 pounds.  Honestly, for once I do think that exercise at least makes your body a bit more trim.  I've noticed that jeans aren't fitting as well, even though I am the same weight I was when I bought them.  I'm just not working out, things are sagging.

There was a point in my life that I would've called myself super fit.  I was doing hour routines and really busting a move in the AM and continuing it all day long.

I'm not there anymore, not even close.

I'm actually looking for some easier routines.  I'm not doing much weights with my arm yet, just movement.  I need to take a peek onto Netflix, but please let me know what you'd recommend.  My plan is 2 days/week of weights and cardio (workout videos) and 1 day a week of Yoga (I hate it  but it's so good for us, isn't that the way?).  Plus at least one nice long walk/week with a friend and then one dance party with the wii/week.  I'd also like to just be more active with my family, besides the things I'm just doing myself.  this area has a ton of great hikes.  I need to get on those.

Plus weight watchers.  Starting tomorrow. :)

Won't you come with me?  I'd love to do a weekly weigh in post where you can either link to your own blogs with weigh ins, or just comment here.  I'd thought of doing a WW email chain where we can weigh in together, but that's a lot of effort and I always worry people feel like they're getting spammed by my inadequacies.

One thing I do know, writing on a blog has helped me lose weight.  I feel some minuscule of obligation by having it.  I feel like I need to report.

So, if you want to lose weight, come write with me.  It's cathartic and it's nice to have people applaud you.  Anyone who wants to write on the blog is welcome.  Just email me. :)  Link's on the side.