Work Hard Stay Humble

Happy Thursday!
 
This week has been wonderful! Monday I ran for a full 15 minutes without stopping. I feel like it is getting easier to run longer. Especially if I focus on something different. The first 5 minutes felt great and he last 5 minutes were a little tough but I did it! I am running on my toes more than flat footed like I did when I started out. I don't know what the proper way to run is but I know I sure feel lighter when I do. After a brief cool down walk I decided, what the heck, I'll try running a little faster for a few minutes. I usually jog at a 3.5 so I bumped the speed to 4.0 and off I went. It was amazing! I was laughing at myself because I felt so light on my feet like a gazelle or a ballerina. You know how graceful they are and how they just glide through the air. I felt kind of like that. Is that weird? LOL. I finished 5 minutes of running at 4.2 speed. I bumped it up because I felt like I could go faster and I did. I was emotional afterwards but I didn't cry. It was more triumph and pride. I felt as if I could do just about anything if I put my mind to it. AWESOME!
 

After my run...I was happy. :)
 
Tuesday we purchased a new car since my car was almost 10 years old and pretty much on its death bed. So we traded my Cavalier for a Mazda 3. It's super cute and sporty. Love it!
 

 

On Wednesday it looked like it was going to rain and I had already decided I was walking outside so I went ahead and did it. I bundled up my son and put the leashes on my dogs and we set out. Everyone that sees us pass always says it looks like I have my hands full. I guess so, I have a jogging stroller and 2 dogs. LOL. My dogs are always crazy the first mile of our walks. They drag me and pull and smell everything. I remember a time when they were so well behaved on our walks. I think my hubby needs to walk them again, they listen to him and walk so much better.

I was feeling pretty good so I decided to jog down one street and up to another. We took a short break then once we hit another street we jogged again to the end of that street. When we got to the pond in the front of our subdivision I jogged again. I got almost to the end of the street and Aly stopped and I didn't realize it so she got jerked by the leash. I stopped and looked down and she was pooping. GREAT! She is the only one that does this to me. LOL. Brandi has never stopped to poop, only to pee. Then I got to carry a poop bag the rest of my walk. Fabulous! We went back to the pond where we fed the ducks bread that we brought with us. Caleb enjoyed feeding the ducks. He never took interest before so it was cool seeing him have fun with it. Of course the ducks wouldn't get very close with my two crazy dogs nearby but we were able to toss bread to them.

We headed back and I always start to dread the huge hill on my journey back home. I need to take a picture of it someday, well it would be more than one because I don't think I could get it all in one shot...yea it's that big. I've never timed myself walking up it so I am not sure how long it takes to get up it. I'd say maybe a little more than 5 minutes, maybe. So today I tried something different to help me get up the hill. I had jogged down so my energy was pretty low already so I decided just to take the hill slow. Usually I go fast hoping it will be over sooner and then I always feel like I'm going to die at the top. LOL. I paced myself very slow. Controled my breathing and did my best to stay at a slow pace. Towards the top I was looking down at the ground and before I knew it I was approaching the top of the street. Cool. I then just needed to make the turn up the next street to the top of the hill. Once at the top I was not winded and felt great! Oh and my iphone was playing 4 Non Blondes What's Up, "And so I wake in the morning And I step outside And I take a deep breath and I get real high And I scream from the top of my lungs What's going on?". I'll have to do that again!

 

I researched all yesterday to find places to go for my upcoming birthday. Aparently you are supposed to know what you want to do a year in advance if you want to find a very nice B&B. Oops! So I settled for the next best thing. I found a very nice B&B a few miles farther than where I wanted to go and it got great reviews. Plus the lady is a celebrity chef at our local Dierberg's. That means the food is going to be awesome. I booked it. I am so excited! We are going December 1 (a month after my birthday because of deer season). I figured we would hit a few wineries off 94 on the way. Maybe check out Daniel Boone's Homestead in Defiance? Then once we hit our destination and check-in we can explore the town. It is full of history and lots of walking can be done so I can get some exercise in before breakfast in the morning. hehe. This will be our first vacation since we had our son so we are super excited, even if it's just for one night. :D

 

I woke up this morning and the tops of my thighs are so sore. It is tough sitting down. I told my hubby, I wish it was my inner or outter thighs that felt sore then they could tone up faster...Oh well, I'll take whatever pain I can get. It just means I am doing something right to look and feel better later. Also, I did a check on my weight. I do this periodically throughout the week just to see if I need to add another exercise or watch what I am eating to keep me on track. My scale today said 200.6 lbs. OMG! I am so close to seeing a "1" in front of my weight, ONEderland!!! I am so proud of myself! I called my hubby to share my excitement with him. I will be under 200 by my 30th birthday! :)

 

Today we are going to the library in the county so Caleb can see his cousins. I find it silly that I can't check anything out since I am not a resident but whatev. At least we can join in on the activities and fun.

 

I plan to go to the Friday morning WW meeting again. We are going to the pumpkin patch on Saturday and I won't be able to make that meeting. I will go in early to weigh-in though. What are your plans for the weekend? Any fall activities or parties?

 

Wish my hubby luck! He is going hunting for the first time this season tomorrow and again Saturday-Sunday. Last year it was so windy and he didn't get one. We still have plenty of meat but if he doesn't get one this year we won't have much meat before next season.

 

So I have to be real...I am having a "lucky streak" I guess with my weight loss and it is not normal to lose weight this fast. The norm is at the most 2lbs a week. So yes I am enjoying the fast results and it has kept me going. I do fear in a month or so (the holidays) how my body is going to react. My doctor said I will plateau at some point. When I do I will be bummed but I'll have to remind myself to keep going because even if it isn't showing on the scale, I am still doing good for myself and my body. I have to keep that in mind so I don't lose sight of my goal. That will be when I will need to re-read my previous blogs and get support from my friends and family and readers.

 

I still have struggles here and there. I have days where I do not want to work out. I have to make myself workout. With winter approaching and colder weather to come, it is only going to get harder for me to want to workout. I am going to have to devise a plan to keep myself motivated to workout. I am not worried about food here at home but for the holidays I am worried. Maybe I can do that dollar in the jar for every workout I do or something so I can buy myself something cool? Any thoughts?

 

Above all I know I have learned to control my eating. I am still learning to stop when full if the food is good. I try not to let myself get to that point by not having that much food on my plate to tempt me but there are times when that is not possible. I always remind myself that I should not eat more because I am starting to feel full and I don't always listen to myself. So while I have come SO FAR I am still learning. That's why I like to blog. I can keep track of what I am learning and changing to refer to. I also can get tips from my readers and motivation. Thank you all for that.

 

 



 



Quote of the day:

 

Work Hard Stay Humble



25 lbs Gone!!! ... And some of my tips.

10/13/12 weight 203.4 lbs

Total loss 25.8 lbs

Earned my 25 lb award today

Tank top: Large

Capri's: Large

 

 

Good Afternoon!

 

I stepped on my scale this morning and was shocked at what I saw. I did lose weight. I was sure I gained or stayed the same this week. I worked out, yes. But the way I felt, the way I ate at times. It just felt like a bad week with no weight loss. So happy to see 203.4. I am so close to being under 200 pounds YES!

 

My breakfast: Panera Bread Power Sandwich. It's so good and filling.

My lunch: 1 1/2 c Ceasar Salad with 2 slices of Boar's Head Classic Chicken. And a Gala Apple.

My dinner: Homemade Vennison Chili simmering in my crock pot.I add 2% cheese and use whole wheat crackers. My house smells amazing!

I have drank tons of water today and walked for 2 hours for the baby mania sale.

 

It is muggy and warm here today. It's so strange since it has been chilly the past week. It has also been very windy, I expect that is due to the storm I heard we may get, or rain.

 

I didn't get much sleep last night. My son woke up around midnight with a low fever and fussy. After the tylenol kicked in he was in full force. Every few minutes he would turn around and kick one of us. He also kicked the covers off then put them back on. He decided to get out of our bed and bring toys in the room. Finally around 3am we told him he had to go to his room and play if he wasn't going to sleep. He wasn't happy about it but he went.

 

6:30am...My alarm goes off.

 

I rode with my neighbor friend to weigh-in, we grabbed breakfast and then headed to "Baby Mania". It is like a huge garage sale held in the parking lot of a local school. They have tons of baby stuff, maternity, older kids stuff, and furniture for cheap (if you look). Some people do price their stuff high.

 

I returned home to get ready to go grocery shopping. My husband and son were getting ready to go to the Circus. My hubby won tickets from work. They got to sit in the Company Suite. I think Caleb enjoyed himself as much as a 2-year old can. :) 

My goal this week is to plan my meals and exercise. So I made up my list and headed to the store.

I will be making my Parmesan Crusted Tilapia with some kind of potatoes and a veggie. Rosemary & garlic pork chop loin with a potato and veggie. Breakfast burritos with eggs, veggies, and cheese. I know we will have left over chilli a night or so. I am not sure on the other meals but I do have a few lean cuisine's. I am sure we will have mexican one night too.

I plan to start 30DS and walk this week too. I said I would start the C25K when I hit 10%...I'm nervous and I need to get my routine back before I can start that. I just need to do it. Maybe next week...

I am so proud of myself for kicking that feeling I had all week. I mentioned it in my last blog. I am not sure what was going on but I was getting nervous about the upcoming holidays and eating and not losing weight. I think I lost focus of what is important and I psyched myself out. I also starting alternating the days I took phenterine so that I can stop taking it once the prescription runs out. I guess that bothered me too. It made me insecure, like it wasn't me doing all the work to lose the weight with the help of an appetite suppressant. Amazing what we get stuck in our minds and have to change our ways of thinking in order to move forward.

In the past I wouldn't have been able to move forward. I would have just continued my downward path to my old ways. I know that this experience is teaching me how to change and make positive choices.

I am learning so much and my mind is clear for this upcoming week. I just need to stay focused on the goal.

My Tips:

Make small changes. Concentrate on one change at a time. Like drinking more water during the day by substituting other drinks for water. Or drink a glass of water before each meal.

Write down everything you eat and drink. I have learned from doing this. I used to eat so much food. Now I monitor what I am eating and it is really helping me. Yes it is time consuming but it has great benefits in the end. Also if you are having a bad week you can go back and look at the weeks that ou did great. You can see what you ate, drank, and if you exercised.

Don't think of exercise as a "chore". Find something you enjoy to do and you will find that you will want to do it. I love to bike ride but it is hard for me because a) I live in a very hilly subdivision and I don't think I am ready for hills b) I haven't pulled my son in the bike carriage yet so it makes me nervous on my own c) It gets dark now by the time my husband gets home from work so we aren't able to go until the weekend. With that said I am okay with the rides we take when we can. So I found I like to walk outside. I also enjoy walking on my treadmill with a movie on or a show I like to watch. I love to swim when the weather is appropriate. Also I have started parking farther away so I walk more. I play with my son outside. The idea is just to start moving.

Drink Water. I love water with ice in it and when it's very cold. I try to drink at least a gallon a day. I notice when I haven't had enough. I feel dehydrated, tired, and sluggish. I get headachhes sometimes too. I read that if you feel thirsty chances are you are already dehydrated so drink up every chance you get. Also, don't drink your calories (except for milk) if you can help it. If you do just be sure to add that in to your daily budget. Got a craving or feel hungry? Drink a glass of water, you may just be thirsty. Then go to bed to avoid late night snacking.

Be accountable. Get your friends and family involved with your weight loss journey. I feel accountable every Saturday when I weigh-in. I know that my weight goes in their system and it counts. I enjoy going to the meetings because everyone there is going through a smiliar journey as me. You can also start a blog and write everything in there.

Plan. Be sure to plan your meals ahead of time. When you know what you will be eating for each meail including snacks you are more likely to stay on track. This one is hard if you are busy but you have to make time. Bring fruit or nuts with you. When you grocery shop have healthy choices available for you to make.

Think Whole Grain. Switch from white breads, pastas, rice to whole grain varietys. This will help you get more fiber in your day. Find the ones that you like and taste good.

Fruits and Veggies. Have them with each meal and snack. I try to make this a habit. It helps you get your 5 in for the day. :)

Don't skip meals. If you don't eat often, 5-6 small meals a day, you will start to feel like you have less energy. You will feel tired. I am not a doctor but I know I have read somewhere that skipping meals can be harmful to your health (slow metabolism, drop blood sugar...).

Use a smaller plate. It tricks you into thinking you are eating a lot more than you are. This also helps with portion control.

Measure Everything. Have several measuring cups and spoons available so you can be sure you are having the accurate serving for each food.

Splurge a little. We are human. We want foods that are sweet. It's okay to have ice cream or cookies every once in a while. Just be sure to eat in moderation. If the serving size says 2 cookies then only eat 2 cookies. This will become easier with time. You will be able to control your eating and not want to go back for more.

Slim down your recipes. You can by Fat Free or Low Fat in almost everything. You just have to find what you like. I have found ideas from other bloggers and Pinterest. I buy 2% cheese because I like the way it taste and it melts well. I buy Skim Milk. I buy Reduced Fat, Low Sodium, and Fat Free especially in my canned goods. Use Lean meats. Bake or grill instead of frying. Use any substitution that will help make the recipe still taste good but have less calories.

One Pound at a time. Set small goals for yourself. Sure we all have that number we would love to see on the scale but if we don't get there fast enough then we get discouraged. Don't do that to yourself. Instead, say you want to lose 5lbs to start. When you do, reward yourself with something, not food. I have bought new running shoes, a purse, new work out outfit, smaller sized jeans, exercise mat, free weights, moisture wicking socks, etc. Then set another small goal. Before you know it you will have reached your ultimate goal and have enjoyed the journey along the way.

When I have salad or order salad I have the dressing on the side. I dip my fork into the dressing and then into the salad. This helps me have less dressing.

I eat egg whites when possible with bell peppers and onions. I top it with 2% cheese.

I eat vanilla greek yogurt (okios) with about 1/2-1 cup strawberries and 1/4 c Kashi Go-Lean Honey Almond Flax. It's like a sweet treat for me.

I take a multi-vitamin, biotin, b-complex, omega 3 fish oil, and Glucosamine, Chondroitin every day.

I eat Subway: 6" Turkey on Wheat with Provolone Cheese and Veggies. No dressing. I eat Bread Co (Panera Bread): Smoked Turkey on Country with Spicy Mustard and Chicken Noodle Soup with a French Baguette. Or Power Breakfast Sandwich with and apple. I eat Jimmy Johns Turkey Tom with no Mayo and I had Provolone Cheese. I eat Pennstation East Coast Subs: Small Turkey Dagwood with provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onions, and a few fries. I eat McDonald's McDouble and a small Fry or a kids meal. I eat Jack In The Box: 2 Tacos with Sauce, 1 egg roll with sweet and sour sauce. Or a Breakfast Jack. I eat at Tequila's Mexican Restaurant: Chips and Salsa (about 14 chips if that) and Chicken Fajitas. I ask for no sour cream. I don't eat the rice and beans. I only make 2 fajitas.

When I can't find a meal at a restaurant, I order a garden salad with low-fat or fat-free dressing on the side and ask for grilled chicken with it.

I may have forgotten a few of my tips. It is hard to keep my mind focused with my adorable 2-year old talking to me. :) So if you have any questions or would like to make suggestions for me please do so.

If you are struggling just know that you are not alone. Tomorrow is a new day. Start fresh. If I can do it you can too!

Have a great evening!

Quote of the day:

Now and then it's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy.

Weight Loss Tools

Good Evening, I hope you all had a great day because I had a wonderful day. My house is decorated for fall and Halloween. I had my follow-up doctor's appointment this morning and Doc is happy with my progress. I needed that extra assurance that I am doing okay and it is all me.

I am currently taking an appetite suppressant called Phentermine. It is used as a Weight Loss Tool to help you lose weight when you are using a diet program, such as Weight Watchers. It is not a magic pill. You take it while you are exercising and eating healthy to help you lose weight for a short period of time. I have been taking it for 2 months now. I will take it for one more month and then I am going to try to do Weight Watcher's with out it.

It has helped me to lose weight fast, yes. BUT it has also helped me find confidence in myself that I can do this on my own. That is what I needed. I have tried and failed many times to lose weight. You have to really want it or it will not work. You have to want to make a change. You have to want to change how you eat and live. It takes hard work and it will not happen over night. I did not gain my weight in one day. It took about 9 years but now I am focused on getting healthy.

My husband has noticed a complete change in me these past 2 months. He has seen me more dedicated and focused than I have ever been. He is very proud of me and what I have accomplished. I am very proud of me too.

I have already seen the positive changes I have made. I am hoping they turn into positive habits. I have a fruit or veggie with every meal. I drink tons of water every day. If I am craving something I ask myself how bad I want it? I ask myself if I am actually hungry? I then drink water or eat something healthy first. Then if I still want what I am craving I have it. I eat it in moderation of course.

Don't get me wrong. I have had bad days where I just eat whatever and work it off later. I am human. But I don't beat myself up about it. I allow myself to do that because it takes time to change a lifetime of habits. You need to know that it is okay to still have those foods just in moderation.

For instance, for breakfast I had 3 egg whites, 1/2 cup bell peppers, 1/2 cup onions, a little garlic powder and black pepper, 1/4 cup of 2% colby jack cheese cooked in EVOO. I was a little hungry after I finished so I had a banana.

Lunch I have 2 slices of Sara Lee's 45 Calories and delightful whole wheat bread, toasted with 6 slices of oscar mayer's smoked turkey, 1 slice kraft 2% cheese, dijon mustard, and a klosen dill pickle spear. I'll add tomato to my sandwhich if I have it.

Dinner I have talapia baked with Reduced Fat parmesan cheese, lemon pepper, and butter on top. With a broccoli or asparagus and red potatoes. I mix up how I make the potatoes but I watch my portions. I do have pork loin, chicken, lean beef, or vennison too.

Snacks are usually carrots, apples, strawberries with greek yogurt (Oikio's vanilla is really good) and sometimes kashi go-lean honey almond flax on top. I also have WW String cheese or a handful of nuts.

Once you get into a habit of eating this way it just becomes second nature. Keep all of the good stuff in your house so that you can eat it right away when you are hungry.

It is harder when we go out to eat but I always choose veggies with whatever I am having. There are times I will have a fry off of my husbands plate or I will order fries. I just eat moderately.

You can still have all of things you love, you just have to watch your portions and how often you eat it. You can also substitute certain ingredients for lower fat or fat free versions. Losing weight doesn't have to feel like you are trapped and can only have certain things. It can be a learning experience for what works for you and what doesn't. NEVER GIVE UP! Learn from what doesn't work and keep going. Tomorrow is a new day.

Make small changes. Switch out one of your regular sodas for a diet or a water each day. Then move on to something else. Like try to have a fruit or veggie with each meal.

It isn't that hard it's just changing your habits and that takes time. Be patient.

Other Weight Loss Tools:
You can use any food and exercise tracker app on your smart phone or online.
You can write it all down on a note pad.
Go to a meeting for people trying to lose weight.

If you know of any more please let me know.

To Lose Weight:
Drink Lots of Water at least a gallon a day.
Watch your portion sizes
Measure Everything
Write down everything you eat and drink
Eat more Fruits and Veggies. 5 a day.
Eat lean meats
Eat Whole Grains
Choose Fat Free, Low Fat, 2% when you can
Eat 5-6 small meals a day to help boost your metabolism
Take it one meal at a time, one day at a time, one week at a time.
Take a multi-vitamin daily
Join a gym/Take a 15-30 min walk every day to start. Build up to longer times.
Do strength exercises. Buy free weights or use canned food to work out your arms.
Do a workout DVD like Billy Blanks Boot Camp or Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred.
Go for a bike ride or take a swim
Join a team for a sport you enjoy playing
Make time to take care of you. If you want it bad enough you will make the time for it.
Weigh yourself once a week.
Measure yourself once a month.

I am not a doctor or anything so definitely check with your doctor to help you lose weight. That is what I did. This is just how I have been losing weight.

Now I know that sometimes it is hard to get out of a funk. Especially if you struggle with depression. I struggled with it for years and once you are down it is so hard to shake it. You just have to Do It! Fight that inner voice that says you don't want to or don't feel like it. You will be glad you did a year from now.

If you have any suggestions please share them. I am sure I forgot a few things that maybe you remembered.

Quote of the Day:

DO NOT GIVE UP! The beginning is always the hardest.

Not giving up

Good morning,

How was your weekend? Mine was great! Got a lot accomplished and had lots of family time. We purchased my son's Halloween costume. I really hope it works out. I am waiting for it to come in the mail. If it does then I can start getting my costume together. We are hosting Halloween this year since my neighbors have a conflict that day. So I will be busy getting my house in order for that.

Weigh-In Day: Saturday September 29, 2012

My weight 207.8. I lost .6 more pounds last week. My total is 21.4! Last week was rough. I was upset about the whole issue last Saturday. The antibiotic I am taking was making me ill so I was either hungry or I felt sick. I felt out of control in a way.

I did, however, run twice last week which is great considering I wasn't feeling well.

My Focus:

I need to get back into routine this week since I am feeling a little better. I need to plan out my meals and make family dinners.

I need to walk every day and try to run at least twice this week.

I need to continue to drink lots of water.

What I am learning & making a habit:

I always need to track every bite or drink. (and I do)

I need to drink my water, at least a gallon a day.

I need to walk every day, at least 5 days a week.

I need to plan out my meals and continue to have good food available.

I need to practice portion control.

I need to measure everything.

I need to take it one day at a time.

I need to believe in myself.

Quotes of the Day:

 

You can feel sore tomorrow. Or you can feel sorry tomorrow. You Choose.

Small changes CAN make a BIG difference.

MOTIVATION is what gets your started. HABIT is what keeps your going.

Exercise to be fit, not skinny.

Eat to nourish your body.

And always... Ignore The Haters, Doubters, and Unhealthy Examples that were ONCE feeding you.

You are Worth more than you realize.

 

 

Friday September 28, 2012

I felt pretty. I felt skinny.

My shirt is an XL from JC Penney.

My Jeans are 16 stretch from Old Navy.

My jeans were baggy and falling off by the afternoon. I may need to try a 14.

 

 

I don't remember ever being a size 14. I feel like I went from a 10/12 straight to a 18/20/22. Did you ever feel that way? No? Okay well I did. While I know a size 14 isn't a small size it is the smallest I have worn in at least 9 years. That is a good feeling. I go on Saturday to try on bridesmaid dresses. I am hoping to be able to fit in a size 14 dress. I'd love to be a 10/12 by the wedding in May 2013.

 

What I am noticing:

 

My rings are still big on my finger. I may have to put my spacer on soon.

 

The bra I am wearing has always been a little big in the cup but now I have it on the smallest hook. If I have to go smaller I will not be able to wear it.

 

I am wearing size Lg Capri's from Old Navy. They are not tight and are comfy.

 

I am wearing a men's size Lg T-shirt. Some men's size small are big but some are small. This particular shirt was a little snug about 2 1/2 months ago when I bought it. It is now a little big and roomy but not baggy.

 

My feet seem to be smaller. I already know that my new shoes are too big but the Brooks I bought 2 years ago from Fleet Feet were fitting fine. Yesterday my foot slid all over in them while I walked.

 

My family have noticed my weight loss.

 

I am not in a lot of pain after my workouts/walks. I have the expected soreness which is good but no other aches or pains.

 

I have energy.

 

I choose healthy foods more now than I did before.

 

I feel good. I feel healthy.

 

I was able to sit in my In-Laws lawn chairs comfortably and there was room left when I sat. Such a good feeling. I don't have to be embarrassed now.

 

My bath robe wraps me much better than before.

 

I am noticing a difference in the mirror.

 

I am making positive changes. I am turning them into positive habits.

 

 

 

 

 





Fall is Here...Busy, Busy Days

Weigh-In Day: Saturday September 22, 2012

Good morning readers. Are any of you trying to lose weight? Have you ever been where I am now? If you have lost weight would you like to share your story with me? I'd love to hear tips and advice from you all.

This morning I stepped on my scale and saw 209.4 for the 4th time this week. I felt good about that number. Went to my WW meeting and stepped on their scale...208.4! WHOA! I even said out loud, "Oh My Gosh!". The lady said, is that a good or a bad Oh My Gosh? LOL I said good.

So that's 4.8lbs lost this week. My total weight loss since Aug 4, 2012 (7 weeks): 20.8lbs.

I was very happy and emotional about this number!

1. I never thought I would get out of the 220's that fast.
2. I have been working my ass off. (pardon my french) but I have.
3. I have been getting in workouts and eating right despite the fact that I have been sick.
4. I am so proud of myself!
5. When my WW Leader called my name to celebrate my loss she said, "Whitney, you are on my list again this week. When did you start WW?" I told her 8/4 and that my doctor had prescribed me an appetite suppressant. She also wanted me to start WW again to get myself going on how to eat and exercise so that when I am off of the medicine, I will still lose weight. She said, "Okay, I was getting worried about you." She went on to say how important it is to eat right and exercise, I think. I wasn't really listening because I felt like she was singling me out. I even said aloud that I was worried to come in to weigh-in because if I lost too fast then I may be kicked out. Not really but I felt that way. Then she just moved on to the next person. Usually she says "give her another hand." It may sound silly but that really bothered me. I felt like I was being publicly chastised for losing weight.

 

This is what I know:

Yes I am taking an appetite suppressant.
Yes I thought the medicine was working magic and that is how I was losing weight so fast.
Yes I am working my butt off making good changes for myself.
Yes I am focused on my goals.
Yes there are days I don't sit down except to eat.
No I am not sitting around all day just letting the medicine work its "magic".

If my doctor is watching me, which by the way my follow up with her is next Wednesday, I am fine. I trust her judgement. I believe she will most likely take me off the appetite suppressant because I have lost a lot of weight fast.

My fear is that with my belief that the medicine has been doing about half the weight loss for me, I will not be able to continue losing weight when I am off of it.

A year ago if I had gotten sick while trying to lose weight and felt like crap. I wouldn't have kept on going like I have been. I would have laid around the house, moping until I felt better.

My mind is clear and focused. I am determined to change myself. I will reach my goal.

This is how I feel:

You can say what you want in front of fellow WW members. I will continue to come every Saturday, on the medicine or off of it. I will prove that I am serious. So what if I took medicine to help me along the way. If it is helping me change my life then that's awesome. It is nothing to make me feel bad about.

Even though I am on an appetite suppressant, I still feel hungry at times. I do not starve myself. I eat when I am hungry and I don't eat when I am not. Simple.

I choose healthy foods before I eat anything bad and I drink tons of water.

I make a point to work out a few times a week even though I haven't been feeling well these past few weeks.

I am aware of what I am eating. I track everything I eat or drink. I check off my good health guidelines each day too.

I am putting forth a lot of effort to lose this weight. I know that I will have to keep this up and work even harder once I am not taking the medicine. That's fine because I know I have earned the weight loss rewards.

My husband said it right. The medicine only helps you lose 5-10 pounds in a few months (the doctor said the same thing). The rest is all you. He said he has never seen me so determined and clear about what I want. He is very proud of me.

I have worked hard to keep the house clean and tidy. This week I had to shampoo the carpets again. I cleaned down stairs very well, took me about 7 hours to do it. I keep myself busy and I work hard.

I feel GREAT!

Has anyone had this happen to them? How did you handle it?

My Rewards:

5lb - Bought a new pair of shoes. They are now too big on me.
10lb & 5% - Bought a new purse, wallet, sunglasses & case, and 2 pairs of earrings.
15lb - Bought a nice exercise mat.
20lb - TBD. Although I may buy some moisture wicking socks.

 

My Goals this Week:

Start doing a workout DVD. Using my new mat. :)
Focus on my meal planning. I have been lacking since I have not felt well.
Walk at least 3 days. Use my 3lb weights for my arms when walking.
Run/jog 1 day.

I told myself that when I reach my 10% weight loss, which is 22lbs. I will start the C25K program. I am nervouse and excited about it.

I will be under 200lbs by my 30th birthday!

Quote of the day:

Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight. - Benjamin Franklin

My weight 9/22/12: 208.4 (4.8)lbs this week

The capri's I am wearing were a little tight in the waist about a moth ago. They feel comfortable now.

The shirt is an XL that was a tad big but not bad.

The Great Closet Clean Out

It's that time of year where I have to switch out my sons clothes and mine.
 
I got up this morning around 9. WHAT??? I haven't slept in past 7 in a very long time. Well I volunteered to get donuts for breakfast, besides I needed a few more groceries too. Caleb and I went to the store and came back to eat. I only had one donut, a cinnamon roll (around 8 points). I used to eat 2-3 donuts with a huge glass of milk. Not anymore. I do like donuts so I will have them every once in a while and only have one. I am proud of how I can control my eating now! I haven't had a donut in about a month so I figured it would be okay.
 
When breakfast was finished I started my Venison Roast in the crock pot. Logged the info on WW website to get the PPV. Then moved on to Caleb's room.
 
My poor little guy has short legs and no butt, so finding pants to fit him is tough. He has a variety of sizes from 12 month to 24 month. I managed to get him to try on a few pairs of jeans to see about the length. Some of them did not have the adjustable waist so they were a bit big. At least he has a few pairs that will work. :) Shirts are tough too because he has a long torso. I guesstimated on the shirts and figured I could just put away the ones that are too short as we go. He was not in the mood to try anymore clothes on after the jeans. He had more important 2 year old things to do I guess. lol.
 
I started some laundry. I had to wash the clothes from the tubs, they were clean when I put them in there but I feel they need another wash from being closed up for months. Plus, we always have laundry to be done.
 
My hubby even went through some of his clothes to donate or throw away. We have 2 huge trash bags to take to Good Will and 1 bag I want to see about taking to a resale store.
 
Now on to my closet. SIZES...SIZES...SIZES
It is truly amazing how I can wear size 16 and 18. I re-organized my closet with my nice shirts, workout t-shirts, nice t-shirts, long sleeve, and tank tops all together. It makes it much easier to find something to wear this way. I pulled out my shorts and jeans/pants. Started with what I know fit and laid them in a pile. Moved on to my closet. Now I have a pile of 16/18 that fit me well. A pile of 16/18 that fit but are a little baggy. A pile of 16/18 that fit a little tight and are uncomfortable. AND A pile of 14/16/18 that are still too tight. CRAZINESS! lol. I am going to keep the clothes that don't fit well in their piles so that down the road I can try them on again and notice a difference in how they fit or if they fit at all. The nice thing is I have a nice sized pile of jeans/pants/shorts that fit me well. I also have a nice sized pile of very cute skirts/skorts/capris/jeans/shorts/pajamas that will one day fit me. Something to look forward to.
 
I wonder if it will be my 20lb weight loss or 10% weight loss when I will see a difference in how these clothes will fit. Either way I am excited to keep going.
 
Now for this cough to pretty please go away so that I can feel like myself again. I would have been done with this if I wouldn't have had to take a break to cough for 5-10 minutes here and there. GRRRR!!!!
 
My roast smells amazing! The carrots and potatoes were added and dinner will be soon. YUM!

How many of you have gotten rid of your "big" clothes and worked hard to fit into the size you once were?

Goals this week:

Work out or walk M-F
Make healthy meals all week

I feel like poo but I still have a goal in mind and I need to keep up my routine. I will listen to my body and stop if I need to but I really need to get some exercise in. I gotta fit in my Cute Clothes! :)

Quote of the Day:

When you stop trying to change others and work on changing yourself, your world changes for the better.

A Fresh Outlook

Saturday Weigh-In Day

My weight this morning was 213.2. Total lost 16lbs! I also received a 5lb sticker, Woo Hoo! It's the little things. :)

I wanted to talk about how I have been feeling, thinking, and changing every day.

For one, I have stayed focused on my goal. To lose weight. Sure I have had bad days, weeks in this short time period. This past week and last I was sick but I still did my best to make good decisions. I even ran both weeks. I only ran one time each week for 10 minutes but I still think that is awesome considering I have been feeling like crap!
 
I am learning how to eat. I don't know that I ever really knew how to eat. I just knew I shoud have a meat, a veggie, and a grain. My meals never really consisted of that though. Lots of fat, grease, and carbs was the norm for me. You know burgers and fries, sandwhich and chips, pasta and bread, you get it.
I read the new points plus plan and just took it one day at a time. I try to eat a piece of fruit with cereal or add veggies to my egg whites. I also drink lots of water. I can't say exactly how much water I drink because some cups are 48oz and some are 16oz but I drink several cups each day.

I have a different way of thinking about food. I used to get excited about holidays and parties because of the different types of food I'd get to eat. How sad?!?! Now I am actually thinking will there be veggies or anything I can eat? I offer to bring some if not.
 
During my first few weeks on WW, I planned my meals for the week and grocery shopped. These past few weeks have been tough with my allergies/cold/sinus whatever I have that has made me feel horrible. I still aim for fruits and veggies and watch my portion control. I am learning that I do not need to be miserable and stuffed after each meal. That is exactly how I would feel after my meals before. Why did I torture myself so? I did it because the food tasted good. I did it because food never judged me. It made me happy. It also made me feel bad at times too. I needed to learn what my limits were, when to stop. With the new WW plan I have done just that. I eat until satisfied. I measure out my cereal in my Precise Portions bowl. These bowls have a measurement for 1/2 cup, 1 cup, 1 1/2 cup, & 2 cup so I don't always need to get out my measuring cups with these bowls. I love them! I eat the cereal with about 1/2 cup of skim milk and a banana. I am satisfied after this. The cool thing is that if I get hungry in a few hours I have a yogurt or apple to hold me over until lunch. I don't crave the "bad" foods any more. I love that! It is so hard to explain how this just clicked for me but it did. Don't get me wrong, I still appreciate the "bad" foods I just eat them in moderation.

I have found too that one good thing does lead to another good thing, then another, and so on. I really and truely want this so I am doing my best to get me where I want to be.
 
I love going to the WW meetings on Saturday mornings! They are like my "New Beginning" every week. I get to start new every day, every meal sure but the meetings are motivating for me. I like being accountable on Saturdays. I know I have to weigh-in and that it counts. They print off the sticker with my new weight and put it in my weight record book. It's official, so it feels real. I can't cheat myself on this. I like sitting in the meetings and listening to other men/women who are going through what I am going through. I like to hear their tips and advice. I like to hear their success stories. I also like to hear their down falls. It makes me feel like I am not alone on this journey. The leader of the group makes it fun and is very encouraging. I like how positive she is. What I need is positive.
 
I made it to my 5% goal on week 4, September 1st. I told myself before I re-joined WW that if I lost 10lbs I could buy a new purse. So that is exactly what I did. I spent a little more on the purse than I normally would but it didn't break the bank either. I really like it and it goes with blacks and browns. When I lost my first 5lbs I bought a new pair of tennis shoes. They are now too big and my feet slide around in them. I have switched back to my old pair and will have to find another pair for another weight loss celebration.
 
In regards to awards. I am thinking of ideas for my rewards that are not food related.
This is what I have come up with so far:
Spa/Make-over Day - Hair, nails, maybe a massage. This may be my reward for under 200lbs.
New Out Fit
New Tennis Shoes
Watch or Arm Band heart monitor for when I run
New Workout Outfit
Next size up free weights. I have 3lb now.
 
If you can come up with any let me know. :)

Noteable Changes

• My clothes are either getting loose or fitting better, not tight.
• I was able to move my extender on one of my bra's down and I am almost to the point of not needing the extender on that bra.
• My Wedding Ring and Engagment Ring are both loose.
• I can sit cross legged in the bath. LOL
• I have more energy.
• I feel better.
• I can lay on my side for long periods of time without pain in my leg or hip.
• My arms feel like they are getting toned.

Future Topic:

I have been researching the C25K. Thinking about trying it out after I reach my 10% goal, which I have 6 lbs to go. I enjoy jogging on the treadmill and outside. I have completed a mile in the past so I feel like I could do it. Nervous about running a 5K though. More on this later.

Quote of the Day:

"Hard Work IS a Two Way Street! You Get BACK Exactly WHAT You Put In." -Skinny Mom shared on fb
 

 

This photo was taken probably around March or April of this year. That shirt is an XXL. The jeans are most likely an 18. I would say I was around the 230's.

This photo was taken today. My current weight is 213.2. The shirt is an XL and a little big. The pants are XL 16/18. I can wear LG in some shirts and pants.

Changing the MOOD of my Blog!

Hello Readers. Here is an update on what I have been up to lately.

August 4, 2012

I had went to my doctor for a weight loss follow up earlier this week. I gained weight and my doctor was not happy! I was NOT happy! But I was proud to say that I kept my appointment with her and toughed it out. The scale read 229.2...UGH!!! After we talked she prescribed me an appetite suppressant and told me that I needed to try Weight Watchers again. The appetite suppressant will help me to lose weight but I need to know how to eat and eat healthy.

SO that is what I did. I checked to see if I could afford to join Weight Watcher's and signed up!

My first meeting was Saturday August 4, 2012. To my surprise the leader looked familiar and I later found out that she was the leader I had when I joined about 5-6 years ago. Awesome, because I liked her a lot! STILL DO! She is so up beat and encouraging and FUNNY!

Today September 15, I am down 16 pounds from August 4th. I feel so good! I am so proud of myself. My current weight is 213.2. I am so ready to say GOODBYE to the 200's!

My next Goal Weight is 10% or 207lbs. I will get here and get my keychain! I am ready!

Is any one else trying to lose weight?