So, currently my closet is full of shirts and capri pants that don't fit. The shirts fit, but they do my new figure zero justice. Dresses that are either a smidge too tight still, or are way too big. My drawers are full of shorts that are too big, jeans that I have to hold up to keep them up, pajamas that are slipping off and bras that I had to throw away!
A good problem to have you say? Yes, if I had a money tree growing in my backyard. I ran through Ross last week (for Tim mostly, who has also, by the way, lost 15 lbs. or more and fits into nothing he owns) and swung through the ladies section. I found a pair of denim capri pants and 2 shirts that actually fit my body and for under $10 each, I snatched them up.
This Sunday, as I am looking for something to wear to church, I opted (mostly out of desperation because NOTHING else fits... seriously...) for the new capri pants and a new shirt. Anyone who knows me knows that this is going to sound odd and like nothing I would normally do, but I could not stop looking at myself in the mirror!! I couldn't believe how much better my upper body looked in a shirt that fit. No upper roll on my belly, no back fat rolls, no ill-fitting bra rolls, no real belly fat roll at all, to be honest.
This was the first time in a VERY, VERY long time that I was actually pleased with my appearance. Tim asked me if I needed a bigger mirror. Wise ass. I was just surprised to see how much of a difference this 10 weeks has made. Yes, I still need a new bra, (because, in all honesty, half my weight loss was in this area, apparently, and the ladies need to rise up now), but the pants fit great, no squeezing, not tight in the wrong places, fit me in the right places and I could actually see a separation between my upper thighs. More then normal, anyway.
This was a great feeling. More like an awesome feeling. I still have a ways to go to get where I want to be I think, but in the "I fight for me" vein, I am definitely moving in the right direction and would be hard pressed to let myself get back to the unhappy looking me again.
I have so much appreciation for this opportunity. Now, if it would just rain $20 bills on me, I would be a happy camper.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Chugging along...
Yes, weeks between blog posts is unacceptable. I get it.
I have this vibe that my posts need to be witty and interesting and meaningful. I am not always in that head space. Some may say I am never in that head space. I just care way too much about what people think of me. There, I said it.
Physiographs last week and I am pleased with the results. I hit my 4 week 8 lb. loss goal and the physiograph showed a total of 21 lbs. of body weight down, 20.3 lbs. of fat gone and yippee. I am definitely doing as well if not better then I gave myself credit for before this got rolling. 21 lbs in 9 weeks is nothing to be disappointed about.
I continue to impress myself on the eating front. Now I won't lie, I still dream of a day when I ate whatever the hell I wanted, going out to get pizza was an option, even when eating garlic bread at a restaurant was an option. I get a glimpse every few days at a Cold Stone gift card that is in my wallet. It would be great to be able to use that thing sometime in the future. You know what I really miss? A good casserole. Baked Potato Casserole, Broccoli Casserole, Chicken Pot Pie. Between the dairy, cream of whatever soup and buttery crackers or flaky crust, it will likely be off limits for a long time, but no one ever said I couldn't dream about it.
A little annoyed at the endurance I feel like I am really slow to acquire. I am not a runner. Never was and have less then zero interest in it. Well, I honestly have less then negative infinity interest in it. Yes, it gets my heart rate up quick, but I need to find other things that work that well because I can think of many other completely horrible things I would much rather do then run. Wow, it may not even be possible to hate anything so much! The glass with the running is much less the half empty. Am I being clear about how much I loathe it?!
Back to endurance... it is likely better then it was when we started out, but mine still sucks, quite frankly. I have signed up for my first 5K coming up in a few weeks and I am positive I can get through it, definitely sure I finish and finish strong, but I can promise you my body will not be running the whole time. Or even most of the time. Ugh.
Switching to positivity for a minute, the highlight of my eating day is my recent daily lunch of rolled chicken, raw cauliflower, raw broccoli, carrots and roasted pine nut hummus. Wow that stuff is superb.
Yes, you can add that to the list of things you never thought you would ever hear me say.
I look forward to it everyday. Whether hummus every day is a good idea or not, if factor that with all the raw veggies, my caloric intake is minimal... even considering the huge crudite platter I consume! It takes a good amount of broccoli and cauliflower to fill up this well stretched out belly! That is getting smaller by the day, by the way!
My next 4 week goal is another 8 lbs. I want to lose 30 lbs. altogether in this competition at a minimum. I am not sure that will be enough to win. In my world I have already won.
In the words of the great Ivan Drago, "I fight to win. For me. FOR ME"
I have this vibe that my posts need to be witty and interesting and meaningful. I am not always in that head space. Some may say I am never in that head space. I just care way too much about what people think of me. There, I said it.
Physiographs last week and I am pleased with the results. I hit my 4 week 8 lb. loss goal and the physiograph showed a total of 21 lbs. of body weight down, 20.3 lbs. of fat gone and yippee. I am definitely doing as well if not better then I gave myself credit for before this got rolling. 21 lbs in 9 weeks is nothing to be disappointed about.
I continue to impress myself on the eating front. Now I won't lie, I still dream of a day when I ate whatever the hell I wanted, going out to get pizza was an option, even when eating garlic bread at a restaurant was an option. I get a glimpse every few days at a Cold Stone gift card that is in my wallet. It would be great to be able to use that thing sometime in the future. You know what I really miss? A good casserole. Baked Potato Casserole, Broccoli Casserole, Chicken Pot Pie. Between the dairy, cream of whatever soup and buttery crackers or flaky crust, it will likely be off limits for a long time, but no one ever said I couldn't dream about it.
A little annoyed at the endurance I feel like I am really slow to acquire. I am not a runner. Never was and have less then zero interest in it. Well, I honestly have less then negative infinity interest in it. Yes, it gets my heart rate up quick, but I need to find other things that work that well because I can think of many other completely horrible things I would much rather do then run. Wow, it may not even be possible to hate anything so much! The glass with the running is much less the half empty. Am I being clear about how much I loathe it?!
Back to endurance... it is likely better then it was when we started out, but mine still sucks, quite frankly. I have signed up for my first 5K coming up in a few weeks and I am positive I can get through it, definitely sure I finish and finish strong, but I can promise you my body will not be running the whole time. Or even most of the time. Ugh.
Switching to positivity for a minute, the highlight of my eating day is my recent daily lunch of rolled chicken, raw cauliflower, raw broccoli, carrots and roasted pine nut hummus. Wow that stuff is superb.
Yes, you can add that to the list of things you never thought you would ever hear me say.
I look forward to it everyday. Whether hummus every day is a good idea or not, if factor that with all the raw veggies, my caloric intake is minimal... even considering the huge crudite platter I consume! It takes a good amount of broccoli and cauliflower to fill up this well stretched out belly! That is getting smaller by the day, by the way!
My next 4 week goal is another 8 lbs. I want to lose 30 lbs. altogether in this competition at a minimum. I am not sure that will be enough to win. In my world I have already won.
In the words of the great Ivan Drago, "I fight to win. For me. FOR ME"
Monday, February 27, 2012
Rainy Days and Mondays...
Karen Carpenter said it best. They get you down. But when they hit at once it's a double whammy!!
Today I am looking for my motivation. In my head, I got it all figured out. I have a list 6 miles long that just keeps getting longer with teenie things I need to do (finish the laundry), bigger things (clean out my closet), even bigger things (paint Nicole's room... it was her bday present from January for Pete's sake) and huge things (rob a bank so we can buy some things we really want!)
The problem I run into, on this rainy Monday is working up the motivation to do it. Any of it. Anything at all, really. I have such high hopes for me, my family, my list and when I get right down to it, nothing gets done! I don't know where this block comes from, but it is frickin' annoying.
I have made great strides in this weight loss competition. I am down 18.5 lbs. (as of last Thursday). I have lost 1 inch in each arm, 2 inches in my abdomen, 3.25 inches in my hips and 2.5 inches in each leg. That is a total of 11.75 inches over all. In 8 weeks. Ask me if I thought that was possible last summer and I would have laughed. It has helped to have the motivation of others around me to get me to this place. Left to my own devices and I am not altogether sure I would be here right now.
I am not winning this competition. I am likley not even the runner up right now. I have a lot of work to do. The eating isn't my problem. I am doing great (my definition of great) with that. What obviously needs to happen is I need to get working out harder. Longer. More often. I have made my lenten sacrifice be not so much a sacrifice but a deal with the Lord himself to step it up in the exercise department. Last year I gave up crappy foods for Lent and lost 12 lbs in that 40 days. Not a stitch of exercise, more then just the exercise of everyday Mardenhood, and watching what I was eating. I didn't give up carbs, dairy, overdose on protein or even turn down a cookie here and there. Eating well isn't my problem come to find out. The exercise obviously is.
Motivation to do anything active obviously is. I COULD very well win this competition. I could work my everloving ass off and lose this extra fat. I could cut out the carbs and dairy and show them all I am force to be reckon with. Some of them know this already, *wink wink* but to show up at the physiograph next week with extra fat loss would be an awesome feeling.
I really want to do that. In my head. That means extra workouts. That means not having strawberries or any whole wheat pasta this week. Again. That means I have go get this tired look off my face and get to Zumba tonight. In the rain. I don't even know what we are fighting for... other then bragging rights and a grand prize at the end. Is that prize going to be enough to get me out of this stupid head space?
I would like it to be. I am plateauing. In my brain. I have mentally added this to my 6 mile long do to list and I need to push it to the top. Quickly. The weight loss I have experienced so far feels great. I am getting a lot of compliments, which aren't necessarily my thing, but it is nice that someone is noticing. I feel good in the few articles of clothing I own that actually fit me right now.
I won't give up. That isn't what I set out to do. I just need a swift kick in the ass to get me seeing the glass half full again.
I am blaming this blog post on Karen Carpenter. With any luck, tomorrow will be sunny day and another song will get me moving in the right direction.
I'm Makin' it Happen.... tomorrow.
Today I am looking for my motivation. In my head, I got it all figured out. I have a list 6 miles long that just keeps getting longer with teenie things I need to do (finish the laundry), bigger things (clean out my closet), even bigger things (paint Nicole's room... it was her bday present from January for Pete's sake) and huge things (rob a bank so we can buy some things we really want!)
The problem I run into, on this rainy Monday is working up the motivation to do it. Any of it. Anything at all, really. I have such high hopes for me, my family, my list and when I get right down to it, nothing gets done! I don't know where this block comes from, but it is frickin' annoying.
I have made great strides in this weight loss competition. I am down 18.5 lbs. (as of last Thursday). I have lost 1 inch in each arm, 2 inches in my abdomen, 3.25 inches in my hips and 2.5 inches in each leg. That is a total of 11.75 inches over all. In 8 weeks. Ask me if I thought that was possible last summer and I would have laughed. It has helped to have the motivation of others around me to get me to this place. Left to my own devices and I am not altogether sure I would be here right now.
I am not winning this competition. I am likley not even the runner up right now. I have a lot of work to do. The eating isn't my problem. I am doing great (my definition of great) with that. What obviously needs to happen is I need to get working out harder. Longer. More often. I have made my lenten sacrifice be not so much a sacrifice but a deal with the Lord himself to step it up in the exercise department. Last year I gave up crappy foods for Lent and lost 12 lbs in that 40 days. Not a stitch of exercise, more then just the exercise of everyday Mardenhood, and watching what I was eating. I didn't give up carbs, dairy, overdose on protein or even turn down a cookie here and there. Eating well isn't my problem come to find out. The exercise obviously is.
Motivation to do anything active obviously is. I COULD very well win this competition. I could work my everloving ass off and lose this extra fat. I could cut out the carbs and dairy and show them all I am force to be reckon with. Some of them know this already, *wink wink* but to show up at the physiograph next week with extra fat loss would be an awesome feeling.
I really want to do that. In my head. That means extra workouts. That means not having strawberries or any whole wheat pasta this week. Again. That means I have go get this tired look off my face and get to Zumba tonight. In the rain. I don't even know what we are fighting for... other then bragging rights and a grand prize at the end. Is that prize going to be enough to get me out of this stupid head space?
I would like it to be. I am plateauing. In my brain. I have mentally added this to my 6 mile long do to list and I need to push it to the top. Quickly. The weight loss I have experienced so far feels great. I am getting a lot of compliments, which aren't necessarily my thing, but it is nice that someone is noticing. I feel good in the few articles of clothing I own that actually fit me right now.
I won't give up. That isn't what I set out to do. I just need a swift kick in the ass to get me seeing the glass half full again.
I am blaming this blog post on Karen Carpenter. With any luck, tomorrow will be sunny day and another song will get me moving in the right direction.
I'm Makin' it Happen.... tomorrow.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
...and now the Strawberry is a cheat!
What I hoped would never be the case for me is finally a reality. Fruit is off limits. Only for a short time and only for this week (if I have anything to do with it) but really? Fruit? Nature's candy?
Ugh.
This journey has been about making changes. I get it. This journey has also been about making changes that will stick with me for the long haul. Some accomplishments?
The fruit part I am not thrilled about. At all. That knocks out a lot of what I have been enjoying about this journey. Strawberries, oh and they are my special treat now, are out. No bananas, a snack I can feel good about as I grab it running out the door. No apples, grapes, blueberries, nectarines, oranges. No Larabars. No banana in a protein smoothie. No fruit salad. No chopped up cantelope. No strawberries.
NO STRAWBERRIES! Oh, and no more teenie tiny bit of dark chocolate on those days I just NEED it.
Again, I get it. We are shocking our bodies. Trying to jump start another few lbs. of weight loss. This is the no fruit/grains/dairy week. Through next Tuesday. After that, bits of each are factored back in. Can I do it for a week? Yes. Do I have to be excited about it? I don't think so.
Generally speaking, I am a glass half empty. A complainer. I will find the negative in just about anything you put in front of me. In this scenario, I am not being negative, as much as I am just airing my frustration. What a better place to do it then a blog that 5's of people may read?
I want to accomplish a lot in this 14 week gift I have been given. I want to see what works and what doesn't. I want to challenge myself and push myself and force myself into seeing what is possible. Surprise myself with things I never thought I would be able to do. I am doing that so far. I can run a 1/4 mile. Who wudda thunk it?
I will avoid the fruit this week... reluctantly. I might bitch (and by "might", I more mean I will!) and stand in front of the fridge and wish I could eat that apple slice. If it means I can continue to progress in this journey, I will do it. We will see.
Another note... I never thought I would see the day when I would dream of fruit, aside from the fact that it is considered a cheat!!
And you know my sorry butt is stocking up on strawberries for next Wednesday!! Strawberries. Doesn't that sound a little sad to all you current non-dieters?! Well, regardless, I am makin' THAT happen!
Ugh.
This journey has been about making changes. I get it. This journey has also been about making changes that will stick with me for the long haul. Some accomplishments?
- I have turned my back on regular peanut butter and jelly. I will now forever choose the natural stuff and the low/no sugar/nautral style jelly.
- I am no longer "allergic" to wheat and brownish stuff (pasta, breads, rice) And by allergic, of course I mean I have accepted it!
- I am eating egg whites with a very limited amount of yolk. Had you asked me years ago if I would like an egg white omlette and I would have laughed in your face.
- I have switched to skim milk. Two months ago, if I asked you for some milk and you offered me skim, I would have asked for water instead. Skim milk is blue people. It was no different to me then a cup left in the sink with a little bit of 1% and dishwater. I am over that now.
- Contest or not, I have come to realize the negative effects of downing an entire sleeve of Chips Ahoys at 9pm. I feel as if I am over the craving hump and although I can't promise, in the future, I won't partake in an ice cream outing with my family, you can bet I have learned to make up for it.
- I eat spinach now. Still can't handle it cooked... slimy yuck... but in a salad it's actually more flavorful then my beloved iceberg heart! (Note, I still miss croutons, but maybe one day I can have a couple and be OK with it). I am not there yet.
The fruit part I am not thrilled about. At all. That knocks out a lot of what I have been enjoying about this journey. Strawberries, oh and they are my special treat now, are out. No bananas, a snack I can feel good about as I grab it running out the door. No apples, grapes, blueberries, nectarines, oranges. No Larabars. No banana in a protein smoothie. No fruit salad. No chopped up cantelope. No strawberries.
NO STRAWBERRIES! Oh, and no more teenie tiny bit of dark chocolate on those days I just NEED it.
Again, I get it. We are shocking our bodies. Trying to jump start another few lbs. of weight loss. This is the no fruit/grains/dairy week. Through next Tuesday. After that, bits of each are factored back in. Can I do it for a week? Yes. Do I have to be excited about it? I don't think so.
Generally speaking, I am a glass half empty. A complainer. I will find the negative in just about anything you put in front of me. In this scenario, I am not being negative, as much as I am just airing my frustration. What a better place to do it then a blog that 5's of people may read?
I want to accomplish a lot in this 14 week gift I have been given. I want to see what works and what doesn't. I want to challenge myself and push myself and force myself into seeing what is possible. Surprise myself with things I never thought I would be able to do. I am doing that so far. I can run a 1/4 mile. Who wudda thunk it?
I will avoid the fruit this week... reluctantly. I might bitch (and by "might", I more mean I will!) and stand in front of the fridge and wish I could eat that apple slice. If it means I can continue to progress in this journey, I will do it. We will see.
Another note... I never thought I would see the day when I would dream of fruit, aside from the fact that it is considered a cheat!!
And you know my sorry butt is stocking up on strawberries for next Wednesday!! Strawberries. Doesn't that sound a little sad to all you current non-dieters?! Well, regardless, I am makin' THAT happen!
Friday, February 10, 2012
Yes, I'm still very much alive!
Yes, I am a slacker. No surprise to any of you that really know me. I am kicking ass in a lot of areas of this journey... keeping up with the blog is not one of them, unfortunately for those who care enough to read it. I will get better, though. This is just as much a tool for me as it is for you to snoop around in my brain!
So, picking up where we last left off... I am 13 lbs down after 5 weeks in this challenge. I am down more then 10 lbs of body fat, some fluid loss and a little muscle change. I am totally OK with this number. No, wait... I am PSYCHED about this number. I have set an 8 lb. body fat loss for this next 4 week segment. I am likely capable of a bit more, but I am certain that 8 lbs. is totally realistic. I want to stay realistic and avoid disappointing myself along the way. I am sure I am getting to the point where sweat and calorie burning is what is going to make the difference now... not just the eating right. I am still struggling a little bit with that part.
Gathering up the motivation to get in a good heart-racing, sweaty workout on the non-Dan days is still hard for me. There are 40 million other things that have to get done first. I still struggle with making the darn exercise part a priority. I get why it is. I just have no love for it yet. Hoping that will hit me soon. I need to be in love with it. I owe it to myself.
In the past week, I went shopping for some shorts for a trip to Disney. Aside from the fact that there were few options (we live in Florida, folks) I finally had to hit the dreaded WalMart. Good news was I was able to skip the chubby section this time... AWESOME... and got a size in the normal ladies section. One better is those shorts were slipping off me the whole time we were away. I had to hold them up when I was running to get something! SHUT UP! Great feeling.
OK, so Disney World is the worst place in the world to go if you are eating clean. Just FYI. We spent 3 days there with my parents and I was hard pressed to find ANYTHING on plan. The salads were caesar, pre-mixed. The chicken was fried. The burgers and dogs were not an option. The chicken wrap was premixed with mayo. The pizza had a super thick crust and the fruit options were as much money for 1 banana as I would normally pay for a whole bunch! I skipped all the junk food carts (OK, I licked Nicole's ice cream cone, but any good Mom would... it was dripping for crying out loud!) I packed snacks (Tim can affirm this, as he lugged the backpack around everyday) but at some point, the almonds and carrots and apple slices are just not enough! I was happy to see that the the scale on Thursday showed no loss, but no gain either. I was fine with that.
**Side note... Carrabbas now offers a whole grain pasta option**
Now back to me. Saturday will be my first trip up Gator Mountain. I have spent very little time in the stadium aside from the occassional Gator game. Just the thought of climbing up the bleachers, from the lowest to highest point is frightening, but I am confident I can make it. Maybe not the 3 times in the plan, but it will be a great feeling getting up there. I am fully prepared to not be able to walk 2 steps the next day and thank the LORD I do not have a 2-story house!
So yes, progressing great in this journey. I feel good about so many things. I am grateful for the opportunity more then anyone will ever know. I would never have done this on my own. NEVER.
"Keep Swimming" a wise fish once said. I am Makin' It Happen!
So, picking up where we last left off... I am 13 lbs down after 5 weeks in this challenge. I am down more then 10 lbs of body fat, some fluid loss and a little muscle change. I am totally OK with this number. No, wait... I am PSYCHED about this number. I have set an 8 lb. body fat loss for this next 4 week segment. I am likely capable of a bit more, but I am certain that 8 lbs. is totally realistic. I want to stay realistic and avoid disappointing myself along the way. I am sure I am getting to the point where sweat and calorie burning is what is going to make the difference now... not just the eating right. I am still struggling a little bit with that part.
Gathering up the motivation to get in a good heart-racing, sweaty workout on the non-Dan days is still hard for me. There are 40 million other things that have to get done first. I still struggle with making the darn exercise part a priority. I get why it is. I just have no love for it yet. Hoping that will hit me soon. I need to be in love with it. I owe it to myself.
In the past week, I went shopping for some shorts for a trip to Disney. Aside from the fact that there were few options (we live in Florida, folks) I finally had to hit the dreaded WalMart. Good news was I was able to skip the chubby section this time... AWESOME... and got a size in the normal ladies section. One better is those shorts were slipping off me the whole time we were away. I had to hold them up when I was running to get something! SHUT UP! Great feeling.
OK, so Disney World is the worst place in the world to go if you are eating clean. Just FYI. We spent 3 days there with my parents and I was hard pressed to find ANYTHING on plan. The salads were caesar, pre-mixed. The chicken was fried. The burgers and dogs were not an option. The chicken wrap was premixed with mayo. The pizza had a super thick crust and the fruit options were as much money for 1 banana as I would normally pay for a whole bunch! I skipped all the junk food carts (OK, I licked Nicole's ice cream cone, but any good Mom would... it was dripping for crying out loud!) I packed snacks (Tim can affirm this, as he lugged the backpack around everyday) but at some point, the almonds and carrots and apple slices are just not enough! I was happy to see that the the scale on Thursday showed no loss, but no gain either. I was fine with that.
**Side note... Carrabbas now offers a whole grain pasta option**
Now back to me. Saturday will be my first trip up Gator Mountain. I have spent very little time in the stadium aside from the occassional Gator game. Just the thought of climbing up the bleachers, from the lowest to highest point is frightening, but I am confident I can make it. Maybe not the 3 times in the plan, but it will be a great feeling getting up there. I am fully prepared to not be able to walk 2 steps the next day and thank the LORD I do not have a 2-story house!
So yes, progressing great in this journey. I feel good about so many things. I am grateful for the opportunity more then anyone will ever know. I would never have done this on my own. NEVER.
"Keep Swimming" a wise fish once said. I am Makin' It Happen!
Monday, January 23, 2012
An example of accountability...
Just to add to my last post, Tim and I's super friends, Micheal and Erica Chatman asked me to come work out with them today. I said I would be there by 9:40am and I was. Ready to go.
We did a bit of stretching and went right into a 2-ish mile walk/run WITH HILLS! Now, I'm not just talking a wimpy Gainesville style hill, I am talking a frickin' 70 degree angle. We were walking the straightaways and jogging the curves. And we were going up that hill. Jogging. Until the last loop when we SPRINTED up the hill. That steep one I mentioned before.
Micheal had 2 rules. No stopping and no complaining. At one point, I did have to give out a hearty "eff dash dash dash" but quickly apologized. My breathing is terrible, I had a cramp and damn it, running up hill is hard. Running period is hard!
I did it, though. Ran through the mailbox, started running at the street sign, and ran through the stop sign. I even gave it a little more through the last leg of the running, cause damn, I wanted it to be over quicker!
This is accountability at it's best. Getting there. Working hard. Not letting anyone down. I wanted to wuss out. Lord knows I wanted to walk up that darn hill. I didn't. Micheal wouldn't have let me anyway. And if there was ever a chance of us doing this again, my best bet was to not quit! Accountability is just that. Not quitting when it matters most. Realizing people are cheering you on. I don't want to let my 5's of fans down!
I appreciate the Chatman's a ton today for turning me into a lightweight fighter. I have more in me. My calendar is about to fill up with fellow worker-outers who have offered to walk or exercise with me. It will also be my chance to pay it forward, and hold THEM accountable.
We did a bit of stretching and went right into a 2-ish mile walk/run WITH HILLS! Now, I'm not just talking a wimpy Gainesville style hill, I am talking a frickin' 70 degree angle. We were walking the straightaways and jogging the curves. And we were going up that hill. Jogging. Until the last loop when we SPRINTED up the hill. That steep one I mentioned before.
Micheal had 2 rules. No stopping and no complaining. At one point, I did have to give out a hearty "eff dash dash dash" but quickly apologized. My breathing is terrible, I had a cramp and damn it, running up hill is hard. Running period is hard!
I did it, though. Ran through the mailbox, started running at the street sign, and ran through the stop sign. I even gave it a little more through the last leg of the running, cause damn, I wanted it to be over quicker!
This is accountability at it's best. Getting there. Working hard. Not letting anyone down. I wanted to wuss out. Lord knows I wanted to walk up that darn hill. I didn't. Micheal wouldn't have let me anyway. And if there was ever a chance of us doing this again, my best bet was to not quit! Accountability is just that. Not quitting when it matters most. Realizing people are cheering you on. I don't want to let my 5's of fans down!
I appreciate the Chatman's a ton today for turning me into a lightweight fighter. I have more in me. My calendar is about to fill up with fellow worker-outers who have offered to walk or exercise with me. It will also be my chance to pay it forward, and hold THEM accountable.
Accountability is a necessity.
It has been almost 4 weeks since I had my first weigh in and assessment done. I'll tell ya, it feels more like 8 weeks! Time seems to be moving pretty slowly, which to some extent is good. I want this experience to really stick with me. I have learned that accountability is what is making this whole thing happen.
Food-wise, things are going well. Eating mostly clean, a ton of veggies, fruit, eggs, nuts, etc. I have made the change to things like wheat pasta, brown rice, natural peanut butter, and whole wheat anything else! I have been eating fish for dinner, a ton of grilled chicken, and avacado is my new passion. Where has that stuff been all my life?! Baby spinach has made it to my salad bowl... and the cheese, million croutons and dressing out. I look forward to a whole wheat english muffin with natural peanut butter, Polaner All Fruit and some skim milk like no one's business. I have found that it is near impossible to avoid the starches, but I AM avoiding the white ones. A little bit of Kashi cereal or a brown rice pilaf never killed anyone and man, it is helping me keep my sanity in check. I am the most proud of my diet change. I am not cheating... much... and when I do it is such a reasonable cheat, that I don't even count it! I have much, MUCH more will-power then I ever thought I did. How is that for optimism? I am never sure I have it in me!
Exercise-wise, things are going equally well. I appreciate the direction more then you know. I might actually be willing to exercise daily if I had someone ring leading! Walking/running/anything on the days away from the gym are harder. I can get out there, but am much quicker to slow down, take longer to ramp up, stop earlier, make up excuses, and so on! This is where the accountability needs to work the hardest. Getting to the gym cause I am expected to be is easy. Meeting someone to walk/run is easy cause they are expecting me. Making the plan to go at it alone is still a little rough for me. I am considering making a calendar of exercise "dates" with whomever I can convince to commit. I was sure getting into the "spirit" of exercise will take me a little longer!
Thursday is our 4 week goal check. Mine was set at 10 lbs. On Thursday last week, I hit 10 lbs. Hip Hip Horray for me! My plan this week is to eat clean, make good exercise decisions and make it near impossible to gain any weight so I can really hit this goal on the day it counts. This is another example of the accountability I was talking about. If I didn't have this contest, the ladies, Dan, my friends who are keeping up, YOU, I am positive I would still be on the 12 cookie a day diet.
This is going to work for me, friends. Thanks so much for providing me with accountability.
Food-wise, things are going well. Eating mostly clean, a ton of veggies, fruit, eggs, nuts, etc. I have made the change to things like wheat pasta, brown rice, natural peanut butter, and whole wheat anything else! I have been eating fish for dinner, a ton of grilled chicken, and avacado is my new passion. Where has that stuff been all my life?! Baby spinach has made it to my salad bowl... and the cheese, million croutons and dressing out. I look forward to a whole wheat english muffin with natural peanut butter, Polaner All Fruit and some skim milk like no one's business. I have found that it is near impossible to avoid the starches, but I AM avoiding the white ones. A little bit of Kashi cereal or a brown rice pilaf never killed anyone and man, it is helping me keep my sanity in check. I am the most proud of my diet change. I am not cheating... much... and when I do it is such a reasonable cheat, that I don't even count it! I have much, MUCH more will-power then I ever thought I did. How is that for optimism? I am never sure I have it in me!
Exercise-wise, things are going equally well. I appreciate the direction more then you know. I might actually be willing to exercise daily if I had someone ring leading! Walking/running/anything on the days away from the gym are harder. I can get out there, but am much quicker to slow down, take longer to ramp up, stop earlier, make up excuses, and so on! This is where the accountability needs to work the hardest. Getting to the gym cause I am expected to be is easy. Meeting someone to walk/run is easy cause they are expecting me. Making the plan to go at it alone is still a little rough for me. I am considering making a calendar of exercise "dates" with whomever I can convince to commit. I was sure getting into the "spirit" of exercise will take me a little longer!
Thursday is our 4 week goal check. Mine was set at 10 lbs. On Thursday last week, I hit 10 lbs. Hip Hip Horray for me! My plan this week is to eat clean, make good exercise decisions and make it near impossible to gain any weight so I can really hit this goal on the day it counts. This is another example of the accountability I was talking about. If I didn't have this contest, the ladies, Dan, my friends who are keeping up, YOU, I am positive I would still be on the 12 cookie a day diet.
This is going to work for me, friends. Thanks so much for providing me with accountability.
Friday, January 13, 2012
6 is my new 40
... Ok, so make that 6.25, but who is really counting here, right? THIS GIRL IS!
Yesterday at our Sweat Life Fitness workout, we had an impromptu weigh in. I was hoping to get weighed before the 4 week goal reveal because I truly need the affirmation that I am moving in the right direction. Straight veggies, fruits, protein and nuts would say so, but I still needed to see it in front of me.
6.25 lbs. down from my first weigh in!! It's only been 9 days. Whoo Hooo!
Now, I am not one to get uber excited about much, but man, did I have a smile a mile wide on my face!! It was a very satisfying moment. I wasn't the biggest loser of the bunch, but also not the smallest loser, so I will take it!
**Glass Half Empty, comin' at ya here** I am not crazy enough to think that it was all my sweat and hard work that made this happen. A semi-brisk walk, with plenty of stops to deal with kid issues, on a Saturday evening, chitty chatting with a great friend the whole way, doesn't necessarily constitute a major workout. I am also sure that a lot of that weight loss may have likely been the increased water flushing me out. Oh, and of course the fact that I am no longer on the "dozen chocolate chip cookies a day" diet anymore. These all played a roll. I am moving more then normal and I am kicking ass with the whole eating thing.
I tested myself yesterday with lunch at Moe's with one of Nic's school friends. Taco, hold the tortilla, with chicken, black beans, lettuce, salsa, cuke, cilantro and a small bit of guac. OK, a sprinkle of cheese, but it was literally 6 strands of the shredded stuff. And yes, I had 4 chips, with salsa, and threw the rest out. A huge display of willpower, as compared to my normal Joey Jr. LOADED with my AND the kids chips!! Baby steps is typically my style, but this was a giant step, people!
I want to make this change for myself long term. I want to learn to love the good stuff and avoid the terrible stuff. I don't want to avoid chocolate chip cookies for the rest of my life, but I want to have one or two, on occasion, and savor it, rather then eat 5 to feel like I am really getting a good sample! It is starting to make sense to me now. Good in = Feelin' good.
So why is 6 my new 40? My favorite number is 40. I am changing it to 6 (lbs) for now.
Yesterday at our Sweat Life Fitness workout, we had an impromptu weigh in. I was hoping to get weighed before the 4 week goal reveal because I truly need the affirmation that I am moving in the right direction. Straight veggies, fruits, protein and nuts would say so, but I still needed to see it in front of me.
6.25 lbs. down from my first weigh in!! It's only been 9 days. Whoo Hooo!
Now, I am not one to get uber excited about much, but man, did I have a smile a mile wide on my face!! It was a very satisfying moment. I wasn't the biggest loser of the bunch, but also not the smallest loser, so I will take it!
**Glass Half Empty, comin' at ya here** I am not crazy enough to think that it was all my sweat and hard work that made this happen. A semi-brisk walk, with plenty of stops to deal with kid issues, on a Saturday evening, chitty chatting with a great friend the whole way, doesn't necessarily constitute a major workout. I am also sure that a lot of that weight loss may have likely been the increased water flushing me out. Oh, and of course the fact that I am no longer on the "dozen chocolate chip cookies a day" diet anymore. These all played a roll. I am moving more then normal and I am kicking ass with the whole eating thing.
I tested myself yesterday with lunch at Moe's with one of Nic's school friends. Taco, hold the tortilla, with chicken, black beans, lettuce, salsa, cuke, cilantro and a small bit of guac. OK, a sprinkle of cheese, but it was literally 6 strands of the shredded stuff. And yes, I had 4 chips, with salsa, and threw the rest out. A huge display of willpower, as compared to my normal Joey Jr. LOADED with my AND the kids chips!! Baby steps is typically my style, but this was a giant step, people!
I want to make this change for myself long term. I want to learn to love the good stuff and avoid the terrible stuff. I don't want to avoid chocolate chip cookies for the rest of my life, but I want to have one or two, on occasion, and savor it, rather then eat 5 to feel like I am really getting a good sample! It is starting to make sense to me now. Good in = Feelin' good.
So why is 6 my new 40? My favorite number is 40. I am changing it to 6 (lbs) for now.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Bring on the emotional stress...
... and worrying and wondering and guessing and overthinking and, and, and, and!!!
What if I eat too much?
Can I eat too much of the good stuff?
What is my workout isn't strong enough?
What if I am not working out long enough?
Are these 6 crackers going to ruin my good eating day?
Why didn't I walk a few more minutes today?
Why didn't I take the kids on that walk this afternoon?
What will happen if I eat just one chocolate chip?
What if I don't lose the weight at all?
What if I don't reach my goals?
Could I really be doing the worst in this competition?
If I don't hit my goal, will everyone think I am cheating on the food stuff?
When will I find the time to research menus?
When will I have the time to make said menus?
Will I ever not be sore this whole 14 weeks?
Will my knee hold up?
Will my foot issues hold up?
Is this bowl of Special K with skim milk really worth it?
It's just Special K and skim milk, right? How bad could it be?
How can I rope the kids into this?
Should I be counting my calories?
How many calories should I be taking in?
How many calories could I possibly be burning?
Will anyone notice the weight loss?
Are people sick of hearing about this?
Will I ever like yogurt?
How can I make a smoothie smooth without yogurt?
Can't a girl get a bit of dark chocolate up in here?
Is it weird that I already feel lighter?
Should I have been going through a carb withdrawl?
Should I try to just force this gross green tea down?
Does it matter if the water I am drinking is ice cold or room temp?
How quick can I get my iPhone loaded with exercise music?
How much broccoli is too much broccoli?
Is there a difference between loading up on clementines or apples?
Why did I not take the time to eat straight up avacado before?
Is half an avacado at a meal too much?
Will I ever love the exercise? Or even like it?
Should I go to Sams and buy the less expensive chicken breast?
Do they even make a natural jelly to go with this natural peanut butter?
Shouldn't I be controlling my portions?
What is there to control if my plate is full of broccoli and peas?
Isn't it crazy that I am liking the wheat pasta and brown rice?
When does the rest of my life start falling into place?
How will this experience positively impact my procrastination issues?
Will I ever want to just get up and go take a walk?
When will I ever see a bowl of chocolate chip cookie dough again?
What could I possibly eat at LaFiesta?
Is making the change from a white sub roll to a whole grain one at Subway going to be enough?
Will Tim Tebow take the Broncos to the Superbowl?
Am I really capable of making this life change?
Am I really ready to take this whole thing on? Forever?
How will the new Danielle look?
Should I change my hair to go with my new body in the end?
Maybe I could take my bike in to be overhauled?
Will 14 weeks go by quick?
Can I actually keep up with this blogging thing?
Can this be the best opportunity I have ever been offered?
YES IT IS and I will be working extra hard to ignore my glass half empty self and dig deep to find the glass half full side of this whole thing. It is genetically engineered inside my body to be a shade on the worrisome, questioning and negative side, but nothing good ever comes of that stuff. I need to be in the right mind to kick ass here. Questions, worrying, wondering - either way, I am MAKIN' IT HAPPEN!
What if I eat too much?
Can I eat too much of the good stuff?
What is my workout isn't strong enough?
What if I am not working out long enough?
Are these 6 crackers going to ruin my good eating day?
Why didn't I walk a few more minutes today?
Why didn't I take the kids on that walk this afternoon?
What will happen if I eat just one chocolate chip?
What if I don't lose the weight at all?
What if I don't reach my goals?
Could I really be doing the worst in this competition?
If I don't hit my goal, will everyone think I am cheating on the food stuff?
When will I find the time to research menus?
When will I have the time to make said menus?
Will I ever not be sore this whole 14 weeks?
Will my knee hold up?
Will my foot issues hold up?
Is this bowl of Special K with skim milk really worth it?
It's just Special K and skim milk, right? How bad could it be?
How can I rope the kids into this?
Should I be counting my calories?
How many calories should I be taking in?
How many calories could I possibly be burning?
Will anyone notice the weight loss?
Are people sick of hearing about this?
Will I ever like yogurt?
How can I make a smoothie smooth without yogurt?
Can't a girl get a bit of dark chocolate up in here?
Is it weird that I already feel lighter?
Should I have been going through a carb withdrawl?
Should I try to just force this gross green tea down?
Does it matter if the water I am drinking is ice cold or room temp?
How quick can I get my iPhone loaded with exercise music?
How much broccoli is too much broccoli?
Is there a difference between loading up on clementines or apples?
Why did I not take the time to eat straight up avacado before?
Is half an avacado at a meal too much?
Will I ever love the exercise? Or even like it?
Should I go to Sams and buy the less expensive chicken breast?
Do they even make a natural jelly to go with this natural peanut butter?
Shouldn't I be controlling my portions?
What is there to control if my plate is full of broccoli and peas?
Isn't it crazy that I am liking the wheat pasta and brown rice?
When does the rest of my life start falling into place?
How will this experience positively impact my procrastination issues?
Will I ever want to just get up and go take a walk?
When will I ever see a bowl of chocolate chip cookie dough again?
What could I possibly eat at LaFiesta?
Is making the change from a white sub roll to a whole grain one at Subway going to be enough?
Will Tim Tebow take the Broncos to the Superbowl?
Am I really capable of making this life change?
Am I really ready to take this whole thing on? Forever?
How will the new Danielle look?
Should I change my hair to go with my new body in the end?
Maybe I could take my bike in to be overhauled?
Will 14 weeks go by quick?
Can I actually keep up with this blogging thing?
Can this be the best opportunity I have ever been offered?
YES IT IS and I will be working extra hard to ignore my glass half empty self and dig deep to find the glass half full side of this whole thing. It is genetically engineered inside my body to be a shade on the worrisome, questioning and negative side, but nothing good ever comes of that stuff. I need to be in the right mind to kick ass here. Questions, worrying, wondering - either way, I am MAKIN' IT HAPPEN!
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Sometimes it's the things you don't do...
It's been a great start with the BWLC. Assessment earlier in the week shows I am overweight. Can you believe that?! In a perfect world, my body would be best suited at about 150 lbs. I can't say for sure I was ever that weight... from what I can remember, I went from a 100 lb. teenager through to a 200 lb. adult. Overnight.
I do know that there was day in my life that I DID NOT have to shop in the "multiple XL" section, I wore a size lower then the high teens/low twenties and I may have even wanted to tuck a shirt in. It is goal setting time in this challenge and I am not as much thinking about specific number goals, but more the physical goals. The shrinking out of the 2XL shirts. Pulling down my size 18 capri pants without unbuttoning them. Considering clothing in the smallest size, in the chubby lady section, seems like a far off scenario right now, but it is my goal. Out there for you all to hold me to. My 4 week goal is to drop 10 lbs. I am not sure that will get me to the smaller stuff, but it will definitely get me closer.
This week, we also learned about better nutrition. All about the things we should be excited about trying, and not focusing on what we are "giving up". I have a tendency to lean toward the glass half empty... (my friends would be shocked to hear this!) so I was naturally more encouraged by the things I HAD NOT done the past few days.
I did not:
Eat a Corn Muffin (or 2) with butter for breakfast.
Blow through the McD's drive thru for a breakfast biscuit and orange drink.
Eat the few Nestle Tollhouses left from "my last supper".
Get a bag of popcorn and a fruit punch while I perused the workout clothes in Target.
Stop for lunch at Moe's like my daughter was begging me to.
Eat the remaining cookie dough from said Nestle Tollhouse binge the night before.
(I actually, while saying a prayer because in my world it is a sin, threw out that cookie dough!)
Turn my husband down when he asked me to take a walk around the block.
Order anything but a fruit cup and a small OJ while having breakfast with a friend this morning.
(Then promptly avoided the fruit cup, as it was canned fruit, not fresh)
Injest anything "white" at all today - No flour, sugar, rice, pasta.
Wimp out of our first real work out today.
I am going to make this happen. With every passing day, I am more determined to make this work for me. I will be a strong competitor in this competition. I will smash my goals. I will fuel up properly. I know the difference between healthy and not, good choices and bad and have every intention of setting it in motion for the long haul. I AM makin' it happen.
I do know that there was day in my life that I DID NOT have to shop in the "multiple XL" section, I wore a size lower then the high teens/low twenties and I may have even wanted to tuck a shirt in. It is goal setting time in this challenge and I am not as much thinking about specific number goals, but more the physical goals. The shrinking out of the 2XL shirts. Pulling down my size 18 capri pants without unbuttoning them. Considering clothing in the smallest size, in the chubby lady section, seems like a far off scenario right now, but it is my goal. Out there for you all to hold me to. My 4 week goal is to drop 10 lbs. I am not sure that will get me to the smaller stuff, but it will definitely get me closer.
This week, we also learned about better nutrition. All about the things we should be excited about trying, and not focusing on what we are "giving up". I have a tendency to lean toward the glass half empty... (my friends would be shocked to hear this!) so I was naturally more encouraged by the things I HAD NOT done the past few days.
I did not:
Eat a Corn Muffin (or 2) with butter for breakfast.
Blow through the McD's drive thru for a breakfast biscuit and orange drink.
Eat the few Nestle Tollhouses left from "my last supper".
Get a bag of popcorn and a fruit punch while I perused the workout clothes in Target.
Stop for lunch at Moe's like my daughter was begging me to.
Eat the remaining cookie dough from said Nestle Tollhouse binge the night before.
(I actually, while saying a prayer because in my world it is a sin, threw out that cookie dough!)
Turn my husband down when he asked me to take a walk around the block.
Order anything but a fruit cup and a small OJ while having breakfast with a friend this morning.
(Then promptly avoided the fruit cup, as it was canned fruit, not fresh)
Injest anything "white" at all today - No flour, sugar, rice, pasta.
Wimp out of our first real work out today.
I am going to make this happen. With every passing day, I am more determined to make this work for me. I will be a strong competitor in this competition. I will smash my goals. I will fuel up properly. I know the difference between healthy and not, good choices and bad and have every intention of setting it in motion for the long haul. I AM makin' it happen.
Monday, January 2, 2012
12:01am on Day 1
My nerves are getting the best of me today. I am looking a wonderful opportunity in the eye and am more anxious then excited about what lies ahead. Understandable? Maybe. Lame? Most definitely.
For a long time, pretty much my whole life, weight has been an issue for me. I was never obese, by my standards at least, but am just not genetically "supermodel" thin. I could have been "supermodel" tall, as most of my female cousins are, but I was "lucky" enough to get the short height and the curly hair genes. Mom and I still wonder how that happened!
I enjoy food. Love me some cookies, any starch, in any form, and chocolate. I don't consider myself an emotional eater as much as just an eater. I had decided long ago that I would eat what I wanted, when I wanted, because I wanted to. Don't tell me what I can and can not have. I also love salad and broccoli, but my undying love for Nestle Tollhouses and dark chocolate typically win out!
I am also not a lover of exercise. In any form. I have convinced myself that it is simply because I haven't found a form of exercise that I enjoy. Walking is boring, running is out of the question and the gym is not an option. What else is there?!
This fall, I came upon the Giggle Magazine/Sweat Life Fitness Big Weight Loss Challenge II advertisement. I was familiar with the first installment but didn't follow it too closely. I applied with the promise that if I was one of the chosen few to participate in this challenge, it would be my "sign" that it was time. Time to change. Time to be more active. Time to make better food choices. Time to be a better example for my kids. Time to change.
I was offered a spot in the challenge this year. One of six women that have also been given an opportunity to improve their quality of life. 16 weeks of assessments, personal training, group workouts, an automatic cheering section, better eating habits, learning all about a healthier way to live, a lot of accountability and a super make-over and reveal reception at the end!
12:45am on the first day and I am still nervous, but can't stop thinking about how wonderful this could turn out. I am bound and determined to take this "sign" and make it happen. I WILL BE MAKIN' IT HAPPEN!
For a long time, pretty much my whole life, weight has been an issue for me. I was never obese, by my standards at least, but am just not genetically "supermodel" thin. I could have been "supermodel" tall, as most of my female cousins are, but I was "lucky" enough to get the short height and the curly hair genes. Mom and I still wonder how that happened!
I enjoy food. Love me some cookies, any starch, in any form, and chocolate. I don't consider myself an emotional eater as much as just an eater. I had decided long ago that I would eat what I wanted, when I wanted, because I wanted to. Don't tell me what I can and can not have. I also love salad and broccoli, but my undying love for Nestle Tollhouses and dark chocolate typically win out!
I am also not a lover of exercise. In any form. I have convinced myself that it is simply because I haven't found a form of exercise that I enjoy. Walking is boring, running is out of the question and the gym is not an option. What else is there?!
This fall, I came upon the Giggle Magazine/Sweat Life Fitness Big Weight Loss Challenge II advertisement. I was familiar with the first installment but didn't follow it too closely. I applied with the promise that if I was one of the chosen few to participate in this challenge, it would be my "sign" that it was time. Time to change. Time to be more active. Time to make better food choices. Time to be a better example for my kids. Time to change.
I was offered a spot in the challenge this year. One of six women that have also been given an opportunity to improve their quality of life. 16 weeks of assessments, personal training, group workouts, an automatic cheering section, better eating habits, learning all about a healthier way to live, a lot of accountability and a super make-over and reveal reception at the end!
12:45am on the first day and I am still nervous, but can't stop thinking about how wonderful this could turn out. I am bound and determined to take this "sign" and make it happen. I WILL BE MAKIN' IT HAPPEN!
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