gretchen's weight loss journey

UGH

2011-10-11T21:27:00.001-07:00

Why do I do this?? I get so focused on one area of my life that I neglect other areas. Not just push to the side, but totally neglect. I had tunnel vision for a good 6-7 weeks on working out and eating well. Then I started back to school. School is a good thing, getting healthy is also a good thing. But once I started back to school I devoted my tunnel vision to school. Instead of doing 2 things that are beneficial to me, I focused only on school. But I need to make time everyday to work out as well.

Along with letting the working out slide, I figured if I am letting working out slide, why not just eat whatever as well. So I went from a woman who was working out and diligent about my diet to someone who stopped trying. I need to get back on the horse and really hope that I didnt gain EVERYTHING back

Ok enough of my rant. Tomorrow no excuses

my victories

2011-08-20T21:02:00.000-07:00

Hi all, it's been awhile since my last update.

I have had a LOT of mini victories....

Over the last 5 weeks, I have lost 5 lbs and 5.25 inches; I have begun looking forward to working out and missing it on days that I can't do so; I have pretty much kicked the pop habit, haven't had more than a sip or 2 over the past 5 weeks; have learned NOT to beat myself up if I have the rare bad day; have learned to make this lifestyle change part of my daily life....for example, last weekend I had both a family picnic and my daughter's sleepover in the same day....I didn't panic, I just made sensible choices; my clothing is all looser and next summer I will be in a new wardrobe!!!! LOL

Am looking forward to Monday morning weigh in and measurements!!!!

Got a yummy roast in the slow cooker getting ready for tomorrow dinner...

ttfn

weigh in #3

2011-08-08T09:56:00.000-07:00

down another 1 lb....down 4 in 3 weeks

lost 2" as well

feeling pretty good except am a little tired, but I think thats cuz I am going on day 4 in a row at work

Eating good,drinking lots of H2O, feeling stronger and NOT eating the food being brought in to work....like pizza, candy, etc..

ttfn

yay a non scale victory

2011-08-04T19:34:00.000-07:00

so I was getting bummed out because the scale wasnt seeming to move but yet I was feeling as if my clothing was a little looser, so I pulled out the measuring tape and lo and behold I lost 0.5 inches on my hips and 1 inch on my waist.....YAY!!!!!

I started a spreadsheet tonight with measurements of my thighs, arms, hips, and waist as well as weight and I will keep track of inches weekly.....

I want to see the scale go down as well though

ttfn

week 2 results

2011-08-03T21:07:00.000-07:00

Ok I lost 1 lbs last week, not quite the 2 lbs I was hoping for however, slow and steady wins the race.

Moved on to level 2 in 30 day shred.....boy oh boy is Jillian tough on this level, can you say PLANKS!!!!!! wowsa, I am feeling those abs!!!

Eating good, sometimes hard to get my calories in but I am eating good, not being tempted by the cake and cookies at work all the time.

doing so much running tomorrow, hoping for a great number Monday at weigh in

ttfn

feeling stronger

2011-07-27T09:01:00.000-07:00

today is day 8 in a row of working out and boy do I feel stronger...I actually am beginning to look forward to working out. Added the weights to the workout this week and havent keeled over yet...lol

eating good too...staying in my calories, tho sometimes its hard to meet my caloric goal, I am eating lots more fruit/veggies, have desert maybe once a week.

getting my H2O in as well, think I have drunk 90% water in the past 10 days....maybe a few sweet teas thrown in.

I am gonna start tracking inches as well....next Monday will take measurements and go from there..

menu for today:
breakfast: honey nut cheerios
lunch: salad with turkey and hard boiled eggs
dinner: baked chicken thigh (sans skin), scalloped potatoes, corn, cantalope

ttfn

weigh in

2011-07-25T04:23:00.003-07:00

drum roll please........

lost 1.8 lbs since my last weigh in (last Monday).....not quite the 2.5 lbs I was aiming for but hey a loss is a loss

this week I will redo 30 day shred but this week I am using weights.I also did some adjusting to my calorie intake, I actually am bumping UP the calories I consume by a TAD, I was only at 1200/day which is the lowest you can consume safely....I wanted to be able to step it down once I have lost some weight.

Today's diet plan

breakfast: scrambled eggs and toast
lunch: salad with hard boiled egg and turkey, pears
dinner: baked pork chops, scalloped potatoes and green beens
snack: cinnamon kettle corn

gotta make sure I am in a healthy calorie range!!!

ttfn

blah kind of day

2011-07-24T09:12:00.000-07:00

this week really wore me out, I woke up today and felt as if I didnt sleep a wink....so tired

I ate some cereal and worked out, even though I really didnt want to, I knew it would only benefit me to work out

ate some left over lo mein for lunch and will take some turkey sandwiches to work for lunch along with some cantalope

tomorrow is weigh in day hoping for some good results

I want to be able to wear a dress for my 15 year anniversary

starting to actually enjoy this

2011-07-23T20:58:00.000-07:00

Wow I am actually starting to look forward to working out....lol....never thought I would say that

Had cereal for breakfast then some running around with the hubby, came home and got in a good workout, felt really good afterwards

Used left over roast from last night to make a lo mein meal, with pasta, roast and lots of veggies....super YUMMO

for lunch at work, I had 2 turkey sandwiches and some kettle corn

getting lots and lots of H2O

ttfn

another exhausting day,

2011-07-22T18:01:00.000-07:00

today was a busy but fun filled day

had to run to the grocery store, I really despise grocery shopping but I gotta eat...good thing I have kids to bring in all the bags...lol....I think that just may be the reason I had kids!!!

then it was off to the movies with the girls, the boys wanted no part of our movie choice, "Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer"....omg what a cute movie, after the movie, we went to Target and Ulta to pick up a few things

then home for a yummy dinner of pot roast, mashed potatoes, veggies and applesauce, I am trying to incorporate fruit and veggies into all dinners to get more nutrients

worked out, although I really didnt want to, but I did notice that it was getting easier and easier

family movie night tonight was a classic, Stand By Me

all in all a good day

ttfn

full day and its nowhere close to being over

2011-07-21T09:30:00.000-07:00

run, run, run thats the theme for today

got up, ate some breakfast (leftover pizza from last night, but its all good, still gonna be within calories)

took the kids back to school shopping, clothes only, supplies will be later...too bad the cash I dropped didnt translate into calories....it would have been a boatload.....lol

came home, did my workout, getting easier and easier, thank goodness

now off to cook dinner, gonna have tacos, corn muffins, green beens and cantalope. will eat before work and then at work will have 2 turkey sandwiches and more cantalope.

work better be better than last night...I walked into Murphey's Law yesterday....why on earth schedule a meeting that will take almost 1 hour during med pass time....and it went downhill from there, was SO HAPPY to clock out last night.

ttf

lactic acid SUCKS

2011-07-20T09:36:00.000-07:00

lol

so day 2 ate well but could NOT work out....heck walking was a chore.....pretty bad when you are limping due to working out. I asked Jillian to take it easy on me but no she had other plans.

Today, so far so good, had toast for breakfast....that might not seem like a lot, for me, a person who doesnt eat breakfast, its HUGE!!!

Am about to put salsa bbq chicken (sounds weird, tastes delish) in the oven along w/mashed potatoes and carrots...am gonna eat dinner before I go to work....trying to do the whole breakfast as king, lunch as prince, dinner as pauper, just cant do the breakfast part.

Dinner (or lunch) will be turkey sandwiches and some cut up fruit

I did my workout today, not quite as hard today, but lets see how my legs react tomorrow

ttfn

day 1, continued

2011-07-18T10:08:00.000-07:00

Ok, I made it thru the first day....lol

had some toast for breakfast, then hit the grocery store, bought fruit, veggies, turkey, eggs, ya know good stuff

hard boiled some eggs for snacks

put some chicken w/italian dressing in the oven for dinner, along with brown rice and green beens

lunch will be salad with turkey and raspberries....can you say YUMMY

I am looking to use what is in my freezer for lo cal meals this week...open to suggestions, I have some chicken thighs, 2 packages of ground chuck, and a roast (thinking, hoping, I can get 2 dinners from that)

worked out....Jillian had no mercy on me...I knew she wouldnt

I will modify her 30 day shred to fit 6 weeks, 2 weeks on each level, doing the 1st week of each level without weights, the 2nd week with the weights

I have my starting weight, and I am confident that in 6 weeks I can lose 15 lbs...at minimum

day 1

2011-07-18T07:01:00.000-07:00

Ok I am stoked to get get going on my new "lifestyle"

I have my official weigh in number and am looking to be down 15 lbs in 6 weeks.....

I am about to get some breakfast, go to the grocery store for salad fixings and workout....Jillian please be kind, I havent worked out in some time, as you well know.....haha...

I am also gonna restart packing my lunch at work, including snack, such as sugar free pudding and jello, so I can avoid the nasty vending machine....

here I go

got my game plan

2011-07-17T21:10:00.000-07:00

gonna get going with my game plan:

I will go to the grocery store and buy some salad, lunch meat, eggs, fruit

gonna hard boil the eggs to have with salads and also as snacks

gotta have a game plan or else I am sunk

no "last supper" for me

2011-07-17T10:10:00.000-07:00

I have this really bad habit of having "last hurrahs" prior to making any changes in my life....

If I need to start saving money, I have 1 last spending spree; if I need to start back to school and studying, I get a lot of TV/computer time in; and in this instance, if I am starting a diet, I always have a "last supper".....ya know, full of all the stuff I "can never ever eat again"

So what do I gain? Lets see, probably at least a pound, indigestion, and a sense of deprivation at what I can "never" have again....and thats very unhealthy.

I am going to eat sensibly today, but really jump in with the exercise tomorrow. No more swearing off certain foods either, just gotta eat sensibly, but lets face it, the minute you say "no more brownies"...what is ALL you can think of? I will use common sense and eat sensible portions and not act as if the world will end if I eat a brownie or a cookie....will they be part of my daily diet, no, but I cant avoid them forever.

starting anew

2011-07-16T20:43:00.000-07:00

Ok so it's been a while since my last post.

I need to make some changes, been a bit lax in my eating/exercising.....but I really need to make a concerted effort to make changes....

I am tired of being that person who complains about her situation but yet does nothing about it; isn't the very definition of insanity doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results....?

As of Monday, I have 6 weeks until my 15 year wedding anniversary...my goal is to lose 15 lbs...2.5 a week, which is TOTALLY doable, as long as I do some planning and stick with it this time.

I am GREAT at starting....finishing is the problem. I am the queen of instant gratification...if the numbers go down on the scale I am in 7th heaven, but heaven forbid, my weight loss would happen to stall, I go into self defeat mode, which usually gives way to giving up and reaching for the Haagen Daaz

So my plan is simple, yet challenging:

1. work out 30-45 minutes 5x a week
2. do some simple toning 3x a week
3. stop the candy bar/pop run to the vending machine at work....this will be difficult being as it is right in my line of site 30 feet from my desk at work...lol
4. portion control!!!! load that plate with veggies, and then the meat and carbs
5. fruit and crunchy veggies as snacks
6. water, water, water.....it does a body good!! LOL.....no only does it aid in weight loss, but it also makes for glowing skin

I really need to follow thru and achieve my goal.....I want to look sexy for my anniversary and be able to buy a nice new outfit in a smaller size!!!

day 7/30 and weigh in

2011-03-28T10:20:00.000-07:00

woot I did it.....

didnt feel like working out but I did

I worked out later in the day than I normally do, but feeling good, my endurance is getting better, feeling stronger

Ate good today, well, mostly....

we went out to breakfast, ate hashbrown casserole and 1 pancake from Cracker Barrel, gave the leftovers to the kids

we didnt have time to eat lunch, as we went to a passion play

after the passion play we all went out to dinner, I had 1 roll, wedding soup (YUUMO!!!) and ate only 1/4 of my chicken parmesan

I had a kitkat bar and a small lo fat, no whip hot chocolate from Starbucks

my weigh in.......

drum roll please!!!!!!

160.1.....down 5.1 lbs in a week!!!! I am beyond thrilled!!! I must be doing something right, I am at 160.1......goal for next Monday is to be at at least 157.0....so at least 3 lbs...I can do this!!!

day 5/30

2011-03-26T12:56:00.001-07:00

i know its out of order forgot to post last night

worked out today, feel good, getting stronger

went over calories by 99 today, but it was good food

work was really crappy, bad night all around, came home and ate an extra 2 pieces of fish

day 6/30

2011-03-26T12:54:00.001-07:00

1/5 of the way thru the shred!!!!!

I wasnt really feeling working out today, but Carlie reminded me that it is 30 days!!! If i didnt work out today I have a feeling that I may have skipped tomorrow as well

I have a good sweat and I feel good.

I know I was gonna do 2 weeks on each level but I think on day 10 I will bump it up to level 2 because I am strong and capable

I went to Denny's with Nick and Morgan today for brunch and I got the philly cheese steak but I only ate 1/2 of it....the other 1/2 is in fridge I am saving it for Rex.
Tonight Rex and I are going out to see Limitless and I have popcorn budgeted in my calories

day 4/30

2011-03-24T09:54:00.001-07:00

day 4 workout is done!!! Am getting more endurance every day. Also I am not sore, which is very good!!! I feel good. Jillian, let me tell you, she really pushes you!!!

As far as diet, I had raisin bran for breakfast, gonna have a nice big salad with turkey slices and an orange for lunch, dinner will be hamburger helper green beens and an orange and snack wheat thins

Cant wait to step on the scale Monday and see some results!!!

day 3 of 30

2011-03-23T08:45:00.001-07:00

So far so great!!

I did my non official weigh in today and so far so great!! I am down for the week. I am stoked by my progress and am ready to work out today.

Surprisingly, I am not very sore from from working out the last two days and am ready to take on today!

I ate some yummy honey nut cheerios with strawberries for breakfast...YUMMO!!!
for lunch i will have tomato soup and grilled cheese with turkey, and for dinner at work I will have salad with turkey, an orange and sugar free jello. Hopefully I am in my calorie count, as yesterday I was well under, which is not good.

day 2 of 30

2011-03-22T10:28:00.000-07:00

I think I feel even better after todays workout cuz I really wsnt wanting to workout....my muscles were sore from yesterday and I just wasnt feeling it

Then I remembered the promise I made to myself to workout every day.....I mean its only 20 minutes, I can do 20 minutes.

I feel rejuvinated and good. Just remember that feeling next time I am not digging it!!

Off to have a salad with turkey and an orange for lunch

Tonight is leftover lasagna and I gotta come up with more healthy calories for tonight because I am down 500 for the day, including dinner and lunch I am only at 100 for the day....WTF......thats where I mess up.....I think after work I will have a bowl of cereal for a snack but I still need another 300 calories....I dont want to throw my body to starvation mode

day 1.....yet again

2011-03-21T12:06:00.000-07:00

ok I did my day 1 again of 30 day shred....it was hard as heck, but I got some burn in today. Tonight before bed I will do yoga

My weigh in today was 165.2

Next Monday I plan on being 163.0 (or less)

I will shred everyday, yoga Mon Wed and Fri and track my food daily

I need to stick with this

day 1

2011-03-14T10:24:00.001-07:00

day 1 of 30 : made it thru day 1 phase 1, barely, but I made it thru!!! Feeling good and strong. Cant wait to see how I feel after 1 week and then the full month!!! Gotta remember how great I feel post workout on days when I just dont feel like working out!

lets shred it

2011-03-14T09:16:00.000-07:00

ok weighted myself for the first time in about 2 weeks, and I am not happy about it. I am starting off YET AGAIN. I just got 30 day shred and am about to start it out. Well it says in a month you can lose up to 20 lbs so lets see!!!

off to shred

my top 10 reasons

2011-03-13T20:38:00.000-07:00

for wanting to diet/exercise

10. to look better
9. to get healthier
8. to tone up
7. to relax
6. to loose weight
5. to feel sexier
4. to get long lean muscles
3. to set a healthy example for my family
2. to have a better body image
1. to be the strong capable woman I know I am and can be

oh wow if thats not motivation I dont know what is

2011-03-13T11:21:00.000-07:00

As I was looking thru cookbooks and organizing them yesterday I ran across an old journal of mine from Jan 2004, which was about 1 month after Carlie was born. It was a diet/exercise log.......and I weighed 20 lbs give or take less than I do now!!! So in the course of 7 years I gained 20 lbs.......thats not very good......that is just the extra motivation I need to spur on this tired butt of mine to actually do what I want to do.......

going and feeling strong

2011-01-12T08:46:00.000-08:00

Today could have been a total BUST! With the kids having a 2 hour delay due to snow, my Zumba class was out of the question....it ends at same time I would have to be taking Carlie to school (besides it was probably cancelled anyhoo) and of course AF showed up last night.

I could have said to heck with it and sat my booty on the couch and ate.....

But I got up and did my kickboxing tape......and I feel good!!!! Even helped with the cramps a little!!

WTG me!!

startigng a new

2011-01-11T10:02:00.000-08:00

I started taking Zumba, not obbessing about diet, just watching calories, but not cutting anything out......

and lost 3.4 lbs last week!!!!!

I am taking Zumba Mon, Wed, Fri and doing my dvds on Tues and Thurs.....did some cardio kickboxing today, feeling strong.....lol

Sat ams I think I will do pilates to stretch my muscles wanna get that long lean look

Sun will be a day off ....... at least from exercise

heres hoping the scale shows more losses!!!

in this game losing is winning!!!

monday

2010-11-08T03:55:00.000-08:00

Starting day 7 of south beach, as of today my weight loss is 7.5 lbs, so a little over 1 lb per day, if I continue to follow this path, by the end of the 2 week phase 1 I will have a weight loss of 18 lbs in 2 weeks....that fricking rocks!!!

I was surprised by how easy this plan is to follow, as long as you plan ahead...you definatley need to plan for your meals and snacks.... the cravings were virtually non existant as well.....yes the 1st 3-4 days I did think about bread A LOT!!! even drempt about it one night....LOL....but those cravings subsided. The key is to not let yourself get to the point where you have to eat right now!! And thats why the snacks are built into the program I think so that you dont get to point of ravenous hunger where you eat, scratch that, inhale anything in sight....

8 more days, I got this in the bag!!

south beach day 6

2010-11-07T14:10:00.001-08:00

Ok I went on South Beach thinking it was gonna be very very hard......and was pleasantly surprised with the ease of it. Yes, you can eat only certain things, and no carbs the first 2 weeks.....not even fruit, but still, what you CAN eat is good......lean red meat, chicken breast, fish, eggs, veggies, canadian bacon, turkey breast......I can make a variety of meals that my family actually enjoy.

After 6 days, I have already lost 6.5 lbs.....YAY!!!!!!

I am hoping to have a total loss of 15 lbs at the end of the first 2 weeks.

Then moving forward into phase 2 to take off the rest of the weight, I can do it, just not overnight!!!

Pleasantly surprised

2010-09-14T20:49:00.000-07:00

Saturday and Sunday were not my finest dining days.....

Saturday hubby and I went for lunch at Panera and even though its 1/2 a sandwich, boy are there calories packed in it....plus the brocoli soup; ate pretty good for dinner, had roasted chicken and veggies; but had caramel apple pie with ice cream for desert.....NO!!!!!

Sunday was my bday and I knew it would be a splurge day.....had steak, parsley potatoes, corn on cob, tuscan bread and red velvet cake .......WOWIE

plus I didnt have time to work out Fri, Sat, Sun

so I was pleasantly surprised to step on the scale Monday morning and see a loss of 2.5 lbs!!!

My saving grace was drinking a TON of water

Listened to my body

2010-09-10T06:45:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I listened to my body. It screamed "I am TIRED!!" Not a little tired, not medium sized tired, but sleep all day to recharge my batteries tired.

See, I wear many hats, so to speak, I am a mother, a wife, and work f/t as a nurse. I work from 3-11:30PM. I can not come home and immediately fall asleep, much as I would LOVE to be able to do so. My body just can't do that. I have to unwind first. So I really don't fall asleep until about 1am.

My kids but comes at 7:40am, in order to ensure that 2 middle schoolers get on the bus in time, my alarm goes off at 6:15 am, ensuring that both kids get showered, dressed, breakfast, and any papers that need to get signed.

Then, I have my 6 yr old who has to be at school at 8:30. She doesn't get a bus, mommy is her limo driver. I have to make sure she is bathed, although luckily she usually does so at night, clothed, hair done and breakfast and drive her to school.

Of course, chores need to be done around the house, laundry, cooking dinner for the crew, grocery shopping, the list goes on and on and on.

And then, this week, I decided to throw working out into the mix. Worked out well for me Monday, Tues and Wed, but yday I crashed....I just didnt have the extra energy. I slept. I took much needed me time to rejuvinate my body and mind.

In the past I would beat myself up. "Quit being lazy" "Are you a quitter?" And then because I had already defeated myself, I would feel no need to continue on a healthy lifestyle quest.

But I had an aha moment yesterday as I was ready to beat myself up. I realized I did what my body needed. Rome wasn't built in a day. I needed that day off to renew myself, and guess what? It worked.

I think everything is FINALLY clicking with me!!! Its all about attitude

positive attitude + consistency = results

2010-09-08T08:05:00.001-07:00

I have to have a positive attitude if I am going to succeed at weight loss. In the beginning, its easy, those lbs want to come off. Its when you hit that first plateau that things start to look bleak and staying positive is whats truly important.

I started on SparkPeople once again on Monday. I tried unsuccessfully to follow the plan in the past, but I wasn't giving it my all; thus I was cheating myself.

Monday I stumbled across the 28 day bootcamp challenge and thought that I would give it a whirl. It makes me accountable and builds consistency. Its no picnic, lemme tell you, but already I feel a sense of accomplishment. I have done the strength videos consistently ( I know its only 3 days, but to someone who hasn't faithfully worked out, thats a big deal!) and done my 30 + minutes of cardio daily.

I am a scale person. Its how I gauge my successes ( I know thats not the only measure, but I have to work on that issue as well!!). I know I shouldn't step on it daily but it beckons me to do so. Monday~~~171 (my highest weight yet....so not good!) ; Tuesday~~169.5 (ok this bootcamp thing is working) and today, Wednesday~~167.5.

I am not crazy enough to think that the weight will fall off like this all the time, but let me tell you it sure does feel good!!

Also, I am sure, a large part of my success is that I have switched to drinking water. In the past I would think nothing of drinking a 20 ounce Dr Pepper while at work, plus however many glasses I drank during the day....I easily was drinking ( YES DRINKING!!!) 500 calories a day!!!

I am also in love with the calorie tracker....I put in what I will eat for the day and I see where I need to make adjustments!!

Sorry for rambling, just so many thoughts flooding me right now

feeling good

2010-09-08T06:39:00.000-07:00

Day 2 of bootcamp went well, I did my lower body strength training and went on a 40 minute walk with the hubby. Of course when I went to work and started pushing the med cart I was sore and *almost* wished I hadn't worked out, but hey, sore muscles are to be expected and that will dissipate as I get stronger.

Ate good yesterday, found healthy snacks to keep me satisfied and full. Drank my water also.

Now even though I know its not a great idea I couldn't resist stepping on the scale every day this week. Lemme give you the breakdown....Monday 171 (an all time high for me.....so not good), Tues 169.5 (not bad, not bad!!) and today Wednesday 167.5....so results are being seen. I know its from my switching exclusively to drinking water and I won't continue to drop a lb or so a day, but still I get that happy happy joy joy feeling, the little boost I need to keep on keeping on

september 6, take 2

2010-09-06T17:03:00.000-07:00

I know, I'm a blogging fool today, but I just feel so darn good!

Watched my calories, worked out, did some cleaning and relaxing today. Back to the grind tomorrow. My fear is that with the hectic work life that I have all my good intentions will fall by the wayside.

I need to make sure that I have healthy foods for lunches and snacks and that I have plenty of H2O at work. I am on my feel walking up and down that darn hallway every night and never know whats gonna happen ( I run a lot!!! I'm a nurse!!!) but I can't depend on that as exercise.

I have to just set aside time every day for working out, I just have to do it. Like when I was in school I made the time to study, how much more so it working out important to my overall health and happiness, and in turn the health and happiness of my family.

starting anew.....with a vengeance!!!

2010-09-06T11:00:00.000-07:00

I am starting back up with the healthy lifestyle I am trying to create with a vengeance!!! I bought a bunch of fresh fruit and veggies for snacks, lean meats and chicken, less processed foods. I filled a pitcher with water and cut up some lemons in the pitcher to flavor the water.

I will work out after dinner with my walk away the pounds dvd, but already I did crunches, squats and pushups, here in a bit will do some toning for my arms as well.

I have tracked my calories for the day on sparkpeople, trying to stay around 1200 per day.

My biggest obstacle I have to overcome is the scale, and the overwhelming urge to give up if it doesnt move (or heaven forbid, it moves in the wrong direction!!) I have to remind myself that I didnt gain it overnight, I wont lose it overnight either.

I will try to update daily!!

more and more a habit

2010-05-13T06:50:00.000-07:00

I've noticed its becoming more and mote a habit for me to start thinking healthily. This morning I just got up and went to the gym, didnt even really think about it. At the grocery store I am starting to naturally gravitate towards more healthy choices, I find myself craving fruits and greasy burgers just arent all that appealling to me. Slowly but surely I am finding that dieting is turning into a lifestyle!!!!

little successes

2010-05-12T10:39:00.001-07:00

I need to focus on the small successes. I get way too caught up in the long view, and I fail to appreciate the little successes I attained.

For example I could have beat myself up over the fact that I didnt work out yday, but I took the attitude of a new day today. I worked out good and hard Monday and today.

Also I got home from the gym and realized we were out of lunchmeat. The old me would have used this as an excuse to run get fast food......not the me of today. I got out some chicken from freezer, thawed it in microwave and then grilled it....and paired it with brown rice.....much tastier and more satisfying than a greasy burger, or even a chicken sandwich with all the condiments.

I need to look at today and be proud of what I did today.....not worry abot yday because lets face it, yesterday is gone. I can t focus too much on tomorrow because tomorrow will take care of itself. I have to stop beating myself up for past failures and focus instead on todays sucesses!!!!

after 3 weeks

2010-04-28T20:38:00.000-07:00

of not hitting the gym I hit the gym with a vengeance this week......

Monday I did 30 minutes on elliptical

Tuesday I did 30 on the elliptical and 2 circuits of weights

Today I did 4 miles on elliptical....32 minutes....

I also am watching what I eat....right now I so want more cavatelli but its not worth it, i will eat an apple instead

Monday I weighed in at 165.5......UGH thats UP

Monday I need to be at 162.5

why oh why

2010-03-30T08:33:00.000-07:00

Why oh why is consistancy such a problem for me? I do well for a while then fall off the wagon, its not jut weight loss, but every thing in my life. I need to be conscientious and be more consistant in my life. More disciplined.

I did well today at the gym, did 45 minutes on the elliptical, hoping my mid April I can be up to 1 hour on that darned thing!!!

good news bad news

2010-03-17T05:58:00.001-07:00

The good news, I didnt gain any weight this past week. The bad news, I didnt lose any weight either. I ate good, but that was just 1/2 of the puzzle, as I am starting to see...I failed to put in any real time at the gym this week. I blamed the fact that I worked 8 days in a row as an excuse to not hit the gym. Yes I was tired those days, but that week of lack of gym time cost me weight loss. Obviously I would have lost had I put in the effort to go to the gym. If eating correctly allowed me to NOT GAIN, think what I could have done if only I had hit the gym as well. No time to sit back and kick myself, its a new week and I will achieve this week.

On another bright note, hubby and me have a weekend getaway planned. It will be nice to get away by ourselves, NO KIDS!!!! Kid free zone this weekend.....wonder how many times we will discuss the kids while we are away....lol

over and beyond

2010-03-03T07:27:00.000-08:00

I did my 30 minutes on elliptical, then did my strength training. I decided to push myself and I did another 15 minute segment on the elliptical. I am stronger than I give myself credit for. I need to believe in myself and KNOW I can do it!!!

Wed weigh in 3-3

2010-03-03T05:08:00.000-08:00

Last Wed I weighed in at 162.0. I worked hard this week, put my time in at the gym and at home on days I couldnt go to the gym. I counted calories in and out and I did it!!! Met my goal of 2.5 lbs this week. I am at 160.0!!! Next week goal is 157.5!!! 1/4 of the way to my 1st mini goal and a new CD!!!! I cant wait to accomplish all my goals!!

getting stronger

2010-03-02T06:58:00.000-08:00

Last week my big accomplishment was doing 2 15 segments on the elliptical, today I did 30 minutes in a row!!! After the initial 15 minutes which I knew I could do, I kept telling myself to go for 5 more minutes!! 5 minutes is doable. 3 5 minute increments later I achieved 30 minutes. I will continue to do 30 minutes this week and next week I want to add 5 minute increments again. My goal is to eventually be able to do 1 hr!!!!

more and more natural

2010-02-27T05:42:00.000-08:00

exercise is becoming more and more natural for me to do on a daily basis. I almost feel like something is missing if I miss a workout. I love this feeling and hope it doesnt pass!!!

my break thru

2010-02-26T07:19:00.001-08:00

1 month ago when I joined the gym the trainer wanted me to warm up in the elliptical for 5 minutes. I got on the elliptical that day and at the end of the 5 minutes I was a sweaty, panting hot mess. I could not go any longer. I even vowed to not get back on again because it was TOO HARD. So for a week I avoided the elliptical and only did cardio on the treadmill. But I saw others who were able to do the elliptical and I said if they can do it so can I.
So I worked my way up to 15 minutes on the elliptical and 30 on the treadmill. Today was my breakthru.....I did 2 15 minute segments on the elliptical.....dont know if I could yet do 30 in a row, but c'mon its a lot better than where I was 1 month ago!!!

joined a gym

2010-02-05T06:19:00.000-08:00

decided I couldnt do this on my own and joined a ladies only gym. Its close, convienant and motivating. I had a personal training session with the owner and boy did she kick my butt, but I needed it.

Goals 5 x a week, cardio, 45 minutes per session

strength training 3x a week

want to drop 40 lbs ny June so I can look decent for Fla this summer

ugh ugh ugh

2010-01-16T06:46:00.000-08:00

why do I let myself get talked into things??!!!

Last night when I come home from work Rex states he is hungry and wants taco bell. I tried to resist and tell him no, but hungry got the best of me and I made a run for the border. I had 2 chicken taquitos, nachos and cheese and an empanada......UGH

I stepped on the scale this morning UP 1 lb since yday weigh in......UGH

I did my 30 minute walk away the pounds. Feel good. Will make better food choices today

so good

2010-01-15T06:36:00.000-08:00

to step on the scale and see it go in the right direction!!! I stepped on to day to see my progress and my hard work is paying off...I am down 2.5 lbs since Monday

Even though I have a 12 hr day I fit in 20 minutes to work out.

Tracked my calories and I am low for the day by 400, have to find something healthy to fill it in.

Heres to meeting goals

ugh

2010-01-14T10:21:00.000-08:00

Giving in to temptations SUCKS. BIG TIME.

So today because I did not work until 2:30, I thought I worked at 11, I ran some errands with Rex. We bought him a new winter coat and then he talked me into going to lunch at Pizza Hut. Wasn't too bad, because I only had salad and a slice of pizza and bread stick, BUT by the time we got home I didn't have time to work out....I planned on 40 minutes today. SO to make up I HAVE to work out on Sunday, which I wasn't planning on doing, that way I will work out 5 days this week.

Calories are on track....approx 1300 today!! Go me

Getting serious

2010-01-13T11:19:00.000-08:00

No more excuses. I hate when I complain about the jiggle in my legs or my weight yet do nothing about it. No more. No more excuses. There will never be enough time, I will always have issues. So I need to get over it. NOW

Monday I was lazy and did nothing, I justified with working 12 hours.

Tuesday I did 40 minutes to walk away the pounds.

Wed I did 30 minutes of walk away the pounds and will do my strength training shortly!

Monday I weighed in at 164.5, UNACCEPTABLE!!!

Next Monday I hope for 162....I will do it

I am calculating my calories on Sparkpeople and though its hard am staying around 1200 per day. I am avoiding the vending machine and bringing my own lunch. Cooking better meals, buying fruits and veggies, lots of chicken and fish and lean meats. Taking Rex shopping with me helps, he is my conscious!!!

Will update weekly at minimum, hopefully every day

hit a speedbump

2009-12-28T08:17:00.000-08:00

I had been doing so well, but 2 things happened to slow my progress.....

1) my new position and training drained me of my energy and I didnt work out

2) the holidays and food.....boxes of chocolate and cookies showed up every day at work and also of course going to every ones houses to eat

Well, I weighed today at 164.5, 2 lbs heavier than when I started working out and way above where I had been....

so I jumped on the old gazelle this morning and went 2 miles and burned 250 calories in 30 minutes...I wanted to go 45 minutes but my legs burned too bad....but I will work my way back up to 45 minutes and eventually an hour

Motivation

2009-11-25T08:22:00.000-08:00

I was thinking the other day what some of my goals and motivations were to lose weight. Obviously I want to lose weight but I have been lacking the motivation to actually get off my butt and do it!!! I was always thin, but never really in shape....I skated thru my teens and 20s on being thin, but never really worked out, ate whatever I wanted, etc.....

I dont have delusions of being rail thin again, 3 kids stretched my hips!! LOL! But I can be HEALTHY and IN SHAPE!! I want to be able to run, jump, skip, etc with my kids. I would LOVE to get in SHAPE and as a BONUS lose 40 lbs and get down to 120. I need to shift my thinking. Its not all about what size I wear, its about being healthy.

I need to re order my thinking as far as eating also.....garbage in, garbage out. I have started shopping the outside of the grocery store and making better meal plans!!

I can do it, I deserve it!!! After all if I made it thru school, I can do this!!!

Nov 2

2009-11-03T08:07:00.000-08:00

ended the month at 162.

goal is to be down to approx 152 at end of the month.

I am cutting out junk food and pop.....SO hard!!! working out 5 days a week, and increasing my water

today I worked out 20 minutes to my watp dvd.

will update DAILY to stay motivated!!! I wanna go to waterpark in Feb and LOOK GOOD in a bikini darn it

so far so good

2009-09-28T10:31:00.000-07:00

I know I say this all the time, and I know I always mean it.....but this time its for real, it has to be.....

I am so far this week doing real good on calories in and out.....watching what I eat isnt glamorous or exciting but it needs to be done.....it is what it is.....the old saying, garbage in garbage out.....so I am eating better

did the gazelle for 1 hr yday and 1/2 hour today.....dont want to kill my legs.....lol!!! going for 5 hours a week, I mean c'mon I can do it while watching tv.....

goal by Oct 17 is to be 155, so thats 8 lbs......lets go girl!!!

aggression turned for the good

2009-07-29T09:13:00.000-07:00

My hubby has my blood boiling.....doesnt matter what he did, but he has my blood boiling. I was so mad and upset I ALMOST skipped my workout today......almost.......I decided just because he is acting like an idiot is no reason for me not to reach my goal......so I did my workout.....all my frustion and aggression were channeled into my workout.....I feel good, sweaty and a little less angry

Nothing is gonna stop me from reaching my goal

cardio max

2009-07-27T07:43:00.001-07:00

did my cardio max with out the weights....those will have to wait for next week....LOL.....who knew 30 minutes of lunging and jumpiong jacks would be so hard!!!! To make up for the lack of weight loss last week I will do another workout tonight along with pilates.......gotta get this weight off....goal is to be down 10 lbs by my anniversay on 8-24!!!!! so 152 in 1 month!!! I gotta do it

new week, new workout, new attitude

2009-07-27T06:17:00.000-07:00

welp, as I expected the scale moved this week but in the wrong direction.....up 3 lbs to 162!!! aunt flo arrived with a vengeance and I accomodated her by eating chocolate, lots and lots of chocolate!!!

But its a new week and I will do better! Every 2 weeks I change my workout and today its time to start biggest loser cardio max......

gonna eat better this week too!!!

didnt wanna

2009-07-24T06:38:00.001-07:00

but I got up and worked out this morning. Knew I couldnt put it off as I will be at work from 1:30-11pm so I got up and JUST DID IT!!! Feeling good. On the down side aunt flo showed up today so I dont know if the scale will budge.....

i did it

2009-07-23T18:28:00.000-07:00

did my second workout.......I did 30 minutes of kickboxing again this evening....no pilates as it was getting too late.....

tomorrow I will wake up and workout, as will I on Sat

the scale BETTER move on Monday!!!

catching up

2009-07-23T13:27:00.000-07:00

Monday I worked out, did my 3o minutes of kickboxing and 1 hr of pilates but Tues and Wed were a no go......I could say life got in the way but at least on Tues I could have worked out in the morning.....but I didnt......

Today I did my 30 minutes of kickboxing and after dinner will kickbox again and 1 hr of pilates.....

Tomorrow and Sat will be the defining days....Fri I have to work at 1:30 and Sat at 11am.....so I have to get up early and workout.....but I can do it

slow but sure

2009-07-21T07:01:00.001-07:00

I am making progress, not the kind I want to make, but progress nontheless.....I dropped .5 lbs last week....but I didnt really watch what i ate......so i need to do much better......I need to watch my eating and move my butt......I have been doing good on the working out though......weighed in this morning at 159.00, next week I want to be down 2-3 lbs.......so I need to really move and eat the RIGHT things!!!! Like I fueled up with a GREAT breakfast this morning......eggs, toast, orange and tea......for lunch I plan on having salad with tuna and dinner will be sphagetti and I will make green beens also to have a veggie.......gotta lose this weight!!!

going strong

2009-07-07T05:20:00.001-07:00

Wow I am actually doing it, sticking with it and making changes in my body! Last Sat, 11 days ago, I was 162.5 lbs....Today I am at 159.5. I am eating WAY better, not per se a diet, but portion control and stopping when I am full. Junk food and fast food arent as appealing to me. Working out 2x a day on days when I dont work and 1x a day on days that I do work....After 1 1/2 weeks my body is responding.....I didnt work out this weekend b/c it was super busy with work and 4th of July and other nonsense and yday when I worked out again it felt GOOD, like I had been missing soemthing those 2 days I didnt work out........

This feeling will be what carries me to lose 40 lbs, 10 per month

I am so doing it

2009-06-11T09:07:00.000-07:00

this morning I walked 2 miles, 30 minutes, and ate a reasonable breakfast. In about 1 hour I will do some strength training exercises. I figure I can fit the time into my day to do this

today is the perfect day

2009-06-11T06:59:00.000-07:00

to start anew. I did lose 9 lbs in school without really trying, now its time to up the ante and go for it. I have my mornings free to do with as I please, so why not throw in some cardio and weights.......I will be down t0 my size 10s by the end of the summer

down 3 lbs

2009-04-21T18:00:00.000-07:00

this past week I lost 3 lbs!!!! I started a new workout, walked a lot and meticulously counted calories. I didnt raid the Easter candy and I am avoiding the vending machine at work and school. Heres looking frwd to another great week of weight loss

I fell off the wagon

2009-04-14T14:15:00.001-07:00

but I really need to get back on....

I am at 162.5, want to get down to 115. I am trying a new workout plan that combines strength training and walking. Hopefully it all works out

1-11-09

2009-01-11T09:24:00.000-08:00

so far ate a healthy breakfast of cheerios with banana, toast and orange juice

workout was 2 miles walk to walk away the pounds....burned 240 calories.....feel good

week 1 results

2009-01-11T07:43:00.000-08:00

lost 2 lbs.....so i am down to 161.5. Tracking my calories on Sparkpeople really is helping me. I am trying to stay at 1200 calories/day and thus far have been doing so.....I am watching portion control also, like when we ordered chinese, I ate only 1/2 and ate the other1/2 the next day for lunch.....

goal for next week is to walk 10 miles with my walk away the pounds dvd and to lose 2-3 lbs!!!

update

2009-01-10T06:18:00.000-08:00

got another 2 miles in...that makes 6 for the week.....next week goal is 10 miles, 2 miles per day x 5 days

results of the week will be tomorrow

I am hoping for -2 to -3 lbs

update

2009-01-09T16:48:00.001-08:00

so far so good.....I worked out not as much as I planned to, did 2 miles on Mon and 2 miles today am gonna try to get 2 miles tomorrow before work also.....but my food intake has been good....I am staying right about 1200 calories per day......I dont "officially" weigh in til Sun am BUT I stepped on scale yday and was 161.5 which is -2lbs!!!! go me!!!!!

Jan 1st

2009-01-01T18:30:00.001-08:00

Ok I am starting a new year with a new attitude and am going to embrace life and lose that weight. I want to be healthier.......

Me and my hubby both have a few lbs we are wanting to shed, so we kind of are in a competition with each other......starting from today and ending June 1st whomever loses the greatest amount of weight will get $100........not a bad incentive huh

Dec 31....AKA New Years Eve

2008-12-31T09:57:00.000-08:00

What better time than New Years Eve to start a weight loss journey. I am currently at 165, my goal is 115-120, by June 2009 when I graduate from nursing classes. I will not only have a liscence but also a new body and attitude. To reach my goal I have to make sacrifices.....but every worthy goal is worth sacrificing for.

I will start working out 3-4x a week for 30-45 minutes......thats the tough one...with work and school and house and home, but I have to do it. Also I will stop snacking at school and during 1 break I will walk the steps. I will use sparkpeople.com to track my calories and exercise.

Heres my before pic.....I will update my pic monthly, to see my progress