Week 15

Howdy, howdy!

I'm freshly showered after a good kickboxing workout =)  Yes!

I have two weigh ins to report.  The challenge I'm participating in on fatsecret recommends weighing daily, which normally I wouldn't do, but I thought I'd give it a shot to see if it would be motivating or discouraging.

Monday's weight:  263  - Down 1 lb!  Go me!
Today's weight:  261.5 - Down another 1.5! 

I anticipate to see some fluctuation the next couple of days, so I will do my best not to get discouraged by it.

I figured out it's Week 14

I'm very proud of myself.  I have worked out 4 1/2 times this week!  The half was tonight.  I tried really hard to keep up with Denise Austin, but it was just too dancey and I was afraid I'd trip over myself, hit my head on a chair, and my husband would come home to find me unconscious in a sports bra.  I know he's my husband and all, but I really don't care for ANYONE to see me in a sports bra. 

I can't do workouts that have a lot of dance-type moves, or if they change moves too quickly.  I spent the rest of my workout time searching for videos for next time.  Youtube is awesome, I just have to say.

I got on the fatsecret.com bandwagon... my sister talked it up pretty well enough to convince me to give it a try.  I joined a challenge that starts Sunday.  Nothing tricky about the challenge, just your basic "log your calories, workout, drink water" kind of thing.  If I remember correctly, it's a 4 week challenge and the goal is to lose 5%, but that's 13lbs for me and that's a bit lofty for 4 weeks for me (I normally wouldn't aim for more than 8 in that time frame).  It would be nice, but I won't kick myself if I don't make it.

I'm really hoping that Weeks 15-18 finally show some improvement!

No yoga tomorrow.  Vacation for the instructors.  Bummer. =P

I don't even know what week it is anymore...

I'm alive!

I hope I'm not jinxing myself, but I think I've finally punched a hole in my mental block.  I started going to a yoga class with my sister on Saturdays and it's just blown me away.  I LOVE it.  And it's made me really want to be in better shape so I can do better in my practices.  The past 2 weeks, I've gotten in at least 2 workouts during the week.  Sometimes yoga, sometimes other stuff.  I found a ton of workout videos on youtube, so I won't be bored any time soon. 

I haven't really lost any weight, but it's changing - if that makes sense.  The scale isn't budging, but I've been wearing shirts that were too tight on me not too long ago.  My husband has told me I look like I've lost some weight.  I feel A LOT better.

I'm going to hit that 37 lbs.  Watch out!

Weigh in for this week:  264 (down 1 lb from last weigh in on here)

Week 8

Weigh in:  265.  Boo.  Hopefully it's just my monthly weight gain. 

I didn't make it to yoga this weekend.  I'm going to try to go tonight and then pack my gym bag for the AM.  Assuming I can move ;)

Week 7

I didn't forget to weigh in!  I just was off work on Monday and I weigh in on the scale there.  Just to be consistent. 

So.... this week's weight is 263.5!  Down 1.5 lbs for a total of 3.5 lbs.  Still below the 1lb/wk I'm shooting for, but I'm getting in the groove, I think.

I've been trying to get the girls out to walk the neighborhood with me in the afternoon/evening.  It's a fairly slow pace and not very far, but it's movement.  If frustration burns calories, it would be a great workout, because I swear it's like walking cats without leashes. 

Something new: Yoga

Earlier this week, my sister convinced me to buy one of those discount deals for a local yoga studio.  It was 5 classes for $20.  I've never taken a yoga class before.  I've done some yoga with various home workouts and enjoyed it, so I thought I'd give it a try.  I was a little apprehensive about the whole class-setting thing.  I was afraid I'd be really self-conscious and uncomfortable.  Curiosity won out in the end, though.

When we were on our way this morning, my sister mentioned that she hoped it wasn't really busy because of the discount deal.  She said the website showed they had sold over 100 packages!  We were the first ones there and the instructor was very nice and we got signed in and picked a spot.  There were about 12 mats out.

By the time class started, there were 21 students and we had to keep scooting closer together.  But the vibe of the place was so calming that it didn't bother me.  Normally 21 people in a room that small would make me want to run for the door.

I wasn't self-conscious at all.  I think I did fairly well for a newbie... an out-of-shape, overweight newbie at that.  After going through the poses, we laid on the floor and meditated for a while and the instructor would come by to "love on you and make you more comfortable".  I wasn't sure what that meant.  She did say if we'd rather she not touch us, to put our hands on our stomach, but I was curious enough to get over my usual "don't touch me" policy.  She came by and stood over me and gently pushed my shoulders down a bit.  I carry all my stress in my shoulders, so it's hard for me to relax them completely.  In fact, when she pushed, I almost burst into tears.  Not because she hurt me.. it was just kind of like she released something.

I had a blast.  I woke up in a really foul mood this morning and by the time I left there, I was just on Cloud 9.  I've had so much energy that for the better part of the day, I couldn't sit still.  Now, I'm exhausted, though.  And pretty sure I'll be super stiff and sore tomorrow.  Totally worth it.  I'm excited for next week.  I wish I could go more than once a week, but there's the kid thing ;)

Week 6

Weigh in:  265 lbs.

Down .5 lbs... I'll take it after this past week.  I couldn't chew half of the week due to an abscessed tooth, so I indulged in mashed potatoes and pudding.  And basically just wallowed in my own misery for exercise.  It was pretty pathetic. 

I want to take some walks with the girls.  I just need to get past the heat factor.  We're already in the 90s and I really have to force myself to get used to being hot.  I hate it.  I've been told that I'll be more likely to be cold when I lose weight, which would be just awesome. 

Week 5

Holding steady at 265.5... considering the chaos of the past few weeks, I'm happy with it.  Definitely need to get on the ball, though.

I took Zoe to the doctor last Monday for her 4 year check up and was told that she's a little overweight.  I wasn't all that surprised... she's always been a chunky child.... but I've been so frustrated over the responses I've been getting from family.  I keep hearing "oh, she'll be fine once she hits a growth spurt."  I know she's not a huge child.  But she was only 1 lb less than Isabelle, who is about 5 inches taller than her.  She weighs more than Olivia (who is underweight, go figure).  At no time has that child ever been anything but chunky, so I seriously doubt one more growth spurt is going to solve it.  They just don't seem to understand how concerned it makes me and how I really need to make sure she doesn't go down the same road I've been on my whole life. 

I spent all last week trying to plan out this week so that we had healthier snacks around the house and, of course, my husband went to the store Friday and stuffed the cabinets with junk.  =/  Needless to say I'm pretty frustrated and feel like I just don't have much of a support system at home. 

On a more positive note, I had my annual (which had been 2 years in the making) exam on Friday.  My doctor just seemed so impressed that I had lost about 20 lbs since my last visit.  20 lbs over 2 years doesn't feel very impressive, but it was nice to get kudos for it.  =)

Week 4 - weigh in

Current weight:  265.5... down 1.5!

I've been so busy this past week with company and a birthday party on top of my usual packed schedule.  I guess it was enough to knock off a pound and a half.  =)

This week will be pretty insane as well, but hopefully I can get back into a good routine next week.

I have a doctor's appointment Friday to talk about some weird stuff going on.  I'm sure it's nothing, but better safe than sorry.

Week 3, Day 1

Weigh in:  267... back to where I started, at least!

This past week was pretty awful.  All I wanted to do was put food in my mouth and not move at all.  I'm actually pretty shocked that the 1.5 lbs from last week are gone and don't have a friend or two up there.  My husband did tell me I look like I've lost weight, however.... one of my kid's friends told her I need to lose weight.  =P  Brat.

I started taking some B12 pills last week, and it helped with the feeling like a slug. 

My Mother-in-law is in town for a week and a half, so I'm not really holding myself to much of anything.  I'm going to try to be good, but I can't promise to get to the gym.

Week 2, Day 1

Weigh in:  268.5  (that's +1.5, but I'm almost positive that's my "monthly weight gain", if you know what I mean)

Yup, I fell off the face of the Earth Thursday evening and have made it back.  I'm struggling with PMS the past week.... it's always like I'm a tea kettle about to go off about this time.  My body hurts and I'm in a mood.  Any day now I'll return to human, though, and we can get on with this thing =)

This week I'm focusing on no fast food.  I probably will have lunch with the hubs today, and I'm thinking Tropical Smoothie.  I don't really consider that fast food... I'm thinking greasy burger and fried chicken kind of fast food.  I think Subway, Tropical Smoothie.... places where you can actually get something decent is acceptable.  I did pretty well last week avoiding it at lunch and I will bring my lunch this week (hopefully, I really need to get into the habit)

And still focusing on tracking calories.  I did really well last week until Thursday evening and I've already logged in this morning.  I'm just going to keep on trucking...

Week 1, Day 3

Goal calories:  1420
Calories consumed: 2424
Calories burned: 364  (30 min elliptical)
Net calories: 2060

There was some serious emotional eating going on today, but I guess I should be proud of myself for holding myself accountable and counting the calories?  And it said I was still on track to lose weight over the course of 5 weeks (if every day were like today and THANK GOD they're not).... not even 1lb  per week, but it wasn't gaining.  *big fake smile*

I'm just stressed to the max today, frustrated and confused.  Hopefully it's something that can be resolved quickly and I'm just over-reacting.  I don't mind coming off as someone who freaks out over nothing, it's sometimes the preferred outcome.

I had a debate today with a coworker over whether or not you should eat the calories you burn.  She just sticks with her goal calories and any calories she burns are just icing on the cake.... then again, she also thinks drinking Slim Fast is going to help her lose weight.  ;)  I've always been told you need to eat those calories, so I do.

I exercise to eat.  Honestly.  1420 calories a day is hard.  Especially getting in the swing of things, when I'm used to just eating whatever, which is obviously more than 1400/day.  Based on past experiences, I eventually get to where I'm eating healthier foods, which usually are less of a calorie hit, and I end up having a hard time getting all my calories in.  I just have to get there.  And I will.

Week 1, Day 2

Goal calories:  1420
Calories consumed: 1834
Calories burned: 345  (30 min elliptical)
Net calories: 1489

Oh so close... I have been feeling so munchy all day.  It's a good thing I made it to the gym (yay me!) although that might have contributed to my non-stop hunger.  Once I get used to this, I won't feel so hungry all the time, I'm sure.

I took my Kindle to the gym because I can't find my MP3 player.  I do believe the kids found it and have hidden it on me.  =/  I have never tried to read and do the elliptical and other than turning the page being a little bit of a bother, it worked out pretty well.  It hides most of the screen on the elliptical, so I'm not constantly staring at all the data on there, and it made the time pass pretty quickly.  I finished one book and started another.  

Now I just have to go repack my gym back and keep myself from snacking tonight!

Week 1, Day 1

Weigh in:  267

Goal calories:  1420
Calories consumed:  1860
Calories burned:  0
Net calories:  1860

I had a lunch date, as is usual on most Mondays, with my  husband, so going over calories was kind of expected.  I did try to make decent choices, though.  I'm trying!  Myfitnesspal.com will tell you, if every day were like today, what your weight would be in 5 weeks, and it showed me losing a little over 5 lbs, so even if I went over, it wasn't that bad.  I have my goal set to 2lbs a week on there.  So I have some wiggle room calorie-wise with my actual goal of 37 by 37, since I really only have to lose about a pound a week to get there. 

I have a hard time convincing myself to work out with the hubby home, so I didn't exercise today.  I did cross a big hurdle, though... I packed my gym bag for the morning.  Now to get up early and actually go.  I know once I get in the habit, it won't be so bad.  It's that first morning that always gets me.  I've been putting "pack gym bag" on my To Do list for weeks, so at least I managed that.  =)  Since I have to be at work at such an ungodly hour (5:30am), I have to get up at 4am to go to the gym.  And it means showering and getting ready for work at the gym.  Thank goodness for private shower rooms. 

I also tried two things today that I really wanted to like, but despite how many times I do try, I can't make myself like them.  I made oatmeal for breakfast... managed to get half of it down, but just couldn't finish it.  It's a texture thing.  I like oats in other things, and I love the smell of oatmeal, but I can't get past how it feels in my mouth.  I also made fish (swai) for dinner.  I can handle junk like Captain D's or fish sticks, but the real thing... just can't do it.  I barely got one bite down.  Oh well, at least I tried, right?

Prepping for Week 1

My main focus this week is going to be getting in the habit of tracking my calories.  I usually get started doing this and fall off the wagon in a few days, and in those few days I usually forget to track once I get home.  I also need to track my carbs and try to really curb that.  I'm such a carb addict. 

I like to use MyFitnessPal.com.  I also have the app on my phone.  There are other sites that track calories, like Sparkpeople.com but they have so much on that site that I tend to either get distracted and overwelmed.  I do like their recipe site, especially for figuring out calories of recipes that I don't already have the calorie count to. 

I'll weigh in on Monday at work and probably change that bar up top.  I haven't been 285 in a while, thank goodness.  I'm probably around 265-270.  Obviously I have a lot more than 37lbs to lose, but I figure an easy goal to get me started is the way to go.

I'm also going to try to work on some of my future "focuses" for later weeks, but I won't beat myself up if I slip up.  I need to make some time for exercise of some sort, either getting up early (ugh... 4am) or forcing myself to do it in the evening. 

I also think I'll get the stuff to make some of these up for dinner during the week:

Source: karenknichols.blogspot.ca via Jennifer on Pinterest

Since Bill works nights, I really don't like to cook.  The girls won't eat most of what I cook, so it seems like when I do that I'm cooking to put stuff straight in the fridge for leftovers.  I end up just grazing all night.  It's worth a try for a week anyway.

37 before 37

On December 6, I will turn 37.   I'm setting a goal to lose 37 pounds before I turn 37.  With about 36 weeks before my birthday, I think it's a reasonable goal and (fingers crossed) I can remain determined and hit or exceed that goal.

Every week, I plan on making a small change to help me along the way and to help make healthy changes not only for me, but my family.

This list is a work in progress...

Week 1:  Start counting calories
Week 2:  No fast food
Week 3:  No soda
Week 4: