Weigh In: Week 22

Current Weigh: 217lbs

Monthly Gain: +2lbs    Total Loss: -24lbs

Oh, summer.

You always surprise me!

So, my fitness and weight goals didn't quite happen, but I didn't do too bad!

This whole past month, I haven't focused on my eating or exercising.

I've been focusing on my emotional health, which is extremely important!

That being said, I only gained 2 pounds!  I'll take it!

I'm very much ready for school to start in a week!

Not that I don't love summer, I do, but structure works so much better for my health and wellness goals and plan.  I'm excited about planning my meals and exercise.  I know I can plan these things during the summer, too, but after a few weeks I get lazy about it.

This year is going to be a GREAT year all around.

I can feel it....

Weigh-In: Week 18

Current Weigh: 215lbs

Bi-Weekly Loss: -4lbs    Total Loss: -26lbs

Sorry I've been MIA.  Stress again.  It's gone now :-)  

So I didn't weigh in last week, just wasn't feeling it, too much else going on.

Yesterday, I was feeling really good in general, so I got on the scale fully clothed (I'm usually a strict nude weigher lol).  I couldn't believe I was down!!!

I haven't been tracking my food or exercising much, but I've been keeping active and eating okay for the most part.  Stress did play a part, there was a day I got pizza and wings and washed it down with beer.  I grabbed Wendy's one day for dinner.  Stuff like that, but that's life, and then you get over it.

Good News!!!  I'm taking my life back!!!

I'm really happy right now, in a great place both emotionally and physically.

I'm living my life, having so much fun, and really embracing everything life has to offer.

If you're going through a rough time in your life, hang on!

It'll be over, you'll survive!  I promise!!!

And then everything will be amazing!!!!!

Weigh-In: Week 16.3ish

Current Weigh: 219lbs

Weekly Loss: -4lbs    Total Loss: -22lbs

So, after deciding on Monday that a weigh-in wasn't going to be good for my mental state, I woke up today feeling great!!!  Debated weighing, not weighing, and landed on the scale.  Glad I did!!!  Almost all of the weight I gained back is gone!  Yay!!!  Moving my weigh in day to Wednesdays now for multiple reasons, so expect posts a few days later than usual!

One of my main focuses is on drinking plenty of water.  Yesterday I got in 140 ounces!  I'm shooting for at least 120 each day.  I LOVE my water bottle, holds 40 ounces, and it's pretty, too!!!  I bring it everywhere with me, so it makes it easier.

What's not always easy, however, is finding a bathroom quick enough when you're out and about.  Luckily my day took me to places with clean public restrooms, but man, there were some mad dashes to the potty!

Anywho, back on track, feeling great!

I leave you with this informative gem about just how dangerous water can be...

Weigh In: Week 15

This is the week where you learn to really believe that I post the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth (if you didn't believe me already!).  

Current Weigh: 223lbs

Weekly Gain: 5lbs    Total Loss: -18lbs

Yep.  Up 5 pounds.  And can I tell you, I just laughed at it!

There comes a certain point in your weight loss journey that you have to ignore the short-term scale.  Like now.  I was expecting to gain, and I did, and that's fine!  It'll come back off!

I had a really fun few days!  I drank alcohol for the first time in months, I didn't track what I ate, I made some poor food choices, I didn't drink nearly enough water, didn't exercise as much as usual, and I had a great time doing it!

I'm also still very stressed with everything going on in my life, it's starting to exhaust me again.  My hair is falling out more than usual, and I'm having some really fun female issues.  All stress related.  All cause more stress.  No bueno.

Had a great NSV (non-scale victory) this week!  I ordered this shirt about 2 months ago, and sadly, it was too tight to wear.  So, in the closet it went, and I forgot about it.  Then July 4th came around, and I figured I'd try it on.

SUCCESS!!!  It fits, really well in fact!

And I just love my new swimwear that I treated myself to for the summer.

So, today being Monday, I'm starting this week off on the right foot.

Prepped lunches and dinners for most of the week.

Trying hard to get my water in.

Working out most days.

Lesson of the week:  It's okay to go off-track for a little while.  This isn't a race to be won in a day.  It's never going to be over!  It's for the rest of my life!  Bad days happen, as do good days.  That's life, so do what you need to do each day, and move on.  It can be easy to say well, I've been off the wagon for 3 days, I'm just going to keep on eating whatever I want and drinking and being lazy.  That's not my plan, though!  Wagon, here I come!

Weigh In: Week 14

Current Weigh: 218lbs

Weekly Loss: -4lbs    Total Loss: -23lbs

 Kicking ass and taking names!!!

These are my April 1st pics and my First-Day-of-Summer pictures!  

My waist and derriere have gone down the most!  

My front has smoothed and gone down some, too!  Yay!

I didn't think I was going to reach my June goal of getting under 220lbs,

so I was ecstatic when I got on the scale this morning!!!
My #1 tip: DRINK LOTS OF WATER
Like, lots and lots and lots of water.
And put yummy things in there (but no sugar or fake chemical filled things!)

I'm doing better with life in general, still really sad about the divorce,
but focusing all of my energy on myself.  I never really spend much time on myself, and it feels really good getting to spend every minute of every day not worrying about anyone or anything besides myself!!!

I have big plans for myself this summer.  I want to try and see if I can reach 200lbs by the time school starts again in September. 

I'm going to exercise every day this summer.  Each day will start with a workout, most likely a walk/jog.  Later on in the day, I'm going to do Fitness Blender workouts to focus on different parts of my body.  I also purchased an elliptical to keep me busy on rainy days and thinking forward to the winter.  I'm working on creating a nice workout area in my house. 

I'm also going to limit my shopping to the farm stand, local fish store and local meat market with minimal trips to the grocery store.  I'm very lucky to have these amazing resources where I live, and they'll keep me away from the processed foods that are so bad for you!

Things are looking up!  Happy Summer Everyone!!!

Weigh-In: Week 13

This week's post isn't about my weight weigh-in.  

I lost a pound and I'm happy about it.  222lbs, down 19 so far.

It's about my life and recent events.  Most of you know me and have for a long time.  Some of you may have never met me, but I'm the kind of person who's always 100% truthful and puts everything out there.  I don't pretend like everything's always great, I try to honestly share my highs and lows, successes and failures, so I'm sharing this news in hopes it can help someone else.

I have never wanted children.  It's just something I've always known about myself.  I love kids, I've dedicated my career to educating children and instilling a love of music within them, I just don't want any of my own.  Chris (my husband) was on the same page.  Recently, he started having other thoughts.  He finally decided that his life isn't complete without children.  

I can't do that for him, so Chris and I are getting divorced.

We are both distraught.  We both deeply love one another.  We've been together for the better part of 13 years, married for almost 8.  We've both fought to stay together at various points while we were dating.  We both wish the other would somehow change their minds, but both of us feel so strongly about our choices.  This is something you can't compromise on, nor would it be fair.  I can't bring a child into this world just for him, and he can't not have a family just for me.

Love isn't always enough, and I'm learning that now.

I thought love could fix everything.  Call it the Disney effect.  Just kiss me and everything will be fine and we'll live happily ever after.  Life doesn't work that way.  Love also means respect.  We're not mad at one another, we're just so horribly sad.  It's okay for me to not want children.  It's okay for him to want children.  It's not okay for either of us to hold it against one another, so that's why we're doing what we're doing.

I've been consumed by this deep sadness for a week and a half now, but I'm not letting it take me over.  I finally had the energy yesterday to workout.  I am proud that I didn't go back to bad habits of eating crappy food and drinking.  I haven't touched a sip of alcohol, and ate healthy-ish, just didn't measure like I usually do.

My lesson for you:  No matter what's happening, you'll be okay.  You can beat it.  You have to accept it, and then fight.  Don't let the sadness win.  This is your life, so take control and hold on!

I am forever thankful for my amazing friends.  Without you all, I might have let that sadness continue to take over my life.  I know I'll be okay, it's getting easier every day, but it still hurts so much.  The hardest thing for me has been figuring out how to tell people, that's one of the reasons I'm writing this.  And yes, Chris knows I'm writing it, I would never put something like this out there without asking him first.

I am continuing my journey, and very glad I started it when I did.  I'm already in the habit of working on myself, and I'm ready to tackle everything head on.  I'm going to keep on working on my food, exercise, and mental health.  

I'm working on me.

It's going to be an amazing summer.  Just watch me fly...

Weigh-In: Week 12

Current Weigh: 223lbs

Weekly Loss: -2lbs    Total Loss: -18lbs

Kicked butt this week!

I've discovered something new about myself on this journey.
I'm currently going through something in my personal life that I will share at some point, because I think it can help others, but I'm just not ready to now.  
Needless to say, I'm extremely emotional and stressed.  

The "old" me would drown my sorrows with chinese take-out, wine and ice cream.
Maybe fried chicken and mac-n-cheese.
The new me???  EXERCISE

I never thought I'd say that!

The BEST way to deal with all of this emotions is to get out and move.
My body waits for it every day.  It's such a release.  I never knew.
I never would have believed it, most of you know me.
I'm not that person who is like "just go for a walk, you'll feel better!"
I'm the person who'll invite you over for comfort food and get you drunk.

NOT ANYMORE!!!

Weigh-In: Week 11

Current Weigh: 225lbs

Weekly Loss: 0lbs    Total Loss: -16lbs

I'll take it, especially after losing 3 lbs last week!

I did lose some inches these past 2 weeks!  1 more inch gone from my waist (2.5 total), .5 inches from my arms (1.5 total).

I started the week off so strong!  Exercise was great, food was great!  My legs/feet weren't happy towards the end of the week, so exercise slowed a bit.  I had my "cheat" meal Saturday, but I didn't really go off on any binges or anything, just didn't keep as strict over the weekend, and I'm allowed to do that!!!  The best part of not following a specific "diet" or plan is that there's no failing.  

I broke my own rule and weighed myself more often than once a week, and I won't do it again!  I was down to 224/223.5 early in the week for a few days.  The daily gain/loss drove me crazy.  

NO MORE!  Monday morning ONLY!

I'm all geared up for this week, it should be a good one!  

How is everyone doing?

Spicy Lentils

I LOVE SPICY FOODS!!!  Love, love, love!!!

I love the taste, but I also love that it helps control your portions when it's really spicy.

This recipe can be altered to suit your tastes, so don't worry about that!

This is a perfect side dish for grilled chicken!!!  

Can also serve over rice as a main course.

I like mine spicy and soupy, so I add the full tablespoon of garam masala and the full 2 cups water.  Garam masala is a spice blend used in northern Indian cuisine.   Adjust as your palate prefers!

This recipe makes 2 servings.

Ingredients

1 tbsp coconut oil

1 white onion, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

3 cloves garlic, chopped

1/2 tbsp turmeric

1/2-1 tbsp garam masala* (this brings the spice, so adjust to your taste or omit)

Handful of fresh mint leaves, chopped

1/2 cup dry lentils

1 1/2-2 cups water

1/4 cup half and half

Salt to taste

Heat coconut oil in a medium sauce pan over medium high heat.  Add onion and red pepper and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.  Add chopped garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.  Add spices and mint, heat for one more minute.

Add lentils and 1 1/2 cup water.  Bring to a boil.  Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 30-35 minutes, stirring every once in a while.  If your lentils are not tender and the water is almost gone, add more liquid and continue to cook.  Once lentils reach desired tenderness, add the half and half and stir.  Season with salt to taste.

Nutrition Information Per Serving 

Calories: 217

Carbs: 20g

Fat: 11g

Protein: 11g

Weigh-In: Week 10

Current Weigh: 225lbs

Weekly Loss: -5lbs    Total Loss: -16lbs

HECK YEAH!!!!!!!!!!

I kicked major butt this week.  Speaking of butts, mine looks fabulous!  

I was checking myself out in the mirror after weighing in this morning, 

and I have to say, my rear end is looking fabulous!!!

(no pictures, I'm not into the whole post-your-bare-ass-online thing!)

I logged 51.1 miles this month!  So proud of myself for that!

My body is getting stronger and can handle longer walks now.

June Goals

Get under 220 lbs

Log at least 50 miles

Incorporate more jogging

Walk at least 6 days a week

Walk more than 5 miles 3 of those days

Strength train on days of shorter walks

Allow one untracked meal a week 

June is going to be an interesting month for me.

My M-F schedule relaxes a bit, but I'm starting a class this Sunday that's going to consume 5 weekend days.  

I'm not the early riser, so I'm determined to go for a walk as soon as I get home on those days.  

At least my eating will be more controlled, it's time spent at home that gets me!

Happy June Everyone!!!!!

What are your goals this month?

Weigh-In: Week 9

Current Weigh: 230lbs

Weekly Loss: +3lbs    Total Loss: -11lbs

            Too much of this...          Not enough of this!!!!

It's no surprise to me that I had quite of a gain this week.  

Last week I was surprised I lost and thought I would gain, 

it just took a little while to catch up to me!

I've been off-track the past week and a half.  It started with a very busy weekend of volunteering and celebrating my hubby's birthday.  Then it continued with a busy week and the first really beautiful, long weekend of the season.  I made poor food choices and had way more alcoholic beverages (which led to more bad food choices) than I have in a while!  

I didn't drink nearly enough water, and I also skipped many meals while being busy.

I had a ravenous 2 days of PMS where I ate everything in sight.

AND THAT'S OKAY!!!!

I did make an effort to exercise at least 30 minutes each day, more when I had the time.

And today is my day to get back on track!  Here's my motivator...

It's time for the bikini pics- hahaha!

So far, I've lost almost 2 inches off of my waist, another 2 from my hips, and an inch from each upper arm and thigh.  My under-boob has smoothed out, and so has my tummy!  

And my ankle creases are going away little by little!

I've had a mental change in goals.  I'm not hyper focused on the numbers.  Yes, my weight needs to go down.  Yes, I want to lose inches.  That's not going to happen quickly.  

My goal is to make the best choices that I can!

New Rules: 

-All days off will begin with a walk first thing in the morning.

-I will drink as much water as I possibly can each day

-I will not skip meals

-I will try to limit myself to one alcoholic beverage a week

Weigh-In: Week 8

Current Weigh: 227lbs

Weekly Loss: -2lbs    Total Loss: -14lbs

 Happy to be down this week!

Had an okay week, didn't eat as well as I could have, didn't exercise as much as I should have, but that's life!

Both tops in the pictures haven't fit me in a long, long, long time, so I was really excited to be able to wear them again!

I had a rough, busy weekend, made bad food choices and had zero time for exercise.

This week is a busy week for me, so I'm going to try my best, but I'm not going to be hard on myself if I end up having an off week and possibly a gain.

I'm going to do what I can, focus on drinking lots of water and eating as best as I can.

Allergies are kicking my butt.

This is reality.

I've eaten 2.5 bagels since Friday.

I ate way too much pizza Saturday night.

I'm a human, just like you!

And I'm still happy :)

Just keep swimming, just keep swimming...

Weigh-In: Week 7

Current Weight: 229lbs

Weekly Loss:  -1lbs     Total Loss:  -12lbs

 

Getting there!  Little by little...

This week, I've realized just how hard I've been working and I'm even more confident that I won't sabotage myself. 

I had a great week followed by an okay weekend.  The week was awesome, workout a lot, ate GREAT, felt AMAZING!!!  Friday, I went for a 6.3 mile walk to the beach and back.  It was longer than I'm used to at this point, I usually do around 4 miles.  I felt great, I even jogged some on the return trip!

The next day, I went to yoga in the morning and it was a great class!  Very challenging, and I was able to do most of it!  Woohoo!  I was so pumped that I decided to go for a walk that afternoon, too.  BAD IDEA!!!  As soon as I got to the end of the block, my legs reminded me just how tired they still were from the walk the day before.  

I still walked a mile, very slowly, and came home with very tired legs.

My left leg already has issues from tearing my ACL and meniscus years ago, and it turns in, even more so when it's tired.  So that was frustrating.

We went out Saturday night, and I'm very proud of myself for still making good choices despite my cranky mood.

I had one beer, then a local organic iced tea with minimal sweetening.  We went to the diner, and I ordered a chicken gyro wrap with no rice or fries, but veggies on the side.  Not the healthiest, but very delicious and not as horrible as I could have been!

All in all, a good week!  Let's keep it going!!

How was your week?

Fitness Technology

Many of us, myself included, get so involved with using fitness technology.  There are so many new, fancy, fun options out there, but what do they really tell us?  Will they really improve our fitness?

My goal is to feel like this at the end of every workout!!!!

Here are my own thoughts on the topic.  One main idea: If you workout and you don't track it/use technology, IT STILL COUNTS!!!!!  I've found myself getting frustrated if my GPS stopped working mid walk, or if I forgot to turn something on, but guess what?  My body still knows it happened, so who cares about the technology!  You don't need to track it to do it and see the results!!!  I just figured out that my miles being logged via GPS were not the actual miles I've been walking, and have since fixed that problem, but took a slight mental beating.  Im over it now!  That being said...

Fitness technology use depends on the kind of person you are and what your goals are.  I know that, for me, keeping a diary of my food really holds me accountable.  There's no use in lying to yourself, so even on a bad day, writing it out makes it reality and gives me an incentive to improve the next day.  

I choose to use MyFitnessPal to track my calories and exercise.  I like the website and the app, it works for me, and it also allows me to connect with friends using the app and provide/receive encouragement and support.  I also like using it to keep track of my weight and measurements, and seeing the graphs of my progress keep me going!  I also find it gives a great calorie estimate for cardio workouts.

As far as exercising, I had been debating a few things for a while.  I use Endomondo to track my distance and times of walking, jogging, kayaking, etc.  After a workout, it gives you a plethora of information- distance, average speed, best speed, lap times, altitude changes, etc.  It estimates calories, too, but I've found that it grossly over-exagerates just how many calories you are really burning.  

 

Endomondo on the left, Polar FT4 on the right, same workout, 333 calorie difference!!!

Get with it, endomondo!

I was going back and forth about getting a FitBit.  I know a lot of people who have them, and I really liked the social aspect of being able to "compete" with your friends to achieve the most steps.  I think that this would really benefit someone who wanted to increase their daily activity.  For me, that's something I already do, and wanted something more specific to use with my "exercise" activities.

I ended up going with the Polar FT4 heart rate monitor.  I LOVE IT!!!!  It gives you a real-time look at just how much you are working yourself, and beeps whenever you are outside of the optimal heart rate zone for activity.  This has made me push myself a lot more during my walks.  I wasn't really getting the most out of them before I got the FT4.  It made me really concentrate on keeping my pace up and moving my arms to keep my heart rate where it should be.  

Do you use fitness technology?  Why?  Why not?  If so, what gadgets do you find most/least helpful? Post in the comments below!

Weigh-In: Week 6

Current Weight: 230lbs

Weekly Loss:  0lbs     Total Loss:  -11lbs

I'm completely, 100% fine with the fact that I didn't lose any pounds this week.  I didn't gain any, either!

I did lose some inches!  I only started measuring myself 2 weeks ago, something I really wish I had started in the very beginning, but better late than never!  

In the past 2 weeks, here are my inch changes!

Neck:  -.5"      Waist:  -1"      Hips:  0"      Arms:  -1"      Thighs:  -.5"      Calves:  0"

And my face!  

Here's a side-by-side from March to April!

I looked so swollen and puffy!!!  I feel so much better after these 6 weeks!

Sometimes, we get too caught up in the numbers to realize that they aren't the end-all-be-all of this journey.  I'll be posting more about this later in the week.

I also hit my fastest 5K time ever!  43:10!  Not a great time in general, but a great time for me, so WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

April ended with me losing 11lbs, logging 50 miles, and feeling great!

Here are my goals for May:

So, what are your goals this month?  

Post them below, make them reasonable, 

and let's do this together!!!!