Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Weigh In

So True, So True! 


It is weigh in day. Good bad or other wise; I had to do it. I woke up this morning feeling pretty bad about my diet yesterday and lack of workout. The scale during the week had me getting pretty excited.. Last week I was 2 pounds from reaching my first 10 pounds since changing my lifestyle and 38 pounds from all time high weight. I saw this personal goal this week a couple times and have been hoping and praying that this morning I would see it again and get to report that I did it.. Sadly I do not get to do that. I stepped on the scale this morning and what did I see 175.6. I tried everything to drop another 1/2 pound. I went to the bathroom. I washed my face. I laid on the floor and did some crunches. After all was said and done the best I could do was 175.0. So that is what I am recording for this week. That is 1.6 pounds lost this week, and I am excited about that. Stay tuned next week to hear my announcement; because it WILL happen. 

Monday, February 13, 2012

All the other guys...

I have purchased them all.. 6 week body makeover, Weight WatchersSouth Beach, YOU DietGrapefruit Diet, Herbalife and the list goes on and on.  I have bought weights, bikes, belts, dvd's, wii games, steps, gym clothes, and athletic shoes. Why is it that none of this worked before? The fact is they did. I lost a pound here, a pound there. What happened during the holidays, or when on vacation? I gained weight and lost my motivation and in turn gained my weight back. Once you stop following the diet, stop taking the pills, stop drinking the shakes you gain weight.

This time I plan on doing it my way the best way with healthy food and hard work. Weight loss isn't just about diet and exercise but also being mentally ready to lose weight. You can drink the miracle shake but if your not ready to lose weight, you will gain it back. I know now, that I am ready to lose weight and keep it off.

Tomorrow is an important day; it is weigh in day. I am really hoping to reach my first goal of 10 pounds gone. If not this week it WILL be next. My first goal weigh is 174.4 As I said before this is also 38 pounds down from all time high. This is a Nikki. I have almost lost a Nikki. Okay I know she is a small person but added to my thighs, back, tummy, hips, and heart that is a lot of weight gone. On my way to losing a Jasmine, and will end with a Kayla. I love you girls but tired of seeing you on my thighs, hips, and butt.

It is hard to mentally get ready to lose weight. Here are a couple weight loss tips I have found:
  • Tip #1 - Set Goals -- Setting goals is an important step for the achievement of success in any area of your life. If you want to lose weight sit down and write out out your fitness goals. Do you want to lose 5 pounds? Do you want to exercise more regularly? Do you want to eat a healthier diet? Having written goals makes it 10 times more likely that you will achieve your goal.
  • Tip #2 - Prioritize Your Time -- Okay so you don't have time? I am here to say you do. Do I really need to list everything I do and yet I still find time. Consider writing in exercise as an appointment in your calendar. In addition, plan out your shopping list and meals in advance. Come up with ways to better use your time and commit the necessary time to improving your health.
  • Tip #3 - Don't Go For the Quick Fix -- Patience is a virtue, but it is almost always lacking when it comes to weight loss programs. There are 2 main problems with seeking the quick fix. First, the tendency to want something for nothing leaves people disappointed and de-motivated. There is no way around putting in the work. Something for nothing does not exist! The second problem with seeking the quick fix is that it often addressed the symptoms and not the cause of the problem. Go slow and steady because consistency is really important.
  • Tip #4 - Think About Changing Your Lifestyle --Healthy Eating and Exercising Regularly are like taking a bath. You only experience the benefits if you continually do it on a regular basis. So many people say that diets don't work because when people go off the diet they gain weight back. But, the word diet actually means "way of life" not restriction. Everyone is always on a diet, it's just that every one's way of life is different.
  • Tip #5 - Commit to Your Routine -- Once you have goals, you must commit to your eating and exercise routine. Your level of commitment will determine your results. If you just kinda commit, then you'll likely have low results. However, if you fully commit to your routine and put your all into it, your results will likely be much better.
  • Tip #6 - Keep a Workout and Food Journal -- Keeping track of your progress and activities is a great way to keep you moving in the direction of your goals. We all think we exercise more than we actually do, and we all think we eat less than we actually eat. A workout journal and food journal will help to give you a less biased opinion about your activities. The better you can determine how your plan is going the easier it is to modify it to reach your goals. This is hard for me but I use fatsecret.com to track everything. Great site!
  • Tip #7 - Forget About Moderation Strive for Excellence -- Everything in moderation except moderation. I understand the statement "Everything in Moderation", but the problem is that everyone has a different definition of moderation. For some people drinking alcohol in moderation is 1 drink a week, and for others it's 4 or 5 drinks 3-4 times a week.

    If you want to be successful in anything you have to strive for excellence in that endeavor, and do your best all the time. If a habit is bad for your health, then you should likely always avoid it. Here's an analogy. Would you ever tell a child, "lying and stealing is okay but only moderation"-- of course not. So why do we talk ourselves into doing things that we know are not right by using well it's okay if I do bad stuff only in moderation.

    Now, I know that no one is perfect, I am not, but striving for excellence is all about truly doing your best to make the best decisions all the time. You and your body deserve the best.

    How you think determines what you do. And what you do determines how you feel. So set goals, prioritize your time, commit to long-term success, and strive for excellence. We are going to do this. If we want it we will get it.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Dirty Little Trick

My morning started out pretty interesting. I stepped on the scale; as I always do and it said that I had lost 10 pounds since yesterday. Now everyone knows that's not possible so I stepped on it again, and same reading. Now I am starting to think that maybe it's right, but it can't be so I step on it again this time I move it just a little bit thinking that maybe it's unbalanced. You guessed it, same thing. Okay now this can't be. I decided to move it to the other side of the room and this time I was only down a half pound. Now this makes more sense. I have to tell you though - I loved the way the scale looked. I can't wait to see that number for real. Saddly after today, it wont be anytime soon.

We decided to take the girls to the show. We took them to see Journey 2 in 3D. It was pretty good. Not sure it was $70 good but good. I ate tub butter popcorn and a drank a diet coke. I also ate a handful of candy m&m's. I am hoping that my smart diet the day before and the rest of today made up for it.

After the show and my junk food snacking I was feeling pretty guilty and discussing so I popped my dvd in and did 4 miles. Felt pretty good but still feeling like I didn't do enough. I am going to try to get up early (I know this is what I said yesterday) to get an extra workout in. Until tomorrow; have a great night.

Friday, February 10, 2012

New Hair Style

Mom is last no more. I did something I never do; I went and got my hair done. It was expensive and I felt and continue to feel quilty. Okay this isn't the best shot of me or my hair cut. As you can see though curls bounced back and bright new highlights. Prettier in person. I also took an updated fitness picture that actually looks worse than the one I took 5 weeks ago. I think it's the tighter clothes but because I am being honest to myself I am going to blog my updated photo. I have nothing to be embarrest about, just something to want to fight to change.

 
176 pounds (ok I know can see through my shirt :) )
 

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Rewards

Is it wrong to reward yourself for losing weight? What are exceptable rewards for weight lose? How much do you have to lose to reward yourself?

I have read up on this topic and found several fun rewards. But for me I need visual rewards. Something I can look at and I say "thanks that's my 10 pound reward." Here are some of those fun rewards I found:
  • 10 toes of success. Get a pedicure and paint your toes bright as a reminder that one you lose 10 pounds - a pound a toe and two you can see your feet. :)

  • A new bra - anyone who has lost weight can can - those girls need lifting and adjusting. So why not buy a new bra. Spoil yourself and look on the regular shelves not clearance.
  • Do something scary. This not only would be a great reward for myself but also mark off an item on my 30 in 30's bucket list. Zipline. Scares me to death.

As you can see I need some more ideas. I am coming up on a 10 pound loss (since Jan. 1st) and I really want to do something. Because our vacation is coming up. I am thinking a new hair cut and color. What do you think? I have my big goals and rewards. New outfit,  new swimsuit, and boots. This may sound silly but I want to be able to wear boots. I have such big legs that boots have never been an option. I have also always wanted to get a small tatoo or my belly button pierced but now that I am over 30 not sure that is proper. How about sexy things. Like sex with the lights on. Okay maybe not, but a bikini wax would be nice. I have always been ashamed of how nasty my legs looks. I am thinking that at 120 pounds I shouldn't feel that way anymore.

With 50 more pounds to lose do I reward myself along the way?

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Boosted

Just did a great 4 out of 5 mile cardio/walk and feeling pretty good.

Okay I lie. My feet hurt, my arms are sore, and my legs are like jello. But at the end of the day I got off the couch and worked out for me. My way, my terms, my results.

Panormous Confession

I have a confession.. Last night was rough and I did not do myself any favors. I picked up a Panormous Pizza last night for dinner.


Pizza and chips are my two weaknesses. So what did I do when I saw it on the table - I ate it. 1 slice down the hatch and it tasted so good, I thought why not one more and then I will stop. Now there are 2 pieces sitting in my gut. An hour passes and I get up from my studies and walk into the kitchen where you guessed it the pizza was still sitting out and I picked up a 3rd slice and ate it. Before the kids went to bed I picked up another slice and took a couple bites before I said stop it and go workout. 

I got off the couch, put in my dvd and walked 2 miles. Not the 7 miles I did the night before but it was something. I didn't even want to know the damage this morning so I avoided the scale all together. Hoping to work off everything before Tuesday. I lack willpower. Why do I do these things to myself?

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Pumpkin Brownie Muffins

Made the best muffins ever. Pumpkin, brownie mix, and mini chocolate chips. No eggs, no oil, no added water... 3 Simple ingredients.

15 oz Libby's pumpkin
1 box fat free brownie mix
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

Mix brownie mix and pumpkin together. Fold in mini chocolate chips. Bake in mini muffin pan at 350 for 18 mins. 67 calories each and only 2 WW PP points.

Weather-or-Not Workout

Weight Watchers posted this great article called Weather-or-Not Workout and I loved the article but think it's missing a few key points. So here is my version.

There are three major weather types that prevent us from going outside to workout; heat, rain, snow. No matter the forecast working at home is the same, but with a couple possible outdoor twist.

If you usually walk…
  • do an indoor walking DVD. Choose the mileage—from 1- to 5-mile routines—and set your own pace. Their are dozens of options available. I currently have 5 videos, all of which are from the Leslie Sansone Walk at Home collection.
  • go mall walking. Walk, window shop, or lap it before the shops open up. Many malls open early so you can do laps before shoppers arrive. You may even find that some malls have groups that gather to walk before shops open up. I refer to them at "Mall Walkers". If your mall doesn't have a group, look into forming one.
  • strap on snowshoes and head to a trail or golf course or even your backyard. I have heard snowshoeing is easy enough to learn but an amazing workout. It gets your heart rate up so you won’t mind the cold, and exploring the great outdoors can boost your mood.

If you usually run…

  • try water running. Why not jump in a pool and run laps in the shallow end or use a flotation vest or belt to log miles in the deep end. Added toning benefit: Water provides 800 times more resistance than running on land.
  • take an indoor cycling class. Indoor cycling can give you an equally intense lower body workout, says Shea, co-author of Run Like a Mother. The non-impact workout will also give your joints a break, and a competitive class setting might motivate you to push yourself harder. Try taking a spinning class. I have always wanted to try one.
  • do intervals on a treadmill. Alternate short bouts—30 to 60 seconds—of fast or uphill running with slightly shorter recovery intervals at a slower pace and no incline.My husband is currently doing the Couch-to-5K program and is loving it.

If you usually ride a bike…

  • get a trainer. Not a person; the metal kind of trainer that easily transforms an outdoor bike into a stationary cycle. Basic models start at about $100. To really simulate an outdoor ride, set up a fan to blow on you and pop in a Virtual Active DVD ($19.95 or $7.95 to download, vafitness.com). The stunning footage of some of North America’s most scenic roads will inspire you.
  • lift weights. Cycling is a lower-body workout, and many cyclists don’t train their arms, shoulders, chest, and back as often as they should. Rainy days are a perfect opportunity to mix up your routine. Grab a set of dumbbells and do some upper body moves such as front and side arm raises, curls, and kickbacks.

If you usually take a boot camp class...

  • pop in a boot camp DVD. You can find a variety at collagevideo.com, including 10 Minute Solution: Ultimate Bootcamp, featuring Smith. Each “boot camp” is only 10 minutes, so if you’re short on time or just tired, you can do just one or two of the five routines.
  • create a home version and recruit trainees. Mimic the moves from your regular class and use exercise equipment, chairs, and steps in your home to create stations. Then invite a classmate, your spouse, or kids to join you.

If you usually play tennis…

  • have a virtual match. Whether you have Xbox, PlayStation, or Wii, you can practice your backhand and serve right in your family room. Invite your tennis partner over to join you for more fun.

If you usually swim…

  • do Pilates. It, too, is a total-body toning workout and it gives you a similar elongating feeling. Search online to find a variety of DVDs, such as Element: Total Body Pilates, which is shot poolside.

If you usually play golf…

  • do yoga. The poses build strength and flexibility especially in your abs, back, and hips—key muscles used to swing a golf club. Practice it regularly and you could improve your game.

If you usually lift weights at the gym…

  • shovel snow. Bend your knees like you’re squatting as you scoop up snow. Combined with lifting and throwing, you can get a total body workout while you clear your sidewalk.

If you usually go to exercise classes…

  • turn on Exercise TV. Available on demand or online, you can choose from up to 150 free workouts, including yoga, Pilates, and routines from Freytag, creator of the 10 Pound Slimdown Xtreme System.

If you usually take Zumba…

  • just dance. Crank up your favorite tunes and groove around the house. I am a 90's gal, so for me I put in a few oldies but goodies like some Will Smith - Gettin' Jiggy Wit It or some Quad City DJ's C'mon N Ride It (the train), and you can't forget some B-52's Love Shack.



Taco Chili

Burritos, Chips, Cheese, Salsa, Football!!!!

I ate, and ate, and ate.. so how did my weigh in go; well wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be but wasn't as good as I need it to be. This morning I weighed in at 176.6 which is only a 0.4 lose. I feel like a broken record but I am going to say it again, and again until I believe it - at least I didn't gain. Now we only have 5 1/2 weeks until vacation and I really wanted to be down to 169 by than. I made up a batch of some 1 point soup and plan on really sticking to the diet and exercise this week. Shooting for 2 pounds this week. Not only will 2 pounds give me a boost but it will also make 10 pounds down since the first of the year and 37 pounds down from all time high weight. I only have one rough week ahead of me, and that is finals week. If I can make it through that week we might be okay.

I made up a pot of something we will call Taco Chili. I took the following ingredients and slow cooked for 6 hours.

1 green pepper
1 onion
2 small Zucchinis
2 cups squash
1 can corn
1 can black beans
1 can diced tomatoes with chilies
1 pack of Hidden Valley Ranch dry mix
1 pack taco seasoning

I haven't tried it yet but Jasmine ate a huge bowl last night and loved it. I brought some for lunch today. Hoping it taste good or I will be one hungry woman by the end of the day.

Monday, February 6, 2012

Resting my poor feet!

I cardio walked my feet off tonight. I am really stressing my weigh in tomorrow. I ate a ton over the weekend, now just trying to work it off. I did 1 1/2 hours or 7 miles tonight. My feet are sore but man does it feel good. Hoping the scale treats me good tomorrow. See you tomorrow.

Basement Family Room - Paint and Wood

Paint, wood and finishing touches.. If you missed  Phase 1  and/or  Phase 2  here are some links to go back and see how far this space has c...