Do You Know Why I Skipped Writing Yesterday?

Do you want to know? Even if you don't, I'm going to rant a little.

After all the hard work this past week with the cardio blasts and all the walking and still the cut-down on food and the much higher water intake... I only lost a little over 1/2 a pound. I was pretty peeved [other word inserted here]. *Sob* I don't get it.

No matter what I do, it doesn't want to come off and this isn't even down to the final 10 pounds. Oh well. I just have to roll with the punches. This is because the first 10 pounds came off so easily. Bummer. It's gonna be a long haul.

So, I wasn't in the mood to write. Obviously.

Today I feel better. My weight is the same as yesterday (I know... bad habit to jump on the scale everyday, but it calls my name!). I didn't "workout" per se, but walked for 1/2 hour, then did some MAJOR yardwork, working with taking out a whole landscape area. It was over an hour's worth of work... hard work... I sweated and sweated, and felt the good earth coming through my hands. Love it!

I'm a little tired right now. But I figured out what it is (I think). It more than likely is the prescriptions I've been taking. Apparently, I have to go through a whole lotta crap before they "start working." Hopefully this works, otherwise I'll have to go through it all over again with another set. Ugh! *sigh*

I felt so good, I took a shower and layered with my fave scent. I even put on makeup, and I'm not dressed in sweats (go figure!). My family is amazed at the transformation! lol.

Tomorrow is measurement day. However, I lost the sheet I wrote everything on, so I'll have to go back to my old Excel sheet (which was not updated the last time). Life happens, and then you throw it away. j/k. We'll see approximately how many inches I lost this month. Yippee!

Anywho, I still have lots to do today and spending it at the computer isn't part of it. Signing off for now...

Whew! I'm Exhausted.

I did more exercise today than normal. I did the CardioMax, then walked over 6 miles... not by choice. My feet and legs are killin' me!

Eating... did okay. Probably ate a larger portion or two, as I "felt" I was starving, due to my walk. I probably won't lose much weight, as I just bulked up a muscle or two. Ugh!

Don't have much to say, well because... I'M TIRED!

Water... Water...

Today I didn't drink much water. I'm a sucker for fresh beans, and I got a 2 lb. bag of Starbucks beans last night... so today I drank coffee... coffee... coffee... Yum... I was good in most other ways. Baked fish, green beans and noodles (only 1/2 cup!). Yay. I ate a couple of vanilla wafers for dessert (needed that treat!) and just strayed from the water.

Tomorrow will be another day.

Exercise? I did Bob Harper's workout again, against the screaming agony of my hamstrings and glutes. Boy did that exercise feel good and painful. I am still feeling it. My shoulders even hurt. But it's a good hurt. Don't know who I'll choose to do tomorrow morning... Jillian or Bob? Hmm...

I feel fairly good about today. I also joined The Biggest Loser League, which is a FREE service provided through NBC. (Thanks, guys!) I heard about it through my brother, who is also on his own journey through this hellacious hole of weight loss. Let's all give him some support, too. He seriously needs it, as he is in a lack-of-motivation state. Cheer him (and me!) on! With everyone's support and our own willPOWER, we can do it!!!!

Wish me luck and good POWER tomorrow!

Honestly... How Do People Do It?

I have watched what I've been eating. I may not be strict, but I've been eating WAY less than I used to. I cut out all my soda intake. I drink a ton of water each and every day. I exercise. And the weight just IS NOT falling off. I am working and working, and my body is not working for me.

Ok... enough of the rant.

Today was ok-ish. I exercised and did something different. Jillian Michaels' 30-Day Stretch is no longer available on Time Warner Cable, so I tried the Biggest Loser CardioMax. This is hosted by Bob Harper. Wow! It is bed time and I am so feeling it. It tired me out a little; I was "sweatin' like a man and breathin' like a man" as Bob says. It felt great! Although it was mostly cardio and no toning. Hmmm... maybe I'll do all cardio for a week or so and take off those pounds. I have a feeling (see above paragraph) that part of my weight issue is building of muscle mass? Uh... I sure hope so.

Eating today was alright. At dinner, I know I overdid it. But that's okay. I did not deprive myself and didn't go hog wild. Yay me!

Exhausted and going to bed. Signing off. Over and out... ZONK!

BUSY Weekend!

So... I officiated a swim meet all weekend, not getting in until really late. I ate fairly well, but had a few glitches (one of the wives makes the best chocolate chip cookies!). Yesterday was better, I didn't have a single cookie, but did have 3 cups of coffee.

I didn't end up exercising on Friday. I just couldn't get into it. Saturday morning was better, and so was Sunday. Today I did great. But my dvds haven't come yet of Jillian Michaels' 30-Day Shred. So... when the freebie goes out tomorrow, I don't know what I'm going to do.

I'm kinda kickin' out the snacks a little, as I was losing more when I just ate healthy and not too many snacks. This fist thing also doesn't seem to be working afterall. Oh well... you gotta try some things. Not everything works with everyone. So I'll keep trying, just not one of those fad diet things. Yuck!

Weigh - In, I'm NOT a Loser Today

I think the scale is definitely not my friend. And right now, I totally wish I was a guy. They can lose weight so much faster than a female. I seriously envy that. Seriously! Talk about depressing... like I don't have enough of that. I got on the scale this morning... and... it read that I had GAINED 1.5 pounds since last Friday. No way! But, the scale does not lie...

So, I need to really be better. The cookies and little sneaks here and there were a little much. My snacking wasn't much better. I need to go back to regular healthy snacks. I have been skipping all my fruits, eating junk, tasting too much. It wasn't really a treat anymore. I was going over the "do not deprive" thing and rationalizing it completely in my head. Get that junk out of my head.

I will be totally gung-ho this weekend (today, too!). I am officiating a swim meet, so what better influence than all of those healthy athletes with young fit bodies? There is none! I want to be just like them when I grow up! Hopefully, one day I will be.

Still Not A YAY Day!

I worked out, yet again, today. Still not feelin' it. With the weather as gorgeous (pretty only, as it's still been cold here - for us that is...) as it's been, you would think I would be feelin' it. But I am not. I can't wait for my Level 3 of Jillian Michaels 30-Day Stretch to get here...

Eating? Bowl of oatmeal with raisins, cup of coffee, water, water, water... Banana, more water... 2 thin slices meat, bowl of rice with 1 T Country Crock, more water... a couple ff's (French Fries... a super duper NO NO!), 1 piece bread with 1/2 t Country Crock (I really was craving this), more water... more ff's, a little bit of salad, 2 cups coffee... more water...

So... suffice it to say... I didn't do very well today! (Oops! A little Dr. Suess-y for me!)

Back On Track...

Today I worked out. I didn't feel like it, but I did it. I felt a little better afterwards and realized it wasn't so bad afterall.

However, if the scale is any type of supporter, it is on the opposite team. I know I shouldn't have stepped on it... saved it for my weigh-in date, but the numbers were there... I have gained. Ugh!

I've been doing fairly ok eating-wise. I had a salad tonight for dinner. I don't remember what I had for lunch, and breakfast was oatmeal and raisins. The snacks? Hmm... uh... Yeah, well, that's where I've been screwing up. I either haven't been eating them like I should have or eating what I shouldn't be eating. Yeah... that's it... Not a "YAY!" Day!

Totally Tuesday! (and no-newsday again!)

Again, I didn't work out. I started to, but was so totally exhausted (from what... I don't know), that I quit after 5 minutes. I could not do it. I couldn't do it later either.

Eating-wise, I did okay. Breakfast was oatmeal with raisins, one cup of coffee, lots of water... Lunch - chicken noodle soup (the homemade kind... made it myself!), and dinner was spaghetti with garlic bread. I did through in a donut and 2 cookies. Special treat in the rain.

I'm not rationalizing, and it's not okay, but I've just felt so down lately. Tired, too.

I Did OK Yesterday...

I went to a scrapbooking exposition.

Prior to actually getting there, we (me and my kids) met my mom to do the "swap." Denny's was our meeting place. In the past, I would have ordered the chicken-fried steak and eggs. That day... I ordered 1/2 a Moons Over My Hammy (yes, I know... lots of sodium, lots of calories, but I only ordered 1/2!). This comes with hashbrowns, which I did not eat all of them (yay me!). So you know... I only ordered the 1/2, because even though I preach "willpower", I don't yet have enough willpower to NOT eat the other 1/2 if it is in front of me.

Afterwards, at the EXPO, I walked around a bit. Drank water (not enough), ate two mini muffins (chocolate cupcake - no frosting), and ate a loaded baked potato. Dinner was breakfast for dinner, consisting of bacon, eggs, hashbrowns and biscuits (with Harry & David jelly). I ate moderately and felt fine.

I did exercise early in the morning, but I think I already told all of you that. Suffice it to say... I think I did pretty darn well for being out and about at a major social and snacking function (scrapbookers are WELL known for snacking during scrapping...) and staying away from it all. Yay me.

Today however, I did not work out. I ate cream of wheat for breakfast, ate a chocolate cupcake, snacked a little more than I should have, two biscuits, and for dinner... baked chicken (one leg), a little bit of rice and some green beans. I am okay about it all, but not totally happy. I could not get myself to work out. I thought I'd do it later, but didn't...

It's EARLY!

for me, that is... I didn't exercise at all and totally blew it on the food issue, although I did not drink any soda (miracle!). How can you say "no" to rib eye steaks? for breakfast? for dinner? And chocolate cupcakes with chocolate frosting with my fave ice creams? You can say, "yes!" I've been doing really good, and it was Valentine's Day. So, I'm a glutton at times...

Like I said, I didn't exercise. Yes, I have an excuse. I was finishing up my girls' Valentine's shirts and then they all started getting up. Yikes! I just cannot find it in me to exercise in front of them. The laughing and bugging just totally BUGS!

So... I got up this morning (yes, this early!) and worked out. Yeah me! I got up early so I can leave early. I am going cropping and shopping... so maybe I'll get some walking in. I'll seriously try to watch the snacking and other foods today. Good luck to all, and DRINK THAT WATER!!!

1/2 Pound Lighter

YES! I lost another 1/2 pound... I guess Friday the 13th isn't so bad afterall... I got up a little later, as the kids are off and sleeping. I did work out, I did weigh. I did great.

I am providing myself with the "proper" form and breathing (which is really difficult and has taken me almost forever to do; I'm still trying to master it), which is making me a little more achy. I will get over it.

Not much to say today, as I have a lot planned to get ready for Valentine's Day. LOTS of stuff to do!

I Almost Didn't Make It Today...

... But I did! I didn't work out first thing this morning. I didn't feel like it. But... after dropping off both the kids, I forced myself into it. And it didn't seem as bad this morning. I actually got through it much easier.

So... I think I'm ready for Level 3 of Jillian Michaels' 30-Day Shred. However, since it isn't available for free through TimeWarner, I ordered it off e-Bay. With shipping, the whole series (Levels 1, 2 & 3) will cost me a whole whoppin' $11.79. I got the "Buy It Now" with $3.00 shipping. Pretty good, and will be here within 2-3 days. Oh! Not this week, though... Presidents Day is Monday. Oh well... Tuesday then. If you want the name or link of the seller, please e-mail me by clicking here.

After talking to 2 or more people that have expressed they read my blog but can't write their own, I made up a format (see previous post) to follow. You don't have to write everything like I do. This is just my way of keeping myself on top of it for me. Not everyone does the same thing. Any type of writing, even if just inputting data, will help.

I discovered something in talking to these people, though. I found out they have goals and are going through the same processes as me. One person has lost 92 pounds. Granted, it has taken a long time, but it is slow and gradual and will not come back. Good for you!

Another person has maintained since January. This is another great accomplishment. Good for you!

Baby steps is the key for both of you. I'm so glad you told me how you are doing. It makes me feel good about and for all of us.

If you, too, would like to e-mail me about your status, progress, or overall well-being, please feel free to do so by clicking here. Also, if there is too much hocus pocus to make a comment, feel free to e-mail me anytime. Your name will not be mentioned unless you want Super Kudos and want it mentioned. But no matter. Congratulations to all on any progress you make. I am proud of me and proud of you.

Can't Blog? Here's a Format for Ya!

Daily Blogging:
What I ate for...
Breakfast -
Snack -
Lunch -
Snack -
Dinner -
Snack -

Did I stick to the Plan?

I drank ___________ cups of water.

Did I stick to the Plan?

How much/what exercise I did today...

What I did that didn't fit into my weight loss plan...


What I can do to change it...

I feel...
[happy, sad, exhausted, tired, sleepy, burnt out, etc.]

Weekly Blogging;

Weekly weigh-in...
[pounds lost or gained.]

Comments on weight...

I feel...
[happy, sad, exhausted, tired, sleepy, burnt out, etc.]

Monthly Blogging:

[Post photos of original self and end of this month self]
Measurements:
Left bicep:
Right bicep:
Left thigh:
Right thigh:
Left calf:
Right calf:
Chest/Bust: [under breast]
Chest/Bust: [over breast]
Waist: [NOT hipline, like the teeny boppers!!!, actual waistline, or where it should be!]
Hips:
Clothes Size:
Comments on measurements...

I feel...
[happy, sad, exhausted, tired, sleepy, burnt out, etc.]

*NOTE: You can put either actual measurements or just size lost or gained. You can also tweak this blog entries to your liking. This is just an example for those who can't blog. Get out there and do it. I am telling you... blogging, or writing all this makes me keep doing what I need to do. It makes me much more accountable and honest than if I didn't. I'm not going to lie. If I didn't do this, my one self would talk my other self into not doing it and saying that since I did the laundry and some yardwork, I exercised... WRONG! So I do this blogging thing. It seems to work pretty well for me.

Remember, a blog can be anything you want it to be. It is your online journal. We are not in a high school English class, so you can write, or not write, about anything you want to, even if you just want to put down the basics. It will help you!

Good luck to you all and DRINK THAT WATER!!!

Addicted to Croutons!

A lowfat, low calorie snack... yum-O! By eating a "fist", it is between 20-30 calories and only 10 cals are fat. Woohoo! Like I said, yum-O! I've found this to be quick, flavorful, and totally satisfying.

Let's see... my other new snack and/or dessert food is good old-fashioned cookies by Maria. Maria's cookies come in an orange wrapper and are SO inexpensive and low caloried, and so YUMMY, with a hint of vanilla and lemon (they are $.27 a package for 4.93 oz. and 9 cookies for 115 calories!). They are so yummy! They are crisp and satisfying, especially for those of us with a sweet tooth. It sure helps to have something sweet I can eat to get me through the hard times.

Remember... I don't want to deprive anyone, especially myself! If I deprive myself, I am lying to myself about changing my lifestyle. The whole idea is to cut down and control, not cut out completely. This seems to be working just fine for me.

Water was a little dry today... don't know why, just didn't feel like it. For those of you who think water is "boring". Try a really great filtered water. The minerals or clean feel are so yummy! I just didn't feel like much to drink today. And for those who put lemon in a whole pitcher of water... it gets soggy and second-day tasting, so I urge you to put a fresh lemon into a FRESH glass. Soggy means yuck. Yuck means you won't drink it or lose your taste for water. If it still tastes boring... make a spritzer! Add 1-2 teaspoons of a no-sugar-added whole fruit juice. It'll freshen it up for you. Yum! Enjoy!

So I Forgot!

Yes, I was busy and tired yesterday and forgot to write. So sorry... but since there aren't many hits on here and no one really follows this... it's okay.

Yes, I worked out yesterday and ate fairly well.

Today, my schedule went a little chaotic, as I had to go back to the dealership (car was wonky again!), then on to Walmart, then Winco, then Sam's Club. I didn't get back until 10:30, so my breakfast was off, now so is just everything.

I did workout this morning, though. I don't like to eat when I first get up, so that's how that happened. I will try to write again more later... (didn't exactly make sense, but you know what I mean!)

Keeping With It!

Good morning, Peoples (my whole two followers and whoever else visits...)! True to what I promised myself, I did work out yesterday. Yay me! I also stuck with a healthy day eating-wise.

However, I probably did not get enough sleep. Boo. Oh well... I'll keep trying. I honestly don't get it how others can get so much done in one day, eat right, exercise and get enough sleep. It is beyond me. If anyone has any suggestions (without cutting anything important to me or my kids), please let me know. I am at a loss and need help at this point.

Today has gotten off to a good start. I exercised with Jillian Michaels again today (if only they had the Level 3 available for free!) and feel fairly good about it. I was unwilling to start it this morning, but pushed myself and finished it. Yay me!

I got a sample of SENSE, the Cortislim way, the other day. Before you get your stuff in a bunch... I AM NOT DOING THIS!!! I merely wanted to read their materials. It seems this is a basic dieting (healthier eating, not deprivation), sleep and exercise deal, with the "supplement" (DRUG - in my book!) controlling or "aiding" you to maintain a healthy stress level. Ok, I don't think so... But... they do have a fairly good meal plan, dealing with "fists". There are fists of every food you are supposed to eat, and they pretty much stick to this philosophy. This is a good program to follow, without the supplement, so I think I will.

So... in following this, I ate an apple, oatmeal, raisins, coffee (YES! they allow this wonderful beverage in their meal plans, even with a small dose of sugar and milk!!!), and water. I think I did pretty good. I'm full and satisfied, while eating healthy. What more could I want?

Anywho... we'll see what today brings me. I planned on walking to the library, but it seems the rain won't stop for that long, and I'm not taking a coughing toddler out in it. Plus! She doesn't want to go until she gets "better." After perusing this form of speech, I can't blame her and don't want to "endanger" the other kids of getting the same cold.

And! I have to pee almost all the time! All that water intake is STILL getting to me! Yikes!!! Gotta go again!

Cheat Day!

Not that I've been super dieting or anything. But... I just couldn't resist the pull of Dark Chocolate and Peppermint Moose Munch from Harry & David's. It was supposed to be a wonderful experience, something I remembered. Whelps... it wasn't nearly as good as I thought it would be. It was way too rich for me to eat the box!

I worked out today... still doing the Level 2 of 30-Day Shred. I decided not to "change it up" after last week's fiasco. I will "change it up" on February 25th, when the recording is no longer free to me through RoadRunner (TimeWarner). Now, after eating that candied popcorn, I am so dragging. Oh well.

I will be working out tomorrow, my typical rest day. First off, I need to make up for Tuesday's slacking. Secondly, I need to make up for today's candied popcorn. Yuck! I won't be doing that again. I found out that even though I wasn't depriving myself, even though I seriously craved it, with all of these lifestyle changes, the memories were much better than the real thing.

2 more pounds!!!

I did it again! I by-passed last week's gain, and lost two more pounds! Yippee! Now... if only my clothes felt like it. I admit, the t-shirts don't seem to stretch across my chest as much now, but hey! Ya gotta lose some, to lose somewhere else...

Yesterday, I kicked back on eating so much. My hubby just rolled his eyes. (So much for support, eh?) For lunch, I had a baked potato with nothing on it but one pat of wannabe butter (low cal margarine) and a side salad. The potato (and the skin) were the best! Dinner, I made Broccoli, Rice & Chicken casserole. It was good too, and I didn't overeat on portions.

I did work out this morning, and while the plank positions are getting easier, it is still difficult. I didn't quit today. My shoulders don't burn so much either... uh... I traded down in weights for the military presses and V-squats. Yeah, I know. But seriously, I could not finish the sets with the heavier weights. The idea is babysteps, right?

I don't quite know how today or the weekend will pan out, but we'll see as we get there. In the meantime, I'm still ecstatic that I lost so much so far! I won't quite tell you my weight (as it's really embarassing), but let's just say I haven't been this weight in over a year. Yay me!

A Little Better Today!

YAY! Both me and my daughter feel a little better today. So... I did Level 2 again of Jillian Michael's 30-Day Shred. It killed me, but it felt GREAT!

I had 1/2 cup of coffee so far this morning. I don't feel like eating. I am constipated (TMI!!) and feel a little bloated, too. How 'bout those water pills? Do they work? I have been eating fiber up the wazoo, but nothing yet. I constantly have to pee with all of the water intake!

Almost like someone with diabetes. I didn't used to drink so much water, but now that I am, I feel parched a lot of the day and go to the bathroom fairly regularly. Like almost every hour. This makes doing anything else slightly difficult. I had better hope every place I go has some decent bathroom and no line or more than one stall. Which reminds me... I have to go now!

I AM Going to Die!

Today I really didn't work out. I think my 4-year-old's illness is rubbing off on me... She woke up at 5am and really didn't take a nap, so it was difficult to work out. I know... excuses, excuses...

I tried at around 10am, when it appeared she was napping, but that lasted the whole of 10 minutes, in which 5 of them I did work out. But it was hard. I felt like I was going to die, and I really hadn't even gotten started!

I twisted my wrist doing "plank" push-ups. This is where you touch your toes, then walk your hands out into a push-up type position, only shoulder-width apart. If you are a beginner (which I am), you hold the push-up position. If you are advanced (which I am most definitely not!), you actually do a push-up. Ugh! Then "walk" your arms/hands back into a toe-touch, then stand up again and start over. On the second walking down, the palm of my hand slipped and I strained the ball portion of my hand, plus my wrist. So... I gave myself a break, as not only did this happen, but I felt like crap and my breathing was labored (not due to exercise). AND, I felt like I had no energy, and I was dragging throughout most of the day.

My hubby and I did finish painting (at least I think we finished) a daybed for my daughters room. I believe 3 coats of this is considered exercise, especially when I was squatting and bending over quite a bit!

Eating? Having hubby on vacate is really truly difficult. He does not believe in watching what you eat. When I came out of a store, he had with him (for me) - chicken nuggets, a Big Mac, and 1/2 order of fries. Need I say more? For breakfast, I had two small pancakes, but with the "lunch" and snack combined, that was way more calories than I wanted to consume. I felt SO full still, that I didn't eat dinner, just had a piece of fruit and lots of water. I did have a soda at the water polo game. It was good, but I felt full after the first 1/3 of it, and it took me the rest of the day to finish. Yay me!

My water intake was a little off... but I think I compensated for that tonight. We'll see what tomorrow brings.

"I Want You To Feel Like You Are Going To Die!"

says Jillian Michaels in her Level 2 workout of 30-Day Shred. And I do/did while doing it. I even do the low impact (beginner) portion that my new BFF (Anita - on the dvd) is doing. And I still feel it!

But, I am still making it through. Been having a little bit of trouble. Juan (my hubby) is on vacate, so always wants to eat out. Ugh! If only... How do you say no? He doesn't believe in lower calories or healthier eating. I do much better when he's at work.

But today is leftovers, and I'm still full from lunch. I think I'll pass. I did healthier snacks all day long, so it should be pretty okay.

At least I now notice a little difference in the clothing feel, so it's a little more "up" in my thoughts. Keep going, keep going!!!

Saturday and Super Bowl!

I did work out Saturday. I decided to change it up a bit. I did "The Crunch - Cardio Salsa". Uh... It is 5 chapters. I got through 3 and headed for the cool down. I had my right hip burning (and feeling like it was gonna pop) and the opposite calf screaming at me. BUT! I still did 20 minutes of cardio workout. It was a nice change, despite the screaming joints and muscles.

Saturday was otherwise just doing prep work for Sunday. Way to go!

Sunday... Need I say anymore? Rest day, and day of Super Bowl. My body is still paying the price. After eating a lot healthier the past month, even with my "allowances", the fat (just thinking about it!) and grease really got to me. But, I ate a little bit. I nibbled here and there, not taking oodles of food, but just a bite or two. I really did not eat that much. I munched on some nuts and 2 tangerines, as well. But! Then came birthday cake. Oh Yum! And I only ate one cupcake! Yeah me!

Y'all may not think that's very good, but let me tell you. It is for me. Baby steps. I also did not deny myself and set myself up for future (whether immediate or not) failure. So YEAH!

Today... I spent the morning with Jillian, but advanced myself to her Level 2 class. OMG! I thought I was gonna die! But... I got through it. I'm not sore just yet, but we'll see.

Eating? Today has been ok. I ate 1/2 sandwich (low cal - from Jason's Deli) with a cup of soup for lunch. (Skipped breakfast - don't know why... just didn't feel hungry.) And for dinner, we are having left over sloppy joes. Not too bad. I'm pretty proud of myself.