What? It can't be. What do you mean it's the final weigh in for the Slimmer this Summer Challenge? Where did the summer go? Didn't we just celebrate Memorial Day? How can it be over already? Who turned the clocks on fast forward. It seems like just yesterday we were making all our summer plans and now Labor Day is next weekend.
I may not have the most exciting numbers to report but I feel like I made some good progress over the summer. I didn't reach my goal of 101 pounds lost and I didn't show much of a loss on the scale but there are other factors and lessons learned that are just as important. Just because the StS challenge is over doesn't mean much in the grand scheme of things. I'm going to continue to fight for my good health and I hope you are too.
Here's my stats for the week:
WEIGH IN
6/1/11 101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Starting Weight: 149.5 lbs.
6/6/11 Slimmer this Summer Starting Weight: 151.2 lbs.
6/10/11 Weigh In: 148.2 lbs.
6/17/11 Weigh In: 147.5 lbs.
6/24/11 Weigh In: 147.5 lbs.
7/1/11 Weigh In: 148.4 lbs.
7/8/11 Weigh In: 146.4 lbs.
7/15/11 Weigh In: 146.4 lbs.
7/22/11 Weigh In: 147.9 lbs.
7/29/11 Weigh In: 145.7 lbs.
8/5/11 Weigh In: 145.5 lbs.
8/12/11 Weigh In: 147.7 lbs.
8/19/11 Weigh In: 148.6 lbs.
8/26/11 Weigh In: 149.0 lbs.
101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Loss to Date: 0.5 lbs.
Slimmer this Summer Challenge Weight Loss to Date: 2.2 lbs.
Starting Weight (11/2009): 242 lbs.
Current Weight (8/26/11): 149 lbs.
Total Loss: 93.0 lbs.
That is certainly NOT how I wanted to finish off the Slimmer this Summer Challenge but it is what it is. I had my third straight week of gains but it's not the first time that's happened, it's not the end of the world and I'm definitely not giving up. I'm not happy about crossing over my "do not cross" line in the sand (150 pounds) early in the week but I'm glad I was able to work it back off before weighing in. Sure, it would have been nice to get to my goal during the challenge but I know I will get there and it will happen exactly when it is supposed to happen.
HYDRATION
I've been slacking a bit on my water consumption the past few days. I'm not dehydrated but I could be drinking more. I find it's so much harder for me to get my water in on the weekends when I'm not at the gym. I actually had a cocktail Saturday night while sitting out at the bon fire enjoying the calm before the storm.
EXERCISE
I got in some intense workouts this week including my regular cardio kickboxing classes, three days of sweating on the elliptical and some good long walks here and there.
DO NOT QUIT
I will never stop fighting this battle until I have evicted every last one of the unwanted pounds I've been lugging around for way too long. Even after I get to my goal weight I know that the fight is not really over. It will never be over. I know I will have to keep fighting for my health and not let any of my old bad habits sneak back into my daily life. I will not suffer through regaining ever again. I refuse to regain. Quitting is NOT an option!
KEEP BLOGGING
My last post about Feeding Your Faith was my 400th post after 4 years of blogging. It's exciting to actually show some progress since I spent the first two years bitching, moaning and crying about my weight but not putting in the effort to actually make any progress. I'm still here and I don't plan on going anywhere. I'm going to need all the help I can get on the next leg of this weight loss journey - maintenance.
ENCOURAGE OTHERS
I've been doing my best to get around and comment but haven't done as much as I wanted to do. I wish we could all give ourselves the support and encouragement we give to others so easily. The next time you leave an encouraging comment on another blog, turn it around and tell yourself the same thing.
C25K
I didn't make any progress on the C25K program this week but I feel better about being able to run now that my knee isn't screaming at me every time I do.
GET TO GOAL and START MAINTENANCE ~ FINALLY
I still haven't reached my goal but I know I'll get there, slow and steady.
THANK YOU!!! Thank you all for your support and encouragement. It really is an amazing supportive community we have here and I'm so lucky to have you all in my corner.
Stay strong, be cool and rock on!
Peace out!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Feed Your Faith
KEEP FEEDING YOUR FAITH AND YOUR DOUBTS WILL STARVEHow would we ever reach our goals if we don't believe it's possible? If you believe you can, you can! If you believe it's impossible, it is. You have all the power you need.
You can't lose 100 pounds overnight but you can take the teeny tiny steps in the right direction and little by little, slow and steady, pound by pound, you can lose it. You can change your habits, you can stop eating so much processed crap, you can drink water instead of soda, you can get your ass off the couch and break a sweat once in a while, you can take the stairs instead of the elevator, you can learn to feel your emotions instead of eating them and you can feel better in your skin if you really want it.
When you have over 100+ pounds to lose it can seem impossible, overwhelming and so out of reach. Even those last 10 pounds can seem just as impossible. No matter how much you have to lose, it's NEVER easy but IT IS possible.
There's allot of talk about "the switch" and "the wagon" and how it's either "on" or "off." I'm learning that it's not that simple. There is no switch and some days we're driving the wagon and other days we're chasing it down. There are hundreds of little decisions to be made each day and each one is an opportunity to get you closer or further away from your ultimate goal. There will be days that you will want to eat cake, have a cocktail or indulge in some decadent treat and that's ok. The problem is when we get into the all or nothing mentality. We think one splurge is a good reason to give up because it's impossible. How can I expect to lose weight if I just ate birthday cake? I might as well have another piece, right? WRONG! A splurge is a splurge and a treat is a treat. That's all it is. Enjoy it and move on.
We always want what we can't have so as soon as you tell yourself you can't have chocolate, ice cream, cake, cookies, chips, dip, whatever...that's all you think about, that's all you crave and as soon as you give in to those cravings, look out, it's a slippery slope back into those fat pants. Regaining weight that took so much effort to lose can be devastating. You can't just go back to your old ways that got you fat in the first place, you have to make permanent changes to keep the weight off permanently.
I'm sure we've all bought into one rapid weight loss plan or another over the years only to be let down by the promise to "lose all the weight you want without exercise and still eat your favorite foods." I call BULLSHIT on every single one of those plans. Don't buy it. Don't waste your money or your time. Sure, most of them will enable you to lose some weight but unless you are willing to follow the plan for the rest of your days the weight will come back. I know, I've been there. I've lost it a few times on one commercial plan or another before and it always came back. I couldn't eat food out of a cardboard box forever and I couldn't live the rest of my life without eating bread. I love bread. I decided life without bread was not worth living. I had to find a plan that worked for me and my life. I needed to break some weight loss rules and create my own rules. We can't always live by someone else's rules. What works for me may not work for you but you can figure out what does work for you and make it happen.
We live in a world of instant gratification. We don't want to have to wait for anything. You know the person behind you will beep the horn if you're not hitting the gas the second the light turns green. We want it and we want it NOW! If I eat right and exercise this week I deserve to see a loss on the scale, right? Well, sometimes that just doesn't happen for any number of reasons. We have to get over being instantly rewarded for doing the right thing. Just doing the right thing is the reward. I exercised allot and ate right all week and still gained 0.9 pounds. It doesn't seem fair but it is what it is. The number is just a number and not an accurate reflection of my efforts. It's not an excuse to slack off and give up.
We all want weight loss to be easy and effortless. It's easy and effortless to gain but it is a stubborn bitch to take off. I hate to break it to you but if you haven't figured it out yet, you have to face the fact that it takes effort, lots of effort, to change your lifestyle. There is no magic pill, it's not all sunshine and rainbows, and it doesn't happen overnight but if you are consistent in your efforts you will see results as long as you never stop believing. It does get easier once you make your new habits part of your routine but it takes a consistent effort.
There is a better way but only YOU can decide what is right for YOU. Is your plan working for you? What can you do right now, today, to get you one step closer to your goal? Take a small step in the right direction and you'll be one step closer to reaching your goal.
Keep feeding your faith and your doubts will starve. I know I will reach my goal and I know you can reach yours. Like Dorothy and her ruby slippers, we've had the power all along, we just need to use it.
Keep the faith!
Monday, August 22, 2011
Challenges Update
Can you believe we are in the home stretch of the Slimmer this Summer and 101 Days of Summer challenges? It's sad that we lost a few challengers along with way, some are still in it but struggling and some are showing us how it's done. Wherever you happen to be on your journey, today, right now, is a new day and a new chance to get on or continue on the path you want to be.
I'd love to be able to finish out the challenge strong by reaching my goal so I can finally throw my arms up in the air in victory like Rocky after he makes it to the top of those stairs. I can already hear the Eye of the Tiger music. I was anticipating reaching my goal of 101 pounds lost by the end of the challenges but that may be just out of reach at this point, not impossible, but highly unlikely given the lack of progress the past couple of weeks. I'm a bit disappointed but I know I'll get there eventually as long as I keep doing the right things and staying true to my motto ~ SLOW and STEADY ....
I had another rough week but that's just part of life, right? Everyone has stumbling blocks and obstacles they need to get over or work around and mine are relatively minuscule compared to what some others are dealing with so I'm not going to complain (too much). Life doesn't stop throwing things at you and there will never be a perfect time to get healthy, it's never easy. I know I have to make the best decisions I can every single day no matter what is going on in the world around me.
I made up for last week's missed workouts by joining my sister in law at her fancy smancy gym on Monday for a double workout consisting of a Body Flex class and a Belly Dancing class. I'm pretty sure I burned more calories laughing at myself trying to belly dance than the actual workout. I'm not the most coordinated or graceful gazelle in the herd so this was definitely out of my comfort zone. I felt like I was trying to rub my stomach and pat my head at the same time. It was HYSTERICAL! I got my ass kicked at TaeBox on Tuesday and Thursday and hit the elliptical for sixty minute sessions on Wednesday and Friday in addition to the usual walks.
Last week I mentioned I had breakfast for dinner a couple of times (pancakes and french toast) and I wanted to clarify it wasn't the food itself because I have no problem eating pancakes and french toast occasionally for breakfast on the weekends but having it for dinner prevented me from getting my usual doses of protein and vegetables. I also notice when I eat lots of white carbs and simple sugars it sets off cravings for more. I prefer eating those types of food early in the day so I have a chance to burn it off during the day.
Anyway, without further ado, here's my challenge stats:
WEIGH IN
6/1/11 101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Starting Weight: 149.5 lbs.
6/6/11 Slimmer this Summer Starting Weight: 151.2 lbs.
6/10/11 Weigh In: 148.2 lbs.
6/17/11 Weigh In: 147.5 lbs.
6/24/11 Weigh In: 147.5 lbs.
7/1/11 Weigh In: 148.4 lbs.
7/8/11 Weigh In: 146.4 lbs.
7/15/11 Weigh In: 146.4 lbs.
7/22/11 Weigh In: 147.9 lbs.
7/29/11 Weigh In: 145.7 lbs.
8/5/11 Weigh In: 145.5 lbs.
8/12/11 Weigh In: 147.7 lbs.
8/19/11 Weigh In: 148.6 lbs.
101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Loss to Date: 0.9 lbs.
Slimmer this Summer Challenge Weight Loss to Date: 2.6 lbs.
Starting Weight (11/2009): 242 lbs.
Current Weight (8/19/11): 148.6 lbs.
Total Loss: 93.4 lbs.
Yup, another week, another gain. As much as I want to reach my goal, I'm not too upset about these fluctuations because I have been maintaining a 90+ pound loss and staying under my line in the sand of 150 pounds. I think my body is very comfortable in this range. I'm wearing sizes 4s, 6s and 8s, I feel healthy and strong and I'm just not going to make myself crazy trying to get to a specific number on the scale because that's where all the trouble started almost 30 years ago. It will happen when it happens. The most important lesson I've learned over the past 21+ months is that it's not all about the numbers, it's about the healthy habits I've made a part of my life.
HYDRATION
This month marks THREE YEARS since I gave up Diet Coke. I still find it hard to believe I don't even crave it anymore. I used to have Diet Coke with my coffee for breakfast and would drink three or four additional glasses every single day. Now I generally drink only coffee, tea and water (and an occasional cocktail). I'm still getting at least 64+ ounces of water a day and more if I'm working out in the heat so I'm saying hydrated.
EXERCISE
As I mentioned, I tried a couple of new classes (Body Flex and Belly Dancing) and got in some good sweaty workouts this week. It's crazy to think that getting in my workouts is the "easy" part of my healthy living plan. I'm sure it won't be so easy when I go back to work but I'll find a way to fit it in because it's a very important part of healthy living.
DO NOT QUIT
Quitting is NOT an option! I'm all in.
KEEP BLOGGING
Hi, I'm still here!
ENCOURAGE OTHERS
I'm so happy to see many of you working the slow and steady plan, marching to the beat of your own drum. Keep marching, especially you!
C25K
No C25K progress this week but I'm determined to get through Week 4, Day 2 OUTSIDE soon.
GET TO GOAL and START MAINTENANCE ~ FINALLY
Today is not the day but I'll get there eventually.
Stay strong, be cool and rock on!
Peace out!
I'd love to be able to finish out the challenge strong by reaching my goal so I can finally throw my arms up in the air in victory like Rocky after he makes it to the top of those stairs. I can already hear the Eye of the Tiger music. I was anticipating reaching my goal of 101 pounds lost by the end of the challenges but that may be just out of reach at this point, not impossible, but highly unlikely given the lack of progress the past couple of weeks. I'm a bit disappointed but I know I'll get there eventually as long as I keep doing the right things and staying true to my motto ~ SLOW and STEADY ....
I had another rough week but that's just part of life, right? Everyone has stumbling blocks and obstacles they need to get over or work around and mine are relatively minuscule compared to what some others are dealing with so I'm not going to complain (too much). Life doesn't stop throwing things at you and there will never be a perfect time to get healthy, it's never easy. I know I have to make the best decisions I can every single day no matter what is going on in the world around me.
I made up for last week's missed workouts by joining my sister in law at her fancy smancy gym on Monday for a double workout consisting of a Body Flex class and a Belly Dancing class. I'm pretty sure I burned more calories laughing at myself trying to belly dance than the actual workout. I'm not the most coordinated or graceful gazelle in the herd so this was definitely out of my comfort zone. I felt like I was trying to rub my stomach and pat my head at the same time. It was HYSTERICAL! I got my ass kicked at TaeBox on Tuesday and Thursday and hit the elliptical for sixty minute sessions on Wednesday and Friday in addition to the usual walks.
Last week I mentioned I had breakfast for dinner a couple of times (pancakes and french toast) and I wanted to clarify it wasn't the food itself because I have no problem eating pancakes and french toast occasionally for breakfast on the weekends but having it for dinner prevented me from getting my usual doses of protein and vegetables. I also notice when I eat lots of white carbs and simple sugars it sets off cravings for more. I prefer eating those types of food early in the day so I have a chance to burn it off during the day.
Anyway, without further ado, here's my challenge stats:
WEIGH IN
6/1/11 101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Starting Weight: 149.5 lbs.
6/6/11 Slimmer this Summer Starting Weight: 151.2 lbs.
6/10/11 Weigh In: 148.2 lbs.
6/17/11 Weigh In: 147.5 lbs.
6/24/11 Weigh In: 147.5 lbs.
7/1/11 Weigh In: 148.4 lbs.
7/8/11 Weigh In: 146.4 lbs.
7/15/11 Weigh In: 146.4 lbs.
7/22/11 Weigh In: 147.9 lbs.
7/29/11 Weigh In: 145.7 lbs.
8/5/11 Weigh In: 145.5 lbs.
8/12/11 Weigh In: 147.7 lbs.
8/19/11 Weigh In: 148.6 lbs.
101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Loss to Date: 0.9 lbs.
Slimmer this Summer Challenge Weight Loss to Date: 2.6 lbs.
Starting Weight (11/2009): 242 lbs.
Current Weight (8/19/11): 148.6 lbs.
Total Loss: 93.4 lbs.
Yup, another week, another gain. As much as I want to reach my goal, I'm not too upset about these fluctuations because I have been maintaining a 90+ pound loss and staying under my line in the sand of 150 pounds. I think my body is very comfortable in this range. I'm wearing sizes 4s, 6s and 8s, I feel healthy and strong and I'm just not going to make myself crazy trying to get to a specific number on the scale because that's where all the trouble started almost 30 years ago. It will happen when it happens. The most important lesson I've learned over the past 21+ months is that it's not all about the numbers, it's about the healthy habits I've made a part of my life.
HYDRATION
This month marks THREE YEARS since I gave up Diet Coke. I still find it hard to believe I don't even crave it anymore. I used to have Diet Coke with my coffee for breakfast and would drink three or four additional glasses every single day. Now I generally drink only coffee, tea and water (and an occasional cocktail). I'm still getting at least 64+ ounces of water a day and more if I'm working out in the heat so I'm saying hydrated.
EXERCISE
As I mentioned, I tried a couple of new classes (Body Flex and Belly Dancing) and got in some good sweaty workouts this week. It's crazy to think that getting in my workouts is the "easy" part of my healthy living plan. I'm sure it won't be so easy when I go back to work but I'll find a way to fit it in because it's a very important part of healthy living.
DO NOT QUIT
Quitting is NOT an option! I'm all in.
KEEP BLOGGING
Hi, I'm still here!
ENCOURAGE OTHERS
I'm so happy to see many of you working the slow and steady plan, marching to the beat of your own drum. Keep marching, especially you!
C25K
No C25K progress this week but I'm determined to get through Week 4, Day 2 OUTSIDE soon.
GET TO GOAL and START MAINTENANCE ~ FINALLY
Today is not the day but I'll get there eventually.
Stay strong, be cool and rock on!
Peace out!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Slimmer this Summer and 101 Days of Summer Challenges Update
I had a rough week. The weather has been dreary and so have I. I'm not sure what it is. I don't know whether it's just allergies, a cold or what but I don't feel right. Maybe I'm making myself sick just thinking about having to go back to work soon. When I filed my unemployment claim this morning it said after this week's claim I don't have any remaining benefits. Yikes! Oh well, I had a good run. I made good use of my time off. I've lost over 90 pounds. I accomplished something.
I guess I really need to get my ass in gear and get serious about finding a job now. Nothing like waiting 'til the last possible moment, huh? I'm glad I was able to take advantage of every single dollar of my benefits and every single day I had to get my life back. I know I should be ready to go back to work after all this time but I'm nervous about it for lots of reasons. I'm sure it will be fine once I get back into the swing of things but I'm scared. Change is scary but if we don't change we don't grow, right? I have to keep reminding myself change is good.
Because I wasn't feeling so hot my workouts weren't as good as they usually are. I didn't even get a workout in on Friday because I got up late after a long sleepless night and spent over three hours at the salon getting my hair done. It takes a long time to cover the evidence of my 40something years. The good part is my hair looks fabulous. Too bad I can't work the magic and it only looks great for a couple of days because I don't have the patience to spend the time on it.
In addition to slacking on workouts, I had breakfast for dinner twice this week (pancakes and french toast) and there was a night out that included a couple of volcano bowls and sodium packed chinese food so I didn't expect to be any closer to my goal this week and I was right.
Here's the evidence of the consequences of my actions:
WEIGH IN
6/1/11 101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Starting Weight: 149.5 lbs.
6/6/11 Slimmer this Summer Starting Weight: 151.2 lbs.
6/10/11 Weigh In: 148.2 lbs.
6/17/11 Weigh In: 147.5 lbs.
6/24/11 Weigh In: 147.5 lbs.
7/1/11 Weigh In: 148.4 lbs.
7/8/11 Weigh In: 146.4 lbs.
7/15/11 Weigh In: 146.4 lbs.
7/22/11 Weigh In: 147.9 lbs.
7/29/11 Weigh In: 145.7 lbs.
8/5/11 Weigh In: 145.5 lbs.
8/12/11 Weigh In: 147.7 lbs.
101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Loss to Date: 1.8 lbs.
Slimmer this Summer Challenge Weight Loss to Date: 3.5 lbs.
Starting Weight (11/2009): 242 lbs.
Current Weight (8/12/11): 147.7 lbs.
Total Loss: 94.3 lbs.
Yup, that's a 2.2 pound gain for the week. It's certainly not the direction I want to be going in but I know why and that is half the battle. I know it's just a blip in the screen and I will get to my goal eventually. I'm still fighting the fight and I have faith I will make it to my goal soon (sooner if I cut out the cocktails and pancakes but that's all part of life, right?).
HYDRATION
I haven't been tracking how many ounces of water I'm drinking but instead have been trying to determine my level of hydration by the color test. When my pee gets to be a very pale yellow, almost clear, I know I've had enough water for the day. There are so many different studies about how much we should drink and I recently read a new one that says you should take your weight and divide it by 2 and that is how many ounces of water you should be drinking. It sounds like a good rule of thumb but I'm liking the color method.
EXERCISE
I got a few good workouts in at the beginning of the week but things kind of fizzled out by the end of the week. I got some ellipitcalling, kickboxing, and walking in but no running this week.
DO NOT QUIT
Quitting is still not an option! I'm all in.
KEEP BLOGGING
Oh yeah, I'm still here.
ENCOURAGE OTHERS
Still trying to get around to everyone and spread the love. I'm so happy to see many of you working the slow and steady plan, marching to the beat of your own drum. Keep marching!
C25K
No progress this week but I'm determined to get through Week 4, Day 2 OUTSIDE soon.
GET TO GOAL and START MAINTENANCE ~ FINALLY
Today is not the day but it will be here soon enough, I just know it.
Stay strong, be cool and rock on!
I guess I really need to get my ass in gear and get serious about finding a job now. Nothing like waiting 'til the last possible moment, huh? I'm glad I was able to take advantage of every single dollar of my benefits and every single day I had to get my life back. I know I should be ready to go back to work after all this time but I'm nervous about it for lots of reasons. I'm sure it will be fine once I get back into the swing of things but I'm scared. Change is scary but if we don't change we don't grow, right? I have to keep reminding myself change is good.
Because I wasn't feeling so hot my workouts weren't as good as they usually are. I didn't even get a workout in on Friday because I got up late after a long sleepless night and spent over three hours at the salon getting my hair done. It takes a long time to cover the evidence of my 40something years. The good part is my hair looks fabulous. Too bad I can't work the magic and it only looks great for a couple of days because I don't have the patience to spend the time on it.
In addition to slacking on workouts, I had breakfast for dinner twice this week (pancakes and french toast) and there was a night out that included a couple of volcano bowls and sodium packed chinese food so I didn't expect to be any closer to my goal this week and I was right.
Here's the evidence of the consequences of my actions:
WEIGH IN
6/1/11 101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Starting Weight: 149.5 lbs.
6/6/11 Slimmer this Summer Starting Weight: 151.2 lbs.
6/10/11 Weigh In: 148.2 lbs.
6/17/11 Weigh In: 147.5 lbs.
6/24/11 Weigh In: 147.5 lbs.
7/1/11 Weigh In: 148.4 lbs.
7/8/11 Weigh In: 146.4 lbs.
7/15/11 Weigh In: 146.4 lbs.
7/22/11 Weigh In: 147.9 lbs.
7/29/11 Weigh In: 145.7 lbs.
8/5/11 Weigh In: 145.5 lbs.
8/12/11 Weigh In: 147.7 lbs.
101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Loss to Date: 1.8 lbs.
Slimmer this Summer Challenge Weight Loss to Date: 3.5 lbs.
Starting Weight (11/2009): 242 lbs.
Current Weight (8/12/11): 147.7 lbs.
Total Loss: 94.3 lbs.
Yup, that's a 2.2 pound gain for the week. It's certainly not the direction I want to be going in but I know why and that is half the battle. I know it's just a blip in the screen and I will get to my goal eventually. I'm still fighting the fight and I have faith I will make it to my goal soon (sooner if I cut out the cocktails and pancakes but that's all part of life, right?).
HYDRATION
I haven't been tracking how many ounces of water I'm drinking but instead have been trying to determine my level of hydration by the color test. When my pee gets to be a very pale yellow, almost clear, I know I've had enough water for the day. There are so many different studies about how much we should drink and I recently read a new one that says you should take your weight and divide it by 2 and that is how many ounces of water you should be drinking. It sounds like a good rule of thumb but I'm liking the color method.
EXERCISE
I got a few good workouts in at the beginning of the week but things kind of fizzled out by the end of the week. I got some ellipitcalling, kickboxing, and walking in but no running this week.
DO NOT QUIT
Quitting is still not an option! I'm all in.
KEEP BLOGGING
Oh yeah, I'm still here.
ENCOURAGE OTHERS
Still trying to get around to everyone and spread the love. I'm so happy to see many of you working the slow and steady plan, marching to the beat of your own drum. Keep marching!
C25K
No progress this week but I'm determined to get through Week 4, Day 2 OUTSIDE soon.
GET TO GOAL and START MAINTENANCE ~ FINALLY
Today is not the day but it will be here soon enough, I just know it.
Stay strong, be cool and rock on!
Monday, August 8, 2011
Changes...
Change is so hard but it's totally worth all the effort and struggle it takes to change. I'm such a creature of habit and often get stuck going to the same places, eating the same foods, and doing the same things over and over again because it's familiar and comfortable. We get so complacent in our routines and tend to live our lives on auto-pilot, not really thinking about what we do and what the consequences of our actions will be. It's just easier to keep doing what we're doing than to make the effort to change.
After melting off 90+ pounds, I feel like I finally shed my fat suit cocoon and I am just learning how to spread my wings and fly. Being so weighed down, stressed out and depressed affected almost everything I did. Even at my heaviest weight I was still pretty active but stress eating, emotional eating (no matter what emotion) and binging would negate any activity burn I would get. No amount of exercise is going to make up for regular binges of thousands of calories.
I've never paid much attention to horoscopes, numerology and other hippy-dippy cosmic theories but I downloaded an app on my phone and have been checking my horoscope lately just for sh*ts and giggles. It's been interesting to see how accurate it has reflected back what has been going on in my life lately.
After melting off 90+ pounds, I feel like I finally shed my fat suit cocoon and I am just learning how to spread my wings and fly. Being so weighed down, stressed out and depressed affected almost everything I did. Even at my heaviest weight I was still pretty active but stress eating, emotional eating (no matter what emotion) and binging would negate any activity burn I would get. No amount of exercise is going to make up for regular binges of thousands of calories.
I've never paid much attention to horoscopes, numerology and other hippy-dippy cosmic theories but I downloaded an app on my phone and have been checking my horoscope lately just for sh*ts and giggles. It's been interesting to see how accurate it has reflected back what has been going on in my life lately.
Here's what I read yesterday:
Cancer Aug 7 2011As an adult, I've never gotten involved in any type of organized religion but I've always felt a spiritual connection especially when I am out enjoying and taking pictures of the beauty in nature. Hiking and ATVing through the deep woods, watching the seasons change, snowmobiling through the pristine snow covered trails, looking up at the milky way, wishing on shooting stars, being awed by the magnificence of the Aurora Borealis...it all makes me feel so small in the grand scheme of things but also connected to something so much bigger than me at the same time.
Native Americans find guidance in nature, with many trees and animals offering specific symbolism. If a butterfly were to begin to show up frequently in someone's life, for example, it might signify some kind of transformation. You are very close to the earth and its creatures, Moonchild. You can relate to this kind of spiritual sensitivity. Right now there's a recurring theme in your life. You've probably been wondering about its significance. Yes, it has meaning. If you interpret with your heart and your intuition, you will receive the wonderful message it is sending you.
Not only did I receive a butterfly wing necklace for my birthday but I have been seeing butterflies flutter around me more than I ever have before. Is it some sort of sign? Is nature trying to tell me something?
I believe we are constantly being sent messages and it's only when we are able to turn down the noise of everything going on that we are able to hear the messages. Have you ever gotten a message through nature? Do you believe in signs? Are you willing to make a change?
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Slimmer this Summer and 101 Days of Summer Challenges Update
We finally got some relief from the sweltering heat and humidity last week. Ahhhh...it feels so good to be able to breathe again. I was starting to feel like a caged animal being trapped in the recycled air-conditioned rooms. It was so cool and beautiful out I decided to skip the gym for an outdoor workout last week. More on that to follow.
We are only a few short weeks away from Labor Day and the unofficial end of summer and the official end to these summer challenges. How is everyone doing? Are you closer to your goals now than you were in June? Are you making progress? holding steady? or need a jump start?
Here are my most recent stats:
WEIGH IN
6/1/11 101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Starting Weight: 149.5 lbs.
6/6/11 Slimmer this Summer Starting Weight: 151.2 lbs.
6/10/11 Weigh In: 148.2 lbs.
6/17/11 Weigh In: 147.5 lbs.
6/24/11 Weigh In: 147.5 lbs.
7/1/11 Weigh In: 148.4 lbs.
7/8/11 Weigh In: 146.4 lbs.
7/15/11 Weigh In: 146.4 lbs.
7/22/11 Weigh In: 147.9 lbs.
7/29/11 Weigh In: 145.7 lbs.
8/5/11 Weigh In: 145.5 lbs.
101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Loss to Date: 4.0 lbs.
Slimmer this Summer Challenge Weight Loss to Date: 5.7 lbs.
Starting Weight (11/2009): 242 lbs.
Current Weight (8/5/11): 145.5 lbs.
Total Loss: 96.5 lbs.
Another .2 pounds gone! It's not much but it's going in the right direction so I'm happy with it.
HYDRATION
Still not paying much attention to my water consumption but I'm sure I'm getting enough.
EXERCISE
Ellipitcalling, kickboxing, walking and RUNNING! Yes, running! Well, not what runners would consider running but running for me.
DO NOT QUIT
I'm ALL IN! Quitting is not an option!
KEEP BLOGGING
Hi! I'm still here.
ENCOURAGE OTHERS
Still working my way around, spreading the love and trying to encourage everyone to march to the beat of their own drum. Keep marching!
C25K
I RAN! OUTSIDE! Last Wednesday when the heat wave broke I decided to skip the gym and take my workout to the beach. My knee was feeling better so I thought I would pick up the C25K program where I left off. I completed Week 4, Day 1 of the program which included FIVE WHOLE MINUTES of running. I think it was the first time I ran outside since I was a kid and it felt amazing, weird but amazing. What a difference it is running outside than feeling like a hampster on a wheel trudging along on the dreadmill at the gym. It was great to be outside and RUNNING. I was a little giddy and thought about running like a crazy kid ala Phoebe on Friends but I held back from making a complete fool of myself. I still don't think I'll ever consider myself to be a "runner" but I'm glad to be making some progress on the C25K program after being sidelined for so long.
GET TO GOAL and START MAINTENANCE ~ FINALLY
I'm not there yet but I'm two tenths of a pound closer to my goal. I know lots of people would be totally frustrated with such slow progress but the slow and steady plan is working for me so I'm sticking with it. I know I will get there no matter how long it takes and I will have learned the lessons I need to learn to keep it off this time.
Stay strong, be cool and rock on!
Speedy Turtle Out!
We are only a few short weeks away from Labor Day and the unofficial end of summer and the official end to these summer challenges. How is everyone doing? Are you closer to your goals now than you were in June? Are you making progress? holding steady? or need a jump start?
Here are my most recent stats:
WEIGH IN
6/1/11 101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Starting Weight: 149.5 lbs.
6/6/11 Slimmer this Summer Starting Weight: 151.2 lbs.
6/10/11 Weigh In: 148.2 lbs.
6/17/11 Weigh In: 147.5 lbs.
6/24/11 Weigh In: 147.5 lbs.
7/1/11 Weigh In: 148.4 lbs.
7/8/11 Weigh In: 146.4 lbs.
7/15/11 Weigh In: 146.4 lbs.
7/22/11 Weigh In: 147.9 lbs.
7/29/11 Weigh In: 145.7 lbs.
8/5/11 Weigh In: 145.5 lbs.
101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Loss to Date: 4.0 lbs.
Slimmer this Summer Challenge Weight Loss to Date: 5.7 lbs.
Starting Weight (11/2009): 242 lbs.
Current Weight (8/5/11): 145.5 lbs.
Total Loss: 96.5 lbs.
Another .2 pounds gone! It's not much but it's going in the right direction so I'm happy with it.
HYDRATION
Still not paying much attention to my water consumption but I'm sure I'm getting enough.
EXERCISE
Ellipitcalling, kickboxing, walking and RUNNING! Yes, running! Well, not what runners would consider running but running for me.
DO NOT QUIT
I'm ALL IN! Quitting is not an option!
KEEP BLOGGING
Hi! I'm still here.
ENCOURAGE OTHERS
Still working my way around, spreading the love and trying to encourage everyone to march to the beat of their own drum. Keep marching!
C25K
I RAN! OUTSIDE! Last Wednesday when the heat wave broke I decided to skip the gym and take my workout to the beach. My knee was feeling better so I thought I would pick up the C25K program where I left off. I completed Week 4, Day 1 of the program which included FIVE WHOLE MINUTES of running. I think it was the first time I ran outside since I was a kid and it felt amazing, weird but amazing. What a difference it is running outside than feeling like a hampster on a wheel trudging along on the dreadmill at the gym. It was great to be outside and RUNNING. I was a little giddy and thought about running like a crazy kid ala Phoebe on Friends but I held back from making a complete fool of myself. I still don't think I'll ever consider myself to be a "runner" but I'm glad to be making some progress on the C25K program after being sidelined for so long.
GET TO GOAL and START MAINTENANCE ~ FINALLY
I'm not there yet but I'm two tenths of a pound closer to my goal. I know lots of people would be totally frustrated with such slow progress but the slow and steady plan is working for me so I'm sticking with it. I know I will get there no matter how long it takes and I will have learned the lessons I need to learn to keep it off this time.
Stay strong, be cool and rock on!
Speedy Turtle Out!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
How Did I Get Here?
As I sit here, I am a mere 4.6 pounds away from reaching my goal of losing 101 pounds. Really? I'm wearing sizes 4's, 6's and 8's. Really? I'm working out regularly. Really? I love kickboxing. Really? I'm not binging and stuffing my emotions down with food anymore. Really? I still indulge in cakes, cookies and ice cream on occasion. Really? Who am I and how did I get here?
My goal weight is probably higher than "they" recommend but I think it's realistic and maintainable. It's a little crazy to think that my goal weight is probably the same weight I was when I started my very first diet and thought I was SO FAT. Oh, why are we so stupid when we're young? Why can't we really see ourselves? What was I thinking?
Losing weight, no matter how you do it, is NEVER easy. We all want a magic pill, a quick and easy plan, a list of foods to eat and a list to stay away from. We look to anyone and everyone to tell us HOW to do it when, like Dorothy with her ruby slippers, we finally realize that we have the power, we've had the power all along.
I do feel like I had a little bit of an advantage this time around because when I got laid off in November 2009 I got rid of the crushing stress that was sucking the life out of me and had the luxury of having the time to devote to going to the gym like it was my job. I was determined to take advantage of the time and work on finding myself.
For the first few months I pretty much stuck to the elliptical machine. I always picked a machine that was far away from the mirrors and in the back row because I didn't want to look at myFATself and I certainly didn't want anyone else watching me. I would struggle to stay on there for 30 minutes at Level 1. I was barely able to keep the machine from shutting down because I was moving so slow. It was hard but I forced myself to go and just do it at least 5 days a week. After a few months I was able to increase my time to 60 minutes but it was hard. Very rarely I would venture off to the dreadmill (snore), bike (ouch-knee pain) and weight room (zzzzz) to mix things up a bit but I felt I got my best workouts on the elliptical.
Although I've never been much of a cook, funds were low and I was forced to cut down on eating out. No matter what I threw together at home it was almost always healthier and less fattening than anything I would get at a restaurant. I wasn't stress eating and I was getting better at controlling my binge episodes. I wasn't stressed out and there weren't so many emotions swirling around anymore so I stopped trying to stuff them down with vast amounts of food.
The weight wasn't coming off fast, as you can clearly see from my weekly weigh-ins on the sidebar, but it was coming off, sometimes a tenth of a pound at a time, sometimes adjusting upwards, but I knew I was onto something. I felt better and more determined than ever. I was doing something consistently and I knew if I stuck with it I would continue to see results.
After I lost about 50-60 pounds I finally worked up the courage to try a Zumba class and shortly after that my friend invited me to join her for a cardio kickboxing class. As you know by now, I absolutely love getting my ass kicked. I wish I had done it sooner. There isn't a single person in those classes that care how heavy you are, how high you can kick or how much you sweat. They are there for themselves and don't really care how you look. I can't believe I now look forward to working out and will rearrange my schedule so I don't miss my classes.
It took way too long but I finally learned that there is no magic pill or easy way to lose weight. You may find something that works for a while, allows you to drop the weight and then it all comes back and brings more fat along with it. I didn't try to force myself to live by someone else's rules. I didn't count points, I didn't count calories, there were no foods that were off limits, I still ate cake and cookies and everything I wanted but I ate it in moderation. There were no rules and there was no deadline.
There wasn't a single week over the past 20 months that I lost more than 5 pounds. The most I lost in a single week was 4.8 pounds and then the following week I gained back 3.3 pounds. Of course I loved seeing the numbers on the scale go down but they didn't tell the whole story. The scale lost its power to control my attitude once I realized that it wasn't all about the numbers as long as I continued to work out consistently and eat relatively healthy 90% of the time.
Unfortunately, I will be going back to work soon and I'm really nervous about being able to get my workouts in and not letting stress eat at me but I have faith I'll find a way to work it out. It's important and I know I need to do it so I don't backslide back into obesity.
I truly believe that we need to make our own rules and find a plan that works for us as individuals. Eat the foods you like, find something you enjoy doing that works up a good sweat, take care of yourself and know that if you stick with your plan consistently you will see results. It's not a race to the finish line, slow and steady will get you there too. I like to say "I'm fast like turtle now." I don't know when but I do know I'll cross that finish line no matter how long it takes.
Why did it take me so long to figure things out? Why did I waste so many years being fat and miserable? How am I going to make sure I don't ever put that fat suit on again? I'm not sure. I do know that I wouldn't be here if I gave into the despair and sense of hopelessness I felt for so long. No matter where you are on your journey, don't ever give up trying, you don't know how close you are to finding what works for you.
The most important thing I've learned is to never EVER give up!
Friday, July 29, 2011
101 Days of Summer and Slimmer this Summer Challenge Update
I can't believe it's the last weekend of July already! I know I say it all the time but I just can't believe how quickly time is flying. Don't blink, it will be Christmas before you know it.
Another week down so it's time to update my Slimmer this Summer and 101 Days of Summer Challenges progress.
WEIGH IN
6/1/11 101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Starting Weight: 149.5 lbs.
6/6/11 Slimmer this Summer Starting Weight: 151.2 lbs.
6/10/11 Weigh In: 148.2 lbs.
6/17/11 Weigh In: 147.5 lbs.
6/24/11 Weigh In: 147.5 lbs.
7/1/11 Weigh In: 148.4 lbs.
7/8/11 Weigh In: 146.4 lbs.
7/15/11 Weigh In: 146.4 lbs.
7/22/11 Weigh In: 147.9 lbs.
7/29/11 Weigh In: 145.7 lbs.
101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Loss to Date: 3.8 lbs.
Slimmer this Summer Challenge Weight Loss to Date: 5.5 lbs.
Starting Weight (11/2009): 242 lbs.
Current Weight (7/29/11): 145.7 lbs.
Total Loss: 96.3 lbs.
YES! Another 2.2 pounds gone! I'm so close to my goal I can almost taste it.
One important thing I've learned by weighing myself almost every day over the past 20+ months is that my weight can fluctuate wildly over the course of a single week. As an example, last Friday I weighed in at 147.9, on Monday it was up to 150.1 (yikes!) and by today it was back down to 145.7. I used to throw in the towel when I came home from a weekend away and saw a big gain because I didn't understand how I could gain so much in just a couple of days after working so hard the prior week. The numbers are just numbers now. They are a guide but they certainly don't tell the whole story. Don't let the numbers freak you out, just keep doing the right things and have faith that being consistent with healthy eating and moving your ass will give you results.
HYDRATION
I haven't really been paying much attention to my water consumption but I think I've been getting enough.
EXERCISE
I'm shocked by how much I look forward to getting my ass kicked. My thighs and ass are killing me from yesterday's kickboxing class. I think it was the sumo squats that did it. Oh, it hurts so good. I keep thinking I should change things up in my exercise routine but for now two days of kickboxing, three days of ellipticalling and a few good long walks is doing the trick.
DO NOT QUIT
I'm ALL IN! Quitting is not an option!
KEEP BLOGGING
Hi! I'm still here.
ENCOURAGE OTHERS
I've been trying to get around and shake my pom-poms, offer advice and encourage my fellow challengers around the blogsphere but there just isn't enough hours in the day to get around to everyone.
C25K
My knee has been feeling better but I don't want to push it too hard too fast so I've been holding off on getting back to the C25K program. I'm thinking about hitting the dreadmill sometime this week and see how it feels.
GET TO GOAL and START MAINTENANCE ~ FINALLY
I'm getting closer and closer to my goal and look forward to starting the process of maintaining.
I'm still rocking the slow and steady plan and will get there when I get there. I'm speedy like turtle.
Stay strong, be cool and rock on!
Another week down so it's time to update my Slimmer this Summer and 101 Days of Summer Challenges progress.
WEIGH IN
6/1/11 101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Starting Weight: 149.5 lbs.
6/6/11 Slimmer this Summer Starting Weight: 151.2 lbs.
6/10/11 Weigh In: 148.2 lbs.
6/17/11 Weigh In: 147.5 lbs.
6/24/11 Weigh In: 147.5 lbs.
7/1/11 Weigh In: 148.4 lbs.
7/8/11 Weigh In: 146.4 lbs.
7/15/11 Weigh In: 146.4 lbs.
7/22/11 Weigh In: 147.9 lbs.
7/29/11 Weigh In: 145.7 lbs.
101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Loss to Date: 3.8 lbs.
Slimmer this Summer Challenge Weight Loss to Date: 5.5 lbs.
Starting Weight (11/2009): 242 lbs.
Current Weight (7/29/11): 145.7 lbs.
Total Loss: 96.3 lbs.
YES! Another 2.2 pounds gone! I'm so close to my goal I can almost taste it.
One important thing I've learned by weighing myself almost every day over the past 20+ months is that my weight can fluctuate wildly over the course of a single week. As an example, last Friday I weighed in at 147.9, on Monday it was up to 150.1 (yikes!) and by today it was back down to 145.7. I used to throw in the towel when I came home from a weekend away and saw a big gain because I didn't understand how I could gain so much in just a couple of days after working so hard the prior week. The numbers are just numbers now. They are a guide but they certainly don't tell the whole story. Don't let the numbers freak you out, just keep doing the right things and have faith that being consistent with healthy eating and moving your ass will give you results.
HYDRATION
I haven't really been paying much attention to my water consumption but I think I've been getting enough.
EXERCISE
I'm shocked by how much I look forward to getting my ass kicked. My thighs and ass are killing me from yesterday's kickboxing class. I think it was the sumo squats that did it. Oh, it hurts so good. I keep thinking I should change things up in my exercise routine but for now two days of kickboxing, three days of ellipticalling and a few good long walks is doing the trick.
DO NOT QUIT
I'm ALL IN! Quitting is not an option!
KEEP BLOGGING
Hi! I'm still here.
ENCOURAGE OTHERS
I've been trying to get around and shake my pom-poms, offer advice and encourage my fellow challengers around the blogsphere but there just isn't enough hours in the day to get around to everyone.
C25K
My knee has been feeling better but I don't want to push it too hard too fast so I've been holding off on getting back to the C25K program. I'm thinking about hitting the dreadmill sometime this week and see how it feels.
GET TO GOAL and START MAINTENANCE ~ FINALLY
I'm getting closer and closer to my goal and look forward to starting the process of maintaining.
I'm still rocking the slow and steady plan and will get there when I get there. I'm speedy like turtle.
Stay strong, be cool and rock on!
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Slimmer this Summer and 101 Days of Summer Challenges
Another week is in the hot and steamy record books almost everywhere in the USA. This summer is flying by so fast it's making me a bit dizzy. I wish there were a way to make time slow down instead of whizzing by at the speed of light.
It's time again for another challenge update for the Slimmer this Summer and 101 Days of Summer Challenges:
WEIGH IN
6/1/11 101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Starting Weight: 149.5 lbs.
6/6/11 Slimmer this Summer Starting Weight: 151.2 lbs.
6/10/11 Weigh In: 148.2 lbs.
6/17/11 Weigh In: 147.5 lbs.
6/24/11 Weigh In: 147.5 lbs.
7/1/11 Weigh In: 148.4 lbs.
7/8/11 Weigh In: 146.4 lbs.
7/15/11 Weigh In: 146.4 lbs.
7/22/11 Weigh In: 147.9 lbs.
101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Loss to Date: 1.6 lbs.
Slimmer this Summer Challenge Weight Loss to Date: 3.3 lbs.
Starting Weight (11/2009): 242 lbs.
Current Weight (7/22/11): 147.9 lbs.
Total Loss: 94.1 lbs.
Even though I gained 1.5 pounds this week and it may seem like I'm not making much progress, I'm learning very important things about maintenance. I'm bouncing back and forth from "overweight" to "normal" BMI and as much as I look forward to getting to goal, I'm more focused on feeling comfortable in my skin. I'm in the range I want to stay at even though I still have 6.9 pounds to reach my goal of 101 pounds lost. I don't know when it will happen but I know I'll get there.
HYDRATION - Check! With the hot temperatures and high humidity, staying hydrated is actually a matter of life and death.
EXERCISE - Kickboxing, ellipticalling, walking, swimming - I'm doing it!
DO NOT QUIT - I'm all in this time. Quitting is not an option!
KEEP BLOGGING - Check!
ENCOURAGE OTHERS
My computer is in one of the rooms without air conditioning so I haven't been spending much time in there lately. I have been reading and trying to comment from my dumb-phone but it can be time consuming and frustrating to comment from there. The temps are supposed to be more comfortable this week and I actually shut the air conditioners off last night so I'm hoping to get around and shake my pom-poms or do some ass kicking around the blogsphere.
C25K - Still not happening due to my knee issues. Someday....
GET TO GOAL and START MAINTENANCE ~ FINALLY
I'm still not there yet but I'm getting some good maintenance practice.
It's not very exciting on the weight loss front around here but I'm still holding on to a 90+ pound weight loss and working toward my goal. Even though it's like watching grass grow or paint dry, I'm happy to be rocking the slow and steady plan....
Stay strong, be cool and rock on!
It's time again for another challenge update for the Slimmer this Summer and 101 Days of Summer Challenges:
WEIGH IN
6/1/11 101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Starting Weight: 149.5 lbs.
6/6/11 Slimmer this Summer Starting Weight: 151.2 lbs.
6/10/11 Weigh In: 148.2 lbs.
6/17/11 Weigh In: 147.5 lbs.
6/24/11 Weigh In: 147.5 lbs.
7/1/11 Weigh In: 148.4 lbs.
7/8/11 Weigh In: 146.4 lbs.
7/15/11 Weigh In: 146.4 lbs.
7/22/11 Weigh In: 147.9 lbs.
101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Loss to Date: 1.6 lbs.
Slimmer this Summer Challenge Weight Loss to Date: 3.3 lbs.
Starting Weight (11/2009): 242 lbs.
Current Weight (7/22/11): 147.9 lbs.
Total Loss: 94.1 lbs.
Even though I gained 1.5 pounds this week and it may seem like I'm not making much progress, I'm learning very important things about maintenance. I'm bouncing back and forth from "overweight" to "normal" BMI and as much as I look forward to getting to goal, I'm more focused on feeling comfortable in my skin. I'm in the range I want to stay at even though I still have 6.9 pounds to reach my goal of 101 pounds lost. I don't know when it will happen but I know I'll get there.
HYDRATION - Check! With the hot temperatures and high humidity, staying hydrated is actually a matter of life and death.
EXERCISE - Kickboxing, ellipticalling, walking, swimming - I'm doing it!
DO NOT QUIT - I'm all in this time. Quitting is not an option!
KEEP BLOGGING - Check!
ENCOURAGE OTHERS
My computer is in one of the rooms without air conditioning so I haven't been spending much time in there lately. I have been reading and trying to comment from my dumb-phone but it can be time consuming and frustrating to comment from there. The temps are supposed to be more comfortable this week and I actually shut the air conditioners off last night so I'm hoping to get around and shake my pom-poms or do some ass kicking around the blogsphere.
C25K - Still not happening due to my knee issues. Someday....
GET TO GOAL and START MAINTENANCE ~ FINALLY
I'm still not there yet but I'm getting some good maintenance practice.
It's not very exciting on the weight loss front around here but I'm still holding on to a 90+ pound weight loss and working toward my goal. Even though it's like watching grass grow or paint dry, I'm happy to be rocking the slow and steady plan....
Stay strong, be cool and rock on!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Challenges Update
Here we are smack dab in the middle of July, more than halfway through 2011 already. Time keeps ticking by faster and faster and before we know it the summer will be over.
It's been crazy hot and humid here in New England and there is no relief in sight with the forecast calling for a heatwave with temps in the 90s the whole week. I'm not a big fan of the heat and find myself daydreaming about snow and cooler temperatures when I feel sweat dripping down my back just standing still. I know most people think I'm crazy but the heat and humidity just sucks all the energy right out of me. Thank G-D for air conditioning.
It's that time again for another update for the Slimmer this Summer and 101 Days of Summer Challenges:
WEIGH IN
101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Starting Weight (6/1/11): 149.5 lbs.
Slimmer this Summer Starting Weight (6/6/11): 151.2 lbs.
6/10/11 Weigh In: 148.2 lbs.
6/17/11 Weigh In: 147.5 lbs.
6/24/11 Weigh In: 147.5 lbs.
7/1/11 Weigh In: 148.4 lbs.
7/8/11 Weigh In: 146.4 lbs.
Current Weight (7/15/11): 146.4 lbs.
101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Loss to Date: 3.1 lbs.
Total Slimmer this Summer Challenge Weight Loss to Date: 4.8 lbs.
Starting Weight (11/2009): 242 lbs.
Current Weight (7/15/11): 146.4 lbs.
Total Loss: 95.6 lbs.
No loss/no gain this week but I'm happy to be practicing maintenance. I'm totally rocking the slow and steady plan.
HYDRATION
It's so much easier to remember to drink water when it's so damn HOT. I can't seem to get enough water these days since I'm pouring sweat just walking outside.
EXERCISE
I've been getting my ass kicked at kickboxing twice a week (and loving it!), going for long walks late in the day and doing time on the elliptical at the gym regularly. I even got some swim time in the pool yesterday.
DO NOT QUIT
I'm all in this time. Quitting is not an option!
KEEP BLOGGING
I'm so thankful to be part of this blogging community. I am inspired every single day. Thank you!
ENCOURAGE OTHERS
I wish I had more time to comment and encourage everyone but I've been trying to limit my computer time and actually get out and live life instead of sitting in front of the screen reading and writing about it.
C25K
This goal is still on hold due to the wonky knee. Someday....
GET TO GOAL and START MAINTENANCE ~ FINALLY
I'm not there yet but I'm getting some good maintenance practice.
NSV!
I still can't believe it - I wore a pair of SIZE 4 shorts! SIZE 4! Really? I must be dreaming, right? Somebody pinch me. I don't care if it's just vanity sizing, the tag said SIZE 4. How is that possible? The last time I was at this weight I think I was squeezing into Size 10s. I think it goes to prove that the number on the scale doesn't represent the whole picture. The weight may have been the same but my body composition is totally different. I didn't think it was possible for me to ever squeeze into a Size 4. I think I have sticker (tag) shock. Is today's Size 4 equal to Size 10s from 10 years ago? I don't think I really want to know.
Well, it's time for me to get my ass to the gym and work on getting off these last few stubborn pounds and get to my goal. Slow and steady....
Stay strong, be cool and rock on!
It's been crazy hot and humid here in New England and there is no relief in sight with the forecast calling for a heatwave with temps in the 90s the whole week. I'm not a big fan of the heat and find myself daydreaming about snow and cooler temperatures when I feel sweat dripping down my back just standing still. I know most people think I'm crazy but the heat and humidity just sucks all the energy right out of me. Thank G-D for air conditioning.
It's that time again for another update for the Slimmer this Summer and 101 Days of Summer Challenges:
WEIGH IN
101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Starting Weight (6/1/11): 149.5 lbs.
Slimmer this Summer Starting Weight (6/6/11): 151.2 lbs.
6/10/11 Weigh In: 148.2 lbs.
6/17/11 Weigh In: 147.5 lbs.
6/24/11 Weigh In: 147.5 lbs.
7/1/11 Weigh In: 148.4 lbs.
7/8/11 Weigh In: 146.4 lbs.
Current Weight (7/15/11): 146.4 lbs.
101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Loss to Date: 3.1 lbs.
Total Slimmer this Summer Challenge Weight Loss to Date: 4.8 lbs.
Starting Weight (11/2009): 242 lbs.
Current Weight (7/15/11): 146.4 lbs.
Total Loss: 95.6 lbs.
No loss/no gain this week but I'm happy to be practicing maintenance. I'm totally rocking the slow and steady plan.
HYDRATION
It's so much easier to remember to drink water when it's so damn HOT. I can't seem to get enough water these days since I'm pouring sweat just walking outside.
EXERCISE
I've been getting my ass kicked at kickboxing twice a week (and loving it!), going for long walks late in the day and doing time on the elliptical at the gym regularly. I even got some swim time in the pool yesterday.
DO NOT QUIT
I'm all in this time. Quitting is not an option!
KEEP BLOGGING
I'm so thankful to be part of this blogging community. I am inspired every single day. Thank you!
ENCOURAGE OTHERS
I wish I had more time to comment and encourage everyone but I've been trying to limit my computer time and actually get out and live life instead of sitting in front of the screen reading and writing about it.
C25K
This goal is still on hold due to the wonky knee. Someday....
GET TO GOAL and START MAINTENANCE ~ FINALLY
I'm not there yet but I'm getting some good maintenance practice.
NSV!
I still can't believe it - I wore a pair of SIZE 4 shorts! SIZE 4! Really? I must be dreaming, right? Somebody pinch me. I don't care if it's just vanity sizing, the tag said SIZE 4. How is that possible? The last time I was at this weight I think I was squeezing into Size 10s. I think it goes to prove that the number on the scale doesn't represent the whole picture. The weight may have been the same but my body composition is totally different. I didn't think it was possible for me to ever squeeze into a Size 4. I think I have sticker (tag) shock. Is today's Size 4 equal to Size 10s from 10 years ago? I don't think I really want to know.
Well, it's time for me to get my ass to the gym and work on getting off these last few stubborn pounds and get to my goal. Slow and steady....
Stay strong, be cool and rock on!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Flying High
Up, Up and Away!Wow! What an amazing birthday weekend celebration! Thank you all so much for the sweet birthday wishes. I have to say that 44 is feeling pretty damn good even though I don't feel like a 44 year old. When I turned 40 four years ago I felt so old but after losing 90+ pounds over the past 20 months I feel better and younger than I have in decades. I have so much energy and can't seem to sit still anymore.
I had a banner birthday weekend in Vermont with B and one of my best friends. It was like the party that didn't end. We had lots of good food including homemade birthday cupcakes, perfectly toasted marshmallows at the bon fire, hot wings, sweet corn on the cob, fresh blueberry pancakes, Ben & Jerry's Frozen Yogurt, etc. etc. I certainly indulged but didn't binge or feel overstuffed at any time. I fully expected to see a gain after all the extra indulgences but was pleasantly surprised to still be in the "normal" range and even reached a new low (145.7 lbs.) when I got back home.
We took a ride to Stowe on Saturday for Stoweflake's 25th Annual Hot Air Balloon Festival. Although I didn't go up in a balloon I did get wings. My friend bought me the most beautiful real butterfly wing necklace. She said it's a representation of my metamorphosis. I am just learning how to spread my wings and fly again after being grounded for so long.
Do you have wings? Are you flying high or stuck in the muck? What will it take for you to spread your wings and fly? I hope you find them soon and join me up here, the view is spectacular. Come fly with me!
Party on!
Friday, July 8, 2011
Older and Wiser or Just Older?
Happy Birthday to ME! Where does the time go? I've been on this planet, living this life for the past 44 years. How did that happen? I don't feel 44. I feel better now than I did at 34 and even 24. Why did it take me so long to figure it out? I don't even feel like a grown up yet and still have no idea what I want to be when I grow up. Am I missing something or is everyone else just faking it?
This picture was taken four years ago at my surprise 40th birthday party and although I was happy to celebrate the big milestone with my friends and family I did not want to pose for any pictures. I couldn't believe I was turning 40 and was still fat. I wasted the majority of my 20s and 30s riding the weight loss/gain roller coaster (mostly gaining) and I was desperate to get off. My birthday wish that year was the same wish I made every year ~ to get out of the fat suit and get in shape. What was I waiting for? Weight loss is even harder after 40 and time was not on my side.
I started this blog thinking it would keep me accountable and spur me on to weight loss success but it didn't really happen. I thought about losing weight, I talked about losing weight, I wrote about losing weight but I didn't actually put in the effort needed to do it. I continued to struggle for more than 2 years before everything finally fell into place when I lost my high stress job after 11 years. I started going to the gym like it was my job and very SLOWLY started to see progress. I don't know why it took me so long but better late than never, right? I'm still not at my goal but I'm thisclose.
Anyway, here's my Slimmer this Summer and 101 Days of Summer Challenges Update:
WEIGH IN
101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Starting Weight (6/1/11): 149.5 lbs.
WEIGH IN
101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Starting Weight (6/1/11): 149.5 lbs.
Slimmer this Summer Starting Weight (6/6/11): 151.2 lbs.
6/10/11 Weigh In: 148.2 lbs.
6/10/11 Weigh In: 148.2 lbs.
6/17/11 Weigh In: 147.5 lbs.
6/24/11 Weigh In: 147.5 lbs.
7/1/11 Weigh In: 148.4 lbs.
Current Weight (7/8/11): 146.4 lbs.
101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Loss to Date: 3.1 lbs.
Total Slimmer this Summer Challenge Weight Loss to Date: 4.8 lbs.
Starting Weight (11/2009): 242 lbs.
Current Weight (7/1/11): 146.4 lbs.
Total Loss: 95.6 lbs.
Happy Birthday to me! I'm normal again! BMI Normal that is. I saw "normal" for a few seconds about a month ago but my weight jumped back up into the "overweight" category almost immediately and I have been trying to get back down to normal for the past month. Losing 2 pounds this week and getting back to "normal" doesn't feel much different than last week but it's still nice to see. I'm still working the slow and steady plan.
101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Loss to Date: 3.1 lbs.
Total Slimmer this Summer Challenge Weight Loss to Date: 4.8 lbs.
Starting Weight (11/2009): 242 lbs.
Current Weight (7/1/11): 146.4 lbs.
Total Loss: 95.6 lbs.
Happy Birthday to me! I'm normal again! BMI Normal that is. I saw "normal" for a few seconds about a month ago but my weight jumped back up into the "overweight" category almost immediately and I have been trying to get back down to normal for the past month. Losing 2 pounds this week and getting back to "normal" doesn't feel much different than last week but it's still nice to see. I'm still working the slow and steady plan.
HYDRATION
It's been hot and humid here in New England so I've been doing a good job of staying hydrated most days. I'm not trying to force myself to drink 100 ounces and think as long as I get the recommended 64 ounces I'm doing ok.
EXERCISE
I had to sacrifice a kickboxing class this week so I could get my hair done but it was worth it so I wouldn't have to walk around looking like I just turned 44. What would we ladies do without the magic of hair color?
DO NOT QUIT
This fight is for life. Quitting is not an option!
KEEP BLOGGING
Coming up on my 4 year blogaversary next month and I don't plan on going anywhere.
It's been hot and humid here in New England so I've been doing a good job of staying hydrated most days. I'm not trying to force myself to drink 100 ounces and think as long as I get the recommended 64 ounces I'm doing ok.
EXERCISE
I had to sacrifice a kickboxing class this week so I could get my hair done but it was worth it so I wouldn't have to walk around looking like I just turned 44. What would we ladies do without the magic of hair color?
DO NOT QUIT
This fight is for life. Quitting is not an option!
KEEP BLOGGING
Coming up on my 4 year blogaversary next month and I don't plan on going anywhere.
ENCOURAGE OTHERS
I've been having so much fun checking out my fellow challengers and all the new (to me) bloggers out there. I still haven't made it to everyone but I'm working on getting around to cheer everyone on to their goals.
C25K
Darn knee is still acting up so running is just not an option right now. C25K is still on hold. Someday....
GET TO GOAL and START MAINTENANCE ~ FINALLY
Only 5.4 more pounds to go! Slowly but surely I'm getting there. Stay tuned.
Darn knee is still acting up so running is just not an option right now. C25K is still on hold. Someday....
GET TO GOAL and START MAINTENANCE ~ FINALLY
Only 5.4 more pounds to go! Slowly but surely I'm getting there. Stay tuned.
They say you get a little older, you get a little wiser, right? No matter how old you are, don't waste another minute thinking about it because you can turn it all around today, right this minute. Don't wait. Do it now! You won't regret it.
Stay strong, be cool and rock on!
Monday, July 4, 2011
Sizzling Slimmer this Summer and 101 Days of Summer Update
Happy July 4th to my fellow Americans and a belated Happy Canada Day to my neighbors to the north. I hope everyone is celebrating their freedom by enjoying the weekend with friends, family, good food and fireworks.
We spent the weekend in Vermont working on the camp and didn't get much play time in but we got lots accomplished so it's all good. No BBQs or pool parties today either but we're planning on going for a bike ride tonight to get some frozen yogurt once it cools off a bit.
I'm a little late but here's my stats on the Slimmer this Summer and 101 Days of Summer Challenges:
WEIGH IN
101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Starting Weight (6/1/11): 149.5 lbs.
Current Weight (7/1/11): 148.4 lbs.
101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Loss to Date: 1.1 lbs.
Slimmer this Summer Starting Weight (6/6/11): 151.2 lbs.
Current Weight (7/1/11): 148.4 lbs.
Total Challenge Weight Loss: 2.8 lbs.
Starting Weight (11/2009): 242 lbs.
Current Weight (7/1/11): 148.4 lbs.
Total Loss: 93.6 lbs.
They aren't kidding when they say the last 10 pounds are the hardest to lose. I gained 0.9 pounds this week but I'm not stressing out about it. I've been working out, I've been eating well and I'm pretty comfortable maintaining this 90+ pound weight loss. Of course I'd love to get to my goal of 101 pounds lost and really start focusing on maintaining but I'm looking at this as practice maintenance. As you can see from my weekly weigh-in numbers it has never been a straight downward line of losses week after week. I lose a little, I gain a little, I lose a little, lather, rinse, repeat. It's all part of the cycle and I'll always be a work in progress.
HYDRATION
There were a few days last week I managed to get over 100 ounces of water down but I generally get at least the recommended 64 ounces so I think I'm staying sufficiently hydrated. Days like today with temps in the 90s makes it easier to remember to drink cool water.]
I'm a little late but here's my stats on the Slimmer this Summer and 101 Days of Summer Challenges:
WEIGH IN
101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Starting Weight (6/1/11): 149.5 lbs.
Current Weight (7/1/11): 148.4 lbs.
101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Loss to Date: 1.1 lbs.
Slimmer this Summer Starting Weight (6/6/11): 151.2 lbs.
Current Weight (7/1/11): 148.4 lbs.
Total Challenge Weight Loss: 2.8 lbs.
Starting Weight (11/2009): 242 lbs.
Current Weight (7/1/11): 148.4 lbs.
Total Loss: 93.6 lbs.
They aren't kidding when they say the last 10 pounds are the hardest to lose. I gained 0.9 pounds this week but I'm not stressing out about it. I've been working out, I've been eating well and I'm pretty comfortable maintaining this 90+ pound weight loss. Of course I'd love to get to my goal of 101 pounds lost and really start focusing on maintaining but I'm looking at this as practice maintenance. As you can see from my weekly weigh-in numbers it has never been a straight downward line of losses week after week. I lose a little, I gain a little, I lose a little, lather, rinse, repeat. It's all part of the cycle and I'll always be a work in progress.
HYDRATION
There were a few days last week I managed to get over 100 ounces of water down but I generally get at least the recommended 64 ounces so I think I'm staying sufficiently hydrated. Days like today with temps in the 90s makes it easier to remember to drink cool water.]
EXERCISE
Have I mentioned how much I love kickboxing? I've been going twice a week for months now and look forward to getting my ass kicked each and every week. Last week during class the instructor picked up a 20 pound medicine ball and handed it to me and told me to hold it for a while. The moves are hard enough without being weighed down with an additional 20 pounds but I pushed through it. I thought I was going to collapse after about 10 minutes with the ball when the instructor finally remembered I was still holding on to it. After class she apologized for picking on me. I told her it was ok, I needed it. The days I don't have kickboxing I've been logging in my usual 60 minutes on the elliptical. Those elliptical sessions seem so much easier now even though I've increased the level to 9 compared to 0 when I first started.
DO NOT QUIT
This fight is for life so I will never quit. It's just not an option.
Have I mentioned how much I love kickboxing? I've been going twice a week for months now and look forward to getting my ass kicked each and every week. Last week during class the instructor picked up a 20 pound medicine ball and handed it to me and told me to hold it for a while. The moves are hard enough without being weighed down with an additional 20 pounds but I pushed through it. I thought I was going to collapse after about 10 minutes with the ball when the instructor finally remembered I was still holding on to it. After class she apologized for picking on me. I told her it was ok, I needed it. The days I don't have kickboxing I've been logging in my usual 60 minutes on the elliptical. Those elliptical sessions seem so much easier now even though I've increased the level to 9 compared to 0 when I first started.
DO NOT QUIT
This fight is for life so I will never quit. It's just not an option.
KEEP BLOGGING
My little blog here is almost 4 years old and I'm still here! It was rough going for the first couple of years with hardly any progress but I think I've made up for it the past 20 months or so.
My little blog here is almost 4 years old and I'm still here! It was rough going for the first couple of years with hardly any progress but I think I've made up for it the past 20 months or so.
ENCOURAGE OTHERS
I'm still trying to visit everyone participating in the challenges but it's summertime and I'm trying to limit the time I spend indoors in front of the computer screen. If I haven't been by to visit yet, I'll be there soon. In the meantime, I'm cheering you on in spirit.
C25K
My knee still isn't up for running so the C25K is still on hold. Someday....
GET TO GOAL and START MAINTENANCE ~ FINALLY
Only 7.4 more pounds to lose 'til I get to my goal of 101 pounds lost. I have my eye on the finish line and can't wait to get there and start my journey of maintenance and healthy living for the rest of my life.
C25K
My knee still isn't up for running so the C25K is still on hold. Someday....
GET TO GOAL and START MAINTENANCE ~ FINALLY
Only 7.4 more pounds to lose 'til I get to my goal of 101 pounds lost. I have my eye on the finish line and can't wait to get there and start my journey of maintenance and healthy living for the rest of my life.
I'm getting ready to take a nice cool shower and then head out for some frozen yogurt.
Stay strong, be cool and rock on!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Still the Same
I was out to dinner celebrating Father's Day recently and my step monster kept looking over at me saying "you look so different" over and over and over again. It was like she had never seen me thin before or didn't remember what I looked like when I was thin and didn't recognize this latest version of me.
When I look in the mirror I still see me. Thinner, yes; less bloated, yes; happier, yes - but it's still me. Same blue eyes, same hair, same smile, same pasty white skin, same heart, same mind, same soul, it's all still me. I'm still the same but so different too.
Having lost and gained significant amounts of weight over my lifetime I have been able to see firsthand how differently people treat you when you are obese versus "normal." It's almost as if the bigger I got the less they saw me. I was hiding right there in plain sight but it was like I was invisible to some people. I could point out a number of people who I believe have severe fat phobia and probably think fat is contagious because they barely spoke to me or gave me the time of day when I was at my heaviest but want to be best buddies now. Then there are those who are able to see through the exterior package to the inside because they have treated me the same no matter what size my pants, they see ME. I like to think I see people for who they really are, not what size they are.
If you lost or gained 100+ pounds do you think everyone would treat you the same? Would you treat yourself the same?
When I look in the mirror I still see me. Thinner, yes; less bloated, yes; happier, yes - but it's still me. Same blue eyes, same hair, same smile, same pasty white skin, same heart, same mind, same soul, it's all still me. I'm still the same but so different too.
Having lost and gained significant amounts of weight over my lifetime I have been able to see firsthand how differently people treat you when you are obese versus "normal." It's almost as if the bigger I got the less they saw me. I was hiding right there in plain sight but it was like I was invisible to some people. I could point out a number of people who I believe have severe fat phobia and probably think fat is contagious because they barely spoke to me or gave me the time of day when I was at my heaviest but want to be best buddies now. Then there are those who are able to see through the exterior package to the inside because they have treated me the same no matter what size my pants, they see ME. I like to think I see people for who they really are, not what size they are.
If you lost or gained 100+ pounds do you think everyone would treat you the same? Would you treat yourself the same?
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Small Change Challenge Finale
It's hard to believe four weeks have gone by since the Small Change Challenge started. Is it just me or does time go by more quickly the older we get?As I mentioned in my previous updates, I thought drinking 100 ounces of water a day would be an easy peasy goal to reach but I was mistaken. The challenge definitely made me more aware of my water intake but I never made it through a full week of 100 ounces a day. I made progress each week and this past week was the best of the four weeks with 5 days of 100 ounces. I was even able to get up to 120 ounces on two days and only suffered a couple of bruised toes from the nighttime bathroom runs.
I noticed that I tend not to drink much when I have a long drive ahead or a long day outdoors without easily accessible facilities. I hate having to hit the rest stops constantly and admit to being a bit envious of the guys who are able to find instant relief on the nearest tree while my teeth are floating.
Even though this challenge is over I will continue to work on getting 100 ounces of water a day. I know how important it is to stay hydrated and it's true that drinking all that water fills you up, helps to keep things moving, makes your skin look better along with a host of other benefits.
I loved meeting all my fellow challengers and watching everyone make progress on their small change goals. We need to remember that all the small changes can add up to big results. Keep up the good work and keep making those small changes.
Cheers!
Cheers!
Friday, June 24, 2011
101 Days of Summer and Slimmer this Summer Challenge Update
It's officially summer here in New England but it certainly hasn't felt like it the past few days. It's been cool, rainy and dreary but I'm sure the heat and humidity will be back soon. They always say if you don't like the weather in New England, wait a minute, it will change.Here's the stats on my Slimmer this Summer and 101 Days of Summer Challenges progress:
WEIGH IN
101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Starting Weight (6/1/11): 149.5 lbs.
Current Weight (6/24/11): 147.5 lbs.
101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Loss to Date: 2.0 lbs.
Slimmer this Summer Starting Weight (6/6/11): 151.2 lbs.
Current Weight (6/24/11): 147.5 lbs.
Total Challenge Weight Loss: 3.7 lbs.
Starting Weight (11/2009): 242 lbs.
Current Weight (6/24/11): 147.5 lbs.
Total Loss: 94.5 lbs.
I weighed exactly the same today as I did last week so no progress on the weight loss front. There were a few days of eating out, including a father's day dinner, so I'm pretty sure those extra calories are the reason why. No worries, staying the same is better than a gain, right. I'm hoping to see a nice drop next week or the week after, or the week after...it will happen. Still just 6.5 lbs. away from goal. Oh, so close.
HYDRATION
Getting 100 ounces of water down every single day has been really hard. Other than a couple of cups of coffee or tea, water is the only other beverage I drink but still find it difficult to get it all down. I've worked up to 4 days this past week so there is still room for progress. I still drank a significant amount of water the other three days (at least 60-70 ounces) but didn't quite make the goal of 100 ounces. The good news is I haven't hit any hazards on my numerous nighttime visits to the bathroom.
EXERCISE
I've been working up a good sweat with hour long elliptical sessions, long walks and kickboxing. I used my sturdy new knee brace at kickboxing Tuesday and it seemed to help. The brace was sweaty and gross when I peeled it off but if it prevents me from injuring myself it is totally worth having to wash it every day.
DO NOT QUIT
I'm in this fight for life. There is no way I'm ever going to give up.
KEEP BLOGGING
Hi, I'm still here!
ENCOURAGE OTHERS
I've been trying to get around to everyone's blogs but there are so many challengers and so few hours in the day. If we haven't met yet, I'll be knocking on your blog door soon.
C25K
I haven't been able to make any progress on this goal since the knee is just not up to running. Someday....
GET TO GOAL ~ FINALLY!
I'm not there YET but I'm close enough to see the finish line although there really is no end to this journey. The battle will continue since I know how hard maintaining a weight loss can be.
START MAINTENANCE
Maintenance is where I always slipped up in the past but I think I've learned enough this time around to get it right and not backslide again.
Have you been making progress towards your goals? Have you tried anything new or had any mental breakthroughs? Tell me. I want to hear all about it.
Stay strong, be cool and rock on!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Fighting for It
I spent so many years fighting with myself. I couldn't understand how I kept getting fatter and fatter when I THOUGHT about losing weight ALL THE TIME. I couldn't understand why I couldn't just do it. I knew how to do it, I did it a number of times but always regained before I even reached my goal.
If losing weight was so damn important to me, if it consumed my thoughts every single day, why wasn't I getting it done? I used to ask myself "how bad do you really want it?" I wanted to lose weight, I needed to lose weight, I couldn't stand being fat for another minute but then I would dive into a bag of chocolate covered pretzels after eating lunch just to get through the afternoon at work. I'd stuff my emotions down with food, I'd eat long after the point of being full, I'd stuff myself 'til I was sick and couldn't eat another bite and then go back for more an hour later. Why do we do that?
When I would get home from work, stressed out and miserable, I would eat dinner and veg out in front of the tv. As much as I told myself I needed to workout, I just didn't have the energy to do anything. I would promise myself that I would get up early to workout the next day. Tomorrow would be the day I would get serious. I would set my alarm to get up but when it went off at an ungodly hour I would hit the snooze button over and over again until I stumbled out of bed feeling miserable and dreading the day ahead. Rinse, lather, repeat. It's true, the rich get richer and the fat get fatter.
I often wonder what came first, the depression or the fat. Was I fat because I was depressed or was I depressed because I was fat? I'm still not sure. I know I am much happier now that I've taken control of my health. I actually look forward to going to the gym and I absolutely love my cardio kickboxing classes. I feel strong and powerful even though I'm just punching and kicking air. I think it's important to find something you like to do. Go for a walk, take a bike ride, grab a hula hoop, dance around the living room, chase the kids around the house, whatever, just move more.
I know how hard it is to get out of the rut, to stop thinking about losing weight and actually do something to make it happen but I promise you it will be worth it. There is a magic bullet to weight loss but it's not an easy pill to swallow. You have to sweat regularly and you have to stop eating excessive amounts of processed crappy food. It really is that easy (easy to understand but so HARD to put into practice).
How bad do you really want it? Are you ready to fight for it? You can do it. All you have to do is, you know, DO IT!
I want to THANK YOU all for encouraging me through my years of struggles and joining me on this journey. It's nice to know no matter where we are on this journey there are others out there just like us. Keep fighting for it.
As Christina says ....
'Cause if it wasn't for all
That you tried to do
I wouldn't know just how capable I am to pull through
So I wanna say thank you
'Cause it
Makes me that much stronger
Makes me work a little bit harder
Makes me that much wiser
So thanks for making me a fighter
Made me learn a little bit faster
Made my skin a little bit thicker
Makes me that much smarter
So thanks for making me a fighter
....
I am a fighter
(I'm a fighter)
I ain't gonna stop
(I ain't gonna stop)
There is no turning back
I've had enough
....
Have you had enough yet? Are you ready to fight for yourself, for your health, for your quality of life? Time to put up your dukes and fight for it. You are worth it! Ding, Ding! Get in the ring!
If losing weight was so damn important to me, if it consumed my thoughts every single day, why wasn't I getting it done? I used to ask myself "how bad do you really want it?" I wanted to lose weight, I needed to lose weight, I couldn't stand being fat for another minute but then I would dive into a bag of chocolate covered pretzels after eating lunch just to get through the afternoon at work. I'd stuff my emotions down with food, I'd eat long after the point of being full, I'd stuff myself 'til I was sick and couldn't eat another bite and then go back for more an hour later. Why do we do that?
When I would get home from work, stressed out and miserable, I would eat dinner and veg out in front of the tv. As much as I told myself I needed to workout, I just didn't have the energy to do anything. I would promise myself that I would get up early to workout the next day. Tomorrow would be the day I would get serious. I would set my alarm to get up but when it went off at an ungodly hour I would hit the snooze button over and over again until I stumbled out of bed feeling miserable and dreading the day ahead. Rinse, lather, repeat. It's true, the rich get richer and the fat get fatter.
I often wonder what came first, the depression or the fat. Was I fat because I was depressed or was I depressed because I was fat? I'm still not sure. I know I am much happier now that I've taken control of my health. I actually look forward to going to the gym and I absolutely love my cardio kickboxing classes. I feel strong and powerful even though I'm just punching and kicking air. I think it's important to find something you like to do. Go for a walk, take a bike ride, grab a hula hoop, dance around the living room, chase the kids around the house, whatever, just move more.
I know how hard it is to get out of the rut, to stop thinking about losing weight and actually do something to make it happen but I promise you it will be worth it. There is a magic bullet to weight loss but it's not an easy pill to swallow. You have to sweat regularly and you have to stop eating excessive amounts of processed crappy food. It really is that easy (easy to understand but so HARD to put into practice).
How bad do you really want it? Are you ready to fight for it? You can do it. All you have to do is, you know, DO IT!
I want to THANK YOU all for encouraging me through my years of struggles and joining me on this journey. It's nice to know no matter where we are on this journey there are others out there just like us. Keep fighting for it.
As Christina says ....
'Cause if it wasn't for all
That you tried to do
I wouldn't know just how capable I am to pull through
So I wanna say thank you
'Cause it
Makes me that much stronger
Makes me work a little bit harder
Makes me that much wiser
So thanks for making me a fighter
Made me learn a little bit faster
Made my skin a little bit thicker
Makes me that much smarter
So thanks for making me a fighter
....
I am a fighter
(I'm a fighter)
I ain't gonna stop
(I ain't gonna stop)
There is no turning back
I've had enough
....
Have you had enough yet? Are you ready to fight for yourself, for your health, for your quality of life? Time to put up your dukes and fight for it. You are worth it! Ding, Ding! Get in the ring!
Small Change Challenge - Week 3
It's hard to believe we are already 3 weeks into the Small Change Challenge and I still haven't been able to get those 100 ounces of water down every day. This was supposed to be an easy goal to reach but I'm finding it harder than expected.
I have been making progress but have only worked up to 4 days this past week so I'm going to keep drinking. Time to refill my water bottle ~ two down, one more to go.
Cheers!
Friday, June 17, 2011
Slimmer this Summer and 101 Days of Summer Challenges Update
We are still a few days away from the official start to summer but I'm already in summertime mode. I actually bought a bathing suit tankini top last week and didn't even cringe when I tried in on. How's that for progress? Not sure there will be any photographic evidence of said bathing suit but it's a SIZE 8!
I was so excited to find a few fellow mavericks out there who agree with me that not all rules are for everyone. As I was reading a blog post entitled "How do I lose weight and eat whatever I want?" by a new blog friend, KLA, I was thinking "Yes," "I agree," "Amen!," "Exactly," "I know," and then I got to the part where she referred to my post about Breaking the Rules. I love when great minds think alike. I really think once we stop fighting with ourselves because we aren't cruising along with ease, dealing with setbacks, aren't perfect or can't lose weight as quickly as others we are able to find what works for us individually. We are all unique and need to tailor our healthy habits to our lifestyle.
So, here's the stats on my Slimmer this Summer and 101 Days of Summer Challenges goals:
I was so excited to find a few fellow mavericks out there who agree with me that not all rules are for everyone. As I was reading a blog post entitled "How do I lose weight and eat whatever I want?" by a new blog friend, KLA, I was thinking "Yes," "I agree," "Amen!," "Exactly," "I know," and then I got to the part where she referred to my post about Breaking the Rules. I love when great minds think alike. I really think once we stop fighting with ourselves because we aren't cruising along with ease, dealing with setbacks, aren't perfect or can't lose weight as quickly as others we are able to find what works for us individually. We are all unique and need to tailor our healthy habits to our lifestyle.
So, here's the stats on my Slimmer this Summer and 101 Days of Summer Challenges goals:
1. Stay hydrated:
As you can see from my Small Change Challenge post I did a little better this week staying hydrated. I actually got a little more than the 100 ounces in yesterday. I do need to try to drink more earlier in the day so I'm not up all night navigating the hazards to get to the bathroom.
2. Weigh in weekly:
Challenge Starting Weight (6/6/11): 151.2
Current Weight: 147.5
Total Challenge Weight Loss: 3.7
3. Stick to your exercise goals:
It's hard to believe that this is the easiest of goals for me. I've been hitting the gym for 60 minutes elliptical sessions, went to TaeBox twice this week and got lots of walking miles in. I'm still having some issues with my knee so I've been very careful not to aggravate it and had to modify some of the moves at kickboxing but I'm working around it and it's feeling a bit better now. I even went and got a better knee brace to wear to class to keep the knee more stable. Let's hope it heals quickly so I can get back to those high kicks.
4. DO NOT QUIT:
Quitting is not allowed. Even when I reach my goal I will still have to be vigilant about my food and exercise habits. I know how easy bad habits can sneak back into my life and drag me back down off the wagon. I don't ever want to see those lost pounds again. I fought hard to melt them off and destroy them and I will not allow them to come back.
5. Keep blogging:
Hi, I'm still here!
6. Encourage others:
It's been so much fun meeting so many new bloggers. Some are new to blogging and some have been around for a while but are new to me. I'm still working on getting around to meet everyone but there are not enough hours in the day. If I haven't stopped by your neck of the net yet, please be patient, I'll be by to visit soon.
1. Get to goal FINALLY!
I'm getting closer and closer every single day. I still need to pinch myself sometimes when I think of how far I've come after struggling for SO long.
101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Starting Weight (6/1/11): 149.5 lbs.
Current Weight (6/17/11): 147.5 lbs.
101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Loss to Date: 2.0 lbs.
Starting Weight 11/2009: 242 lbs.
Current Weight (6/17/11): 147.5 lbs.
Total Loss: 94.5 lbs.
I only have 6.5 more pounds to melt off 'til I reach my goal of 101 pounds lost. My Wii bitch tells me I'm back in the OVERWEIGHT BMI range after seeing it drop into the NORMAL range for a minute but I'm right there on the line and will get back to *normal* in my typical slow and steady fashion.
Current Weight (6/17/11): 147.5 lbs.
101 Days of Summer Challenge 2011 Loss to Date: 2.0 lbs.
Starting Weight 11/2009: 242 lbs.
Current Weight (6/17/11): 147.5 lbs.
Total Loss: 94.5 lbs.
I only have 6.5 more pounds to melt off 'til I reach my goal of 101 pounds lost. My Wii bitch tells me I'm back in the OVERWEIGHT BMI range after seeing it drop into the NORMAL range for a minute but I'm right there on the line and will get back to *normal* in my typical slow and steady fashion.
2. WATER:
I'm doing better and better getting enough water down but there is still lots of room for improvement.
I'm doing better and better getting enough water down but there is still lots of room for improvement.
3. C25K
This goal is still on hold due to the ol' knee injury. One of these days I'm going to make it through this program.
4. Start Maintenance
Not yet but I'll be there soon ....
4. Start Maintenance
Not yet but I'll be there soon ....
Hope you are all making good progress on reaching your summer challenge goals. I look forward to hearing all about your tips and tricks to this weight loss game and what's working for you. I'm always interested to find new ways to make this journey easier or more fun.
Have a great weekend! Rock on and stay cool!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Small Change Challenge - Week 2
Right now I'm drinking a delicious Cup of Stanley instead of water because the BOSTON BRUINS won the STANLEY CUP!!! I don't remember the last time they brought the Stanley Cup to Boston since I was barely out of diapers then so it's very exciting. It was such a great series to watch and a good way to get your heart rate up without having to exercise or break a sweat. I'm looking forward to another celebratory parade here in Boston. I've been to all the other parades we've had for the Celtics, Red Sox and Patriots so this will be sweet. It's so much fun to be a sports fan in this town.
Ok, time to update my hydration status. I did a little better this week by getting those 100 ounces in THREE whole days. Again, I got at least 64 ounces in the other days but only finished off that third bottle a few times. Maybe by the time the challenge ends I'll have worked my way up to a whole week of 100 ounces.
I definitely notice how full I feel when I do get those 100 ounces down. There was a study that said people ate significantly less when they drank a glass of water at least 20 minutes before a meal. I believe it because with all that water sloshing around in my belly I feel full much quicker.
There is a downside to filling up on water though and that is the constant need to pee. I ran some errands after going to the gym yesterday and had to do the cross-legged pee-pee dance up the stairs and almost didn't make it without wetting myself. Speaking of wetting myself, another benefit I've noticed after losing 90+ pounds is that I don't leak when I sneeze or cough anymore. (Sorry, TMI?). Anyone else have/had that problem?
I've been trying to get as much water as possible down early in the day so I'm not up all night taking trips to the bathroom especially since I woke up the other night, stumbled to the bathroom and stubbed my toes on the door. Luckily I don't think I broke any of them but DAMN it hurt. It took a long time to get back to sleep with throbbing toes after swearing like a sailor. Ouch!
I'm looking forward to seeing how everyone else did with their Small Changes. Looks like I'm going to need to keep working on this one for the duration of the challenge. Just like my weight loss, it's a slow and steady process but every single small change adds up to something big.
Cheers!
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