It's been a long, relaxing, unhealthy fall. Getting into new habits and celebrations with my man, who moved in with me in September. We've both gained weight, as I have enjoyed learning to cook for two. Now we have to try to lose weight together. He bought a gym membership so that we could go together. I got a BodyMedia Fit armband for Christmas. This is similar to the "BodyBugg" people are familiar with from The Biggest Loser. I've only worn in two days and I LOVE IT!!
It will help me become more accountable and their food logging program is so easy AND it helps measure sleep efficiency. Can't wait to plug it in every day and see how many calories I've burned and how many steps I've taken.
Going to cut out the soda and the fast food again and we are trying to limit our eating out in January to just our "monthaversary." (Gotta celebrate something til you get to one year together, right?!)
Already "lost" 6 lbs in 2 days....gotta love water retention and TOM!?! :/
Monday, December 27, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
Broccoli Cheese Soup...copycat Panera
Tried this recipe from mybizzykitchen.com today for her version of Panera's Broccoli Cheese Soup. It was awesome and a healthier version.
Might try next time- a dash of hot sauce and 1/4 tsp of dijon and 1/4 tsp of nutmeg.
7 cups of soup. Each one cup serving equates to 284 cal, 17 fat, 15.3 carbs, 2.1 fiber and 13 protein.
Josh really loved this and it worked really well with rolls and salad.
- 2 Tbs butter
- 2 Tbs flour
- 2 cups fat free half and half
- 2 cups chicken broth (I used 2 chicken boullion cubes in 2 cups of boiling water)
- 3-4 cups broccoli
- 1 cups shredded carrots
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese (used triple cheddar mix w/touch of Philadelphia)
- S&P to taste
Might try next time- a dash of hot sauce and 1/4 tsp of dijon and 1/4 tsp of nutmeg.
7 cups of soup. Each one cup serving equates to 284 cal, 17 fat, 15.3 carbs, 2.1 fiber and 13 protein.
Josh really loved this and it worked really well with rolls and salad.
Bleh
OK so I lost focus.... Its hard going on a "diet" when start to date someone new and you like going out to eat/etc. He fell off the wagon too. He was doing p90x before he met me every night. But I think he wanted to spend time with me instead of working out and getting sweaty for an hour by himself every night. (p90x is way over my interest level) We met in May...he moved in officially in September.
Also, I have been unemployed most of this year so I have finally had time to get more into cooking. Great for my "domestic skills badge" but not so much for the waistline. I generally made better choices for cooking but I don't want to show my new man all the best "diet" foods... I am learning how to really cook some good stuff. I do make better choices... I don't fry and usually the meal revolves around chicken or a lean beef.
I think my biggest issue is that I'm just not exercising. I have a gym membership.. I have lots of free time right now (being unemployed and all) ..but for some reason.. I can't get myself to get out there and go. I know that being unmedicated for ADD doesn't help. But without insurance...$300 a month isn't happening for a prescription. I'm trying to convince new boy to get a membership with me..and he is open to it but he is already spending alot of money to help keep up solvent while I'm just surviving on unemployment so I know he doesn't want to just throw $300 at a gym membership. I think it would help both of us to go and to go together though. I'm going to try to start going on my own.
Today (even though its 20-something degrees outside!!) I'm gonna try to get to the gym this afternoon. Perhaps by writing it out.. it will help motivate me...
Anyone else having motivation issues? Anything work well for you?
~Alissa
Also, I have been unemployed most of this year so I have finally had time to get more into cooking. Great for my "domestic skills badge" but not so much for the waistline. I generally made better choices for cooking but I don't want to show my new man all the best "diet" foods... I am learning how to really cook some good stuff. I do make better choices... I don't fry and usually the meal revolves around chicken or a lean beef.
I think my biggest issue is that I'm just not exercising. I have a gym membership.. I have lots of free time right now (being unemployed and all) ..but for some reason.. I can't get myself to get out there and go. I know that being unmedicated for ADD doesn't help. But without insurance...$300 a month isn't happening for a prescription. I'm trying to convince new boy to get a membership with me..and he is open to it but he is already spending alot of money to help keep up solvent while I'm just surviving on unemployment so I know he doesn't want to just throw $300 at a gym membership. I think it would help both of us to go and to go together though. I'm going to try to start going on my own.
Today (even though its 20-something degrees outside!!) I'm gonna try to get to the gym this afternoon. Perhaps by writing it out.. it will help motivate me...
Anyone else having motivation issues? Anything work well for you?
~Alissa
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Chicken Cacciatore & pumpkin bread
I love The Pioneer Woman... she has wonderful recipes and I today is the first time I've tried one. Its a good sign when my finished product looks like the photo on the recipe, right?!
Chicken Cacciatore recipe
Turned out pretty well and the man liked it :) It took longer to prepare than I am normally used to...but unfortunately I don't cut up alot of veggies for my "standard" recipes so this is a good thing.
Cooking my first ever pumpkin bread right now as well. Would be nice to make extra loaves to freeze/give away...but I don't have enough flour and sugar and eggs to do so :(
Pumpkin bread recipe
I'll test out the flavor in the morning :)
Chicken Cacciatore recipe
Turned out pretty well and the man liked it :) It took longer to prepare than I am normally used to...but unfortunately I don't cut up alot of veggies for my "standard" recipes so this is a good thing.
Cooking my first ever pumpkin bread right now as well. Would be nice to make extra loaves to freeze/give away...but I don't have enough flour and sugar and eggs to do so :(
Pumpkin bread recipe
I'll test out the flavor in the morning :)
Monday, August 2, 2010
30 day push
Thirty days left of this virtual biggest loser challenge. The past 4 days have been horrible when it comes to being healthy. Couldn't get rid of a headache with OTC meds so I added some soda..and that ended up getting me to buy and finish a 12 pack of Dr. Pepper in that short time frame. On top of desserts and fried food, donuts and everything else it seemed like...
I have had heartburn the last 3 days after not having ANY for the past 2 months. Excess carbs/fats/sugars (especially after cutting back) will give it to me, especially now that I have my gallbladder out. So...starting now... no more soda for the month...continue on with the "no fast food" goal AND get to the gym three times each week.
The gym has been my weak spot..so that is my big challenge/goal for this week. Three times this week!! Hopefully more...anyone else need to get to the gym this week?
I have had heartburn the last 3 days after not having ANY for the past 2 months. Excess carbs/fats/sugars (especially after cutting back) will give it to me, especially now that I have my gallbladder out. So...starting now... no more soda for the month...continue on with the "no fast food" goal AND get to the gym three times each week.
The gym has been my weak spot..so that is my big challenge/goal for this week. Three times this week!! Hopefully more...anyone else need to get to the gym this week?
Friday, July 30, 2010
15 pounds and my clothes still don't fit any better :(
OK..so I hit 15lbs lost this week and I was getting ready to go out to see the Elvis event with my mom last night and I couldn't find anything to wear :(
It was totally a "fat day"! TOM is this week and SO didn't help but I need a NSV. I want something to fit just a little bit better. I probably need to lose another 20lbs to fit well into a portion of my wardrobe. Last time I lost weight I was working out every day so I think that defintely added to the quicker physical changes.
BLEH is totally how I feel.
I really want to end this challenge with a push. My goal for this summer was 35lbs...which leaves 20 lbs for the last month of August. I don't think that is going to happen but I've not tried very hard yet either.
Losing 15 in 2 months with mostly just no fast food and a few better choices shows me how bad I was doing before. I lost my job very unexpectedly in February and was just on a self destruct path. Even though I didnt have the extra money... fast food was fast, comforting and something I didnt have to work at preparing. I'm glad this challenge got me off that path. I am still looking for my new path though.
Anyone want to challenge each other for something this week? Increase in physical activity? water consumption? something? I need to try something different...
It was totally a "fat day"! TOM is this week and SO didn't help but I need a NSV. I want something to fit just a little bit better. I probably need to lose another 20lbs to fit well into a portion of my wardrobe. Last time I lost weight I was working out every day so I think that defintely added to the quicker physical changes.
BLEH is totally how I feel.
I really want to end this challenge with a push. My goal for this summer was 35lbs...which leaves 20 lbs for the last month of August. I don't think that is going to happen but I've not tried very hard yet either.
Losing 15 in 2 months with mostly just no fast food and a few better choices shows me how bad I was doing before. I lost my job very unexpectedly in February and was just on a self destruct path. Even though I didnt have the extra money... fast food was fast, comforting and something I didnt have to work at preparing. I'm glad this challenge got me off that path. I am still looking for my new path though.
Anyone want to challenge each other for something this week? Increase in physical activity? water consumption? something? I need to try something different...
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
All shook up
Lost 4lbs this week.
How the hell did that happen?!? I didnt work out besides one hour spent walking around a pool. (Who am I kidding... most of it was relaxing in pool...I walked in it for about 20 minutes.) I didn't eat horrible...but this was no "diet food" week.
I guess that I am bound to lose some weight just for the fact that I'm not eating fast food anymore and barely any soda. For the last few months before this challenge... I might have eaten fast food 4-8 times a week. "I'd like a #3 with no pickles and a Dr. Pepper, please!"
I almost can't believe how much I used to eat it and that I haven't had any for 57 days! I don't crave it anymore. I have wanted some burgers but I made some at home and used onions and tomatoes and real cheese. I may tempt my fast food fast by trying a new McD's smoothie that I printed off a coupon for....but no solid food! I know its better to make my own at home..but sometimes you just get sick of preparing food.
So....I"m gonna go take my mother to see "Elvis on Tour" on Thursday. She is a huge Elvis fan (I'm more of a closet fan) and because this would have been his 75th year, they are putting on a one night special event at Theaters nationwide. It will feature concert performance footage never before seen and offstage documentary content that hasn't been seen since the original premiere in 1972. He was an amazing performer...and I am excited. http://www.cinemark.com/elvis.asp
How the hell did that happen?!? I didnt work out besides one hour spent walking around a pool. (Who am I kidding... most of it was relaxing in pool...I walked in it for about 20 minutes.) I didn't eat horrible...but this was no "diet food" week.
I guess that I am bound to lose some weight just for the fact that I'm not eating fast food anymore and barely any soda. For the last few months before this challenge... I might have eaten fast food 4-8 times a week. "I'd like a #3 with no pickles and a Dr. Pepper, please!"
I almost can't believe how much I used to eat it and that I haven't had any for 57 days! I don't crave it anymore. I have wanted some burgers but I made some at home and used onions and tomatoes and real cheese. I may tempt my fast food fast by trying a new McD's smoothie that I printed off a coupon for....but no solid food! I know its better to make my own at home..but sometimes you just get sick of preparing food.
So....I"m gonna go take my mother to see "Elvis on Tour" on Thursday. She is a huge Elvis fan (I'm more of a closet fan) and because this would have been his 75th year, they are putting on a one night special event at Theaters nationwide. It will feature concert performance footage never before seen and offstage documentary content that hasn't been seen since the original premiere in 1972. He was an amazing performer...and I am excited. http://www.cinemark.com/elvis.asp
Friday, July 23, 2010
Life takes over
Still can't find motivation to work out. I feel so tight and stressed and I KNOW that I feel better when I work out. Its 100 degrees outside and I just can't convince myself to drive to the gym...which isn't cool enough...and get all sweaty.
Went to the Y yesterday to use their pool (because they are open when there are heat advisories) and spent 30+ minutes walking the pool...so I did get in some exercise. I love the water but my gym doesnt have a pool. Can't go today/this weekend because they are having a swim meet.
On other news.. my aunt died after less than 24 hours in hospice care. I am saddened by it but I honestly didnt know her very well and haven't seen her in many years. My issue with it is whether or not to go to the funeral. I know my dad will be upset and probably cry and the only other time I've seen him do that is at his father's funeral. That is sooo hard for me to handle cause then I lose it.
On top of this ... my bills are all coming around to kick me in the ass. My water got turned off with no notice after my automatic payment failed a few days prior. Its just hard to support living in a house on $8 an hour unemployment :(
SO....can you say STRESS....which, again, I know is helped by working out. I really am feeling it... I physically feel horrible today. I know that I'll feel better if I work out. I thought if I "verbalized" some of my stress and thinking through this blog...perhaps I'll get beyond some of it and find my way to my car...to get to the gym today. Perhaps, somewhere, I can find some motivation.
Went to the Y yesterday to use their pool (because they are open when there are heat advisories) and spent 30+ minutes walking the pool...so I did get in some exercise. I love the water but my gym doesnt have a pool. Can't go today/this weekend because they are having a swim meet.
On other news.. my aunt died after less than 24 hours in hospice care. I am saddened by it but I honestly didnt know her very well and haven't seen her in many years. My issue with it is whether or not to go to the funeral. I know my dad will be upset and probably cry and the only other time I've seen him do that is at his father's funeral. That is sooo hard for me to handle cause then I lose it.
On top of this ... my bills are all coming around to kick me in the ass. My water got turned off with no notice after my automatic payment failed a few days prior. Its just hard to support living in a house on $8 an hour unemployment :(
SO....can you say STRESS....which, again, I know is helped by working out. I really am feeling it... I physically feel horrible today. I know that I'll feel better if I work out. I thought if I "verbalized" some of my stress and thinking through this blog...perhaps I'll get beyond some of it and find my way to my car...to get to the gym today. Perhaps, somewhere, I can find some motivation.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Could have been worse...
New boyfriend's birthday this past week (did I just officially call him that?!) and we got to enjoy a staycation for it. Spent a day at Worlds of Fun (our area's amusement park.) And besides rollar coasters....what else is there to do at a theme park to do...but EAT?!!!
I think we did rather well considering. Ended up with a big turkey leg instead of a greasy cheeseburger and fries... but after drinking water all day long in the 90 degree heat.... I needed some sugar energy so I had a bottle of Dr. Pepper. I did eat 1/3 of a funnel cake as well but considering ALL the tasty temptations....I think I did OK. And we did end up walking/standing/riding for 9 full hours. I was beat by the end.
I had a goal of having one meal with soda a week this month... and for numerous reasons....I had 4 meals with soda over the past 13 days...so NO MORE SODA this month.
So... soda, theme park food, a few birthday dinners, no gym time and a belated 4th of July celebration... I was not expecting good things from scale. A 2 lb gain is not a good thing...but it could have been much worse.
My mother's birthday is today so there will be one more tasty dinner with her this week and we are going to fondue..so cheese and chocolate are a given. I'm ok with this. I am making better choices and I don't do well with the all or nothing diet routine. Take each day... make better choices and get more active. Its not gonna win me a contest..but it will get me healthier.
We stopped at natural grocery store over the weekend where they were giving out samples of a "green drink". I have read about these and have considered trying them but it just seemed like it would be so nasty. Well.. this one was powder and added to apple juice...and I was pleasantly surprised. I know its not as good as blending up a green smoothie every day but I dont do well with keeping alot of veggies around that can spoil. I'll have to look more into it.
Goals for this week:
-4 lb loss... I want to get down to the next 10 pound range!!
-No soda
-180 minutes of exercise (never had a timed goal really)
Now time to get off my ass and do some of it!!
I think we did rather well considering. Ended up with a big turkey leg instead of a greasy cheeseburger and fries... but after drinking water all day long in the 90 degree heat.... I needed some sugar energy so I had a bottle of Dr. Pepper. I did eat 1/3 of a funnel cake as well but considering ALL the tasty temptations....I think I did OK. And we did end up walking/standing/riding for 9 full hours. I was beat by the end.
I had a goal of having one meal with soda a week this month... and for numerous reasons....I had 4 meals with soda over the past 13 days...so NO MORE SODA this month.
So... soda, theme park food, a few birthday dinners, no gym time and a belated 4th of July celebration... I was not expecting good things from scale. A 2 lb gain is not a good thing...but it could have been much worse.
My mother's birthday is today so there will be one more tasty dinner with her this week and we are going to fondue..so cheese and chocolate are a given. I'm ok with this. I am making better choices and I don't do well with the all or nothing diet routine. Take each day... make better choices and get more active. Its not gonna win me a contest..but it will get me healthier.
We stopped at natural grocery store over the weekend where they were giving out samples of a "green drink". I have read about these and have considered trying them but it just seemed like it would be so nasty. Well.. this one was powder and added to apple juice...and I was pleasantly surprised. I know its not as good as blending up a green smoothie every day but I dont do well with keeping alot of veggies around that can spoil. I'll have to look more into it.
Goals for this week:
-4 lb loss... I want to get down to the next 10 pound range!!
-No soda
-180 minutes of exercise (never had a timed goal really)
Now time to get off my ass and do some of it!!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Weekly weighing is new for me
I have been overweight and either thinking about or participating in some "I need to lose weight" mentality since I was 13. In that entire time.... I have never consistently weighed in on any particular schedule. I used to write my weight down in my journal...or calendars and to the best of my ability I have gathered up all that data to an excel spreadsheet so that I can see the weight data since 1999 when I wrote it down. It was very hit and miss... every day for 2 weeks....and then nothing for months.
My best attempt at weight loss and being healthy was 5 years ago when I was turning 30. I consistently ate better and exercised over the course of 6 months and kept the 30 lbs off for another 6 until I ended up having gallbladder surgery. Even then... weight dates were daily...then monthly..then nothing.. Nothing consistent about it-EVER. Which really surprises me because I have read/tried ALOT of things out there.
I am participating in a Virtual Biggest Loser contest this summer (the whole reason for this blog for myself) and weigh in is every Tuesday. It has been an eye opening experience.. actually having a weigh in...and it actually affecting choices I make (especially the day or two before.) It makes you be accountable to a degree...which is something I need. I still weigh myself a few times during the week at times...but having a schedule...those dates printed on the sidebar of my blog waiting for the weekly results...is helping me.
I know that I don't know it all...but I was surprised by the simplicity of this one!!
What tips/tricks/ideas have helped/surprised you?
My best attempt at weight loss and being healthy was 5 years ago when I was turning 30. I consistently ate better and exercised over the course of 6 months and kept the 30 lbs off for another 6 until I ended up having gallbladder surgery. Even then... weight dates were daily...then monthly..then nothing.. Nothing consistent about it-EVER. Which really surprises me because I have read/tried ALOT of things out there.
I am participating in a Virtual Biggest Loser contest this summer (the whole reason for this blog for myself) and weigh in is every Tuesday. It has been an eye opening experience.. actually having a weigh in...and it actually affecting choices I make (especially the day or two before.) It makes you be accountable to a degree...which is something I need. I still weigh myself a few times during the week at times...but having a schedule...those dates printed on the sidebar of my blog waiting for the weekly results...is helping me.
I know that I don't know it all...but I was surprised by the simplicity of this one!!
What tips/tricks/ideas have helped/surprised you?
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
New month...
Who wants to go work out when you can spend the weekend with your new man watching movies, fireworks and gardening?!
I am proud of the healthy choices I have been making...even as we are going out to eat. Chicken sandwich with veggies (1/2 bun.)
This month I have challenged myself to continue the "no fast food" and instead of NO soda... go to one soda a week. I did a bowling mystery shop this past weekend and had to order food and a beverage. I had decided to treat myself to my first Dr. Pepper in over 35 days. I was sooo excited... and then they informed me that the closest thing they had was Pepsi. :( I had mentally prepared for my soda...so Pepsi would have to do but I didnt even finish it. Instead of a bowl of greasy fries or onion rings... we shared 2 egg rolls. Overall pretty decent night...gotta love free (or reimbursed) entertainment.
Weigh in is tomorrow. I'm hoping/expecting just a pound or so. I will be happy with that though because I didnt specifially work out at all besides a 2 mile walk almost a week ago.
I am proud of the healthy choices I have been making...even as we are going out to eat. Chicken sandwich with veggies (1/2 bun.)
This month I have challenged myself to continue the "no fast food" and instead of NO soda... go to one soda a week. I did a bowling mystery shop this past weekend and had to order food and a beverage. I had decided to treat myself to my first Dr. Pepper in over 35 days. I was sooo excited... and then they informed me that the closest thing they had was Pepsi. :( I had mentally prepared for my soda...so Pepsi would have to do but I didnt even finish it. Instead of a bowl of greasy fries or onion rings... we shared 2 egg rolls. Overall pretty decent night...gotta love free (or reimbursed) entertainment.
Weigh in is tomorrow. I'm hoping/expecting just a pound or so. I will be happy with that though because I didnt specifially work out at all besides a 2 mile walk almost a week ago.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
2 pounds out of thin air....
Besides working in the garden on Sunday and taking the dog for a 2 mile walk last night...I was not active last week. I did not eat that great, however, still no fast food or soda and I am watching what I eat to degree... so after a bleh week.. I lost 2 pounds. Woohoo!! That gets me to 11 lbs for the month. A good average for me in the past was 10 lbs per month so I'm right on track. I would love to lose 35 lbs by the end of this challenge on August 31. I will feel SO much better and have a whole other wardrobe to wear when I really buckle down to find a new job this September.
Did your weigh-in surprise you this week?
Did your weigh-in surprise you this week?
Monday, June 28, 2010
28 Days Later
28 days without any fast food or soda. I've definately had my soda cravings and have overcome them mostly by making a quick cold cafe mocha. Avoiding fast food has been pretty easy. Its a big step in eating healthier and saving money. I am easily bored with trying to cook something at home and it was so easy to get in the car..drive 5 minutes and end up with a bag full of empty calories for $6. It has gotten easier to want to give it up considering I fell in love with the extra value meal when it was only $2.99. I am trying to decide if I am going to continue the with the same stipulations considering I only challenged myself initially to June. I think I will keep the "no fast food" and change the soda to once per week so I can treat myself, if I really want it, especially when I'm out on a dinner date with the new boy :) I generally can't do tap water when I'm out at a restaurant. I am very sensitive to any tastes in my water and most restaurant water has a taste that I just can't stand....and tea/lemonade gets old.
I'm not doing very good with my new goal of 3 gym visits in a week. Once I hit the weekend... I spend it with the new boy and we find things to do that seem to be alot more fun than heading to the gym!! We did take Lexi (my beautiful Aussie) for a walk at a great park tonight. First time in weeks that I didnt immediately break into a sweat just by being outside. Humidity and heat have finally come down in Kansas City. It should be a good week to be outside. Planted 2 more of my tomato plants this weekend as well. Hopefully I get some tomatoes out of them this summer...although I'm very late in the plantings.
I'm not doing very good with my new goal of 3 gym visits in a week. Once I hit the weekend... I spend it with the new boy and we find things to do that seem to be alot more fun than heading to the gym!! We did take Lexi (my beautiful Aussie) for a walk at a great park tonight. First time in weeks that I didnt immediately break into a sweat just by being outside. Humidity and heat have finally come down in Kansas City. It should be a good week to be outside. Planted 2 more of my tomato plants this weekend as well. Hopefully I get some tomatoes out of them this summer...although I'm very late in the plantings.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Starting week 4...
Starting Week 4 with a 1 lb gain for Week 3. It could have been a 4 lbs gain so I'm actually happy about that. Got back on the right track a few days ago. Never completely fell off the wagon... still no soda or fast food for the month..but I haven't been working out. I have had a headache for almost 2 days straight though and that prevented me from going to the gym or much of anything today. I made it to the gym last night so I'm not that upset. Our city had heat index warnings all day today so a good day to stay inside.
The VBL challenge for this week is to drop into the next lower pound range... so if you weigh 201... you need to lose 2 to get into the 199's... if you weight 208.. you need to lose 9 to get into the 199's. Which means....I need to lose 6 lbs to qualify. Totally doable but will require some hard work. Looking back over my weight spreadsheet...goes back through random dates back to 1996...I would be back to a recorded 2008 weight if I get to the lower pound range.
The year I turned 30 (2005) I wanted to lose 30 lbs before I turned 30. I missed it by a few weeks but I did it in about 5 months. I didn't do anything extreme, I just ate much better, I tried to eat every 2 hours and worked out consistently about 4 hours a week. After 11 months of being pretty healthy and a 37 lb loss, I wound up in the ER with a gallbladder attack. Of course I didnt know they were gallstones at the time.. I thought I was having a heart attack. It was painful! Had my gallbladder out 2 weeks later and after the disruption to my working out and standard life stress... I started gaining weight back after that.
SO... my first major weight goal.. is to get back down to that pre gallbladder attack weight... 45 pounds from weight on June 1st. Only 36 more to go!! :) That also happens to be the least I've weighed anytime after high school.
What's YOUR first major weight goal?
The VBL challenge for this week is to drop into the next lower pound range... so if you weigh 201... you need to lose 2 to get into the 199's... if you weight 208.. you need to lose 9 to get into the 199's. Which means....I need to lose 6 lbs to qualify. Totally doable but will require some hard work. Looking back over my weight spreadsheet...goes back through random dates back to 1996...I would be back to a recorded 2008 weight if I get to the lower pound range.
The year I turned 30 (2005) I wanted to lose 30 lbs before I turned 30. I missed it by a few weeks but I did it in about 5 months. I didn't do anything extreme, I just ate much better, I tried to eat every 2 hours and worked out consistently about 4 hours a week. After 11 months of being pretty healthy and a 37 lb loss, I wound up in the ER with a gallbladder attack. Of course I didnt know they were gallstones at the time.. I thought I was having a heart attack. It was painful! Had my gallbladder out 2 weeks later and after the disruption to my working out and standard life stress... I started gaining weight back after that.
SO... my first major weight goal.. is to get back down to that pre gallbladder attack weight... 45 pounds from weight on June 1st. Only 36 more to go!! :) That also happens to be the least I've weighed anytime after high school.
What's YOUR first major weight goal?
Monday, June 21, 2010
Last Chance Workout
I just read Dani at WRW call it her last chance workout today since weigh-in is tomorrow. Well... I dont think I can say I gave it my all...but I did make it to the gym... for only the second time since this challenge started June 1.
The only cardio that I generally do at the gym is the elliptical machine because I have a nerve problem in my hip (meralgia parasthetica) that causes pain and numbness when I aggravate it and unforunately walking agravates it. I haven't had any big pain issues lately so I decided to try the treadmill for awhile. I saw that it had a 5k lap setting and thought that would be perfect to get my 45-60 minutes in.
Well... 1/2 mile in and my heels were burning... another 1/2 mile and I had to stop. Blisters on my heels :( I think I need to wear/find/use better socks and hopefully can prevent that in the future. Spent another 20 mintues on the elliptical...and my feet/heels were done for the day. I need to find some moleskin or something. I haven't had workout blisters....ever LOL
SO... 1 out of 3 gym workouts goal completed for the week on Day 1. Yippee for me :) I still have a feeling I will have gained a few pounds overall this week... but I got back on track today. Now if I could just get rid of this headache....
The only cardio that I generally do at the gym is the elliptical machine because I have a nerve problem in my hip (meralgia parasthetica) that causes pain and numbness when I aggravate it and unforunately walking agravates it. I haven't had any big pain issues lately so I decided to try the treadmill for awhile. I saw that it had a 5k lap setting and thought that would be perfect to get my 45-60 minutes in.
Well... 1/2 mile in and my heels were burning... another 1/2 mile and I had to stop. Blisters on my heels :( I think I need to wear/find/use better socks and hopefully can prevent that in the future. Spent another 20 mintues on the elliptical...and my feet/heels were done for the day. I need to find some moleskin or something. I haven't had workout blisters....ever LOL
SO... 1 out of 3 gym workouts goal completed for the week on Day 1. Yippee for me :) I still have a feeling I will have gained a few pounds overall this week... but I got back on track today. Now if I could just get rid of this headache....
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Diet Derailment
You know what can derail a diet quickly? Dating someone new. Newly dating usually equals going out to dinner. I just started dating someone 3.5 weeks ago...and even though I'm making better choices and following two of my rules for the month (no soda/no fast food) I am still not going to lose weight eating all that good food!! I'm currently unemployed....so who can resist going out for a crab leg dinner?
I want to spend time with him..instead of going to work out. I know... we can work out together but its so darn hot here in Kansas City right now that its not that feasible and he doesn't belong to my gym. We did go out walking at the air conditioned mall last night (but that led to the crab leg dinner!)
I can work out during the day when he is working but with a bad sunburn most of last week...I didnt feel like moving too much. Hopefully this week will be much better. I can actually put on clothing that touches my shoulders now. Went to Sams Club and got a load of chicken breasts so I can have lots of choices this week.
OK... I've followed my 2 rules for almost 3 weeks now.. I'm adding another rule.. Must go to the gym for at lesat 45 minutes 3 times a week. M-S. Maybe if I make it a "rule" it will affect me more than just saying it something I should be doing.
Good luck to all of you during this stretch to the end of month one!
I want to spend time with him..instead of going to work out. I know... we can work out together but its so darn hot here in Kansas City right now that its not that feasible and he doesn't belong to my gym. We did go out walking at the air conditioned mall last night (but that led to the crab leg dinner!)
I can work out during the day when he is working but with a bad sunburn most of last week...I didnt feel like moving too much. Hopefully this week will be much better. I can actually put on clothing that touches my shoulders now. Went to Sams Club and got a load of chicken breasts so I can have lots of choices this week.
OK... I've followed my 2 rules for almost 3 weeks now.. I'm adding another rule.. Must go to the gym for at lesat 45 minutes 3 times a week. M-S. Maybe if I make it a "rule" it will affect me more than just saying it something I should be doing.
Good luck to all of you during this stretch to the end of month one!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Workout motivation is MIA
I did so well my first week... 10 lbs down...but with TOM and insomnia issues... I'm having a really hard time finding motivation to get to the gym. I KNOW I feel better after I work out... I KNOW my metabolism shoots up when I work out... I KNOW its so much easier to lose weight when I work out... I just can't seem to get into my car to drive the 3 miles to the dang gym. I have spent about 5 minutes a night hooping..but considering my abs are hidden below years of inactivity...you are supposed to start slow on that...so I have.
I watched the latest "Losing it with Jillian" on the computer last night and the 54 year old mother of 2 lost 32 lbs in 6 weeks. 6 WEEKS!!! It can be done...she was doing it on her own...in her town...while holding down a job and being a mom. Not at the Biggest Loser Ranch... so its not unattainable...you just have to work for it and want it enough. I am currently looking for a job so I have time....to spend at the gym. I wish I had some work out partners.. I think that would help. I am more apt to do something when someone else is counting on me to be there, etc.
I'm still doing well with eating. No fast food... no soda... no additional salt/sugar on anything. I think one of the keys for me is to eat as soon as I wake up (which was not my standard practice) and to eat every few hours. I have been trying to keep easy to access snacks in the house. Carrott sticks, hard boiled eggs, pre-measured chunks of cheddar cheese, apples, etc and that definately helps.
OK... out in the blogisphere....my goal for today is 2 hours of physical activity!! Its out there now...I've challenged myself... what are YOU going to challenge yourself to do today?
I watched the latest "Losing it with Jillian" on the computer last night and the 54 year old mother of 2 lost 32 lbs in 6 weeks. 6 WEEKS!!! It can be done...she was doing it on her own...in her town...while holding down a job and being a mom. Not at the Biggest Loser Ranch... so its not unattainable...you just have to work for it and want it enough. I am currently looking for a job so I have time....to spend at the gym. I wish I had some work out partners.. I think that would help. I am more apt to do something when someone else is counting on me to be there, etc.
I'm still doing well with eating. No fast food... no soda... no additional salt/sugar on anything. I think one of the keys for me is to eat as soon as I wake up (which was not my standard practice) and to eat every few hours. I have been trying to keep easy to access snacks in the house. Carrott sticks, hard boiled eggs, pre-measured chunks of cheddar cheese, apples, etc and that definately helps.
OK... out in the blogisphere....my goal for today is 2 hours of physical activity!! Its out there now...I've challenged myself... what are YOU going to challenge yourself to do today?
Monday, June 7, 2010
Ten pounds in my first week!!
I always lost fast the first week when I change my eating habits... I know its mostly water weight ....I know to not expect this type of weight loss on any other week.... BUT... I'm so happy to see it!! TEN lbs....to actually see the scale go down every day is amazing. I can't help myself.. I am NOT one of those people who can be happy weighing weekly/etc.
I have not worked out as much as I would have liked... but I am being active and have been more active than I am normally. It has been difficult eating better and I am tryign really hard to make the best decisions...and sometimes those best decisions include a small sweet. I have learned not to deprive yourself when you really want something... just make it small. Its all about portion control.
I have not worked out as much as I would have liked... but I am being active and have been more active than I am normally. It has been difficult eating better and I am tryign really hard to make the best decisions...and sometimes those best decisions include a small sweet. I have learned not to deprive yourself when you really want something... just make it small. Its all about portion control.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Perfect Hard "Boiled" Eggs
I've enjoyed hard boiled eggs all my life but they never seemed to turn out exactly the way I would prefer them to when I cooked them. I finally found the method for perfect hard cooked eggs!! No green around the yolk anymore. You steam them!! Thank you Alton Brown!! www.foodnetwork.com/videos/hard-cook
ed-heaven/44247.html
Bring a small amount of water to a boil... insert veggie steamer insert...put eggs in a single layer above the soft boiling water...cover with a lid...and let steam for 14 minutes. Immediately remove eggs and set in ice water to stop cooking. Peel under cool running water when you want to eat them...and they are perfect!!
Didn't make it to the gym today..but still stuck with healthy food. Seem to be down 6 lbs in 4 days. Usually the first week is easy to lose more than the standard 2 lbs per week so I'm not getting too excited.. but it is good to see the scale go down!!
ed-heaven/44247.html
Bring a small amount of water to a boil... insert veggie steamer insert...put eggs in a single layer above the soft boiling water...cover with a lid...and let steam for 14 minutes. Immediately remove eggs and set in ice water to stop cooking. Peel under cool running water when you want to eat them...and they are perfect!!
Didn't make it to the gym today..but still stuck with healthy food. Seem to be down 6 lbs in 4 days. Usually the first week is easy to lose more than the standard 2 lbs per week so I'm not getting too excited.. but it is good to see the scale go down!!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Finally made it to the gym...
I am really proud of myself today. I was tired as all hell but I made it to the gym. Of course...it wasnt' until I was 2 hours away froma date...but I made it to the gym...and new boy understood why I ended up being 30 minutes late. I haven't been to the gym more than three times in 2010....so when I finally had the motivation to go ...I had to take it.
Why did I go?.....because I didnt want to blog tonight and AGAIN say...that I didnt make it to the gym... "maybe tomorrow." So yippee for me and yippee for spark... it does work!! :)
45 minutes on the elliptical machine...and I didnt die. In fact... I felt really good after. During was another thing...but after.... I felt energetic and encouraged to order healthy food on my date. I asked the waiter for a recommendation and then asked if they had the calorie counts. Ruby Tuesday used to list nutrition counts on the menu...so I knew they had it somewhere... just wasnt on the menu any longer. And guess what we did after dinner?!
We went for a mile long walk in the city park!! Like I said...I'm proud of myself. And no caffeine/sugar withdrawal today. Hopefully tomorrow will go as well :)
Why did I go?.....because I didnt want to blog tonight and AGAIN say...that I didnt make it to the gym... "maybe tomorrow." So yippee for me and yippee for spark... it does work!! :)
45 minutes on the elliptical machine...and I didnt die. In fact... I felt really good after. During was another thing...but after.... I felt energetic and encouraged to order healthy food on my date. I asked the waiter for a recommendation and then asked if they had the calorie counts. Ruby Tuesday used to list nutrition counts on the menu...so I knew they had it somewhere... just wasnt on the menu any longer. And guess what we did after dinner?!
We went for a mile long walk in the city park!! Like I said...I'm proud of myself. And no caffeine/sugar withdrawal today. Hopefully tomorrow will go as well :)
There should be an diet setting on cable to prevent food commercials..
2nd day down.... and every restaurant within a 4 state area had an advertisement on tonight!! They know that i'm trying to be healthy and to stay away from their devil spawn of tiramisu cheesecake and alaskan king crab legs...
Had a bad headache most of the day. I think the lack of soda/sugar is affecting me.. on top of a high mold count outside AND I dont think I was eating enough. I did feel a little better when i snacked out on too many pistachios tonight... but at least it wasnt cheesecake!
Still havent' made it to the gym. I have confidence that I will tomorrow... right after the unemployment office :(
Had a bad headache most of the day. I think the lack of soda/sugar is affecting me.. on top of a high mold count outside AND I dont think I was eating enough. I did feel a little better when i snacked out on too many pistachios tonight... but at least it wasnt cheesecake!
Still havent' made it to the gym. I have confidence that I will tomorrow... right after the unemployment office :(
1st day completed...I survived
First day of my summer challenge. No soda....1331 calories, no additional sugar. I had a headache most of the day (I think that is from no soda and no additional sugar) but I brewed up a cold nonfat cafe mocha and I think that caffeine helped and my headache finally dimmed around 11pm. I didnt make it to the gym because of my headache. Thats just another reason that I need to force myself to the gym in the morning when I still feel ok.
Tomorrow morning will start with a smoothie... I need to use some of the frozen bananas I have in my freezer. I cant afford to through out all the "bad" things in my kitchen so I will have to gradually incorporate them into healthy meals somehow.
One day down and I feel pretty good considering!
Tomorrow morning will start with a smoothie... I need to use some of the frozen bananas I have in my freezer. I cant afford to through out all the "bad" things in my kitchen so I will have to gradually incorporate them into healthy meals somehow.
One day down and I feel pretty good considering!
Virtual Biggest Loser
I am taking part of a virtual biggest loser on a blog this summer. June 1- August 31. Had to turn in photos and weight today :( It only gets better from here though, right?!
I am at my heaviest ever :( I lost 30 lbs when I turned 30 five years ago...and have gained it all back...plus 15 pounds.. in the past 2 years.
My first goal is 50 lbs although ultimately.. i'm at the point that I could stand to lose 100..and that pains me so to say :( That just makes me sound so much bigger than I ever admited to myself.
I am at my heaviest ever :( I lost 30 lbs when I turned 30 five years ago...and have gained it all back...plus 15 pounds.. in the past 2 years.
My first goal is 50 lbs although ultimately.. i'm at the point that I could stand to lose 100..and that pains me so to say :( That just makes me sound so much bigger than I ever admited to myself.
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