Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Looming Holidays

For the past few years I've not been one to enjoy the holidays that I loved as a child and young adult.  For me, they bring sadness and reflection of my failures at living life the way I dreamed I would. This year, although different, really is the same. I'm not sure how I'm going to handle the upcoming month.

Tomorrow I am going to walk in a 3 mile fun walk. I'm pondering finding a Jingle Bell Run to do. I think if I stay active it will help with the battle of the feelings.

Food wise, I'm just so unsure what to do. I don't remember what I did last year at this time of year, yet I know I was successful in maintaining my weight loss.

I've not updated this week because my weight loss has been non-existent.

The plan of building muscle, while has been successful in muscle gain, hasn't been good for weight loss.  I'm going to schedule a BF test so I can see if it's been successful in fat loss.  As soon as I'm done with the 8 week program, I'm going back to a cardio heavy workout program with body weight exercises for maintaining the muscle I did build, until I get down in weight.

Exercise isn't the issue, food is.  I need to figure out a way to beat the battle with food again. I know my home life, and my lack of motivation and willpower are to blame.  I just need to find a way to work through it, emotionally, so that psychically I can overcome my issues.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Just 10 Recap & Bootie Bustin Start!

Yesterday I worked from home and between watching movies while working and taking Jonas to his dad, I didn't blog at all.

Yesterday gets a 4 out of 5. I walked Jonas to/from school, but I'm not counting it as my movement, as I relate it to my walk to/from work during the regular work week.  I didn't get any exercise in yesterday.  Eating goals and everything else were good.  I did have soda with dinner, but I drank a lot of water and tea earlier in the day.

Today we're going to see Harry Potter and have a game night with my brother and his fiance.  Should be a day of great fun.  I plan on getting in a walk this afternoon between the two.  Today also starts the Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge.  I earn points for moving my arse!  So my goal today?  Walk/run for at least 2 miles.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Just 10 - Day 15

I wasn't expecting to see the scale move much today, however a bit of a move would have been nice. I'm not stressing about it, however, I'm just accepting it and moving on.

My goals for today:
  • No Soda
  • Strength Workout B (Deadlifts, Shoulder Press, Lat Pull Down, Lunges & Crunches on Ball)
  • Drink 3 bottles of water and/or SF Drink Mix
  • Log all my food!

I think, honestly, the logging of the food and me getting enough liquid has been poor for the past week. In order to success, I really need to do both.

Today for snacks I brought a big apple, clementine tangerines and 2 oz of pretzels. Lunch is going to be a Chipotle Burrito Bol. I'll also have a protein shake after my workout and finish up the cup of coffee I have.  Tonight for supper, I have no idea!  I pulled out ground turkey.  I'm thinking something along the line of either burger, chili, pasta or finding a good ground meat & quinoa dish. Either way.  Measuring will happen!

Today is going to be a great day!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Just 10 - Day 14

To say I was disappointed this morning when I jumped on the scale is a bit of a statement.  Was I upset about it?  Not really.  Generally the morning after my strength training I notice a gain. So how did the day rate? 4 out of 5.  Why?  My food portions were a bit off.  Not a whole lot, and mostly at dinner, but enough that I felt I didn't get to claim that point.

Today, I'm writing quite a bit later than normal.  My day thusfar?  Can be summed up with redeeming in the end. I had a rough day.  My sinuses were bugging me, I'm fighting a bit of a cold and just felt generally crappy.  A walk down and then up 2 flights of stairs made my head throb more, so I opted not to do my planned cardio. Eating wise, I did alright. I did have a small soda this morning in an attempt to get the drugs moving in my system. Tonight however, after getting home from a dinner out and a jaunt at Meijer for food drives and PJ drives, I decided a cardio video was in order.  I pulled out the Biggest Loser video I have and opted for the high-intensity cardio.  My legs burned.  I was pouring sweat.  And now?  I feel great. Even though today doesn't get a super high rating 3 out of 5, I feel good about the day. (Can we say huge omelet for supper with a side of pancakes?)

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Just 10 - Day 13

I've been staring at this screen for a while now while I'm doing my work wondering what I want to write, where I want to go.

Yesterday was a higher caloric day than planned, but I got out for a walk during my workday and a good walk in the evening with the boys. Because of everything I ate, I'm going to dock myself for that and call it a 4 out of 5 day.

I know the eating yesterday was attributed to not getting enough sleep the night before and being worn out as well as not wanting to be at work. I also had planned to make it a cardio day and once I had plans to workout at night, I canceled my plans for the day and just took a walk outside for some fresh air.

Today has been alright in the eating department.  I even went down and did my strength training program.  The issue I'm having today is I'm not feeling it. 

Last week I posted to the forum of the strength training program that I'm following about how I was pondering gloves because of my hands and the amount of weight I use for deadlifts. The basic answers I receieved after saying how I've been doing squats and deadlifts (both are supposed to be with an olympic barbell) I was told there was no way I was doing the squats right with the smith machine and there is no possible way to do deadlifts correctly with dumbbells.  That I need to quit my gym and join a new one. I told myself, it's not personal, they live this program and I'm doing it to gain muscle to help me with this last leg of my weight loss journey.  But today, I realized it has bothered me.  Do I want to support the program after the initial 8 weeks by continuing on?  Do I want to do something else? As I type this I think, "They are two bimbos who aren't the author, don't know my story and don't know how I'm actually doing with this program." 

I look at that, and where I've gone in the 6 weeks I've been doing this program. In just the two hardest exercises today I've gone from squats with 50 pounds to squats with 110 pounds.  I've gone from step-ups with 30 pounds to step-ups with 60 pounds.  I see definition in my arms.  I feel the strength in my legs and my core.

I'm doing doing nearly the amount of cardio I had been doing, which is probably attributing to the slow in weight loss. I plan on upping the cardio in the coming weeks by not only doing some cardio at the gym but also at home with the boys. I enjoy our walks together, even if they don't get me to the point of pouring out sweat. It's activity, together.  The sweat can get poured out at the gym.

So what are my goals for the rest of the year, in regard to exercising that is?

  • Continue with the strength training twice a week (continuing with the program I'm doing)
  • Do cardio at the gym twice a week (35 minute min - alternate run/walk, elliptical, bike)
  • Do cardio at home with the boys at least twice a week, but aim for three times a week (walking and/or running)
Now, I feel better and not as lost.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Weekend Recap - Just 10 Days 10,11, 12

Friday, Day 9 was a pretty good day.  We had slow cooked pork for lunch and Mediterranean for supper. I didn't get any extra movement in from normal day activities so Friday was a 4 out of 5.

Saturday, Day 10, we were barely at home.  We had a good family breakfast and then got ready to head out to the Jelly Belly Warehouse in WI for a tour.  We had a semi decent lunch and then enjoyed our time at the warehouse.  We opted to stop at Gurnee Mills on the way home. We walked, played at the arcade, drove some slot cars, had dinner and about 4.5 hours later, headed home. Food out wasn't the best, but I made good choices. I, however, didn't stay away from soda.  I ended up having some.  So Saturday was a 4 out of 5.

Sunday, Day 11 was another day that was seemingly nonstop.  After our normal Sunday Morning Family Breakfast at my parents we came home and raked leaves, mowed the yard and re-layed the brick patio.  About 4 hours later, tired, we had lunch and I napped.  We went out for dinner at Red Robin and then took a stroll around Wal-Mart for a few things we needed.  I did have soda again, on the drive to dinner, but had tea at dinner.  Overall, the day was a 4 out of 5.

Today is Day 12.  I'm back at the weight I started at 12 days ago.  I know I have more muscle, I know my body is yelling at me for not enough rest this weekend.  But I'm not discouraged.  I know I'm doing a good thing. I also know that I've got less to lose now than I did a year ago, and it'll come off slower than it did a year ago.

I've been a ton hungrier than normal today and felt like I've been eating all morning.  It makes me think that my lunch won't be filling enough and I should find something to go with it.  Soda-wise, I've not had any and don't plan on having any today.  Dinner tonight is going to be turkey burgers and I'm planning on dragging everyone over to Lincoln Center for a walk tonight. I'm still waiting for them to post an updated schedule to make sure they will be open tonight.  If they're not, I'm still going to do something at home.  I am planning on a workout today at work as well.  I'm going to do cardio today and my weights Tuesday & Thursday this week.

Friday, November 12, 2010

Just 10 - Day 9

Yesterday, oh yesterday... I'm giving it a 5 out of 5, even though I did have soda.  I've been really good with not drinking soda.  The occasional one on a special day I think is the exception.  When we went out for supper last night (issue with the pork not being done) I had iced tea and fajitas, of which, I ate maybe 1/3 of the food they gave me.  I had an awesome workout yesterday!  I continue to amaze myself with the weights that I'm lifting for the NROWFL (New Rules of Weight Lifting for Women) workout that I'm following.  I did realize yesterday, however, I can't continue without using gloves. I'm posting a question about it to the forums for the workout program and seeing what the ladies there say.

Today, working from home, I've done well with breakfast, beverages and the like.  Plans today include a family cardio session, lunch at home and dinner is still up in the air.  I'm half between feeling like celebrating and half between "let's eat at home and do something special tomorrow" and "let's do both!"  Hee!  I'll bring the options in front of the family this afternoon and see what the results are.

The weight is still steadily going down, which makes me happy.  I found my Body Fat scale yesterday and tried it today but it's giving me an error.  I'll have to research what that means.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Just 10 - Day 8

First and foremost I am extremely proud of myself for yesterday. I wasn't feeling like working out when it came time.  However I said, "20 minutes, I can do 20 minutes!"  I ended up with 24, but in that time-frame I rode 7 miles on the bike.  Secondly, I had a rough evening.  It took every bone in my body to not eat my way through those feelings I was having. I had a healthy supper, stayed within my calories and considered it a great day!

So Day 7 was a big ol 5 out of 5.

Today?  Emotionally has been a boost.  I had my performance review for work.  Raises rock.  Raises with retroactive pay (especially right before the holidays) rock more. :) So when my boss took me out to lunch I opted for a diet soda with my lunch.  I figured, its a celebration type of thing, I'm okay to break that rule today.

Other than that, I've been eating a little bit more than normal, but I have a big strength training workout today, so that's okay.  Nothing at the extreme, just a little more.

Dinner tonight is going to be a quiet one at home, with a possible family walk afterwords.

I realized, the rule I struggle with the most of my core 5 is the no eating 3 hours before bed.  Not because I'm hungry, but because I'm wanting to stay up to spend time with family, doing things, and my body is taking that as, "must have fuel".  Taking an active step to stop myself this past week, I've realized that I'm associating a feeling with hunger and that is an easy one to remedy.

Weight wise, I've been steadily declining since Monday and my overfilled weekend, so I'm excited about that.

I know I can do it!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Just 10 - Day 7

Day 6 was awesome.  It was a good 5 out of 5!  I had an awesome workout yesterday.  I moved to workout 5 of stage 1 of my plan.  That was 3 sets of 10 (save for the ab exercise which was 3 sets of 12). My legs cramped at one point during the workout.  I thought I'd be really sore today, but the only thing overly sore is my abs!  I was excited to see the definition in my arms yesterday. Yeah, there is still a lot of extra skin and some fat, but you can see the muscle definition! Now, to just pray the fat around the middle goes away with the extra muscle building!

I'm still fighting a bit of a cold, so today is full of hot tea and cold watery substances. I do plan on doing a cardio workout today.  I'm thinking about a good long bike ride. I'm wondering if I should do intervals or just ride at whatever pace feels good.  I think I'll aim for intervals, as I know it'll do better on the whole fat burning route.


I'm still in a soup mood today. I may head out and grab a bowl of soup somewhere to go with my BBQ Chicken pasta for lunch. I think it's the cold that has me wanting it.

D is making some Carolina Slow Cooked Pulled Pork for dinner tonight. That should be nice and delicious. I've got to ponder a good side vegetable to go with it.  Perhaps a salad and some peas!

The weight is on it's way back down, which is a great thing.  I was a bit worried about it after this weekend. I need to find a way to be more disciplined at home over the weekends. Taking out all the snack foods in the house isn't an option for me anymore, so I really need to practice discipline. I think the greatest tool for that is going to be actually logging my food on the weekends.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Just 10 - Day 6

Yesterday was a 4 out of 5.

  • Soda, I had about a quarter of a can on the way home from a quick visit from my mom. 
  • Eating before bed, I had a snack while playing a game with Dustin, about 2 hours before I fell asleep.  I had a very early dinner though, which is why I felt the need to snack.  It was a healthy snack!
  • Move for 10 minutes, I didn't do anything extra.  I walked at the store, but didn't do anything beyond that.  This is where I subtracted from more overall score.
  • Portion control, I measured everything out yesterday and did an overall good job on what I ate.
  • Weighing in, it's become second nature.  Go potty, get weight.  This weekend I need to take measurements.

Today I'm back at work. I was overly hungry this morning, but I'm also fighting a cold.  My head isn't overly stuffed, but I can feel my throat stinging. I have my strength training planned for today, so working out isn't an issue.  Today, I up my weights and lower my reps. Right now, I'm looking at doing 100+ lb squats with the squat rack.  It's a bit intimidating, but I know I can do it. Last week I did 90 lbs.  I may do just 100.  I may up it to 110.  Either way, it's going to be a great workout.

I'm trying to work my way through warm/hot tea today.  I can feel I need to drink it, but the warm/hot liquid isn't hitting the spot.  Perhaps I'll just give in and do cold liquids and see how that works for me.

Food wise, I have eaten a lot of fruit this morning.  I also made a very yummy oatmeal last night that consisted of steel cut oats, whole groats and quinoa... as well as some fruit and nuts. So I might feel like I'm eating a lot, but it's all good food, so I'm not worried about it.  Lunch is going to be a simple soup/salad type of thing.  Dinner tonight will be a shredded BBQ chicken type of meal. I'm unsure of the grain/veggie yet.  I've been wanting some peas, but it doesn't really flow with BBQ chicken.  Maybe I'll do the roasted potatoes tonight and green beans.

The biggest hurdle for me today, is dealing with the stress from work.  I think some tunes will help with that, well, tunes and the workout.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Test mobile post

I just downloaded an app for my phone and I want to see how mobile posts will work with it. This way, I can post anywhere from my phone.

Just 10 - Days 3 & 4 Recap - Day 5 Plans

This weekend was busy, but in a good, fun-filled way.

Saturday (Day 3) started out good enough, but then a nap and no desire to pass up the choice of Chinese Buffet followed by 6 hours of games with family, complete with some snacks put my calories over my limit. I weighed in, got in 10 minutes of movement, in the form of a walk (OH! And some weeding and raking time) and overall, I'll place the day at a 3 out of 5.

Sunday (Day 4) was just not that great. I had a massive sinus headache which had me taking medicine I don't normally take and then I just slept... for hours. Lunch and dinner were not bad, I had soda, due to my inability to focus and make some sugar free kool-aid. I didn't log any food and I doubt I moved at all more than to the car, couch, bed. The only thing going for me? I weighed in. So, Sunday gets a 1 out of 5.

Day 5, I started off with a good breakfast of oats and berries. Jonas is home sick today, so my normal strength training will be pushed until tomorrow. I'll plan to get some cardio in this afternoon for my movement. I did weigh in this morning and am back to where I started this Just 10 challenge. I'm not happy with that, but I am optimistic that I'll get back to where I was at.

Remembering to write my recaps and look-aheads is helping me keep myself accountable, even if no one is reading this. (Those of you that are, kudos and thanks).

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Just 10 - Day 3

Day 2 Recap: 5 out of 5.

I had a soda with the Subway for lunch, but then refilled my glass with water. Food wise, I had a really good day. Jonas and I took a break during my work (which I rocked yesterday) to do a 10 minute exercise video from U-Verse. We played games last night, had a Greek yogurt w/ cranberry and almonds for dessert. Finished that well before I went to sleep last night.

Yesterday I also bought a books geared towards kids and families. One of them, is in the same line of "Eat this, not that" books, the other looks at food in a stoplight fashion. I think both books will be helpful not only for me, but also for helping Jonas make good choices.

Day 3 is a test of eating out for a meal, but one I will be prepared for. We had a good family breakfast together. Plans for today include some grocery shopping and hanging out together.

I weighed myself this morning and am a bit floored in the amount of weight I've lost over the past 2 days. I'm half way to the first goal of 10.

Following this plan has been simple, so I don't feel overwhelmed with the amount of right or wrong I am doing. I also made sure I looked at what I've done in the past when I was very successful in my weight loss. What was it? I didn't stress so much. That's it. Simple. I didn't plan out meals a week in advance. I went with what I felt like, for that day. Following that, has helped me tremendously over the past week.

Friday, November 5, 2010

Just 10 - Day 2

Day 1 Final Results: 4 out 5

Why? I had candy. Not just any candy. I had a whole Baby Ruth candy bar, and a mini Almond Joy, and a mini Butter Finger. If I had just had the whole Baby Ruth, I would have considered the day a success, as I brought it with me to have after my workout. The plan was, if I worked out, I could have it. If I didn't... I couldn't.

I also managed to have dinner by 8:30pm and in bed by 10-10:30... so I was around my two hour limit.

What will Day 2 bring?

Working from home, although more relaxing, tends to be a little harder. I had a good, big, breakfast this morning. Lunch... I need to go to the post office to mail something. My plan is to take the box to the post office, then grab some Subway on the way home. A half sub and an apple are a good choice. Dinner will be ground turkey stroganoff, as requested by Jonas. With that, I'll make some veggies and possibly a dessert.

Other goals for today? Cutting out soda? Done. I'm drinking awesome coffee this morning and will make some sugar free kool-aid this afternoon as well as a glass or two of water.

The other bonus for working from home? Earlier dinner. Rule #2: Stop Eating at least 3 hours before bed should be a bonus easy today.

Move for 10 minutes? I can fit that in, and not just walking to pick up Jonas. When Jonas gets home, we'll do a quick workout to get some energy out and some blood pumping. He'll enjoy working out with me as well.

Weighed myself this morning. I was 2.5 pounds lighter than yesterday. Odd, considering the intake of sugar I had mid-afternoon. Anyway, that is awesome, I'll take it!

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Just 10 - Day 1

Today starts my journey on the Just 10 challenge. I started the day off weighing myself. I can say I'm not pleased with the number, but I do have the starting number and the 10 pound goal weight.

I plan on working out today at the gym. I'm pondering which cardio is my choice of poison. While I know that I do better on the elliptical, calorie burn wise, I'm still pondering the whole running thing. Do I want to be a runner? Do I just want better health?

Dinner tonight is going to be simple: pancakes, eggs and turkey bacon. Getting home at 7:15, this should take about 20 minutes to cook. With extra movement planned and laundry folding, that should give me a good 3 hours before bed to digest and stuff.

I think, for my 10 minute movement sessions after work, I'm going to do the Hacker's Diet Ladder program that I have on my phone. It will allow me to move with the family, in short sessions.

The fifth goal, portion control, I'm working on again. Breakfast was not that great (McDonalds burrito, with a side of apples instead of hashbrown). Lunch will be out as I haven't been doing well at preparing my meals. I am going to get the nutrition down though with a veggie heavy lunch. I brought good snacks and dinner will be portion controlled.

So far, my outlook is good and I know I will do well.

Since I'm doing a strength training program, I don't expect that I will lose the 10 pounds overly quickly. My current time goal is by 12/31.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Just 10!

In a normal day, I check twitter a couple times, but really only ever read the top 5 or so at that time. During one check today I see a tweet by Dr. Oz about his Just 10 challenge. Basically, to create a goal of losing 10 pounds at a time. While I've been trying to figure out how to get myself back on a goal driven basis with my weight loss (I'm doing the workout goals well enough with the New Weight Lifting for Women plan), this showed up and looks like I can do it!

So I signed up for the challenge.

There are 5 simple rules:
  1. Cut out Soda (Just replace one soda with water is the goal given. Since I have usually have one per day, I'm going to aim to have none at all)
  2. Stop Eating at Least 3 Hours Before Bed (Due to times I get home, this is sometimes not doable. Instead, I will aim to not at least 2 hours before bed. If I do end up eating, I will do an extra 10 min exercise before bed)
  3. Move for 10 Minutes Each Day (This one, while I move a lot will be an additional 10 minutes, done at home in the evenings with the family to meet my goal)
  4. Exercise Portion Control (I need to get back into the habit of weighing and measuring everything!)
  5. Weigh Yourself Daily (No problem! I can do this, even if I don't like it just yet)

I also liked this picture about how to balance what you're eating:













Easy enough!

So this is my new challenge to myself. To lose 10 pounds. Simple enough.


I'm going to track my goals daily as a 5 out of 5 type of way to keep track of how I'm doing. I think this is easy enough that I'm not going to become overwhelmed, but will help me in my journey of becoming healthier.