May Has Arrived! - Week 3

Sunday, May 02, 2010

Alright, that's it. Say goodbye to fair April and hello to a wonderful May!

Weight last month: 416.2
Weight goal for beginning of this month: 412.2
Actual Weight beginning of this month: 403.0
Actual Weight lost in April: 13.2 pounds!
(only counting the last two weeks of April, when I started this journey and started SP on April 18th)

Today was weigh-in day. Down another 3.6 pounds and feeling better every day. Still exhausted much of the time, but that's to be expected for the next two weeks. A lot of things to do before I'm donezo! Graduation will be a blessed day!

So, for the start of May, I want to set some goals for myself.

Weight Loss Goal
Be down to 395. That's 8 pounds for the month and completely doable. Plus, I'll end up hitting my alternate goal of seeing the 300s again. If goal is reached I will be down 20 pounds total!

Fitness Goal
Work out every day for at least 15 minutes. At the end of the month it would be 39 days out of the 100 goal I set...that's 39% done. It will be over 500 fitness minutes for the month...this doesn't include the days I'll work out 30+ minutes and do Strength Training (3 times a week).

Food Goal
I want to learn to cook healthy all the time. I hope to get 4-5 servings of fresh fruits and veggies every day. (I picked the pineapple because I had some fresh pineapple this morning for breakfast.) I also want to try new foods and find healthy foods I can incorporate every week that my family enjoys. I'd like to eventually have a dish from each country...we really like cooking by geography. Already have Italy, China, America, and France. I'd like to learn to make Sushi at home if I can find the right ingredients somewhere around here.

Health Goal
Of course, this is the month to end my smoking addiction. I have only until graduation, and then it's over...no excuses!

Personal Goal
I want to see some changes in my appearance. I usually see these before others do because I tend to investigate the areas where my body changes first when I'm losing weight. I'm trying to stop this focus on appearance, but I really do want to see the results. (Perhaps my goal should be to STOP studying myself in the mirror...another issue for another month.)

Other Goal
Finally, and most exciting for me, I will head this month to the lake/park and get back into hiking, rowing, swimming...all those outdoor activites that I absolutely LOVE and that make "working out" feel like a fun and exciting experience! I just cannot wait for this!

May - the month I graduate from college! This month is looking to be an awesome, amazing, wonderful, unforgettable month!!!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

BRANDI0074 5/3/2010 2:18PM

Way to go! That is so awesome. I was once also over 400 pounds, most people don't understand what It is like and how long our journey really is! Keep up the great job, you are doing wonderful! Report Inappropriate Comment

-SHIMMER-ANN- 5/2/2010 7:11PM

That is AWESOME!!!! I'm so proud!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

ALG5171 5/2/2010 1:27PM

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ALIMESSA 5/2/2010 12:40PM

You have done so well in such a short period of time...Congrats! You are obviously committed to this journey...setting goals that are going to help you in ALL aspects of your life...ones that are going to help you establish healthy habits for a lifetime...ones that will help you achieve your utlimate goal...to live a healthy lifestyle for the rest of your life! Be proud of yourself, have a great weekend and, as always, Stay Strong!! Report Inappropriate Comment

LUCY1992 5/2/2010 12:16PM

Fabulous - keep it up... Report Inappropriate Comment

DLEE27 5/2/2010 12:15PM

Love it! Great loss this week!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

Food Zen Master

Saturday, May 01, 2010

Okay, I'll admit it....it isn't as hard as I made it out to be, this "eating healthy" thing. Another thing I'll admit is that it doesn't taste like crap. It tastes wonderful, fresh, and just plain yummy!

Today Hubby and I took our youngest son to Bob Evans for breakfast. I got a veggie omelet. Now, I was right that I'm not big on tomatoes and eggs together, however, I think to sub a little part-skim mozz. cheese in this omelet and I would be in heaven! With fresh fruit as a side and a slice of dry wheat toast, it's a great fresh way to start a day!

For lunch I found myself still stuck on this idea from several people of a hummus and avocado sandwich. Part of me thought it would be gross. Another part was just plain curious. I took the new Nature's Own sandwich rounds (Multi-grain kind) and put on a serving of hummus. I added some laughing cow cheese. I added a couple slices of avocado. I tossed on some alfalfa sprouts for a little crunch. Not only did I like it, I loved it. And my oldest son loved it too, and asked for one of his own.

By dinner I wanted nothing more than a simple baked potato (which take forever to cook in our oven). Everyone got antsy, so I pulled out the wok once more and started tossing stuff in, using foods I knew would be healthy. Mushrooms. Snow peas. Onions and garlic. Olive Oil. Chicken breast. Bean sprouts. Add a little soy sauce and it's just another version of our favorite "Chicken Fried Rice" recipe. Except I didn't fry the rice, and I made wild rice in place of long grain white rice.

That's right everyone. I had a very healthy day...and it wasn't as hard as I had been making it out to be for years! And it was more delicious than a batch of tator tots or a grilled cheese. And there was this special feeling when I realized that I knew exactly what my kids were eating. I knew what was in it. I knew how much salt, fat, carbs, protein, etc. I knew because I made it fresh. That's a good feeling!

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On the other side of this, my body is still recovering from day yesterday. I swear I must've danced more than I realized! I've been really, really tired all day. I need a nap, but couldn't take one because there were things to do (grocery shopping, feeding my children) that just didn't allow it. Now it's 10 and I'm finally awake! *lol* Still, I think it's temporary after dinner...I'm sure I'll be ready to sleep again very soon...after a little workout, of course. Can't skip day 8! Tomorrow is weigh in, and I'm just hoping it goes well. I know I've done my part, my scale better recognize!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

-SHIMMER-ANN- 5/2/2010 6:42PM

Hehe! What a fun story :) Good luck tomorrow! Report Inappropriate Comment

PRETTYMANDI 5/2/2010 2:40PM

Great job! I have also found myself surprised at how much easier and tastier healthy eating is than I had made it out to be. Everytime my husband catches me eating something I previously refused to try he feels the need to gloat. Stupid husband being right. Of course, this might explain why he weighs 100 pounds less than me, but whatevs! Report Inappropriate Comment

SWEETS86 5/2/2010 11:39AM

Awesome! I am trying some new recipe's myself this week. Got them from an Eating Healthy cookbook I have owned for years, but never used. So we shall see. Report Inappropriate Comment

ALIMESSA 5/2/2010 12:16AM

Weigh in for me 3! Good luck! Stay strong!! Report Inappropriate Comment

DLEE27 5/1/2010 11:46PM

Sounds like you had another Rock Star day!!! Mmmm, snow peas! I made a big pot of Mulligatouni tonight and it was crazy delicious! Hope your weigh in goes well in the morning...it's weigh in for me too (eek! haha). Report Inappropriate Comment

So, Uhm...About Last Night... - W2.D7

Saturday, May 01, 2010

I could sit here and tell you how awful I was last night. How I had a few too many drinks (not enough to get drunk, just enough to --probably-- break the bank on my nutritionals). How I ate half a McGriddle when I got home at 2 am. How I didn't do the strength training exercises that were scheduled for the day. But I won't. Instead I'm going to tell you why last night was great for me.

Yesterday I went out with some somewhat new friends from school. I'm about to graduate and my friend had just turned 21...there was plenty to celebrate last night! Yes, we obliged and got her thoroughly drunk, so our friendly duties are taken care of...welcome to 21. (And if I talked to her today I could welcome her to the hangover as well.) We ate dinner late at a Japanese Steakhouse where I ordered what I knew I could eat "on my plan" - sushi, edamame, and rice. I had a drink...okay, two. And then we went to a bar.

I danced, I drank...but the highlight of the evening was hanging out with a bunch of skinny girls and being the only one of them to be bought a drink by a guy. Yep, you heard me right. I was approached and that line I've never personally been asked by anyone other than a bartender was asked of me, "What are you drinking, honey?" I felt...weird. I told him I didn't know, my 21 year old friend encouraged me to get another "sex with a squirrel" and next thing I know, he's bought me a drink. Now, he was pretty darn ugly...but this situation has NEVER, I repeat, NEVER happened to me directly. I've seen it happen to my "skinny" friends. But here I was, surrounded by beauty, and being bought a drink by a man. (Now the funny part, I called my husband to ask if I could drink it! *lol* He told me he wouldn't turn down free alcohol from a girl, and that as long as I didn't sleep with anyone, he didn't care at all! *lol*)

I drank that drink...I earned it somehow. And then we bolted for another club before the guy got the wrong idea! *lol* At the nightclub we went to, my friend bought me a drink - a blue motorcycle, actually - it was good! It was one of those "I know that I'll feel this later but it tastes like kool-aid" goods. I danced with my friends...I didn't care what I looked like and they didn't either. Nobody said a word about how I shouldn't be there. Perfect strangers smiled at me. It felt great. I got one more drink and then our attention shifted to making sure Brit (the new 21 year old) didn't get in trouble with the three guys that were dancing with her and her friend. (We are all a little motherly, me most of all considering I'm the only actual mother of the bunch. I wanted to make sure that she wasn't in trouble...so I kept an eye on her the rest of the night.) About an hour of dancing and I was done. The club was crowded and the dancing looked more like sex with your clothes on than actual dancing (I think this may be my age showing through! Watch out, grandma!). I told the girls I was done for the night and headed home.

Today I am sore throughout my legs and arms. Today I am down another pound as well. Today I feel like once this headache clears and I can move again, I'll be feeling pretty darn good about myself. I thought about beating myself up, but I didn't do it. Because there are only a few years left of me being able to "club" in this manner, and I let my weight stop me from ever doing it before. Last night I felt like a bonafide college student for a few minutes, and we all deserve a little of that when we're in college. I didnt' get fall-down drunk and I had a blast hanging out with my friends. I was good the rest of the day and then I let myself be the judge of myself for the rest of the night.

So, uhm...about last night...I make no excuses. I regret nothing. And I'm ready to get my butt out there today and enjoy this crazy world...in a healthy way!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KELLYAKAZ 5/1/2010 3:54PM

Sounds like a fun night! You probably danced off a good bit of those calories. Nothin's better than being sore the next day from dacning too much. ;) Report Inappropriate Comment

ALIMESSA 5/1/2010 2:21PM

Oh, to be in your 20's, or even 30's...live your life to the fullest, girl! A healthy lifestyle does not mean you can't go out and party every once in awhile! You've got a great attitude! Keep on doin' what you're doin'. You never want to feel as though you've let life pass you by! Enjoy every minute you possibly can!!! And, of course, remember to STAY STRONG! Report Inappropriate Comment

DLEE27 5/1/2010 1:34PM

So glad you had such a blast last night! Way to get out there and shake your booty! I took a quick peek in the fitness tracker and an hour of fast dancing burns over 500 calories!!!! So I'm sure you balanced out that McGriddle and Sex with a Squirrell??? Lol! Report Inappropriate Comment

SOOTHINGGLOW 5/1/2010 12:41PM

Sounds like you had a blast! Congratulations on letting your hair down and rockin' the dance floor! Report Inappropriate Comment

ZENTHAE 5/1/2010 12:39PM

If theres one day you're allowed to go all out, its your Birthday! Don't worry about anything. Tomorrow is a new day! But it sounds like you had so much fun! Happy Birthday! You're doing great! Report Inappropriate Comment

-SHIMMER-ANN- 5/1/2010 11:32AM

HOW FUN!!!! Who calls a drink sex with a squirrel??? LOL! I love McGriddles...OMYummy!!! You have and deserve a great attitude :) I love it!! Report Inappropriate Comment

PRETTYMANDI 5/1/2010 11:11AM

This was a good blog for me to read today. I am going with my husband and some friends tonight to see a dj 4 hours away and all morning I have been obsessing about how this could affect my calories. The thing is, for the first 2 years of our marriage I wouldn't go anywhere with my husband because I was feeling too fat, and I let my weight get in the way of us having some fun times together. I don't now want to let my dieting hold me back from living, too...Thanks for sharing! Report Inappropriate Comment

SAMPEANUT 5/1/2010 11:01AM

You went out and had a blast and that is what life is about! You exercised (you danced until you're sore this morning...oh, I'd say that counts!), you laughed, you ate, you participated in LIFE! There's nothing to regret! Congratulations on a job well done, I'd say! Report Inappropriate Comment

SDTALLY 5/1/2010 10:50AM

It all sounds good. You know - you mentioned being sore this morning - to your credit just think of all the great exercise you had on the dance floor! I remember years ago I joined a class called jazzercise (do they still haave it?) - anyway you wouldn't believe the amount of calories that dancing works off! Have fun. Sharon Report Inappropriate Comment

Impatient Me - W2.D6

Friday, April 30, 2010

Okay, first of all, let me let you know right off the bat that this is not a blog about waiting for results and wanting them to come right now. I'm in week 2 and already a coworker said, "How much weight did you lose this week?" I told her that weigh in is on Sunday and she remarked that she could already see the difference. Let me repeat that for those of you that we're just flying through the reading, not really paying attention, maybe there's something shiny distracting you...focus here for a moment please...okay. She said she could already tell a difference in week 2! Now THAT is awesome! (Okay, go play with your toy now...I would.)

My impatience today is with my friends. God love them, but I had set plans with them last week to walk with me today. It wasn't my doing, it was theirs. I simply mentioned that I did 3 laps around the baseball field last week and they said, "Ooh..maybe I'll join you next week!" I said that would be fine with me, and they both agreed to meet here for chatting while we workout. Fun, right? Yeah...fun ends here. It is now 12:31pm and one texted me around noon to say she's going to the beach (we live in WV, what beach is she going to?) and the other said she's going to come, but she's busy working on something right now.

I understand the second one. I get caught up on stuff sometimes. The problem arises in the fact that I don't know when her stuff will end. She worked a few blocks away and she gave me zero indication as to when she'll be done. What's more, there is a history of her bailing at the last minute...so that is what I think will probably happen today.

This walk will happen with or without them. I know that. There's a health-food market within walking distance of my work (I can make it there, shop quickly, and be back just in time) so my plan today was to go there and pick up some fresh veggies, some quinoa, and maybe anything else that catches my eye. This is still my goal for the day (hello, two birds, meet one stone!). Waiting on her, though, is killing me! I need to be outside! I need the sun! I need my Vitamin D! I need to sweat! I just can't wait anymore! I need my oxygen and to feel my legs pumping.

Is is bad to say that my (skinny, eeny-weeny) friends are slowing this fat girl down? Because they totally are!

EDIT (1:52 pm): I just got back from my walk. I texted her to tell her I was going to go ahead and go. Halfway through the walk she texts me to tell me she just got done and "don't feel like doing anything right now." Thank God I went when I did. Came back red-faced (hate this part when I'm at work! *lol* Still a little pink now, waiting for it to subside.) and with a bag full of goodies -- a fresh pear (my after workout snack which I'm munching on right now..YUM!), No Salt Herbal Seasoning, black beans, red lentils, wild and brown rice, snow peas, 2 huge portobello mushroom caps, and quinoa! There's a dinner in here somewhere! ;)

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

PRETTYMANDI 5/3/2010 11:53AM

What is this quinoa of which you speak? Report Inappropriate Comment

-SHIMMER-ANN- 5/1/2010 11:34AM

I love that red faced look! I think it's youthful and sexy :) Report Inappropriate Comment

REDCHILIFLAKES 4/30/2010 5:08PM

LOL, I love it. What beach did she go to? I've encountered this problem with friends, significant others and family members. They mean well, they really do but mostly they don't understand our commitment and how important these activities are to us. If I lost 5 pounds for every time a friend missed a walk or meeting at the gym, I'd be a skinny girl by now! Good for you for keeping it up and going ahead with your plan. You are placing yourself first and that's what matters! Report Inappropriate Comment

LIVESTRONG2010 4/30/2010 3:46PM

So to say the friends can sometimes not be the best workout buddies because life can aways get in the way. I have found that even if I makes plans they don't always show but since I don't know that for sure I still go just so they can't say I was a no show. You are doing a great job! Report Inappropriate Comment

TEMPEST272002 4/30/2010 3:39PM

I have a dear friend who is terrible at managing her time. I am an organization-freak. Over a 20 year friendship, we've learned to manage it quite well! I have got in the habit of saying "I'll be at x at this time. I'd love it if you could join me!" Then, no hard feelings if she doesn't show or a good time if she does. Good for you for taking care of yourself! Hopefully your friends will make it another time. Report Inappropriate Comment

CAALAN23 4/30/2010 2:34PM

Way to take control of the situation, don't let anyone else's issues stand between you and your goals. That's awesome that you are getting comments in week 2! That feels good, huh? Keep it up! Tina Report Inappropriate Comment

ALIMESSA 4/30/2010 2:24PM

I just love reading your blogs! D is right...set a time and then go with or with out them. We all know that ultimately we can only really rely on ourselves, and that is just what you did! You rock, and I'm glad to hear that all of your hard work is being noticed by others...just more confirmation that you are on the road to success! Stay strong...and have a great Friday! (Sounds like you are off to a very good start!) Report Inappropriate Comment

L3DESIGNS 4/30/2010 2:19PM

Sorry your friends bailed! BUT you did great! Keep it up. Report Inappropriate Comment

CAROLYN1213 4/30/2010 2:14PM

You are doing a fabulous thing for yourself. Don't let your friends hold you back from making those healthy choices for yourself. And, YUM!!! Dinner sounds good! Report Inappropriate Comment

DLEE27 4/30/2010 2:04PM

1. You know me too well to know I'd be distracted by all the shiny objects in my office. Lol. 2. That must have felt super, amazing, fabulous, awesome, and totally rad to hear that people are already noticing a difference! 3. Don't let your friends hold you back. You're exactly right - they don't get it. They don't get how important is for you to stay consistent and on schedule. My vote is to invite them to come but set a time and stick to it. If they aren't there, leave with out 'em! 4. What time should I show up for supper? Lol. Report Inappropriate Comment

KELLYAKAZ 4/30/2010 1:55PM

Bummer they bailed on you! But way to stick to your plans! And YAY for quinoa! Report Inappropriate Comment

SAMPEANUT 4/30/2010 12:58PM

Oh brother, I so know friends like that. To them a walk is a "fun thing" and to us it's "therapy". I think that's the difference. You're doing great - and I can totally believe the results are showing in week 2. My results started showing within a week, too. It's the most bizarre thing, isn't it? You rock! Keep it up! Report Inappropriate Comment

Day 7 of 100

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Copied from a mail message to DLEE27:

"Okay, is it totally weird that I feel...almost giddy? Today was a good day. Today was a great day! Today was a wonderful, amazing, in your face and suck it failure and disappointment, kind of day!"

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I am extremely happy for several reasons. Here are my top 5...

1. My boss gave me a card (and gift) for graduation. Not at all necessary considering all she's done for me in the past three years - giving me time off work when I needed it, working with my school schedule, giving me that semester of personal leave so I could get some day classes in, giving me advanced training and opportunities at work, etc. I really look up to this woman and she reminds me of my (now passed) grandmother, so to hear her say "I'm really proud of you" just felt damn good!

2. A boy at school, okay, so I have a completely innocent crush on him (the kind you have on a movie star or something where you think he's just "SOOOO HOT!" and everything he says sounds wonderful to you), accidentally called me "baby" today. *lol* It made me smile because, well, because he's hot, but also because I felt like this new life I've started for myself was part of the reason. I felt cute for a moment...that doesn't usually happen.

3. I was on track with almost all of my goals. As of now I am under on calories, carbs, and protein (that doesn't usually happen, that last one), but for most of the day I had a very balanced day. Think I'll just eat an apple with a little bit of peanut butter or something here in a minute...maybe not. *shrug* I feel really good about where I'm at today as far as my food and such.

4. I'm not sure I can describe this one...I feel...I act good. During the day I feel very "up" most of the day. Most of the day I feel good about my life. Most of the day I am focused and happy and content. Stuff doesn't tend to bother me as much. People don't seem to annoy me as much. I don't know what has changed but I really - REALLY - hope this is a permanent change. Of course I know there will be bad days (I've had some already), but for the most part, things are better..internally...emotionally...mentall
y.

5. Finally, this is day 7 of the 100 Consecutive Days Workout Challenge. Thank you SPUNKYDUCKY for this! Really, thank you! I started on my inStride Cycle XL tonight with a goal of doing 10 minutes, maybe 15. At 15 I thought, "Okay, maybe 20." At 20 I thought, "Alright, I can do 25." At 25 I thought, "Well, it's only 5 more to 30...why the hell not?!" I'm really tired, but it feels good. SEVEN DAYS! SEVEN DAYS IN A ROW! I'm almost at the end of week 2 and I hope all this effort shows in rewards on the scale.


Oh, and my favorite quote from today...had me giggling for a good long while:
“If you let your head get too big, it’ll break your neck.”

That's just funny...I don't care who you are.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

-SHIMMER-ANN- 4/30/2010 12:17PM

LOVE IT!!!!!!!! What a wonderful day!!! I like number 2 hehehehe. Report Inappropriate Comment

ALIMESSA 4/30/2010 12:56AM

It's so great to reflect on your day and focus on what made it so great...and it definitely sounds like yours was a 10! Remember to use this blog to get you through those days which aren't quite as good! And, FYI, that feeling you have, where you feel "up", focused, content and happy...well that is from actually putting yourself first...taking care of yourself...You are on your way to changing your life for the better because you finally feel you are worth it and have committed to this new lifestyle....how AWESOME is that!?!?!!!!!!!!! Stay Strong!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

SAMPEANUT 4/29/2010 11:18PM

Love your attitude! WOOHOOOO good for you!! Report Inappropriate Comment

NANA2THREEGIRLS 4/29/2010 11:03PM

Congrats on graduating!! Good luck with the challenge,I have joined a few and they have helped me tremendously. Report Inappropriate Comment

DLEE27 4/29/2010 10:48PM

Picture me doing the "Raising the Roof" move and shouting "Whoop Whoop! Whoop Whoop!" Report Inappropriate Comment

ZENTHAE 4/29/2010 10:43PM

You're doing great! Your boss sounds so sweet! I am so happy for you. Happy Graduation! Report Inappropriate Comment