Day 149 (Happy Friday!!!)

Friday, May 17, 2013

Happy Friday Sparkers! I did go out last night I had a great time and stayed within my calorie range... WOOHOO! I am feeling the after effects of those margaritas though! I'm tired! I am going to go home do yoga then sleep... sleep... and sleep some more.

I have 1,012 fitness minutes for this month already. My goal was 2500 but I'm not sure I am going to make it :-( We will see we have two weeks left. If I get 580 fitness minutes each week I will be at 2,172 fitness minutes for May. Not what I wanted but not too bad either. So far I have 23 miles down for this week.

I have been tracking all my meals. I haven't gone over on any of the ranges but I have fallen short a couple of days. Overall not terrible. I'm just glad I am getting in the habit of tracking again. Its great actually. I can eat whatever I want as long as it fits within those limits, and because I have been burning about 3000 calories a week my ranges are pretty easy to fit into.

Hope everyone is enjoying their day! Do you have a plan for the weekend? I do! Don't let the weekend ruin all the hard work you've done! You can do it!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

EG8383 5/20/2013 2:51PM

i have such a hard time tracking because I get frustrated with finding the correct entry for what I'm eating. I do my best by eyeing my food and watching portions. Thats awesome that you went out and stayed withing your limits!! Weekends are the hardest I feel like ooohh I've done great this week I'll have one cheat meal then I tend to loose control and it's a cheat weekend. I'm working on it, keep up the good work!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

KABMPH 5/20/2013 12:37PM

Those are ambitious fitness minutes! Don't burn yourself out, but keep pushing, too! Report Inappropriate Comment

GLUECIPHER 5/17/2013 10:43AM

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AMYD726 5/17/2013 10:17AM

I was JUST thinking to myself that I can't let the weekend get in the way of my goals! I think your fitness minutes are great Report Inappropriate Comment

KAB7801 5/17/2013 10:06AM

So your fitness minutes are almost half way there! You've still got time, get moving! Kim Report Inappropriate Comment

TIME2BLOOM4ME 5/17/2013 9:59AM

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Day 148 (Just do what's right for you!)

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Spark Solution:

Okay well... though I am visiting the SparkTeam I am not really doing the challenge :-( I am using the motivation portion but that is pretty much it. I am glad I bought the book though. And I am going to use it once I have a kitchen, with an oven and a freezer. Right now I don't have access to those things so I wouldn't be able to cook in bulk and that is just a heck of a lot of cooking!!!

Other News:

I am working out... a lot :) I am tracking my food and trying to make the best choices possible. I think right now SparkCoach is my best friend! I really enjoy the videos. Well I didn't walk as much yesterday BUT I still got 85 fitness minutes in... 458 calories burned... Oh yea!! I actually got my mom to do yoga with me yesterday! We had to end the walk early (1.6 miles in 34 minutes) because her inner thighs were hurting her. So when we got back to the house I talked her into getting the yoga mats out and doing a short post workout video (roughly 20 minutes) plus she has arthritis in her wrists so we also did a 11 minute yoga therapy for forearms, wrists, and hands. About a half hour later my mom said her inner thighs didn't hurt anymore. ;-) she didn't want to do the videos because she wasn't as flexible but I talked her into it and now she is a believer! Today we are going for a walk BUT we are going to do the 20 minute pre workout yoga video... walk... then the 20 minute post workout video. She is planning on doing Richard Simmons DVD over the weekend... I know super silly but he is the man that helped her lose 55 pounds a few years back (She has asthma and was put on steroids plus the beginning of menopause isn't helping her out either!) She has about 35 pounds to lose? I think roughly. Its really nice that we can do this together! But since she is doing yoga with me I told her I would do the corny videos with her on Saturday. Who knew my mom would be my workout and accountability buddy???

I am going to talk to my riding instructor this weekend. I am going to lease Rocky (13 year old quarter horse gelding) for June, July, and August. I have decided. This will be a stress reliever and exercise.

My boyfriend and I are going to hooter's for the bikini contest. I know I am going to have a couple of drinks tonight so I am going to make sure I eat a little under my calorie and carb range so I can account for these!!

Hope all is well. I am doing FANTASTIC today! One more day until the weekend. WOOHOO!

How is your journey going? Do you have an accountability buddy? Are you participating in any challenges?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

AMYD726 5/16/2013 1:54PM

Great job, keep it up girl! Report Inappropriate Comment

-CORAL- 5/16/2013 12:48PM

You are sweet for doing that with your mom. I wouldn't have the patience! Report Inappropriate Comment

JOHNTJ1 5/16/2013 12:31PM

Isn't it amazing all the neat benefits we find when we get active and start getting involved in life. I'm glad you and your mom are spending so much time together and that because of it you're both getting stronger and healthier. Hope you have a good time tonight ! Report Inappropriate Comment

QUAIL75 5/16/2013 12:06PM

Fantastic progress! Report Inappropriate Comment

Day 147 (Tomorrow is never promised)

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Hello Spark World! It is Wednesday and we are halfway through the week.

Spark Solution:

So I don't follow their meal plans. I don't have the room in my living situation to prepare them... plus I am super picky!

As for their work outs. I am following loosely. I like that they have the demos in the back of the book and I am using their strength training moves.

Other than that I haven't really dove in. It is pretty much like the articles on SP. For people who are using the meal plan I'm sure it will work perfectly. Unfortunately I am just a person who beats to my own drum and I change things up and live somewhat spontaneously. So this type of plan isn't a good fit for me, though I do refer to the motivation tips they really work!

SparkCoach:

I really like SparkCoach. It has me tracking my food again. I like how it only takes about 20 minutes a day. It makes sure you make your rounds through SP, you know articles, blogs, tracking (food/exercise/fast breaks), Makes you jot down how you did in the last 24 hours and rate your success.

I haven't had a chance to email the coaches but at this point I haven't needed to... Maybe when I am further into it? I am doing the 90 day program. It is just so easy. They make all the work of healthy living a slow easy progression, and not overwhelming at all.

If you have the money (roughly $9/month) I would highly recommend it. I will see where I am once my membership it up (Aug 12th) and see if I will renew. What I also like about SparkCoach is they DO NOT automatically charge you every month, you have to make the payment. So there is no obligation to continue into the next month, you can stop for a couple of months then start up again, love this feature!!!

Other News:

I walked roughly 6 miles yesterday. I feel awesome! I am going to go walking again today with my mom. And I'm planning on doing a short yoga video (about 23 mintues). I lost a pound but I don't really consider it that big a deal (I started at 168 went down to 158, then went up to 160 and now I am at 159). Don't get me wrong I am glad the scale is going down but I am not going to jump for joy until I get to 157 :-P

This walking thing is working wonders for me and my mom. Not only are we getting in better shape together we have been spending more time together. Everyone knows how precious the time with family is, and since I moved out I don't seem my parents as much. It's been great I get off at the bus stop near their house walk 1.5 miles to her house then we go on an hour walk together and just talk about whatever. My mom lost 3 pounds so far from a week of walking and she is excited... which makes me excited :-)

Hope everyone is doing well this week. And if you have a chance you should read my SP friends blog www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public_jo
urnal_individual.asp?blog_id=5357079 (JOHNTJ1) Its a great little bit of wisdom we should all try to remember.

Have a great day and remember, Tomorrow is never promised. Tell the ones you love you love them and just ENJOY yourself!!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

AMYD726 5/15/2013 11:49AM

Thanks for the review and definitely keep us posted along the way! Also, great message and I'll hop over to John's blog after this! :) Report Inappropriate Comment

KAB7801 5/15/2013 11:48AM

You are so lucky to be able to walk with your Mom Every minute is precious with her and it's great to have someone to motivate youth walk. Walking is great exercise, I love it! My mom lives in St, Louis and you know I live in Virginia, only see her abut twice a year. I think you should put some effort inti the solution challenge! I'm very picky also but I'm trying everything or find a good substitute Kim Report Inappropriate Comment

JOHNTJ1 5/15/2013 10:53AM

Thanks for the shout out and keep on Sparking Report Inappropriate Comment

Day 145 (Spark Solution Challenge Day 1)

Monday, May 13, 2013

So the challenge starts today. I am not following the meal plan. I know I won't follow it and I don't like some of the foods. But I am tracking my food. My breakfast is Whole Grain Toast, Egg white and scrambled egg mixed, 2 slices 3/4 oz cheese, 8 oz cup of coffee (mostly skim milk with a couple of tablespoons half and half to make it a little creamy), and a cup of fruit, which is about 600 calories... I have to say I was a little shocked but I am having a lighter lunch 284 calories... Romaine lettuce, chicken breast 2 oz, chick peas 0.5 cup, cucumber with peel 0.5 cup, carrots 0.5 cup, and roasted garlic dressing. I still don't know what I am going to eat for dinner. I have 455-805 calories left for the day. I am going to eat closer to 500 for dinner. I am going to keep it on the low end during the week and high end on weekends.

Exercise for today is Cardio for 20 Minutes. Working at 8/10 somewhat hard and slightly breathless. I am going to do laundry today which they consider "neat" minutes. And I think I am going to go jogging as my Cardio. I can go to the laundry mat put my clothes in and then go for a jog around the school while I am waiting for the laundry. Kill two birds with one stone?? Maybe I can develop this into a normal habit? Jog while doing laundry? Sounds very possible....

I'm glad they made a team for this. I think it would be harder to do it without other people doing it with you.

I didn't do as much working out as I wanted but Horseback Riding yesterday was awesomely difficult! The horse decided he was having a bad day and tried to buck me off!!! Which in turn made me super proud that I was able to stay on and keep jumping! Those 10 years of riding really do help!

Also I was looking at my legs on Saturday and I came to a very surprising realization. I am starting to like my body... :O I was looking down at my legs and I could see they were getting slimmer and they are getting toned. They don't jiggle as much when I walk and there are certain parts that used to be unattractively flabby that aren't there anymore! I smiled and said to myself "You know what? Even if I don't lose anymore weight and just keep toning I will be happy with my body." Wow... I really said that. I wore a smile on my face after that. Yes my stomach isn't flat the way I would like it but it's not as big as it was. Even if I don't get a flat tummy I will be happy as long as it isn't hanging over my pants. I am starting to appreciate my normal average body. I will never be a swimsuit model. I will never be tall and lean and leggy. But I can be cute and curvy. So that is what I am going to aim for. Cute and Curvy.

How was the weekend? Did you discover anything about yourself? Are you starting out Monday on the right foot?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

ALLIEALLIE2 5/14/2013 2:15PM

it! May I join Team Cute and Curvy? Sounds like you are doing great! Report Inappropriate Comment

KAB7801 5/14/2013 10:22AM

Oh CC that's fantastic the changes are coming! That's how my legs are getting. Feels great doesn't it! I'm doing the Spark Solution Challenge also, started today. I am going to try to follow recipes even though some of the stuff I dislike or never heard of but I want to see if it changes my way of eating. I you never know I might like some, well see! Great blog, be nice to your horse! HeHe Kim Report Inappropriate Comment

SBN141 5/14/2013 3:27AM

There is nothing wrong with cute and curvy! My entire family have small bone structures, small bodies, small waists and then there is me, 5"7 and not small. But it is good. I think curvy is sexier than small anyways. As long as you are happy with how you look it doesn't matter what weight or size you are. Report Inappropriate Comment

JOHNTJ1 5/13/2013 3:24PM

You and your body are in communion with each other and you are discovering the joy and beauty that is YOU PS Please enjoy the journey Report Inappropriate Comment

Day 142 (What is happiness?? Thx THEGETNSHAPEGRL)

Friday, May 10, 2013

This morning one of my SP friends sent a message... What is happiness? This was part of her message (THEGETNSHAPEGRL)

"Every single person on this entire planet deserves to find that happiness with themselves. It is not easy to come by. Maybe you will find happiness when you realize you shouldn’t feel so guilty about skipping 1 workout a week. Maybe you will find happiness when you realize that it’s okay to go to yoga and dance classes and that you don’t HAVE TO go to 7 bootcamps in a week. Maybe you will find happiness when you realize that you would rather enjoy wine a few nights a week with your girlfriends rather than constantly worry about how many calories you consume every single day.

At the end of the day we have to realize that we are only on this planet for a very short time and we need to make the most of it. Does that mean you should strength train to keep our bones strong? Yeah! But you don’t have to do it for 12 hours a week. Does it mean you should go for brisk walks with your husband or friend or challenge yourself with long distance road races to keep your heart and lungs healthy? Yes! But just because your friend ran a marathon and you can’t make it 26.2 miles doesn’t make you less of a person. Does it mean you should eat chicken breast and apples and oatmeal? Of course! But that’s not the only thing you should eat and just because you have cheats doesn’t mean you are a failure."

If you don't know who she is I recommend visiting her page... very inspiring. She is a very nice person and sends encouraging emails every week or so. And this just solidified how I have been feeling lately.

Would I love to have a body like hers? Of course. But I am not ready to put all the time and energy into it. I bought the Spark Solution book and I am doing my 3 months of Sparkcoach. I have decided to start from scratch. I am going about this like I have no knowledge on weight loss / healthy living at all. I am going to rebuild my foundation. I am not going to go wishing for a body that I am not willing to put the time and energy into. I take 5 minutes a day to talk to myself in an honest way that I would talk to a friend. Like yesterday for example, I didn't want to work out. But I did go for a 40 minute walk and instead of getting mad at myself I told myself as long as I move today I am moving in the right direction. I also went to Burger King (bad I know...) but I got a chicken wrap with sauce on the side and I wanted a sundae and fries... I reasoned with myself that I didn't need both and chose the sundae. I am still making the right steps because normally I would've eaten a double whopper with fries and a soda along with a sundae. I didn't and I should be happy that I am making the slightly better choices. I am not in a race. One change and one step at a time. I will get there if my attitude is in the right place. It takes time and determination, and I will add in a healthy thing whenever and wherever I can. Slowly but surely I will get there. To me this is happiness...

What is happiness to you? Do you think you are going about your journey the right way? Do you think you might have to rewind and start from scratch?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KAB7801 5/10/2013 3:29PM

That's where I'm at scratch! I guess it good to start over Monday starts this Spark solution, excited about that, but haven't started the coach yet Good luck with your journey Kim Report Inappropriate Comment

OMMAMA7 5/10/2013 10:55AM

This is kind of where my heads at with stopping the guilt and feeling less than others because I'm not as skinny, athletic, etc or like I'm a failure if I make a mistake. I'm trying to find a balance between really enjoying life and living it and being healthy with as little stress as possible LOL. good luck and hope you enjoy your continued/new journey :) Report Inappropriate Comment