2 Month Sparkiversary

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Okay, so since starting Spark People 8 weeks ago I have:

Completed C25K training.
Lost 15 lbs.
Lost 11 inches off my body.
Dropped a pants size completely.
Changed the way I eat every day.
Eaten brussel sprouts!
Begun running every other day.
Gained tons of energy.
Made my relationships with my children stronger.
Slept 8 - 9 hours every night.
Joined a team challenge and have almost completed it 4 weeks ahead of schedule.
Walked/Jogged over 150 miles.
Joined PALA. Presidential Active Lifestyle Award
Made lists of additional athletic equipment I wish to purchase.
Dreamt of RUNNING a whole 5k.
Gained a ton of self confidence.
Gone outside every day (seems little, but in reality a big deal).
Rewarded myself for the small goals.
Smiled every day!!
Met lots of people that I value as very important in my life!!

I could probably go on and on, but in summary these things mean more to me than if someone would just hand me money. I can say truthfully that I am well on my way to a happy healthy lifestyle that will last me a lifetime!! Thank you Spark People...

  

Day 52

Monday, April 09, 2012

I feel that I have accomplished many things, but I already feel like things are becoming stagnant. That scares me a bit. I hope that I can vary things to keep me motivated and energetic. I am adding new things. Maybe its just a mood carry over from the weekend being longer. I have not been feeling "so great" or maybe this is how I feel...only time will tell. This weekend was rough as it was the first Easter without hubbys Mom and without my Dad. It was pleasant, but kinda sad.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

OUT-OF-ASHES 4/10/2012 10:23AM

It will start looking up again, just gotta ride it out. I'm here for you. You'll start sparkin again in no time. Report Inappropriate Comment

BLUESKIES139 4/10/2012 8:56AM

Keep your chin up!!! I think your right in sayin that it might just be a carry over! You will get out of this funk!!!! Keep your spirits up. You are doing so well and I know that you will continue to do so :D Report Inappropriate Comment

Happy Easter to all!!

Sunday, April 08, 2012

Happy Easter to all my Spark Friends!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KATHY98665 4/8/2012 10:49PM

Happy Easter to you too! Report Inappropriate Comment

Eat before or after your workout?

Friday, April 06, 2012

I completed my first treadmill 5K today. I didn't have fabulous time, but I finished it and I did some very hard running too!! Anyway, to all you runners out there this is something that I have not thought about before. Do you eat before or after your workout? Especially, when you are running. I have decided that I get a really good workout when I run, so I want to incorporate more running and work up to longer distance and time. My hubby said it is best to workout first because you burn more calories....I don't know about that! Help, I need some answers on this one!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

OUT-OF-ASHES 4/6/2012 2:19PM

I am usually dehydrated when I wake up, so I drink a glass of water and eat a banana so I dont get muscle cramps. Then I usually have a protein shake right after I finish to promote muscle recovery. One morning I didn't eat anything and it was going fine, but then 40 minutes into it when I was on the assisted pull-up machine I felt really weak, my heart started pounding, I got pale and broke out in a cold sweat and I felt like I was going to pass out...needless to say, I always eat before I go workout now. Report Inappropriate Comment

OBIESMOM2 4/6/2012 12:58PM

I'd eat yogurt or a piece of fruit and take something with me for after the workout. Report Inappropriate Comment

IVYBUTTERFLY3 4/6/2012 11:44AM

I usually workout first thing in the morning after I get the kids out the door...I haven't eaten since the night before. Report Inappropriate Comment

OBIESMOM2 4/6/2012 11:39AM

it depends on how long it's been since you last ate, and your personal preference. I usually eat something about 2 hours before I workout. On race mornings, I may eat something light (a slice of turkey or some Canadian bacon), but I don't want food in my stomach when I'm running really hard. I always have something in my car for after workouts (a piece of fruit, a protein bar, some of my homemade trail mix) because I'm usually really hungry. Report Inappropriate Comment

My Love of Cadbury Mini Eggs...

Thursday, April 05, 2012

Okay, so I went to the store the other day to obtain the Easter Goodies for the kids and sitting right in front of me were my very favorite Cadbury Mini Eggs. I tried to ignore them, but they kept saying "Take me Home!". I would point the cart away from them and I could hear them crying in the background. "She doesn't love us anymore" they screamed! I did it! I gave in to the temptation and brought them home. They lived in a cooler in the back of my car for several days. I couldn't hear them talking to me, but inevitability I had to retrieve them to put together the baskets and eggs for the kids. So I opened the package, and resumed assembling the baskets and I thought "Just one won't hurt...". So I had one, then two, then three, and then well...two more. Then I decided that I better put them on my tracker quick before a lie of omission overtook me and I did. And I stopped....wow, I really stopped. I enjoyed the ones that I had, but I didn't NEED anymore and I didn't want to waste any more calories on them. I didn't have ANY of the other candy that I purchased and the leftover candy went directly to my hubby.

Next year, maybe the Easter Bunny will bring fruit and nuts!! Won't the kids love that????

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KATHY98665 4/9/2012 2:20PM

I remember you telling me your children were quite petite. My boys are 6 foot/ 6 foot 1 and both about 140 pounds...so luckily weight is not an issue for them. I do try to be careful because of the family history of diabetes. My eldest has a sweet tooth...and I am reminding him to be aware that the habits he establishes now may come back to bite him some day. He likes stuff like BBQ sauce etc. and can really pour it on...trying to find that balance between letting them enjoy it and warning them is tough... Report Inappropriate Comment

IVYBUTTERFLY3 4/9/2012 12:19PM

My children are rather um...I guess you could say slight, small, even underweight. So...I decided one more year of candy monitored closely (thank God for dental sealants) wouldn't hurt. Next year, I will definitely be rethinking the whole candy thing though. Yes, I would think that Twizzlers do count even though hubby insists they are okay because they are fat free...says right on the package!! Report Inappropriate Comment

KATHY98665 4/8/2012 10:52PM

I bought a gift card for my boys to go out to dinner together ( they like the deep fried dill pickles at Buffalo Wild Wings), some wasabi roasted almonds, some Peeps ( yuck!), some Mentos, some sugar-free gum and a few other treats. Not one Easter candy has crossed my lips. However, some Twizzlers did jump into my cart and I munched on those when I put their baskets together...does that count? lol Report Inappropriate Comment

MICHIGANLORI 4/6/2012 3:12PM

Put the eggs down! The easter bunny brings gift cards instead of candy to my kids. Report Inappropriate Comment

OBIESMOM2 4/5/2012 2:06PM

I love dark chocolate. Publix had Dove BOGO. I bought some for the Easter baskets (I do one for Mom and one for sis & family). I gave up desserts and chocolate for Lent and the last day or so has been tough! I did fine starting out, then had major cravings at about day 18 for a few days, then okay again until this week. I have a feeling Sunday morning is going to have me dipping into my dark chocolate stash in the freezer! Report Inappropriate Comment

MYRRH924 4/5/2012 1:47PM

I am so excited for you that you fought this temptation! Candy is so hard for me to stop eating. I dread my Easter candy shopping trip, and have been putting it off for exactly this reason. Report Inappropriate Comment