30 POUNDS DOWN IN 3 MONTHS!!!!

Saturday, June 05, 2010

So...very exciting news!! Today I have officially lost 31 pounds since the start of my Spark Journey on March 9 of this year!! It's unbelievable how much SparkPeople has changed my life for the better and I'm so happy I actually got involved in Sparks this time around (I had joined a couple times over the years and never got involved with the site)!!! I have also met (via this site) some of the world's most amazing and positive people! I truly believe this site/community is one of the greatest things one could have in their life. It makes me appreciate life so much more and makes me WANT to live a healthy lifestyle.

Ahh..it's weird to think about how far I've come in such a short period of time. I started Sparks feeling terrible about my physical appearance and letting myself go (I gained 72 pounds in just 4 years). I quickly realized the biggest benefit of living a healthy lifestyle was actually feeling GREAT--not the weight loss. Of course, the weight loss has definitely been a positive byproduct of my journey and it feels good to be able to fit into lots of my old clothes as well. I also love losing weight because I'm a goal oriented person and it makes me feel accomplished. I love when I can figure out A+B=C (where A is healthy eating, B is exercising, and C is results..hehe).

Whenever I tried losing weight before I was so obsessed with the scale that I would get discouraged and give up. Though I weigh myself everyday (sort of for the science aspect of what happens when I put this in my body or when I do this specific workout), the scale no longer controls me. Sure, I was super excited when I got on the scale and realized I had met my goal..but if the opposite happened I wouldn't be upset about it. I try to remember I have the rest of my life to lose weight...one week isn't going to make a difference!!! I have found when I'm focusing on being healthy (not just weight loss)..the weight comes off so much easier. SO...if you are like I was...remember that the number on the scale is exactly that--just a number!! This makes losing weight SOOO much less stressful and more fun (of course).

Now I am able to stick up for myself when people are mean to me about gaining weight/I am able to put people in their place when they try to judge me--something I would have been way too embarrassed to do before. I have been able to help people who have low self-esteem like I used to, which is an amazing feeling. I finally feel like I can make a positive difference because I have become such a positive person. I have decided I want to be a life coach (which would include weight loss coaching), which I may not have figured out if I didn't join Sparks and realize how much I love motivating and encouraging others. I have also remained smoke-free for 111 days!!! WOOHOO.

Before starting Sparks...I had tried to quit smoking and wanted to lose weight but was constantly sabotaging myself. I stuffed my face to the point of being uncomfortably full at all hours of the day. I never got hungry and it wasn't uncommon for me to have a 3,000 or 4,000 daily intake of calories. I literally did not care about what I was putting into my body...and I felt like it. I was constantly tired and never had energy to do anything--let alone exercising. I drove to class instead of taking the ten minute walk...which is HILARIOUS because I walk for miles now like it's nothing. I literally did a complete 180 of my old reckless behavior and that feels AMAZING. I honestly feel like I can do anything I put my mind to now!

I credit this community for not only being the reason that I have lost weight (instead of gained) for the first time in my life...but even more importantly...for giving me the tools to stay on track with my healthy lifestyle journey. I am a firm believer that this site added YEARS..if not a decade..onto my life. Without Sparks I'd probably still be smoking and obese! So if you are just getting into Sparks...GIVE IT YOUR ALL!!!! This site is the greatest one on the world wide web! Take advantage of it, after all...it's FREE!!!!

People have been asking me how I did it/what my program was. Here are some of the things that I did:

*I followed the Hilton Head Metabolism diet (added about 200 more calories to it a day though by increasing portion sizes just a bit), which is AMAZING. It's a high complex carb, moderate protein, and very low fat diet that is super easy to stick to (no weird foods...just things like veggies, fruits, chicken, tuna, turkey, etc.). The only thing is that it is 5 meals a day (well three actual meals and two "minimeals" that are usually just a fruit or vegetable) so it can be kind of inconvenient because you have to eat every 3 hours. And then you work out 2x a day for 20 minutes after your meals. Even a walk cuts it for the workout. If you would like more information/want to join the team...you can get more info at this link: www.sparkpeople.com/myspark/groups_i
ndividual.asp?gid=41638 . Some people get scared because it's high carb, but follow it for a week faithfully and I'd personally guarantee you'll lose some weight.

*As far as exercise goes, I usually do the 30 Day Shred and walk lots!! I love walking...instead of driving (if it is within decent driving distance and I have time), I walk! Also making sure I work out at least 10 minutes a day so I don't break my streak helps a lot..I know if I don't work out for a couple of days I start getting lazy and don't want to! It's true what they say...weight loss is all about consistency!

*When I track my food before I eat I usually make better decisions as well..so that is key!!

*WATER WATER WATER!!!!! Learn to love it and drink up!!

*Adding strength training in--it really does make a difference when it comes to boosting your metabolism!!

*Checking in with SP everyday

*Practicing what I preach!!!

I have had a bunch of really bad weeks along the way...gotten in a couple of ruts where I was just so unmotivated...the key is just starting from square one. Resetting goals is a huge motivator for me...reading other people's blogs and seeing what works for them...talking to other members of the community...making sure I still keep up with SP even if I am not eating healthy or working out. All of these things have helped me SO much.

Thanks for all the love and support you guys have given me. You are the best!!!! Here's to the next 30 pounds (I'll finally be in the normal range then!! ahah).

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June 2010 -- Goals, Successes, and Things I Need to Work On -- Day 3 -- June 3

Friday, June 04, 2010

So I am back on track..and like I said in my last entry...just in time for the weekend (which ALWAYS sabotages me-haha). I think I would have been fine last weekend if it wasn't for the long weekend. I didn't start eating healthy again until WEDNESDAY (which was my weigh-in, haha). Fortunately I still lost 2 pounds from last week...which I was SUPER surprised about. I'm officially just .8 pounds until I reach 167 (or losing 30 pounds by my 3 month SparkVersary). This is something I am VERY proud of. It hasn't been easy and I haven't been perfect when it comes to eating--but I still did it! And you can too!!

Today is day 110 of being smoke-free!

Nutrition
[X] Eat a breakfast that is high in fiber and protein
[X] Eat two fruits or vegetables
[X] Don't drink soda
[X] Don't eat in front of the TV
[X] Drink eight cups of water a day
[X] Measure out portions
[ ] Track all my food BEFORE I eat it
6/7 = 86%

Fitness
[X] Exercise for ten minutes
[X] Do something active outdoors
[X] Stretch for ten minutes
[X] Track calories burned
[ ] Do 15 minutes of exercise while watching TV
[ ] Use a stress/squeeze ball
[X] Sleep for 7-8 hours a night
[X] Do strength training 2x a week
[X] Do a Leslie DVD for at least one mile --no but I did walk like 5
[ ] Pick random workout DVD and do it!
[X] Do Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred
8/11 = 73%

Motivational Goals
[X] Tell one person about your goals
[X] Give yourself a five-minute mental pep talk
[X] Post a message on SparkPeople's message boards
[X] Read a motivational story or book
[X] Reward yourself
[X] Read an inspirational quote
[X] Listen to a get-up-and-go song every day
[X] Visualize my goals each day and how I will feel when my goals are finished
[ ] Rent/watch an inspiring moving once a week via Netflix
8/9= 89%

(X) Short-term sub-goal for my ultimate life goal: I will blog daily and write five things that I did right that day and two things I could work on (without beating myself up).

Five things I did right:
1. I had an unhealthy lunch choice but I just made my dinner healthier so it evened out.
2. I did day 16 of the 30DS (officially over halfway done)
3. I went on at 3 mile walk outside at a forest preserve that was absolutely beautiful!!
4. I stayed within my calorie range
5. I stood up for myself

Two things I could work on:
1. I didn't have a voice when it came to eating out--I wanted to go somewhere healthy and my friends didn't, but I agreed instead of sticking up for myself
2. Eating healthier when I did go to the restaurant..there were better options

(X) Short-term sub-goal for my ultimate life goal: Work my hardest to ignore negative people who are critical of my weight.

(X) Short-term sub-goal for my ultimate life goal: Let people know when they hurt my feelings and also put them in their place (as the rude person who is in no place to judge).

( ) Short-term sub-goal for my ultimate weight-loss goal: Track my calories BEFORE I decide what I am going to be eating. This will help me make healthier eating choices.

( ) Short-term sub-goal for my ultimate weight-loss goal: Follow the Hilton Head Metabolism diet six days a week, be mindful but indulge a little for the 7th day to keep my metabolism ramped up.
Took this week off, but going back on it next weekend!

(X) Short-term sub-goal for my ultimate fitness goal: Work out every single day (at the very least with my DVDs), but preferably at the gym as well.
Did 30DS and walked a bunch outside.

Specific June Goals:
[X] Work out for a minimum of 90 minutes
[ ] Do the 28-day boot camp plans (starting this on Sunday)
[ ] Become a community team member (one time--June 9)
[ ] Set my 100 and 180 day challenge goals (one time)
[ ] Lose 26 overall pounds for the Firecracker challenge July 4 (one time)
[ ] Apply for jobs everyday
[ ] Fix 497 stuff (one time)
[ ] Organize my bedroom for at least 30 minutes each day
[ ] Start the C25K when I am done with the Shred
[X] Make June challenges for the teams I lead
[X] Weigh-in on the Wii Fit everyday

(X) Track what stresses me for the stress buster challenge (for the day):
1. Getting a speeding ticket/worrying how to pay for it/money
2. Not getting along with my best friend at the current moment
3. Getting a job
(same things)

(X) Track three things that I am thankful for:
1. My nephews
2. How supportive my friends are
3. Living in such a nice and safe area

Reflections: I am really going to do this in June!! I'm excited

Today's weight: 167.8
Pounds left until I reach my next goal: .8 lbs (then I will have lost 30 pounds in 3 months!)
Second goal: 10% of my total body weight after I am out of the obese category (152 pounds)
Third goal: 10% of my total body weight to finally get me into the normal category (136.8 pounds)
I am then going to a professional to see (precisely according my body frame) what a good and healthy goal weight will be for me.

I also weigh-in with a group that has us track inches on Fridays..so I'll start doing that on Fridays as well: Inches lost this week -- 1.5

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Getting back in the hang of things!!

Thursday, June 03, 2010

I'm getting back in the hang of things..haha, of course right in time for the weekend to start up again..but I am determined to lose that last 1.4 pounds so I can be 167 for my 3 month SparkVersary!!! So I'm going to be really good this weekend

Tomorrow is day 17 of the Shred! Finally more than halfway through it! WOOHOO!!

hehe. I'll write more tomorrow..I'm tired!!

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June 2010 -- Goals, Successes, and Things I Need to Work On -- Day 1 -- June 1

Wednesday, June 02, 2010

So I got really off-track this weekend and will need to get back on track for this week. Once again, I will be adding to my current format of my blog. I really want June to be my most serious month on SP so far. I need to get my butt into gear! To answer the comments about how I may be overwhelming myself...I am an ESTJ so I get satisfaction of checking things off and creating structure in my life :D

Today is day 108 of being smoke-free!

Nutrition
[ ] Eat a breakfast that is high in fiber and protein
[X] Eat two fruits or vegetables
[X] Don't drink soda
[ ] Don't eat in front of the TV
[X] Drink eight cups of water a day
[ ] Measure out portions
[ ] Track all my food BEFORE I eat it
3/7 = 43%

Fitness
[X] Exercise for ten minutes
[ ] Do something active outdoors
[ ] Stretch for ten minutes
[X] Track calories burned
[ ] Do 15 minutes of exercise while watching TV
[ ] Use a stress/squeeze ball
[X] Sleep for 7-8 hours a night
[ ] Do strength training 2x a week
[ ] Do a Leslie DVD for at least one mile
[ ] Pick random workout DVD and do it!
[ ] Do Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred
3/11 = 27%

Motivational Goals
[X] Tell one person about your goals
[ ] Give yourself a five-minute mental pep talk
[X] Post a message on SparkPeople's message boards
[ ] Read a motivational story or book
[ ] Reward yourself
[X] Read an inspirational quote
[X] Listen to a get-up-and-go song every day
[ ] Visualize my goals each day and how I will feel when my goals are finished
[ ] Rent/watch an inspiring moving once a week via Netflix
4/9= 44%

(X) Short-term sub-goal for my ultimate life goal: I will blog daily and write five things that I did right that day and two things I could work on (without beating myself up).

Five things I did right:
1. I kept up with SP even though I wasn't having the best day nutrition and fitness wise
2. I didn't beat myself up over what I have done since Friday
3. I made a plan for June
4. I created a challenge for one of my SP teams
5. I began organizing the Mini-convention in Vegas

Two things I could work on:
1. Eating healthy/not bingeing
2. Making sure I am watching my sodium at the very least

( ) Short-term sub-goal for my ultimate life goal: Work my hardest to ignore negative people who are critical of my weight.
Didn't have to!

( ) Short-term sub-goal for my ultimate life goal: Let people know when they hurt my feelings and also put them in their place (as the rude person who is in no place to judge).

( ) Short-term sub-goal for my ultimate weight-loss goal: Track my calories BEFORE I decide what I am going to be eating. This will help me make healthier eating choices.

( ) Short-term sub-goal for my ultimate weight-loss goal: Follow the Hilton Head Metabolism diet six days a week, be mindful but indulge a little for the 7th day to keep my metabolism ramped up.

( ) Short-term sub-goal for my ultimate fitness goal: Work out every single day (at the very least with my DVDs), but preferably at the gym as well.
Did 30DS and Leslie DVDs.

Specific June Goals:
[ ] Work out for a minimum of 90 minutes
[ ] Do the 28-day boot camp plans
[X] No alcohol until after June 11
[ ] Become a community team member (one time)
[ ] Set my 100 and 180 day challenge goals (one time)
[ ] Lose 26 overall pounds for the Firecracker challenge July 4 (one time)
[ ] Apply for jobs everyday
[ ] Fix 497 stuff (one time)
[ ] Organize my bedroom for at least 30 minutes each day
[ ] Start the C25K when I am done with the Shred
[ ] Make June challenges for the teams I lead
[ ] Weigh-in on the Wii Fit everyday

( ) Track what stresses me for the stress buster challenge (for the day):
1. Getting a speeding ticket/worrying how to pay for it/money
2. Not getting along with my best friend at the current moment
3. Getting a job

Reflections: A lot of my June goals are not checked off because I made them last night (while I was watching Jillian's new show--which I love!!). Here's to a great month of June!

For next entry, include things I am grateful for :)

Today's weight: 169.6
Pounds left until I reach my next goal: .7 lbs (then I will be out of the 170's AND no longer obese)!!
Second goal: 10% of my total body weight after I am out of the obese category (152 pounds)
Third goal: 10% of my total body weight to finally get me into the normal category (136.8 pounds)
I am then going to a professional to see (precisely according my body frame) what a good and healthy goal weight will be for me.

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JUNE GOALS :)

Tuesday, June 01, 2010

So May wasn't the best month for me weight loss wise--only lost 6 pounds...but I did learn a lot of my triggers. Here's to June and practicing what I had decided to do about my triggers :)

1. Minimum of 90 minutes of exercise a day for the month of June
2. Finish the last half of the 30DS
3. Do the 28-day boot camp that is sponsored by SP
4. Try to get the maximum amounts of SparkPoints
5. Lose 12 pounds by the end of the month
6. No alcohol for the first 11 days of the month
7. Become a community team member
8. Set my 100 and 180 day challenge goals
9. Lose 26 overall pounds for the Firecracker Challenge that ends on July 4
10. Apply for jobs
11. Fix 497 stuff
12. Organize my bedrooms
13. Start C25K when Shred is over
14. Get 7-8 hours of sleep a night
15. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day
16. Stand up for myself
17. Make June challenges for the teams I lead
18. Weigh-in on Wii Fit everyday

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