CRISSA1669's SparkPeople Blog

We're halfway through Jan? If you dropped the ball...PICK IT BACK UP!

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 10:42:38 EST

Oh my, we are just about halfway through the month. Did you set goals for yourself? Did you flake, did you throw in the towel, did you eat poorly for a couple days or a week and just say forget it I'll start again Feb 1st?

Well my 1st half of Jan was a mess...I've only run a few times, my daughter was ill for 5 days and since we treat illness through natural means such as essential oils/massage/healthy food etc it is an every couple hour kinda schedule(but God's ways WORK and wi...

Hit a cool goal today!!

Sat, 5 Jan 2013 20:27:39 EST

I hit a goal today! When I started this journey I started writing out an "I want to" list...it's of things I wanted to do, places I wanted to go, things I wanted to wear, personal physical goals...the list is quite long. At this point being 21 months into my journey my list is just about completely DONE but there still are a few things that have not yet got the big cross off.

My husband and I went out this mid-day on a long run, we did 9.14 miles in exactly 2 hours!! Whoo hoo!...

Time to assess the holiday "damage" AND one year progress recap(PIXS)

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 12:44:56 EST

Today is my 21 month weight loss anniversary and as usual I take my monthly measurements and document my weight loss progress. Also because it is December, it's time for a year end recap of all of my progress or lack thereof.

This month is very different from other months as I CHOSE to enjoy the holiday fare and all that it entailed...which basically means I chose to eat Lindt chocolates, my homemade tamales, Walker's shortbread cookies(the big COSTCO tin!!), as well as drink Pepp...

They served what??? Weight Loss drug meeting...guess what they ate?

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 18:16:47 EST

Busy day, had to be up at 3am to head down to Austin to manage a pharmaceutical breakfast meeting. I've been managing pharma meetings for quite a while, even though I am pretty much anti-pharma...I just manage the people/place/food so it works out ok. This morning's meeting finally took the preverbial cake. Usually with these breakfast, lunch or dinner meetings, which are geared toward physicians and their staff...the meals are generally NOT the healthiest fare...for example...the topic mi...

So long 2012....how will yours end?

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 17:28:36 EST

14 days til years' end. As I sit and think about my progress this year I am well pleased.

1. I have been a faithful runner for one year now and am still loving it.
2. I am 37 pounds down overall this year with a goal to to be 40-45 pounds down before 1/1/13.
3. I can happily wear 12/14 skirts and Sm/Med tops!!
4. I am 16 pounds from my goal weight!!
5. I have managed to cross off almost 100% of my "I want to list" that I created at the start of my jour...

From 273 pounds to a half marathon. This accomplishment deserves a blog!!

Fri, 2 Nov 2012 00:49:41 EST

I almost forgot the reason I write blogs...for me. To remember high points as well as low points in this journey, and if I happen to encourage or inspire somebody else...ALL THE BETTER!

So I'll just get right to it. Wed 10/31/12..I ran my 1st Half Marathon...13.1 miles!!!!!!!!!!!!! I updated my status but didn't think to write a blog about it..it was only until I sat down and REALLY thought about it!! I thought WOW, this is an incredible accomplishment and I'm excited about it ...

Note to Self: Do NOT let other people's choices hinder YOUR journey!

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 12:59:52 EST

Epic fail today and lesson learned....once again. I've been crazy busy overseeing meetings(I'm an event planner on the side), volunteering with my kids and what not. I did manage to keep up with my workouts and am kicking butt this month on my fitness minutes. Also reached my goal of 85 miles of running this month!!! Sound good? Yea, but I had a jolt back to a past reality today and thought I'd blog about it in case anyone else faces this.

A little background....back in the da...

Ok Ok, I FINALLY see it!! Losing 100+ pounds REALLY does make a difference!

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 10:50:27 EST

Wow! It has taken about 18 months but today was the day that I finally SAW with my own eyes that I have REALLY lost the weight! Every week if not every day I get comments about my weight loss "Hey Skinny", "Slimmy" "you're gonna blow away in the wind" etc, I was even called Barbie this past Sunday...lol...but with every comment I always say "I'm not skinny, I've got more weight to lose but thank you". I KNOW I've lost weight but through my eyes I still see myself much larger than I am...we...

Down with the haters!

Mon, 1 Oct 2012 21:12:54 EST

I have finally come to a place in my weight loss journey where…for my own sanity..I have to kick the haters to the curb(figuratively). I have been at this for 18 months and am doing well but as we all know, it’s hard work. Over the last several months as my weight loss has shown through and my running has increased and improved I have been getting lots and lots of comments and opinions. Here are a few:

“Are you planning to run any further???” After telling someone I had run 8 mi...

Be Careful What you Wish for, you just might get it (not in a good way) TRUE STORY

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 12:44:13 EST

What I am about to share with you is a true story, real life, happening right now. It’s sad but also at the same time, it’s a shame. I write this to encourage you to strive towards health and to make you think what might be if you do not.

Have you ever said “All I want to do is watch TV” instead of getting outside for fresh air or exercise? Or “It’s not a big deal to eat that BAG of candy, you only live once” and you are diabetic or pre-diabetic. Or “Hey, we’re all gonna die so...

Time to put on the big girl undies and kick butt this week-C25K, Regular Runs & P90X make up...OH BR

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 12:16:08 EST

Alright, time to dig in!! I had a wonderful week last week. My son was home from Korea(Air Force). We had the best time! Even though I was able to keep up the C25k training schedule with my kids..and do 1 P90X workout with my son..and do a couple of runs just with him...I still missed out on some of what I had on my calendar. I was also on the Carb Crazy side this past week....for whatever reason the week before TOM I get crazy carb cravings...I usually don't have to try hard to fight th...

8.56 miles!! Could a half be in my future?

Sat, 8 Sep 2012 18:38:00 EST

Today I had the best run EVER! My husband and I headed out about 8:30am...the Texas weather had taken a wonderful turn and the air felt absolutely perfect. Cool and crisp. It was my intention to duplicate my 7 mile run from a week ago which was my longest run to date. I did 3 miles like it was cool! I actually felt really good and I am not completely sure why. Whether it was the wonderful fall-like weather or the AWESOME Starter wicking shirt I was wearing. It was my 1st time wearing t...

I did it! 100 POUNDS LOST!! (slightly pix heavy)

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 21:58:34 EST

March 28, 2011 I weighed 273 pounds Today I stepped on the scale and low and behold I've lost 100 pounds!!

You would have thought I would have been more excited, don't get me wrong, I am thrilled but it was n...

If only she knew.....THE COMPLIMENT of the CENTURY

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 17:23:08 EST

Wow, I received probably the most wonderful, heartfelt compliment today, from a total stranger. As I sit here and take in her words I can't help but smile ear to ear and also think, if only she knew......

1. I had been morbidly obese for the last 25 years
2. I use to take A LOT of time getting myself together before leaving the house.
3. I use to put in A LOT of effort to make my appearance look effortless
4. I have NEVER been comfortable in my own Large robe of fl...

What on earth was I thinking?!? I am NOT done yet!!

Sat, 11 Aug 2012 12:25:20 EST

Funny how we can trick ourselves into thinking things....that we can fit this or that outfit, that piece of cake was small, that we don't look as big as we are or my favorite of late....I can miss a workout...it's not a big deal!! Well it is a big deal!! I am NOT done losing weight and I have got to continue to put in the WORK that it takes to get to my goal.

Oh brother, have I been fooling myself that last couple of days. I have a VERY heavy workout load for the month of August...

TODAY!!! 7+ reasons I am OVERJOYED with my weightloss!!

Sat, 4 Aug 2012 18:53:50 EST

I'm just utterly excited today. Nothing in particular happened this blazing hot Saturday in Texas. But as I got up and sat down at my computer, I just found myself overwhelmed and overjoyed with contentment and outright happiness. Why? Because I have taken the steps to take back my health and am losing this weight. With that in mind, I thought I would list out some of the things that have given me so much joy. I figure many people will be able to relate to many of these and I hope any on...

How I lost 90 pounds in 16 months....and August workout goals

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 11:43:03 EST

So I just hit my 16 month weight loss anniversary on 7/28/12. Time really does fly. I've gone from this to this . I know many people like the weight and measurement particulars..I know I do, they motivate and encourage me. So here are mine then(3/28/11) and now(7/28/12):

Weight: 273 to 182= 91 pounds lost
Total Inches LOST: 60 INCHES!!!!

"Don't lose any more weight...SAVE SOME FOR HARD TIMES..." WHAT?!?!?!

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 09:54:37 EST

How time flies, I just couldn't let the month of July go by without some thoughts in the form of a blog.

So what's been going on? Nothing and everything. I'm still working this thing...I'm "stuck" in the 180's....man, it only seems like yesterday that I was "stuck" in the 250's or I was stuck in the 210's and never thought I would ever hit Onderland...but I STUCK with it and the weight has come off, slowly but surely. I believe sticking with it is the thought for the day or for...

Lost 90 pounds, almost at goal...where is the love?

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 19:11:29 EST

Amazing! After 15 months of this lifestyle change...eating healthy and buckets of sweat...I am so close to my goal. Today I hit 90 pounds loss. March 28, 2011 I started out at 273 pounds and today I hit 183...what a thrill...I've got between 10-24 pounds more to go until I hit a life of maintaining. But my question is...where is the love?

I have heard other Sparkys' testimonies and seen many people on YouTube tal...

Six Flags Fun 84 Pounds lighter & is this the American Reality to come?

Mon, 14 May 2012 14:55:09 EST

I spent Mother's Day with my oldest daughter hanging out at Six Flags Over Texas. What a fun time! After a year of portion control, exercise and dedication I was rewarded with FITTING COMFORTABLY in EVERY Ride!!!.. Now if that doesn't mean much to you, that's ok. But I KNOW to some of us this is HUGE....because we were HUGE and fitting into an amusement park ride is an awesome accomplishment!

The last time I was at Six Flags was probably 5 years ago...I went with a good friend...

You Quit? What does that mean?

Thu, 10 May 2012 16:39:20 EST

Wow, it's been a minute since my last blog...I'm still plugging away. Just started a new challenge...Supreme 90 which I have set to complete in about 70 days...it is my goal to be at my goal weight by 7/12/12. I'll be flying back home to visit San Diego for 10 days and would love to be ready for maintenance. I'll push on and see what happens.

Currently I am participating in and overseeing a "Biggest Winner" contest. We are in our 9th week out of 11 weeks. Thursdays are our wei...

80 Pounds GONE!

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:44:14 EST

What an awesome day, I hit 80 pounds loss today. I am pretty jazzed about this because it felt like I have played with the same 5 pounds since getting into Onederland in March. Once again, it's a great milestone.. but I get happy and get back to work. One of my girlfriends called and asked if it was a run day for me and if so could she join me. What a treat. We went this afteroon and ran a 5k...I have progressed where I can over 4 miles nonstop but she is just starting out and needed a ...

1 year Sparkaversary, a year of NO REGRETS!

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 18:56:42 EST

Wow, today, 3/28/12 makes 1 year that I have been at this weight loss journey here on Spark.
A lot has changed for me in this year. I've nailed portion control, became a runner, exercise consistently, I feel great and I believe I look a whole lot better too.

My initial start was my very own sister who sent me a pix of herself after training ...

Cool, I can run 4 miles....but WHEN will I become a real runner?

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 18:20:56 EST

What is the deal? I have completed the C25K training back in January 2012..whoo hoo..I started the 10k training...whooo hoo..I can run 48 minutes straight, I can run 2 miles easily, 3 miles well and 4 miles with determination...I'm gunning for 6. I pass other people running on the road and we say the customary "Hi's" and "Awesome Day to Run"...I even wear the darn Iphone band....so my question is............WHEN will I become a real runner???? or better yet, why don't I yet FEEL like a re...

For the 1st time in 25 YEARS…there is a “1”…welcome to ONEDERLAND!!!(PHOTO HEAVY)

Tue, 6 Mar 2012 11:24:23 EST

Can I get an AMEN and a WHOO HOOO!!! I almost feel like I have won the Oscar or that I just completed a swim across the Atlantic Ocean….this is such a BIG DEAL for me!!!
As I try to calm down and wipe the tears from my face I can’t help but just smile…a really really big smile. To think, this weight loss journey began March 28, 2011 with my weight being 273 pounds!!

I had set myself up in 10 pound increments listing out the prize I wanted as I reached ea...

Juice Fasting Tidbits and an OH So good recipe!

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:30:04 EST

I am doing a juice fast, today is Day 3. One of my sweet Spark Sisters had suggested that I blog about it(thanks KR), maybe do a day to day blog about how it's going. I had told her I wasn't going to blog about juice fasting because I didn't think I had anything valuable to say about it because juice fasting is pretty easy for me to do. Then today while I was making a crazy-good concoction...I thought, why not, maybe there is somebody who would care or get something out of it.
Disclai...

Eating OUT yet still staying IN...in my nutrition range!!

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 16:52:57 EST

Today is my Mom's birthday. We're all going to meet up and take her out to dinner tonight. I don't eat out a whole lot, main reason I don't is because I can cook what I would order in a restaurant healthier and better tasting (in my humble opinion). Another reason is because it's super easy to blow your calories/fat etc eating out. How come a burger I make at home has triple the fat at a restaurant??!?? And a third reason I don't eat out a lot is because I want to eat REAL FOOD, I'm not ...

What on earth was I thinking, I'm NO slacker! Time to get crazy!!

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:35:08 EST

Ok, so it’s the New Year…I’ve got my workouts planned for the month, eating is going great; I’m working through the C25K training and enjoying it. I’m on two challenge teams and have already met the weight loss goal on one team…. 4 weeks early….so what could be the problem...this all sounds like SUCCESS to me right?!?

Well, yes…and NO.

Yes, I am doing the things this journey requires to reach my goals..AWESOME!!
And NO because I am not yet at my goal….Hello, I ha...

C25K Update & Sidenote

Mon, 9 Jan 2012 01:26:20 EST

Well, I am happy to report I am more than half way through the C25K training program. Tomorrow(Monday) I start week 6 day 1. I am absolutely BLOWN AWAY that this is working for me AND that I am actually ENJOYING this. Yesterday(saturday) I had a run, my husband goes with me on Saturday's. We ran a different route because I knew that the run intervals would be longer and I didn't want to make it home before the training was complete. During our 1st interval we ran and ran and ran, in fact ...

Why am I on Spark, and why are you? Disclaimers please!!!

Tue, 3 Jan 2012 12:50:22 EST

Like most of us, it’s the New Year and we sit down and reflect on this past year and set our sights on the New Year.
I joined Spark back in March of 2011. My intention was to do nothing more than use the free tools to track my food and fitness. I joined a few teams that were relative to the things that I was doing on my own journey, my page was private and I was doing my own thing and having success doing so.
Somewhere along the way I had a friend join up with Spark and she encour...

9 months Spark-aversy, 60 pounds down & 2012 Goals!!

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:26:31 EST

WHOO-HOOO!!!! I have lost 60 pounds in 2011. It’s my 9 month anniversary getting the job done and using Spark as my tool of choice! I am totally thrilled and can’t wait to reach my ultimate goal in 2012.

Initially it was my goal to be in ONEDERLAND by 1/1/12, once it was evident I couldn’t lose 20 or so pounds in a month, I changed up my goal and strived to lose a total of 60 pounds before year end. Today my scale said:

Before I even left town I had called ahead to the hotel to ask about their gym amenities...Apparently people in Veg...

Weigh in, Weight Loss & Whining (cool pix)

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 14:40:57 EST

Today was my monthly weigh in and check in that I do with my family and close friends. This is the 8th month into my weight loss journey. I am down another 7 pounds since last month and 51.2 pounds total! I'm thrilled and am excited to press on. My 30 Day Shred Results were awesome, I wrote a whole other blog about that but here is the picture proof for how well it went. This is my husband's Hanes T Shirt, you can see how fitted it is on 10/28 but here less than a month later it's got roo...

Happiness in the dressing room and a WARNING!

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:40:56 EST

Well, I'm heading out for my Vegas meeting on Sunday 11/27. I will be there for 6 days and am determined to make sure I come back on the lower end of the scale. Just because you are on a business trip, in a city where buffets are King and eating on the cheap is oh so easy to do, there is NO reason WHY one MUST gain weight. Don't forget, when you are eating out with all of that delicious food, it's NOT the same as what you cook at home. Fats are fattier, salty food is saltier....your calor...

30 Day Shred Results!! 9 very cool changes!!

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:50:35 EST

Well, I finished! I started the 30 Day Shred back on 10/11/11 and completed it last night 11/15/11...yes that does not add up to 30 days perfectly I know. I intended to do the 30 days straight but in reality life happens and it doesn't work out the way you would prefer. I had a total of 6 days off for the entire program with 2 of those days being back to back while I was out of town in a hotel.

Nevertheless, I did each level for 10 full days. This is a tough 30 minute workout....

I did it!! Big Milestone hit today!!! 50 POUNDS GONE!!

Tue, 8 Nov 2011 10:18:48 EST

Whooo hooo!!! So exciting! I have hit the 50 pound weight loss milestone!
I started this journey on 3/28/11 at 273 pounds so it's been 225 days OR 7 months and 11 days OR
19,440,000 seconds
324,000 minutes
5400 hours
32 weeks (rounded down)
No matter how I break it down...it's been a good while and I have worked HARD and for my reward this is what I got today!!

Lots of things have ...

If you say you are not motivated to lose weight...maybe this can help.

Wed, 2 Nov 2011 13:48:44 EST

Ok, if you say you are not motivated or not inspired or are just "not feeling" it to get your butt moving to start or continue to exercise and/or eat right...How about this?

I just called 911 because my neighbor across the street fell down in his driveway. My daughter saw him and yelled to me. I looked out the window and the man looked like he was cleaning his front tire of his car...so I said "no,he's cleaning his car"(albeit it looked odd), then he tried to get up and I could Q...

If you fail to plan you plan to fail! Time for Nov. Planning!!

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 22:15:19 EST

That saying is really true. It's the time once again to sit down and plan out November's workout schedule. I find that I do so much better when I take time to think about and write out my POA(Plan of Attack). So I open up my handy dandy spreadsheet and get to planning. November is particularly busy for me with a couple of homeschool field trips, a homeschool social studies fair, a couple local meetings to oversee and a 6 day trip to Las Vegas to manage a meeting, not to mention Thanksgivi...

7 months in...so what, you're not done yet!

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:19:25 EST

Today is my weekly weigh day, additionally it is my monthly check in day. I started my journey on 3/28/11 so every month on the 28th I send an email update with pictures to close friends and family. I do that for two reasons; 1: I may not see them often and it's a good way to have a regular catch up time each month because everyone responds back to my email. And 2: it gives me a good opportunity to encourage a few of my family members who I have real concern about weight -wise and health-...

OH LORD, the airplane seatbelt doesn't fit!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sat, 22 Oct 2011 15:17:05 EST

Yes, this was a true statement....this time last year! But NOT a fact today!

I travel for my former company every year in the fall to manage meetings around the country. Last year I endured the horror of the airplane seatbelt not fitting. If you are not or have never been obese this blog probably won't affect you the same way it will someone who has been there or is there now. This blog is a tangible way for me to remember something I had surely wanted to forget and it hopefull...

Weightloss; a game of numbers? Well mine don't add up-UGGHHH!!

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:57:45 EST

Ok, this is not a rant or a real complaint...well maybe a little. I've been at this thing for 6 months and it's been going pretty ok. I already had a good all natural/organic/no processed/real food diet, tracking has given me the tool to balance the "too much of a good thing" part of eating a healthy diet. I've kicked butt on exercise, racking up over 13,000 fitness minutes. I drink 8-14 glasses of water per day, etc etc. So I am doing what I know to do.

So, if you do all that ...

Making changes-get done with today so you can do tomorrow

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 20:01:28 EST

Amazing how you can read someone's blog and get inspired to action. Not that I am slacking in any way, shape or form. I have been hitting my Oct Double workouts hard, eating well and all around am getting the job done but.....

I read two blogs that I found really cool and inspired me to action.

The first blog was from Yoovie and she talked about how she changed up her weight loss ticker thinggy. I believe she has lost like 70+ pounds over a while...but she decided to ...