WIDELOADROAD's SparkPeople Blog

Weigh-in 5/4

Sun, 5 May 2013 08:56:52 EST

Not a great weigh in. I was UP two pounds. I'm not entirely sure why that happened. I ate pretty well this last week. Water could have been better. Game plan for this next week:

When in doubt, drink water!

30 minute walk with the kiddos before Noon!

Eat a fruit or vegetable at every meal.

Wear my Fitbit daily.

Let's see if we can't get that scale to move down again!

Updated Goals

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 12:41:23 EST

I've made no secret that I'm following the Weight Watchers plan/Spark People since February. Lately, I've been doing the "Weight Watchers Waltz". Up two pounds--Down 3 lbs.-- Up 2.5 lbs--Down 1.5 lbs. I've been having terrible problems with my stomach and other related areas. I'm also not moving as much as I want to or SHOULD. Time to revise my goals. I've realized that I don't have a good enough blend of long term and short term goals. I need variety, and I need somewhat instant grati...

Easter = -3.1 lbs!

Sun, 7 Apr 2013 16:26:31 EST

Shall I set the scene? I’ve been out of commission on the exercise front for a couple of weeks. Between my husband’s insane schedule and a medical problem I’ve been experiencing, I haven’t been able to work out much. Thus, it’s been increasingly important that I stay within my caloric/points plus means. I’ve been doing well, but then Easter weekend came blowing in to town.

Friday: I went out to dinner with my brother-in-law’s girlfriend and my husband. We went to The Majestic Ca...

Time for an Update

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 08:54:24 EST

Well, I haven't blogged for a little while. I've been really wrapped up in a lot of other things and whenever I would sit down, nothing really came out of what I was typing.

Here's my update:

I joined Weight Watchers meetings on February 2nd. I realized that my most successful weight loss had been with Spark Live. Since that's no longer an option, I went with the next best thing. The meeting I found is full of supportive people, and I find the topics of the meetings ...

Yesterday at Hopkins

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 09:56:43 EST

I went to Johns Hopkins yesterday. I snagged a Groupon for an evaluation at their Weight Management Center. I wanted to see what they had to say...I was going to be meeting with a psychologist, dietician, weight loss doctor, and exercise physiologist.

It all seemed to go ok, until the doctor overseeing my potential program pitched me his solution. He suggested that I go on a 1000 calorie per day diet in which I eat only their supplemented protein items instead of real food. Rea...

"I don't quit"

Tue, 5 Feb 2013 23:14:39 EST

That's what I say to myself when I'm getting tired at the gym. Or when I make a bad choice with food....

I don't quit.

Today I hit over 11,000 steps. I said "Don't quit" a few times. When I think about how sedentary I've been, 11,000 steps seems like its the moon. Tonight, I realized I can do this. I can lose this weight. I can be physically fit.

We all can.

Feeling Alive!

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 22:38:46 EST

I have energy today. I didn't dread getting out of bed. I didn't sit on my ass much at all. I accomplished a lot. I had a great workout. Torched calories. Stayed within my ranges.

RAN ON A TREADMILL!

ACCOMPLISHED 10,000+ STEPS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN AGES!

I feel great.

February's Goals

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 14:06:21 EST

1. 28 days on intentional fitness. Even if that just means taking a walk on an "off" day.

2. Focus more on my nutrition. Been staying within calorie ranges, but haven't really made the healthiest choices along the way. Gonna work on fixing that!

3. DECLUTTER!

4. Find an Ab routine. Been focusing on cardio and some weight lifting (mostly arms and legs). Need some core strengthening in my routine!

Rebelling

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 21:38:37 EST

So, pre-planning my food at the beginning of the day almost ALWAYS leads me to rebelling against the plan. What is up with that?

My Husband

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 07:51:49 EST

My husband has been so supportive over the last few weeks. It's almost like he's a totally different person. We're working TOGETHER to achieve fitness goals. He's cheering me on in my weight loss. He's occasionally cooking healthy dinners. He's making sure I get my gym time in, even with sick kiddos in the house. He's even been looking at diamond "engagement" rings with me. We got married kind of suddenly 6.5 years ago right before he deployed to Iraq. We never got around to getting a...

Goal Achieved (and then some)

Sun, 27 Jan 2013 08:59:18 EST

I weighed myself this morning and I'm officially down 11 pounds for the month (with 4 more days to go!). I had a 10 lb goal for this month! Weight is falling off right now. I know it won't be like this forever, but I'm going to ENJOY it while it's happening! Adding more protein has really made a huge difference!

I am staying within my calorie ranges (cycling calories as well). I have added 2 protein shakes a day. I'm working out daily. Attempting 10,000 steps a day (although it...

HUNGRY!

Sat, 26 Jan 2013 22:19:29 EST

Been seeing some amazing losses on the scale this week. Been working really hard at the gym....but dang I have been HUNGRY. I have, however, been staying within my ranges.

I added two protein shakes a day. I think it's really doing a good thing for me. 1 more pound until I hit my 10 pound goal for this month!

Seeing some AWESOME results!

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 08:00:50 EST

Officially down 7 lbs for the month--so far!

My goal is to drop 10 lbs this month. The scale wasn't moving much. Probably because I have binged a few times...and didn't drink my water like I should.

Well....I am now! Let's finish January HARD! Kick some butt and take some names!

Week 1 of Y-Fit COMPLETE!

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 22:51:30 EST

My first week of Y Fitness Challenge is complete. So far the challenge has been everything I wanted. I’ve met some really wonderful and supportive people. It’s nice seeing a familiar face or two at the gym. It’s fantastic to be receiving supportive emails from teammates. It’s incredible that I’m being pushed to try new fitness adventures. First on the list?

Turned in my eating plan this evening. I’ve been following Spark People’s suggested eating program which is...

STOP

Sat, 12 Jan 2013 06:36:16 EST

I weighed myself today. Four days early. I've stayed pretty true to my diet and exercise this week and wanted to make sure I was on the right track. My scale has me UP two pounds. WTF?! Maybe I need to drink more water. My sodium has been VERY off track the past couple of days.

There was a time that I would be discouraged by this, but right now I just want to learn my lesson to ensure success.

My Dream Board

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 08:41:39 EST

digitaldreamboard.com/shared_boards/
view?id=58475

After a year and a half, I've finally made a vision board.

The Army guys working out = I'd like to pass an Army PT test (weight, tape, and everything).

The lady in the Evening Gown--I'd love to feel and look confident dressed up like that.

J. Crew-- I love their clothes. I'd love to be able to order them!

Turks and Caicos--My 100 lb loss Reward

The su...

The Binge

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 08:22:26 EST

I am an emotional eater.

You don’t get to be over 300 lbs by eating in a rational manner. I’ve been doing a pretty good job at identifying my binges and stopping them before they start, but yesterday I purposefully binged. You see, there is something that has been bothering me for almost a week now…

My daughter attends preschool with a little boy 2 houses down. Our kids are always playing together. My husband works with this little boy’s father. At the batta...

Fit Challenge Night 1:

Wed, 9 Jan 2013 22:14:44 EST

It was a lot of administrative type stuff. Points are offered for this and not that, get to know you exercises with my team *GO GREEN!* and some group exercises that included jogging, jumping jacks, squats, push ups (Not going to lie, I could only do one), and sit-ups. My butt was kicked in a really good way.

I hate how hard it is to move at this size. I will fight on, though.

Eating on a Schedule

Wed, 9 Jan 2013 09:43:24 EST

I'm back to eating on a schedule. Not only am I eating on a schedule, I'm also recording my hunger and feeling when I eat. Just a little experiment I'm trying.

I'm keeping track of these things on my food tracker in the Notes section. I've laid everything out and set the alarm on my phone.

Let's rock this thing!

Menu 1/5-1/13

Sat, 5 Jan 2013 15:31:24 EST

These are in no particular order. I usually decide what I'm going to cook the day that I cook it. I just choose from this list and prep the ingredients as much as I can right after I get home from the grocery store.

Bison Burgers with caramelized onions
served openface on a grilled portobello mushroom cap
Homemade Green Bean Fries
Apple Slices

Homemade Low Carb Pizza **New Recipe**
Tossed Salad

Teriyaki Skewers
Grilled ...

Jan 4

Fri, 4 Jan 2013 16:24:28 EST

Yesterday's gym adventure was a bust. Why? My son decided to scratch the heck out of another kid in the daycare center, so I took him home. I had only gotten in about 15 minutes on the elliptical at that point. The very beginning of my workout. So I took him home and we cooked dinner. We had to make a stop at Target along the way, and wouldn't you know it....he was a complete angel. 234

Been having a problem with remembering to sync my Fitbit the last cou...

Day 3!

Thu, 3 Jan 2013 08:24:18 EST

That's right, I'm making good on my fitness streak goal. The past couple of days I've explored my gym's brand new pool! Swimming has ALWAYS been a passion of mine, so it feels good to get back in to do what I love. It's easier on my joints and it keeps me occupied for 30-45 minutes without the secret, silent wish that somehow the time would fly and my workout would be over (treadmill, I'm looking your direction).

While I was at the gym last night, I decided to sign up for the Y-...

No gym today

Sun, 30 Dec 2012 09:00:49 EST

No gym today. I'm still alone with Little Man and the child care portion of my gym is closed on Sundays. :(

So, what will we do instead?
Im pleased to report that the sun is OUT!!!! It seems like a beautiful day for us to go for a nice walk. Then, once Little Man goes down for his nap, I am going to do one of the SP 28 Day Bootcamp videos. Coach Nicole knows how to kick my butt in the right way!

What's my food looking like today?

Breakfast:
Turke...

2012-2013

Sat, 29 Dec 2012 22:17:58 EST

This year has been a dramatic series of ups and downs. I guess the same can be said for most years, but this year has seen a lot.

1. The ever-present threat of my husband being deployed. Moving around chemical weapons and the threat of nuclear conflict controls our lives.

2. Husband constantly gone. Whether it be somewhere local like DC, or farther away like Jordan or Korea. I’ve missed him. Our kids have missed him. Giving myself the attention needed to be truly s...

Just Me and the Little Man

Sat, 29 Dec 2012 09:26:51 EST

My husband and daughter took off to Alaska for a few days, so it's just me and my little man right now. To say that it's a little lonely around here is an understatement. DS keeps me plenty busy, but I'm used to having my DD around too. It's been hard fighting the urge to binge. Trying to keep myself moving has helped, but can I keep up this kind of pace until Monday? We shall see.

Normal!

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 13:13:18 EST

I'm getting back to the point where choosing healthy foods and eating appropriate proportions feels NORMAL!

I love it!

I also had the temptation of Soda in my house over Christmas. My parents love Diet Coke. I managed to not drink ANY. Soda has been such a problem for me in the past, but I feel like kicking that habit has finally happened!

Feeling good. GEtting my exercise in. Just got the 500 fitness minutes trophy today! Been a long time since ...

Just cannot seem to get healthy!

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 07:49:37 EST

I've been fighting one illness after another over the last month. Several rounds of antibiotics and more Sudafed then I'd like to admit. Right now my voice has completely left me, and my sinuses are draining like crazy. I hope I'm finally at the end of this!

The weekend went pretty well. Made Christmas cookies with the kids....most of which left the house before they could be eaten. Feeling quite proud of myself.
Went to hubby's Christmas party. Mostly stuck to eating pro...

What's Good?

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 09:07:03 EST

I tend to focus on the negative things about myself. There ARE positives. I'm going to list 5 things that I love about myself, and then I'm going to look in the mirror every day this week and remind myself about them.

1. My sense of humor.
I find the humor in most things and I love to laugh.

2. My eyes.
They are a beautiful blue.

3. My intelligence.
College degrees are one thing, but I have a deep desire to learn new things.
<...

Confessions of a Messy Person

Sun, 9 Dec 2012 23:27:27 EST

Getting my weight under control has forced me to confront the other things in my life that contribute to my weight spiraling out of control. One MAJOR issue is that I am a messy person.

My house is constantly in a state of MESS. Why?

1. I am a perfectionist. If what I need to do can't be perfect, I just wait until I can make it perfect. The mess compounds.

2. Perfection takes time. I don't have time.

3. My son is a one man wrecking crew. I'...

FINALLY on Track!

Thu, 6 Dec 2012 15:03:32 EST

I'm finally feeling more confident about things now that I'm really back on track. No more excuses to fall back on. My body is feeling better, and I'm down 4 lbs. this week! Now that I'm back at this, I feel comfortable writing a few goals down.

Short term
1. 30 day Exercise Streak
2. 30 day tracking streak
3. Blogging 5 days/week.
4. Establish a schedule for EVERYTHING (cleaning, daily activity, exercise)

Long Term
1. Run 10K
2. Spri...

Meals for Today and Tomorrow

Wed, 5 Dec 2012 07:37:17 EST

Today's Menu

Breakfast:
2 Kashi Waffles
2 TB of Almond Butter
1 TB Homemade Strawberry Jam
12 oz hot tea

Lunch:

Turkey Sandwich (2 oz turkey, lettuce, onions)
Side Salad (balsamic vin.)
Unsweetened Iced Tea
1 c. grapes

Snack:
Pistachios

Dinner:
Blackened Fish Tacos with Pickled red onions
Spicy Black Beans

-------------------

Tomorrow

Breakfast:
...

A week and a half on the water train!

Tue, 4 Dec 2012 08:26:51 EST

I confess that I had ONE sip of ginger ale on Sunday. I needed a drink to take some medicine and I had already downed my water. It really was ONE sip, and the good news is that I didn't really enjoy it that much. The fizz felt very harsh on my throat. Very good news!

Been eating within my ranges this week. I'm actually looking forward to weighing in today. I hope there's a loss!!!!

Still on the wagon...

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 13:26:20 EST

Day 5 of being Caffeine/Soda free and water obsessed. Feeling great! Woke with a bit of a headache, but overall I'm shaking this habit!

Glorious Water!

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 10:58:33 EST

I'm back on the water wagon. Day 3 with no soda/caffeine. Feeling a lot better today. Not sure why I torture myself with soda and caffeine. Last night at the grocery store, I bought myself some decaf coffee and tea. During the winter I like to snuggle up on the couch with a hot cup of something, turn off all the lights except the Christmas tree, and enjoy some quiet time before the kiddos get up for the day. I refuse to give THAT up. I am happily beating the heck out of the nasty soda ...

Day 3-4

Thu, 8 Nov 2012 10:09:34 EST

Yesterday went pretty well in the food and exercise department.

I had to take my truck in for some repair work. The 45 minute appointment actually ended up being a bit longer than that. So, rather than wait in the waiting room--I walked the mile and change back to my parents house. It was a nice, crisp fall day, and I didn't mind walking the big hill toward the house. Once my truck was done, I walked back down to pick it up and pay. Walking feels good. It is so easy to jump i...

Day 2--Mini streak!

Tue, 6 Nov 2012 14:23:52 EST

Day 2 of my streak has been going pretty well.

I had a great breakfast (one biscuit with turkey sausage gravy and some fruit) just eating breakfast at all is a big feat for me, and I just had a yummy turkey sub from Blimpie (turkey, lettuce and onion on wheat). Tonight I'm going out to dinner with an old friend of mine. I've never been to the restaurant, so I'm on the website currently looking for the best options to stay on track!

Took the kids with me to the polls. ...

What I've gained from gaining weight...

Mon, 5 Nov 2012 18:10:29 EST

I've gained about 10 lbs since the end of Spark People Live. Lame to admit that I haven't been doing so well doing this "on my own". I can't blame it all on that though...

You see, it's not Spark Live that kept me from placing unhealthy junk in my face. Spark Live didn't drive me to the gym, or take me on a walk. That's all on me.

The real issue has been slipping back into old habits. Familiar comforts from my previous life. Sodas and fast food while my butt is glu...

Just Keep Swimming--Sandy Edition

Sat, 3 Nov 2012 09:21:05 EST

Well, I took a small leave of absence for a while.
My beloved Mac, love of my computer life for the last 6.5 years, met his untimely demise at the hands of my *almost* 2 year old son. I cried. Then we ran into a bit of car trouble, so my new laptop was put on hold. Fortunately, my family decided they didn't want to wait for pictures of the kids...so, a brand spankin' new MacBook Pro was purchased for me.....and I'm again in a serious and exclusive Macbook relationship.

<...

Back Home--How did I do?

Sat, 6 Oct 2012 08:55:55 EST

Well, I managed to make it through the wedding/funeral/family visit while staying focused and on-track!

I cannot express how committed I feel to my weight loss journey right now. Things are starting to feel second nature again.

Gonna do a little brainstorming and the post my october goals!

The Travel Plan

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 21:31:10 EST

So, I will be traveling back home for a few days to attend a wedding. Traveling has always been a time that I've really screwed myself up in the past. I am not going to let that happen this time. Here are the steps I am taking in order to ensure success.

1. I am packing meals and snacks for the 12 hour car ride. This will ensure that I will not eat the deep fried drive-thru junk that is so easy to rely on. Snacks include: Apples, celery sticks with Almond Butter,carrots and r...

Life Without Spark Live

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 09:19:14 EST

I would be lying if I sad I wasn't sad about seeing Spark Live go. I can't help but feel like Spark made a big mistake. What's more motivating than actually conversing with people that have either:

a) been in your position and successfully navigated their way to permanent weight loss

or

b) are currently in the same fight right along side you.

24

So, How have I started my day? With a BIG GLASS OF WATER! T...

Locked and Loaded

Wed, 5 Sep 2012 10:17:00 EST

FOod has been planned and tracked today.

Several opportunities for exercise have been mapped out.
(Taking the kiddos for a quick walk, gonna do a 28 day bootcamp DVD workout while kids are napping, and hopefully going to get in a nice walk this evening if the rain stays away.)

Stairs have been vacuumed.

Laundry is going.

The days of sitting around on the couch and being depressed are over (at least I say they are). I've really felt trap...

Money Stress

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 08:38:53 EST

Money has been really stressing me out lately. We're really trying hard to pay down our debt quickly, but it doesn't leave much room for extras.

I hate this feeling.

Yesterday DH got into a car accident. I know he didn't mean to (who really goes out of their way to run into someone?), but the timing is terrible.

Why can't money grow on trees?

It looks like it's time for me to start looking for a night job.

How bad do you want it?

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 09:36:35 EST

“The brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. Because the brick walls are there to stop the people who don’t want it badly enough. They’re there to stop the other people.”
― Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture

Everybody encounters a brick wall or twenty while they're on this journey. For me, it was June and July. It waS two emergency surgeries a...

Survived Temptation...and a new goal.

Sun, 12 Aug 2012 08:03:40 EST

This weekend is the Seafood Festival in the town we live next to. Normally I would jump for joy....not because I am a huge seafood fan, but because of all of the other junk food they serve at these things. Golden deep fried goodness. I felt temptation, but ultimately my better angels won out. Eventually I settled on a chicken gyro with no sauce and an iced tea. I didn't feel cheated, I felt GREAT! Between eating a mostly balanced meal and all of the walking that was required, I feel rea...

Emotionally Drained

Wed, 1 Aug 2012 08:39:56 EST

I think I've hit the bottom of this crazy roller coaster. Absolutely everything that could have gone wrong, did go wrong at every step of the way. While I have tried to stay on track throughout this highly stressful situation, yesterday I snapped and binged.

The binges seem to happen when I've stopped putting myself and my journey first. To be honest, I have been putting everything and anything else ahead of ME. I've got to rededicate myself TO MYSELF or else I'm never going to...

Building Momentum

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 06:23:56 EST

It feels like I'm starting my Spark journey over again. I spent the month of June in survival mode. While I didn't get terribly off track by making poor food choices, toward the end of the month I wasn't making food choices at all (I was on a clear liquid diet before my gallbladder surgery).

I was unable to work out during the entire month and it seems up until the middle of this month.

Not a streak to my name.

We're changing that today! Right...

Starting my Grocery List...

Fri, 13 Jul 2012 13:42:57 EST

I'm starting my grocery list for the week and I'm having a hard time choosing what to make. Anyone have any healthy suggestions? Spark Recipe successes?

LET ME KNOW!

Getting Better All the Time!

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 21:57:10 EST

As far as eating, tracking, and moving goes-- today went incredibly well. It feels good to be back...almost like a normal person.

As far as how I feel emotionally, that seems to still be working itself out. I'm feeling frustrated with my husband as well. I'm used to being alone a lot due to my husband's job, but lately it feels like I'm alone even when he's around. I wish it wasn't like that. Mentioning it just seems to get an eye roll.

Tomorrow will be better.

I binged today

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 17:35:23 EST

I went on a french fry binge today. My emotions got the best of me today. My health stuff has really been weighing heavy on my mind and I snapped today.

Better choices will be made today.

Maybe it's time for a heart to heart with my husband. Just kinda feeling overwhelmed with everything that has happened in my life over the past month or so....not to mention that we will be moving to our new house very soon.