Motivational Monday - 1/28/13

The qualities above are what are keeping me going.  Shift and adjust is my motto.  I have to say its been a bit of a bummer week as far as progress is concerned.  As quickly as the scale started showing some improvement again finally, it has stalled out again.  GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!  This whole adventure would be much more enjoyable if someone could just tell me what the magic formula to follow was.  Eat this many calories (this much fat, carbs, protein, etc) , burn this many calories,  do this, don't do that....Seriously, I just want the recipe!! (not a dash of this and a sprinkle of that - I need SPECIFIC MEASUREMENTS!!)...that way if I don't get the results I know why.  I ate too much or didn't move enough.  Unfortunately there is a plethora of information out there and much of it is conflicting.  So you have to wade through it and try to figure out what to follow and find the right combination of what works for you.  BTW...I do recommend you seek professional advice....don't self diagnose/medicate!  Ok, pitty party over!

Fortunately, in the midst of my confusion and frustration over lack of impressive progress, I had my annual physical today so I was able to get some of the professional advice I recommend. My doctor was VERY pleased with my weight loss results for this year and was very encouraging and supportive.  And the results of my hard work is paying off and showing in my medical results.  My blood pressure was better than my last visit and while my fasting blood sugar still shows pre-diabetes, my A1c test (which is a historical look at your blood sugars over the last 2-3 months) was better than the last test, so I am having fewer spikes.

                                             2012                        2013
Blood pressure                135/83                     122/72
Fasting Blood Sugar         106                           100
A1c                                       6.0                            5.5
Cholesterol                          131                          148
BMI                                       44.6                         36.8

This is once again a reminder to me that there is more to progress than just the number on the scale.  Sheesh, why can't I seem to remember that????

She is also going to check my thyroid and iron levels just to be sure everything is as expected there.  I should have those results back by next week.  I will also be scheduling an appointment to consult with a plastic surgeon about a possible breast reduction and when would be the best time to do that (doc thought likely next year).

She said I should be eating 1400-1600 calories a day and NOT eating back my exercise calories (I have been eating 1200-2500 depending on the day, but eating back part of my calories to keep between a 500-1000 daily calorie deficit).  That is in line with what the dietitian said as I look back on ym notes from my appointment with her last spring.  More veggies and lean protein and fewer carbs.  So I am going to try to make those changes and see what results I get with the scale.

So on to my depressing weekly results:

Monday weight:  211.2 (up 0.8 from last Monday's weigh in - Boooooooo!)

Weekly scale +/- (Mon-Sun all weights):  up 2.6 for the week - big boooooo!

Workouts last week:  7

Workout minutes:  455!

Total miles last week:  13.62

Times at the YMCA:  5

Weekly progress pic:

Today's outfit is more casual than my usual Monday since I had dr's apt this afternoon.  This top is one I pulled out of a bucket of clothes I had outgrown.  Now able to wear it again.  I love the neckline on it...accentuates the collar bones and flattering on the bust and not to clingy on the belly!  Find those clothes that are flattering to your body shape/type and make you feel good about yourself!!!!  

How was your week???

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Micorwave fruity oatmeal

I have a new favorite breakfast item!  As per my usual MO, I am obsessed and eat it frequently lol.  I wish I knew who to give credit to, but don't remember where I saw this recipe....somewhere on facebook.  So whoever you were, thanks for sharing!!!

Microwave Fruity Oatmeal

1 egg

½ cup oats (recipe actually called for ¼ cup but wasn’t quite enough to keep me full)

½ cup triple berry medly (frozen) or use other fruit you like

Dash milk (I use unsweetened vanilla almond milk)

¼ tsp cinnamon

¼ tsp Molly McButter sprinkles (I added)
1/2 tsp vanilla (I added)

1 packet Truvia (I added)

Put all ingredients in bowl and mix together.  Microwave for 2 minutes.

2012 year in review (and pics)

So I am back to feeling like this journey is taking FOREVER!  I really needed something to lift my spirits again, but some wind in my sail to keep me pushing forward and gain some momentum again.  I am a very visual person, so when I'd seen someone else do this, I thought what a GREAT idea!

I TOTALLY stole this idea from my friend Jen.  She is getting back on the blogging wagon so swing by and check out her blog too!  I am looking forward to reading about her half marathon training adventures (and I am sure a few of our adventures together as she also happens to be my neighbor and new workout buddy)! 

A co-worker told me she can really see a difference, especially in my face with the amount of weight I have lost so far.  I thought it would be interesting to do a little looking back at some of the pics from last year.  So welcome to my 2012 year in review!

January 2012

-  2012 starting weight:  261.4

-  Began regularly logging weight (daily)

February 2012

-  Started blogging

March 2012

-  Participated in my first 5k – I walked the whole way but I did it!

-  Diagnosed pre-diabetic

April 2012

-  Started working out

May 2012

 

June 2012

-  Road trip to MO to meet/visit my FB bestie Melissa…new wardrobe shopping!

July 2012

-  My 36^th birthday

August 2012

 

September 2012

- Met Austin & Ken Andrews (Biggest Loser season 11) & 5k

-  Started Couch to 5k

-  Komen Race for the Cure 5k

October 2012

-  Dash+Dine 5k

November 2012

-  Completed c25k

December 2012

-  2012 ending weight - 212.2

-  2012 weight loss - 49.2 pounds

This is a total reminder to me, at a time I needed it, what an awesome year 2012 was.  I did have amazing success.  And while I have learned so much along the way I still have so much yet to learn.  I am so looking forward to seeing what 2013 will bring. 

to new friends and new adventures!

my neighbor and new workout buddy (and fellow blogger) Jen!

I am blessed beyond measure to have been able to get my head in the game (and keep it there so far).  I have accomplished so much on the journey of reclaiming my health and happiness.  Hopefully I have inspired a person or two with my ramblings and nonsense along the way.  This journey is hard and frustrating at times, but the pride and joy far outweigh those little moments of fear and doubt.  You CAN do this!  Just keep putting one foot in front of the other and just keep going.  Commit to your dream and decide to live it!  NO EXCUSES!!!  I believe in you!!

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Homemade Light Southwest Salad Dressing

Ok, if you have been reading this blog much at all (or stalking looking at my MFP food logs) you should know by now that I LOVE mexican food.  One of my favorite salads is a good southwest chicken salad.  

I was looking for a good light southwest dressing to use to make an at home version and wasn't having any luck.  So I started googling/pinteresting recipes and I came up with one that is just the BOMB!!!!!  This stuff is sooooooooo good that I definitely look forward to eating a salad for lunch!!!  And super simple....it doesn't get much better than that!

1/2 cup light mayo
1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
1 package taco seasoning
1 package ranch dressing
add water to achieve desired consistency (I use 1/4-1/2 cup or so??)

I personally measure it and put it into snack size ziploc baggies.  Then I cut the corner off with scissors when ready to serve and squeeze it onto my salad like a dressing pack from a restaurant.  It makes it super easy to pack lunches that way.  And I had great luck with the shelf life that way.

In my salad:
Romaine lettuce blend
Spinach leaves
1/2 avacado
1 serving grilled chicken (I buy fajita chicken strips from Sam's to use when I don't have any grilled breasts on hand)
black beans
tomato (if I have it)
red onion
corn if I want extra calories/filler (but usually make without)
tortilla strips (if I have extra calories to spare - this is a treat)

I hope you enjoy as much as I do!  Let me know what you think!

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Motivational Monday - 1/21/13

Last week was survival week.  It was not a week for impressive numbers.  The Biggest Loser contest I am hosting has kicked off and I was super busy entering the names and info of almost 400 contestants into a spreadsheet….yikes!  I am THRILLED beyond words with that turnout.  It is very touching to see the comments of thanks from those participating thanking me... to help give them something to work towards or help keep them motivated and accountable.  I really love helping others so while this is a lot of work, the blessings far outweigh any negative from it.  So needless to say I had some much shorter nights than I should have.  One goal for this week is to get my sleep back on track!

Last week was also TOM for me, which is never a good week on the scale. Hoping that this week holds true to past trends and will be a good loss week.  I did do a major happy dance in the bathroom yesterday morning to see another best (207.4) on the scale but was back up again today (that is VERY normal for me to see a low and then take a couple days or longer to get back to it.  Another reason it is good to track your progress so you can see trends and not get as frustrated by what is normal for your body).  Gotta love water weight!

Since it is Biggest Loser night (and I will be working out on the treadmill while watching) it seems fitting to have my motivational quote of the day come from the show.

It's been an emotional day...I made another 5k personal record while watching biggest loser tonight and working on the treadmill.  38:30.  I ran some 5.2, 5.5, 5.7 and 6.0 one minute intervals!!!!!  6.0 is the fastest I have run on the treadmill so far!  I was sooooo stoked!  And to have finished my 5k as the BL contestants were running across the finish line of their first 5k....needless to say I cried!  Then when my middle daughter was asking me how I did on the treadmill tonight I told her how many calories I burned, how far I'd walked/jogged, how many steps I took, how fast I went and my 5k pr...she told me how proud of me she was. Repeatedly.  There was genuine pride in her eyes.  It is truly amazing to be a role model to your children and show them that you can do anything you set your mind to, no matter how difficult it is.

my calorie burn during biggest loser tonight....not too shabby!

But the highlight of my week though BY FAR is my husband taking the next step in reclaiming his health.  He is really working on overcoming his food addictions.  I know firsthand just how hard that is and I seriously could not be more proud of him for it.  I would love it if you all gave him a shout of of encouragement and support in the comments!  I am hoping to get him to write a guest blog post one of these days!  

So on to my weekly results (Jan 14-20)
Monday weight:  210.4 (up 0.2 from last Monday's weigh in)

Weekly scale +/- (Mon-Sun all weights):  down 2.0 for the week

Workouts last week:  5

Workout minutes:  330

Total miles last week:  9.45

Times at the YMCA:  4

Weekly progress pic:

Motivational Monday - 1/14/13

Let me just start of by saying last week was a GREAT week!!!!! 

It really does!  Sometimes Often on this journey we don't get the instant gratification we want.  I am an "I want it NOW" girl, so that is hard for me to take.  Patience is definitely not my virtue.  But I am learning that with a lifestyle change, when you stick with it, you are rewarded.  I was THRILLED to see the scale finally go down this week.  What a joy to see some decent losses without the teeter totter up and down gaining and loosing the same 2-3 pounds I have been doing since Thanksgiving.  I think that the key to success this week was mixing things up with my workout routine.  I did water zumba, water tabata, weights, jogging, and walking.  I am really striving to add in more strength training.  Not only will that help my metabolism and help me get a better calorie burn, but it will help firm things up instead of being so floppy and flabby.

I am still trying to figure out how the workouts fit into my schedule.  I think by this next week I may have a plan to share with you and be pretty well on track.  I have to give a shout out to my fellow fit camp gal pal (and neighbor) Jen for asking me to the Y and getting me to try new things....who knew I would love the water classes so much and actually LOVE a group exercise class???  Yeah I would have lost money on that bet fo sho!!!  To my co-worker Brenda for holding me accountable to go to the Y over lunch to DO something (instead of just sitting at my desk working).  And another shout out to my brother in law Steve (and by the way ladies, he is single!) for being my personal weight trainer and helping me get over my mental block against weights and the intimidation and fear of the machines.  To my kids for understanding that time for workouts is something I need to do, for me and for them.  And last but not least, to my hubby - for trying to get into a workout routine of his own, for working with me so that I can cram all the workouts I want into my schedule (even when it means he is up earlier than he wants to be).  I am a very blessed and lucky gal!!   Hmmmmm...can you tell we watched the Golden Globes at our house last night??  Sounds a bit acceptance speachy lol!

So on to my weekly results (Jan 7-13)
Monday weight:  210.2 (down 2.4 compared to last Monday's weight)

Weekly scale +/- (Mon-Sun all weights):  down 3.0 can I get a wooooooo hoooooooo! 

Workouts last week:  5

Workout minutes:  321 (I think)

Total miles last week: 12.49 

Photo time!

Not sure you can see much of a difference in the pics.  But I can sure feel it!  This is a difference of only about 2-3 pounds, but the pants sure button easier this month.  And my girls commented that they were looser in the legs this time.  Sometimes the non-scale victories are sweeter than the lower numbers!  Enjoy ALL of the victories!  You have earned them!!

What was your victory this week???

Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and read this!!!

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Motivational Monday - 1/7/13

Whew!  It's Monday again (at least it was when I started writing this post...oops!) and I think I am finally getting back on track after the skewed schedule of the holidays.  As usual, I had delusional grand plans to blog like crazy over the holidays.  Um yeah.  Sorry that didn't happen.  Instead I got a few things done around my house, enjoyed time with my family, worked out a bit more than usual, and put the finishing touches on the Biggest Loser contest I am hosting for fit camp....whew!  That sounds like a lot!  It was but it was a truly a blistfully relaxing holiday break!  Now that it's Monday and the first full week back at work, I am hoping I will survive!  Not sure I remember what it's like to work a 5 day week, but here goes nothing!

As you may have noticed, one of my new Year's goals was to be more consistent about logging my food.  I can say that so far so good.  You can follow me at My Fitness Pal....I can always use some more accountability partners!

I am also striving to post more on my Losing It facebook page.  Be sure to stop by there and "Like" the page.  My goal is to post something once a day....again so far so good!

So on to my weekly results (Dec 31-Jan 6)
Monday weight:  212.6

Weekly scale +/- (Mon-Sun all weights):  1.0 pound loss (but still up 1.2 from the last Monday post on 12/17...doh!)

Workouts last week:  7

Workout minutes:  235 I think - Harder to track now that I am not solely on the treadmill

Total miles last week: 14.12 (actually less - I know my runkeeper GPS was off on my 2 outdoor sessions this weekend.  Prob take off 2 miles)
No photo this week

This quote has brought me to my 2013 mission:  Variety is the spice of life.  99% of all I have been doing for exercise lately is cardio - walking/jogging on the treadmill.  It started out working great, but I hit a plateau again in December.  I have heard repeatedly that you should do 3 days cardio and 3 days strength and I have just struggled to change my routine.  So my mission right now is to add variety to my foods and workouts in an attempt to keep my body guessing.  

My main struggle this week....getting into a new routine.  I am trying to change things up so getting out of my rut is presenting some new challenges to overcome...getting myself to do different workouts, different workout times, new activities, new schedule....ah change.  I am trying to embrace it.  All in all I think its going pretty well. It definitely feels odd....going from doing the same workout all the time, at the same time of day to such varied routines, times and intensities - I am working on not feeling guilty when my workout isn't a 40 minute high intensity run.  I struggle with being ok that I get a lower calorie burn on the days I do yoga or another activity.  I am trying to get my brain to realize that I need those activities too so I can be successful.  I also struggle to keep myself on track and doing something every day.  My favorite part of having a routine is not having to think about what to do - I just would do it.  Having to think seems to give time for life to get crazy and make me question if I have time and for my inner fatty to try to come up with excuses why I should just sit on the couch instead.  But it is a process and I am striving to make today just a little better than yesterday.

What are you doing differently in 2013?

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2012 - what a year it was!

As I sit here winding down the last couple of days of 2012, I am frustrated with my (lack of) progress in December on the scale.  But as I look at my December numbers, I am reminded that there is more to progress than just the scale.  It was still a good a good month.

• I gained 0.2 for the month - womp, womp.  I was REALLY hoping for an awesome month.  And I even stayed on track almost the entire month.  Booo!
• I logged 88.81 miles on the treadmill this month
• I lost 4.75 inches this month
• I worked out 26 out of 31 days this month - only 5 rest days (goal was 4 though - womp, womp again)
• I have beaten my 5k personal record time multiple times this month.  

I have been slacking again on logging my food and lack of variety in my food and workouts.  Starting tomorrow I plan to be back to My Fitness Pal and planning for more variety in my food and workouts so stay tuned for updates on that!

And as I reflect on the month of December, I am reminded that 2012 really was an amazing year for me overall!  I need to celebrate my successes even if they were short of my ultimate goals/wishes.  I have come so far and have much to be thankful for and proud of.  It was certainly quite a different year than I am used to!

A look back at my 2012 - 

• I started actively logging my weight and food
• I came out of the "diet closet" and am openly sharing my story and progress with others
• I lost 49.2 pounds this year
• I have now lost 25% of my highest body weight
• I now weigh less than my driver's license says I do
• I have lost 46.25" since I started taking measurements in July
• I started regularly exercising
• I logged 402.3 miles on my treadmill just since I started logging in May
• I participated in four official 5k races
• I started running (or slogging as I call it)
• I finished c25k training program
• I have started being able to buy some size Large clothes
• My birthday and Christmas wish lists consisted of many fitness-related items
• I am more confident and happy

I wonder what 2013 has in store for me??  I struggle with goal setting anyway.  I tend to wing it and be a "fly by the seat of my pants" kinda girl - whatever happens, happens.  It is hard to set goals for an entire year.  I think partly because of all I have accomplished on this journey so far - I never dreamed I would be where I am today, let alone be even further!!  I struggle to wrap my brain around what the possibilities are.  It is hard to imagine where I might be next month, let alone in a year.  But I do better when I am working toward a goal (don't we all??).  So I am challenging myself to come up with a few new things to do or try.  Here are a few of my goals (so far!):

• Get to Onderland and STAY there!
• Run an entire 5k (no walking)
• Finish a 5k in 30 min or less (I am at 40 min now)
• Do more outdoor running
• Fit into my "when I was 18" jeans (size 12 Rockies)
• Wear size 10 or less pants
• Wear size M tops 
• Hit 100 pound total weight loss (at 70 now)
• Consistently log food in MFP and wear BM armband
• Continue taking measurements monthly
• Complete Jillian's 30 Day Shred workout (with before and after photos/measurements)
• Do more strength training
• Add more variety to my workouts and diet
• Take a group fitness class at the gym
• Minimum weekly blog posts
• Post daily on Losing It facebook page

What are your resolutions/goals for the upcoming year?

I want to cheer you on too!

May 2013 be an amazing year for all of you.  

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