Weight Watchers Simple Start

If you've ever visited my blog, you know that I've been attempting to be a healthy and fit women for a couple of years now.  Enter: Weight Watchers Simple Start.
I have was successful with clean eating and regular exercise for a while. But, life got in the way.  I had lost about 23 pounds and built a good bit of muscle and then I went to Disney World!  (oopsies)
I started to get back on track and then the Holidays showed up.  (oopsies again)
Once again, got back into some good habits and Mom got sicker and then passed away.
In the midst of her hospice care and death, I lost a chunk of weight quickly because I couldn't eat.  So, when I did start to get any appetite back, everyone encouraged me to eat anything I wanted just so I would eat.  All I wanted was comfort food - bread, mac'n'cheese, and cake!  So, I got back into some bad habits that are super-difficult to break.
I've been on 3 trips since then - a cruise (all you can eat.  and I did), San Francisco - great food, and the beach where my besties and I all cooked our most indulgent dishes!
So, needless to say, time to create some better habits.
So does my Daddy. He is a double amputee and is now alone in his home in a wheel chair.  Transferring to and from his chair on a daily basis is scary when there's nobody around to help if he falls.  It would be much easier if he lost some weight.  Time for us to do this together!

And that's where WW comes in.

I have tried to count points in the past. I've had some success, but found it to easy to "cheat" by using all my points for junk food.  Not a whole lot of nutrition, even if there was some weight loss.
So, now I'm trying the Simple Start method to learn ways to create meals and snacks with healthier choices.

Here's how it works:

• There is a list of "power foods" from which I choose the parts of my meals - fruits, veggies, proteins, and grains.
• I get 7 points per day for indulgences - cream in my coffee, peanut butter with a snack, a pice of chocolate when I'm having one of those days, etc.
• I will follow this plan for 2 weeks and then switch to either Points Plus or Simply Fit - basically the same program.
• During this two week period I am learning how to eat and how to control my portions.  When am I really hungry?

How's it going so far?

• I've already lost over 3 pounds in a little under a week!
• I realized that I actually enjoy some foods that I thought were just "diet food."
• These choices are easy to make and filling
• I'm incorporating exercise again - time to get that heart pumping again!

Concerns I have:

• Fat-free dairy, mayo, and dressings.  After learning so much about eating clean, I do not like having to choose fat-free items. What else is in them that I shouldn't be eating?
• There are no rules to portion control.  I realize that may be by design for now, but I'm not sure.
• Can I maintain this type of eating on vacation? at a restaurant? on a Mission Trip?
• My grocery bill was really high this week!

What I've eaten:

• The plan provides several meal options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even snacks.
• I started off by trying to follow those meals exactly.
• I found a way to incorporate different foods from the list into these recipes to tailor them to my own taste.

Breakfast:

• Fiber One Ceral, fruit, fat free milk, coffee with cream (1 point)
• cottage cheese, pineapple, cinnamon
• light English muffin, cottage cheese, cinnamon, berries - toasted - so yummy!

Lunch:

• leftovers from dinner
• salad with tons of veggies and light ranch (1 point)
• turkey sandwich on low calorie whole grain bread, fruit, and veggies

Dinner:

• tilapia, couscous, sautéed green beans
• taco rice(my own recipe - see below)
• chicken, couscous, veggies

Snacks:

• sugar-free Jello, cottage cheese, pineapple (it was actually really good!)
• fresh veggies and dip made with lemon dill seasoning, low-cal mayo, and fat free sour cream
• fruit! fruit! fruit!

Taco Rice Recipe:

Ingredients:

99% lean ground turkey

cooked brown rice

fat free salsa

fat free plain yogurt

olive oil

low sodium taco seasoning

grape tomatoes

reduced fat grated cheese

mixed greens

Brown lean ground turkey in 2 tsp of olive oil.  Add taco seasoning to taste with a little water (as directed on seasoning package).  Simmer until water begins to evaporate.  Stir in about 1/2 cup of salsa, 1/2 cup of yogurt.  Remove from heat and sprinkle cheese over the top.  Let sit until cheese begins to melt.  Stir in cooked brown rice.  Serve with mixed greens and tomatoes.  Add any other veggies you desire!

2014 - The Year of 14 Resolutions

I don't usually make formal resolutions before New Year's Day.  I try to set small goals often and attain them throughout the year.  But, there are several goals I've had nagging at me for years now.
I've decided to give myself 14 resolutions this year - and meet them all!  Most of these goals are smaller goals that I've had every year since 2000!

1. Read through the entire Bible.  I have an app for that!  I've started several times, but I plan to do it this year.

2. Develop and stick to an exercise plan.  I've done this before.  I lasted about 10 months before I let vacations and holidays get me off track. I spent most of 2013 trying to get back on track.  I plan to include running/walking, weight lifting, and yoga.  And I want to try something new that has scared me in the past…hm.

3. Keep up with the laundry - including the ironing!  I don't mind doing laundry, but I can't stand folding/hanging, ironing, and putting away the clothes.  Clean clothes usually live in the baskets they land in after the dryer.  No more piles of clean clothes!

4. Clean eating 80% of the time.  I did clean out the kitchen not too long ago.  I got rid of refined sugars, white flours, etc.  I've re-stocked some since though.  Now that the holidays are over, I need to purge again.  We will eat clean at home and only "cheat" when we go out to eat.

5. Organize my business in a way that benefits my family.  My hobby has turned into a business that keeps me very busy.  I have been so blessed with new customers!  But I have also been overwhelmed with work-load and trying to budget my time.  I need a "work schedule".

6. This is part 2 of #5.  I need to keep better books for my business - organize money in and money out.  Am I actually making money or just breaking even?  I'm ok with just paying for my hobby - as long as I'm not losing money!

7. And here's part 3 of #5!  I need to organize my crafts.  They have taken over half a bedroom and the dining room.  I need to take the rooms back and find a way to organize my supplies and finished products.

8. I think about writing letters/cards (not emails) to people who have influenced me in some way or who need a pick-me-up.  I even have a list of people I'd like to send them to.  This year I would like to do at least 2 a month.  One a week would be ideal.

9.  PURGE!  I have clothes, shoes, kitchen gadgets, decorative items, and crafting supplies that I *might* use one day.  I'm pretty good about purging clothes every so often, but I still hold onto things I don't wear. This year, I plan to turn every hanger backwards and toss anything that isn't worn - even if I didn't wear it because I may fit in it. If I get that small, I'll want new clothes anyway!

10. Spend more time with my parents.  I see them at least once a week when I grocery shop for them, but I need more intentional time. I want to talk.  I want to write down the stories and family history they have to share.  I will wish I had done this one day if I don't do it now.

11. GIVE.  My husband is excellent at this one.  He really is one of the most generous people I know.  But I have a confession to make.  It makes me nervous.  I love that he does it.  And sometimes i get credit for it, but it's mostly him.  Now that my small business is making some money, I'd like to give some of that away.  Maybe I can give more of my time?

12. I like to read fun books, but this year I'd like to read more non-fiction.  I love to learn, so I need to read more to learn!  1 non-fiction book a month!  Any suggestions?

13. Limit media time.  This one is rough.  I LOVE Pinterest, FB, Instagram, Etsy, etc.  I need to set limits on the amount of time I spend on each of this.  I'll set a timer when I sit down at the computer.  And limit the netflix time!  EEK!

14. Nest. This one is pretty personal.  I want to take care of my family, our home, and our hearts.

Better Arms - Challenge!

Now that tank top season is over, it's time to make my arms look better, right?  Ha!  I always do things at the least logical time, but at least I'm doing something, right?

I found this pin on Pinterest a long time ago.

Those arms on April 29 - yup!  I recognize them.  I'd like to have the July 9 arms, please!

I clicked the link and found a very easy (please don't be too good to be true) arm workout that can be done in just a few minutes with a set of hand weights.  I deflated my exercise ball and I can't find the pump, so I used the edge of my couch as my ball.

I started today and plan to do it every week day all the way until November 7.  Hoping for some great results!

Here's the workout from losing-every-extra-pound.tumblr.com

Why My BIBLE is Part of My Diet

Self-discipline is hard.
That is why part of my daily routine MUST be Bible reading.

Think of somebody you really really love.  Maybe your spouse, your child, or a best friend.  Do you know them well?  Do you know what they like?  What they like about you?  What they need, want, and expect from you?
Probably so.

Who should we love most of all? Of course, it is God.  How can we really love him if we do not know him?

If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.  John 15:10

If we love Him, we will follow Him - we will control ourselves - we will not be so pre-occupied with food and our own desires, but with living our best lives for HIS glory!

How can we get to love Him so much?  By getting to know Him.  How do we get to know Him so well?  By reading His Word, meditating on it, praying and praising in the ways He has gifted you.

Does anyone else have a hard time finding the time for prayer, or what some refer to as their "quiet time"?  I've found that the best time is your own peak time of the day.
Some people are morning people.  They have the most clarity first thing in the morning.
Some of us are night owls.  We have the most clarity when we are winding down from the day - while we are reflecting on everything that has happened.
And some are energized most mid-morning or in the early afternoon.
Whatever time is your best time is the best time to study the Word and pray.  Find your own time.

I am hopeful, and I'll even say certain, that getting to know Him better will help me desire things of God so much more than anything of this world - including food.

For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit for what is contrary to the sinful nature.  Gal 5:17

Time to Talk 'Tude

I need to talk about attitude because mine is bad today.  Very very bad.

Yesterday was the end of the first week of our 8 Lbs in 2 Weeks Challenge.  I lost 2.6 pounds!  This morning I was back up .8 pounds.  I know the scale can fluctuate, but it just ruined my good attitude!  So, here's my pep-talk to myself.  I'll let you watch.

Attitude Adjustment #1: 

I keep thinking of the words written by Candace Cameron Bure in her book, Reshaping it All.

"God calls us to be content.  Stop hoping and be content with what you have."

Here's what I have: the ability to exercise, enough to eat, the intelligence to make healthy choices, the support of friends and family, and good health that I can choose to keep by taking care of my body.
I do have a lot to be content with.  I'm a work in progress.  I cannot make a decision, say my prayers, and make it so.  But I can make a decision, say my prayers, and allow God to mold me.

Attitude Adjustment #2:

This journey isn't about the food I'm eating (or NOT eating) or the exercise I might have to be forced to do today.  It is about my attitude.  I need an attitude of self-control and discipline.  Submission to the spirit.
I would really love to make a batch of biscuits and eat them all myself with melty butter and honey.  Then I would like a cheeseburger for lunch with peanut butter pie for dessert.  Maybe some pasta and lemon cake for dinner.  And in between all of those meals, I'd like to lounge on the couch and watch chick-flicks.  But, that is indulgent and unhealthy and I have more respect for my body than that.
So it isn't about the food or my time, really.  It's about the fact that I am allowing the Spirit to fill me with all of His goodness!

Attitude Adjustment #3:

I'm not hideous or gross...even though I feel like it.
I'm made in His image.
He see me as beautiful.
He finds me interesting.
He loves me.
He accepts me.
There I can find contentment in who I am right now.  And I know that who I will be tomorrow will still be beautiful, interesting, loved, and accepted.

Attitude Adjustment #4:

Is it just me or do all of the skinny people in the world eat junk food and don't exercise?
How many times have I asked myself, "Why can't I be like them?"
Well, because I'm not. That's why.
But who am I and what am I called to do?

You are the salt of the earth.  You are the light of the world.  Matthew 5:13, 14

How can I be salt of the earth if I've lost my saltiness?
How can I be light when I am trying so hard to blend in.

I gotta be me!

And me is a person who must make healthy choices in diet and exercise.
And my display of self-control and discipline may be the salt and light that somebody else needs.

Character Building

You and I both know that there has to be some serious motivation to do something that is difficult.  I need a really good reason to keep on keepin' on.

When I first start a new project it can seem exciting and almost easy.  I start to think to myself, "Why have I put this off for so long?  It isn't so hard!"  But, once I'm in the thick of things it just seems like a lot of hard work with little pay-off.

"It builds character" is a phrase I heard my Mom say more than a few times in my life.  Every time I was faced with a challenge, she would remind me that I was becoming a better person for it.  It used to really bother me - especially when it was something that she could easily fix for me.  I understand what she meant.  It isn't about the easy way out. It is about changing the circumstances if I can or changing my attitude.  So now I hear Mom's voice telling me that I'm becoming better.
I'm becoming disciplined.

Being that I am just a couple of days into my deal with myself, things don't seem too bad.  I stayed pretty well within my calorie goal and I got my exercise in, even though the weather was icky.  I am proud of what I accomplished, but trying not to lose focus.
I took care of yesterday, now it's time to take care of today!

Let's face it.  The size on the tag in my jeans isn't really what's bothering me. It is the fact that I have had such a lack of self-control that upsets me.  If I had really taken care of myself, the number on that tag would be smaller.

So, I'm focused on today - not yesterday and not tomorrow.

28 days to lose 8 pounds

I'm in an abusive relationship.  With myself.  And food.

Ok...it's out there!  I have to stop it right now.

So, I'm just biting the bullet.  I am going to lose 2 pounds a week for the next 4 weeks.  By May 22, I will write a blog post to tell you all that I have lost 8 pounds.

I was on a roll for a while there.  I was making some really good progress.  I was feeling good, enjoying making healthy choices in my life.
People were starting to notice a big change in me and I was able to tell them that it was all from God.  It was the fruit of the Spirit - self-control.
Well, then I let gluttony take over again.  Sure, I said that constant travel and the holidays made it impossible to stay on track, but that simply isn't true.  Those circumstances made it more difficult, but not impossible.

I didn't make a plan and stick to it.  I didn't decide what I would choose before being faced with a choice.

I chose impulse and indulgence.  I chose to let food back into my life as entertainment rather than fuel.

Something happened today that made me realize I was living in the past and the future, but not the present.  I was holding onto each mistake I had made while hoping for a future that isn't happening yet. I was failing to live within each day.  I have been wasting days.

God has given me an opportunity to see more clearly.

Now I'm choosing discipline over disgust and disappointment.

I'm choosing to focus on what really matters in life.

What can you expect from me over the next 4 weeks?

1. Daily Bible study.  The only way for my mind to have control over my body is the renewal of my mind in the Spirit.
2. Every choice will be deliberate - food, exercise, time management, etc.
3. I will share as openly and often as I can.

Will you join me in this newest challenge?

Re-re-re-re-focusing

My last few posts have been about getting my mojo back, refocusing, and jump-starting myself.

Oops.

I haven't done it.  While I haven't completely fall off the wagon, but I'm barley hanging on with a pinkie finger.  I've exercised about once a week and I've let myself indulge on an almost daily basis.  I haven't stayed low-cal, clean, or even low-carb.

My eating habits are down the drain and so are my exercise habits!

After mentally beating myself up on daily basis and comparing myself to every successful fitness/weight-loss blogger and pinned out there, I have come to a realization.

There's no secret formula.  There isn't one perfect path that everyone should (or can) follow.  There are lots of paths that work for lots of people, but we are all different.

YOU MUST KNOW YOURSELF!

• What activities get your heart beating?  Do you LOATHE running but enjoy tennis?  Then don't run!!!  Go play some tennis!
• What makes you feel strong?  Free weights work for some, but if yoga makes your muscles burn, do some yoga!

What about food?  Does the thought of a Paleo diet make you want to eat an entire chocolate cake?  Then maybe Paleo isn't for you.  But, please don't eat a cake - unless you know what's really in there.

EDUCATE YOURSELF!

I've been reading a book called The End of Overeating.  I'm learning so much about how foods are engineered to become addictive.  You've probably heard the buzz words "obesogens" and "clean eating."  Obesogens are chemicals and processed ingredients in our foods that are making us fat.  Clean eating means you don't eat anything that is processed or unnatural.  I'm aware that this could be a fad, but I'm also making myself more aware of the research that backs these things up.

USE YOUR BRAIN

There are too many diets out there.  Most of them are fads and gimmicks.  If it is too good to be true, it is.  If it promises a rapid weight loss without changing your diet and exercise, it isn't going to work long-term and it isn't healthy.

Don't focus on the scale.  Focus on health and fitness.

If it isn't working for you, then try something else.  

Don't give up.

Ask for help.

That's my two cents - or whatever it's worth. I'm going to keep on keeping on and hope for the best!  This isn't about how I look compared to anyone else.  It isn't about how fast I reach my goal.  This is about treating my body like I would an expensive vehicle - take care of the engine, give it the best fuel, and shine up the exterior!

Time to Get Real

Hi my name is Mandee and I'm addicted to The Biggest Loser.  I'v'e been obsessed with this show since it's debut.
This year, they are focusing on childhood obesity.  I wasn't sure how I felt about children competing, but now that I know how they are doing it, I'm excited!  This children have an amazing opportunity to change their lives while they are young while influencing other children and adults like me!

They got me thinking - how can I influence others, right where I am in my journey?  Part of my weight-loss and fitness goal has been to become an influence to others.  These children aren't waiting to be an influence - they are starting that way.

How can I influence anyone now?  How can I inspire anyone else to better their own health?

I started thinking about the kids in my life.

• Do I encourage them to eat treats when they are with me?  
• Do I use unhealthy foods to reward them or show my love for them?
• Do I show them how being active can be fun?
• Do I speak poorly of myself in front of them because of my own body image?
• Do I encourage them to be healthy - physically and emotionally?

I have step-daughters, god-children, nieces, nephews, and close friends who are looking at me more than I realize.
Do you have children watching you?
What are you showing them?

I am taking steps to better my own life.  By taking this steps, I may be planting seeds in these little people that will help them avoid obesity or poor health.

I hope my influence can reach to my peers as well.  It's a new year, the holidays are over, and there is no better time to get started than right now!  I'm done with the excuses.  I'm done with the guilt.  I'm ready to get back to my healthy eating and fun exercise!  I'm ready to start feeling healthy and strong again!

Who's with me?
If you are willing to join me - whatever way you can; if you are willing to influence the children in your life; if you are willing to make a promise to yourself, comment below and tell me what you're doing!  I'll be posting some challenges again very soon!

Go get 'em!

November Workout Calendar

This month brought on the end of one running program and the start of another.  I'll be doing active.com's 5k to 10 app and then starting a 12-week HALF MARATHON training program!  I'm scared, but excited that something that huge is even in my sight!  I'll still be incorporating yoga and www.bodyrock.tv each week.
There is a lot of traveling in store for the month, so I'm going to have to be extra disciplined.  And then there's Thanksgiving - if I can stick to turkey and veggies, I'll be ok.  Its the appetizers and desserts that ruin me!  I've already proven I've got it in me though!
Here is my calendar for November:

Week 5: Work It!

Week 5 Challenge: 1,000 exercises!

EEK!  Sounds scary, huh?  We can do this!
This is doable for those of you who don't have an exercise plan in place.  Do them during commercials, waiting for water to boil, or making copies at work!  You can find time for 1,000 exercises this week!

I plan to get as much out of the way up front as I can.  Keep track of how much you do of each exercise each day and share it with us.

What's your strategy???

My 65

My friend L posted her list of 65 reasons she wanted to get fit on her blog The Fit Girl I Wanna Be back in April.  I've also been seeing a lot of memes (is that the correct use of the word?) on Pinterest from a tumblr called Reason to Be Fit.
These have inspired to me re-evaluate my latest reasons to work as hard as I have been.  I started out with a goal of "being fit" six months ago.  My goal was and still is a good one, but it was very vague at the time.  I knew I wanted to be able to move around easily without snapping, cracking, and popping.  I knew I wanted to weigh much less.  I knew I wanted to be confident enough in my body to try new things.  And I knew I wanted to be healthy.
As I've worked hard for these things, I've found new and more specific goals.  So, after finishing Couch-to-5k, losing 16.7 pounds, and learning to cook and enjoy healthier meals and snacks, I've decided to re-evaluate my goals and share them with you.

My 65:
1. To avoid ever having diabetes
2. To never be "obese" again
3. To feel my body, not just fat, when I put my hands on my hips
4. 
5. To run faster and further every time
6. To realize I can do that yoga pose I couldn't do last week
7. To buy clothes off the rack
8. To wear a size that is a single digit
9. To know I have self-control
10.
11. To prove that it can be done
12. To feel muscles in my arms when I cross them
13. To look down when I'm wearing shorts and see new muscle tone
14. To run a half marathon
15. To never think about sucking in again
16.
17. To be asked "What do you do to look like that?"
18. To avoid heart disease
19. To have more energy for my family
20. To teach others how it can be done
21. To wear gym shorts when I run without them riding up
22. To lose the extra chins
23.
24. Because I didn't know what I could do until I tried
25. Because I am sure I'll be able to do it each time I try
26. Because my Daddy can't anymore
27. Because my Mama can't anymore
28. Because I want the rest of my family to do it
29.
30. To finally do a pull-up
31. To want to spend my money on new equipment
32. To know what endorphins feel like
33. To leave a legacy of health
34. To be known as strong - physically and menally
35. To participate in any activity that my friends can
36.
37. To do real push-ups
38. To think of sitting on the couch watching TV as a waste of time
39. To be petite
40. 
41. To treat my body as a temple
42. To respect myself
43. To look good for the hubby
44. To like what I see in the mirror
45. To run faster than a 12 minute mile every time
46.
47. To crave that early morning run
48. To have a job that helps others do this
49. To have a healthy body to carry a baby
50.
51. Because it has become a habit
52. Because every goal is a huge wall I've knocked down
53. Because other people call me an inspiration
54. Because I can't let myself down
55. Because it honors God by respecting his creation
56. Because I was born for this
57. 
58. Because being out of shape sucks
59. Because I can't go back to not doing it
60. Because I miss running/yoga/HIIT when I can't do it
61. Because my head is in this game
62.
63. To be in control of myself
64. To appreciate my capabilities
65. To look back at the last 64 reasons and say I DID THAT!

Can you think of your 65?  Link back to me if you do!

Mission Accomplished - Positive Thinking Thursday

It isn't very often that I start something and finish is - especially an exercise program - but I've done it!

The mission that I chose to accept was the 9-week Couch to 5k Program.

MISSION: ACCOMPLISHED

This doesn't usually happen, but it has happened for me a few times in the last 6 months and I am so happy, proud, amazed, humbled, grateful, etc.  

I have now finished Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred, Prevention Magazine's 14 Day Work-out, and now Couch to 5k.  I started each on with an end-goal and I've seen them through to that goal.  Accomplishing each goal has been empowering and energizing.  Once I finish one I can't wait to find the next goal to work towards.

I've added several other things to my routine, such as yoga, BodyRock.tv, Billy Blanks Boot Camp, and a few others.  They are great additions, but I have learned that having an end goal helps motivate me.

I'm not a self-starter or self-motivated fitness buff.  At.  All.  I know that about myself and I know that about a lot of you too!  It's just who we are.  

Here's my advice:

1. Choose your poison  - what is going to be fun enough that you won't cry when it's time to work out? Your answer may be: Sitting on the couch eating chips.  I hear ya!  What makes you feel good when you're done?  Do you like to dance?  Do you like how your legs tingle after a fast walk or run?  Do you enjoy a certain sport?

2. Find a support system - Surround yourself on Facebook, Twitter, the office, Blog World, your neighborhood, or church with people who know that you are trying.  Ask them to let you report back.  Ask them to hound you if you need it!  Here's a little more on the topic!

3. Set goals - Find a routine that has a certain number of days or workouts that will challenge you until the end.  Knowing that you're going to be running on the same path every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for the rest of your life may be daunting.  But, knowing that there will be a day in the near future when you can say I DID IT! makes each step a little easier.

4. Schedule it - If you live in an industrialized country, you're probably uttered the phrase "I just don't have time."  Well, as much as I hate to hear my own mother's voice come out of my mouth: YOU HAVE TIME FOR WHAT YOU MAKE TIME FOR.  Make the time.  Schedule the other things around your exercise as much as you can.

I can't tell you how amazing I feel.  My goal was to lose weight and get in shape, but now that I know how good it feels to say "I DID IT", that is becoming my goal.  Just to say I've done it.  

I set a goal.

I worked hard.

I achieved something.

I DID IT!

 

Motivation for you Monday: Commitment

I have been so dedicated to a healthy lifestyle...

until vacation...

and a mission trip...

and I got sick.

Well, vacation has been over for a couple of months, the mission trip was done over a month ago, and I'm almost done with my antibiotics.

It's time.

I made myself sit down this morning and come up with a schedule from today until December 31 of this year.  I am incorporating all of these things:
Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred - again!
Couch-to-5k - 2 weeks left
Yoga on Hulu
Active Trainer 5k Intermediate
5k-to-10k

Here is my calendar for August:

Link to make your own: WinCalendar

Wish me luck! :)

Motivation for your Monday

After a plateau that lasted over 2 weeks, I'm in a much better frame of mind.  I've done some thinking and treated myself a little by eating what I felt like eating, but keeping the portions small.  I've kept up the exercise and changed it up enough to keep it interesting.
Here's what's on my mind:

• The amount of food that I waste in a day (from ordering too much at a restaurant, but over-buying and throwing out food that went bad) is probably more than some people eat in a week.  I think about my friends in Honduras who make a 40 lb bag of beans, rice, and lard last a month for their family.
• My relationship with food has been all wrong.  It isn't entertainment, it is fuel.  That doesn't mean I shouldn't enjoy my food or enjoy a meal with friends, but the point of the food is to make my body work well.
• This isn't my body.  God created it and has put it in my care while I'm here.  Why would I ruin and abuse a gift from the One who loves me most?
• I'm perfectly capable of all that I've attempted and so much more.  I. Can. Do. This.

I'm sure you've heard about Claire Lomas in London. 

She is  a woman who has been paralyzed from the chest down since 2007 who decided to run the full London Marathon.  How on earth does a paralyzed woman run a marathon when I can barely do half a mile?  Go to this page and watch the video.  You will be motivated too!

Trying New Things

This blog is all about trying new and different things.  I've tried painting, crafting, cooking, smoothie-ing, working out, baking, and being green.  Some of those things - most, even - have worked out well for me; even the green smoothies!

The 30 Day Shred is one of those things that worked well.  I lost several inches and over 5 pounds in 30 days!  I was very happy with my results, but burned out on Shredding.  My plan was to start the cycle over again and Shred for another 30 days using the advanced workouts.

But I just couldn't do it all over again.

Exercise was becoming a huge chore that I had no interest in and I knew I was dangerously close to quitting and having to start the cycle of weight gain - shame - try a diet - quit - get it right - burn out again.  I'm not having that!

So, I've been trying a few new things.  I went to another Dance Trance class yesterday.  I learned some of the dances I "waddled" through earlier in the week and felt much more encouraged at the end.  I can do this!  I'm hoping to talk the hubby into a membership there soon.  This won't be my only work out for now though.  I need things to do on the days I don't go.


A friend of mine let me borrow her Billy Blanks Boot Camp videos and I tried one today.  It was fun!  It is a whole like the Tae Bo videos I used several years ago - a good workout!  I was sweating a lot by the end and MyFitnessPal said that i burned over 500 calories!  That is so worth my 40 minutes!!!

Funky

So, I'm in a funk. I've been so gung-ho lately that I think I've burned myself out.

After doing Day 2 of the advanced version of the Shred, I went to Rock Your Body Studio for a Rock Your Core class and then Dance Trance on Tuesday night. It was so much fun!  But I was so sore the next day.  So sore, in fact, that I couldn't get through Day 3 of the Shred.  Actually, it wasn't even that I was sore.  I think my muscles were all exhausted and my brain was funky.

Here is how I looked after my first dance class in YEARS:

You see, I used to be a pretty good dancer back in the day.  Every time I looked in the mirror at the studio, I saw a klutzy fat girl who didn't know what she was doing.  I was really disappointed in myself because I thought about it too much.  The important thing about that night was that I was MOVING!  I was trying something new that I didn't have the guts 10 pounds ago.

I really have come a long way - I am active WAY more than I have been in a long time and I have lost over 10 pounds.  But I think I just focused too much on how far I still have to go.  Right now, my goal is to lose 4 more pounds and to keep working on getting fewer carbs and more nutrients.  THAT is was I need to FOCUS on!

Today I was still pretty sore, so I decided Shredding would only make me feel bad again.  I found a free yoga video on Hulu and tried that. I did a full hour of yoga and it is just what I needed!  the stretching helped my sore muscles, and I used the quiet time to talk to God about my goals and re-evaluate my motivation for doing all of this.

I've got to live a life worthy of Him!  I think I'm going back to the dance class Thursday and Sunday.  I'll keep up the yoga on days in between.  I'm hoping this will get me out of my funk!

How do other people get out of the funk???

There's no such thing as a calorie credit card.

"I'll have to work this off later" is something I have said several times.  More often than not, I forget about the ice cream or the pizza and let the day go as an "off day."

NO MORE OF THAT!
That's how a credit card works.  You don't have the cash, so you put it on the card and end up paying more after the interest builds up.
I don't use credit cards.  I won't use my food that way either.

DO NOT SPEND WHAT YOU DO NOT HAVE!!!


I've got an event to go to this weekend that I'm really excited about.  Tonight I'm meeting a friend of mine before the conference for dinner at a nice place I've never been to and probably won't go too often.  I don't want to have to order a salad. I'd like to try whatever looks good on the menu (within reason).  I know that I've got to be back downtown early tomorrow morning and won't be home until late tomorrow night.  Sunday will also be busy.  It isn't likely that I will get a workout in over the next two days.
I did my typical workout today, but I decided I needed to add a little extra so that I can eat tonight!  I will be served a box lunch tomorrow, probably a sandwich, and another yummy dinner tomorrow night.  This will not be a great weight loss weekend, but I don't want to have a weight gaining weekend either.
I've pinned a few ">zumba videos to my Strong board on Pinterest.  I do a few of these on days when I need a little extra burn.  It's so much fun that it doesn't feel like a chore.  I do work up a sweat, but I smile too!  BONUS: It's great for my mood : )
Here's my favorite:

Day 30

The day has finally come.  This day has been long awaited and anticipated.  And I've made it!

Today is DAY 30 of the Shred!!!  I've made it through 30 days of Jillian Michaels and her "two best girls" putting me through torture.  And I've got the missing pounds and inches to prove it.

When I first started the Shred, I took measurements of several parts of me.  I wanted to make sure I took notice of every single part that shrunk.  I've also been taking pictures of myself.  I'm not brave enough to post any of them here, but I am happy to see a difference every time I take new ones.

Here is the difference in the measurements from Day 1 (March 20) to Day 30 (April 26)
Chest: -1.5
Waist (belly button): -2.5
Waist at narrowest: -2.5
Hips: -2.5
Right thigh: -0.75
R Calf: -0.5
L thigh: -0.25
L Calf: -0.75
R Arm: -0.5
L Arm: -0
Weight: -5.7

I'm very happy with my results.  Honestly, in the beginning, I thought I might lose 10 lbs or more in these 30 days.  I've seen other people who say they have.  But, I'm very happy with my results.

• Most of the weight and inches have dropped off in the last 10 days. That tells me that my metabolism is kicking in now.  
• I feel like I can do more.  The warm up for day 30 is as hard as most of day 1 and I can do it pretty easily now!!!
• I'm in a routine now.  Every day (other than Sunday) includes a work out where I challenge myself.  I'm hoping that is a habit that I will keep.
• My pictures show the difference.  I can see where things are tightening up and getting back where they should be.
• My measurements show a lot of loss in inches!  I haven't lost as much in my arms and legs, but I've also built a lot of muscles in those areas.

I think I'll start the Shred over again and do the advanced moves this time.  I can't wait to see how much I can do now.

I'm proud of myself!  Hard work does pay off!!!

Positive Thinking Thursday - Obnoxious Edition

I'M SUPER EXCITED!!!
I hit my next goal of a total weight loss of 10 pounds was reached today!  I'm am so stinkin' excited that I can't contain myself!  Now, I still have a lot more to lose, but 10 pounds seems like such an accomplishment.

I feel like I can reach my final goal now.  It has taken me 3 months to get here, but in that 3 months I have achieved so much.  

• Exercise has become a daily habit.  
• My refrigerator is overflowing while the pantry is minimally stocked because I do better shopping and eat more fresh foods.
• I can FEEL my muscles working when I am using them in every day activities.
• I catch myself squeezing my arms muscles from time to time :)
• I know I can run around and play whenever I want.
• I know I'll reach my goal.
• I know I CAN DO THIS!  Finally!
• I want to influence others who have felt like I always have - that they are just naturally over weight and out-of-shape.
• I am confident!

All of this to say - if there is anything you want to do, but you don't think you can, try it anyway.  Keep at it until you reach that first small goal that means something to you.  I guarantee you'll keep it up after that.  

My next goals: 15 pounds total loss and running!  I can do it :)