Thursday, September 30, 2010

Baby steps

That is all it takes, when I feel like I cant walk an other time around the park I say, well lets go as far as the birds see how you are doing, then I bet I can make it to the other entrance, then it is I can make it to the pond, then I am right back around and made it that second time! It helps to have a great walking companion that has a lot of stories to tell and a great set of ears to listen when I need to tell her mine. Thanks for being there. I hope that all of you have a someone that no matter what you do, no matter how long it has been since you have talked no matter what that person will be there for you. I guess I am lucky to have many of them in my life. No matter what, I know I have someone that is there to hear me out. Or that I can be the sounding post for them.
This week has been a challenge for me, I am looking for a job! I dont want to work in an office that I am strapped to a phone all day. I want some varitey! I am looking for full and part time work, I need to do something. My husband has a job that he is happy with and I am glad that he has the freedom that he needs. But like most of us the one income is just not enough! I need to feel as though I am giving our finances the 100% that I know I am capable of today I do not!
But yet again back to the baby steps, send out the resume's, call to follow up on them and hit the ground running.
Weigh ins are tomorrow, cant wait to see the final progress report for this week. Ta ta for Now! (TTFN)

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

still on the right track

I got on the scale this morning and I was pleasantly suprised it is all working the walking, the eating right foods, bumping up protiens. I am 6 pounds down from the 10 I gained last month. So 4 more to go to get back to my starting weight! Oh the frustration. But I will win. One meal at a time, one walk at a time.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Did not get on the scale today!

So today was a walking day, but for how I am feeling I most b n the right track, so I let myself have a little treat day! I ate 1/2 a popsicle (banana Yum) 2 snack sized milky way and a sugar free black cherry soda! I did eat great all the other meals though! I had a scrambled egg on 9 grain toast for breakfast, then a snack after walking of a necterine, cheese cubes (cheddar and pepper jack) water and some beef jerky! For dinner we are having a layered taco salad, lettuce, black beans, salsa (hum I think I will make this myself), cheese and ground turkey with taco seasoning mixed into it , corn oh and the "crutons" will be corn bread! I saw this idea on a cooking show this week and I have all the fixings so why not! Scale is still agreeing with me and telling me I am back on track, this is my cycle week and I am down 5 ounds since the last weigh in so not to shabby!

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Its working!

Ok so for the last week I have kicked up the exercise and already seeing a BIG difference! Already down 4 pounds since the last weigh in. I know some of you may be thinking that is a big weigh loss for a week. But really it is not. I have not been eating differently still eating meals and snacks, not depriving my self of a treat here and there, I have just added walking, the most I walked in a day was 3 miles in an hour! The average has been between 1.5-2 miles a day.

There is a quote out there that says " inside me there is a skinny girl crying to come out and I can usually shut her up with a cookie" or something along those lines. I laughed the first time I read it, but now I listen to that skinny girl. I dont shut her up with a cookie, I feed her with vegetables and fruit, a good healthy walk and water! So much nicer that the internal badgering that I have been going through!

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

A Little about me!

Challenge for the week: Intorduce your self, tell a little why you are in the compitition!

Ok I am in this competition because my friend asked me to join it with her. Checked the budget, the mirror the size of my pants and signed up!

I have always been on the petite side (small framed). I have not had to really worry about weight for most of my life but I was like most girls, I thought I was "FAT" What I realize now is I would like that "FAT" body back! I wore a size 0 or 1 most of my high school years I atribute this to all the dance classes I was in Tap , Jazz, Ballet and Sunshine Generation.

It was not until I was 19 and had my first baby that I knew what being heavy was, going to see the Dr and him poking my hip bone and telling me I needed to be more active as he could no longer feel that bone, then after having him not taking off the weight that I had gained with him.

Then I started dancing again, I had a group of friends that liked to go Country dancing. Oh boy was this fun! I danced my ass off (literally). I had gotten back into a size 5 I was so excited!

Then came baby # 2. For the longest time you did not even know I was pregnant! (I actually met my husband of 15 years when I was 3 months pregnant...He had no idea! ) Well I went through that pregnancy all alone, her daddy came back into the picture the month before she was born! But we decided that we were just going to be friends.

Ok back to the story you want to hear! Body bounced back for the most part I was sitting at a size 7.

Current Hubby and I started dating when daughter 2 was one month old. Had to stay sexy for the dating time right, well then getting comfortable in the relationship added a few pounds, then baby #3 and that is what happened! The girls are only 16 months apart! The body was never the same again, slowly as a stay at home mother of 3 the sweats took over the closet and little by little the jeans just kept getting bigger and bigger! The top I got to was almost ready to move into a size 18, my biggest weight 190!

Went on a fad diet lost 50! gained almost all of it back topped out that time at 187. That was the day I dig in my heals and said NO MORE! I will get healthy. And the timing was right, about 4 months later I heard from my friend about the challenge! I was already on the way down on the scale and maybe this was the push I needed!

Since 2008 I have not weighed more that 170 pounds. Every year I strive to find new ways to keep me on the right track, one day at a time some times one meal at a time. We are all in control of our health, I let mine slip along with eating habits of my family.

So today I tell you this is not just about me, it is about teaching my children how to make the right choice, We chose to be healthy! Variety is the spice of life, GO EAT A RAINBOW!

ok why does life get in the way...or is it just me?

How am I going to make this if I cant even reach my own goal that I set for me? So last week I was really down on myself for not following through on the weight loss challenge. Today I am down because I did not blog every day like I wanted to. Today though I am taking a step to make sure my blog is completed on a daily basis. As I try to type and inbetween thoughts for the moment I am writting out post it notes and I will be posting them every where I can think. One will be to remind me to do my blog so far I have 3 places that I can think to put them, my debit card, my bathroom mirror and my light switch! I think I will stick with those three places for now. So far so good though! I have added walking for an hour per day. This is amazing how this has helped with my stamina and energy levels! I seem more alert this week! I have been on the scale a lot watching what is happening with my body, I have already noticed that my thighs are getting thinner, my Muffin top is almost gone and I am standing straighter and more proud of who I am and what I am doing for my long term health! So today is a new day, new goals (actually start blogging daily) and maintaining healthy eating habits and exercising even for 30 minutes a day!

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

OMG where did this come from?

So today was weigh in day for the Weight loss challange. And I have to say I am very disapointed in the results! Time to buckle down and make sure I am doing all the right things for my health! Today is the day to get on and CRACKING. Time to whip this body in shape! I have to say I have felt a little more tired and run down this last month, I thought it was the no AC thing, but now I am thinking it was my body sending me signals that it was time to refocus and pay attention to it, and it rebelled by giving me what I was allowing, more weight! I am done! by this time next month I will be back on track 2-3 pounds per week. I will be counting every calorie and blogging every day. I will be out enjoying the wonderful weather and walking until my legs fall off. Hope the dog doesnt mind we are not coming back when she gets tired, only when she has to drag me back. I love myself and I am done being a slave to this chubby body! TIME TO GET THE SEXY BACK!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

oops I did it again

We have not had internet since my last post. We have been focused on packing so that we could get back to Salt Lake for my husbands job that he is now in Chicago training for. I am happy for us and the new comfortable adventure that we are about to embarq on. Bad new is I think the altitude and the poor eating while packing has made me go backwards on the journey to the new me. Tomorrow I start again.

That is the beauty of this whole thing, we can fall get back up and try again, figure out what went the wrong direction and get back on course!

Next thing BEG for a pass for this month and start a new!

Thursday, July 29, 2010

oops

So as some or most of you know I am in a weight loss compitition. Well one of the requirements is to blog about this... Well guess what with all the packing and getting ready to move and my cold. Well I screwed up, I hope I can be forgiven. I did not blog for over a week.

I think I am doing quite well. I may not be the fastest loser but I am making great progress. I am getting on the scale to check my progress and I was down 10 pounds about a week ago. Now I will not hold myself to that as life has a funny way of sneaking up on you when you are not looking. Perfect example today I was on the scale and it said I was only down 6 pounds. But down is still down. I am looking for a steady decline and not something so rapid that it shocks my body into starvation mode. I work in an office with a lot of people that have some great hints and tips to keep on the down ward motion, some of them I have tried to incorporate. YES Kari adding more protiens was one of them... but do you know why? Eating Protien is a way to boost your metabolism and burns more fat, in addition to helping perserve and build lean muscle tissue. You see the one thing I have learned in the 3 years of working for Life Extension is ask the WHY? I was not sure I wanted to add more protiens to my diet, I was thinking more fiber for bulk so that I feel full and would not want to eat more. But no... I have started snacking. This is helping me stave off the " I AM STARVING" that happens sometimes between meals. I admit, I may not always be chosing all the right snacks YET. But definatly am more in tune with what I am consuming and looking for the signals that something is going right here!

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Vacations

I like to go on Vacations and thought it would be harder to eat healthy when I do, but what I have really learned that eating healthy is a choice too. I can chose to eat the foods that others around me are eating (even if they are not the best) or I can make sure I have the foods with me that are healthier. This last week we spent the week with my cousin her husband and 7 children. It was a great time, and yes we ate healthy meals, it was not hard, we included salad with dinner, fruits and vegetables during the day. The kids where all for it. I think it made it easy for us too, they already eat healthy. I am a little jealous as they can have a garden, you see they live in the country of California. The weather is nice and they have an acre of property to live on (well with 7 children they need the space). They have chickens that lay fresh eggs and a crazy dog that keeps them all wondering what she will do next.

I am down a few pounds from the begining of this challange. I have been trying to keep my stress levels in check so that I do not allow the cortisol levels to rise, triggering my body to store fat instead of burn it, I have learned that napping is my friend and that is a way for me to recharge, for some it is exercise to control stress for me it is the good old nap. The bills will still be there, the food will still need to be prepaired, the cats like to cuddle and the dog snores a little bit, but communal napping is my friend. The funny thing is that there was an article on just this topic in the latest "real simple" magazine, and it is nice to know I am not alone.

Todays weigh in 151.9 YAHOO! on the right track. Watching what I am eating but I am not stressing about the calories, listening to my body more, it will tell me what I need, and it is not that coke...Still on my journey many miles to go, people to meet and adventures to do. Good luck to us all and as my cousin Kathy says....GODSPEED!

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Weekends

I love weekends!

I did not track much of my food for the weekend, but I seem to stay pretty close to my 1300-1600 goal, when I did a rough estimation.

I was a little discouraged when I got on the scale this week, and was greatful that we only weigh in once a month! I have gained 4 pounds. I think it is because I am about to start my period. I think all you ladies know about that prep period bloating and water retention. I have been staying hydrated, it is 106 here today! and I think that is in the shade.

I had a kind of stressful week the last 2-3 weeks, I am glad that the tension in out house has lifted and we are back on talking terms. Finances seem to be getting tighter and tigher. Maybe that is because in a year maybe a year and a half we are thinking about moving back to Utah. Only 4 hours up the road from where we are in Vegas. So I can still come and visit here or up North more often, we really need to get somewhere where it is less stressful, not so busy and has some elbow room. I love my neighbors, but I really need some more space. Somewhere I can grow my own vegetables, and have a few animals to raise so that I know what they have been feed, and know what I am putting into my body. Closer to fishing and hunting with family and friends.

I would love to get my business off the ground: I am going to train to be a Parneting with love and logic coach! This has been a draem of mine for many years and I need to just do it. Take a leap and dont look back....but first things first. Getting a home in Cedar City and some money together to buy some land.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Not such a good day

Sometimes the joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy. Thich Nhat Hanh

Went with a friend to buy some fabric to recover her headboard on her bed this was the highlight of my day.

Today I was on auto piolot for most of the day. Not a lot to really tell, lets just vote today out of my week, I dont want this one. I cant tell you what I ate, I did not write any of it down. I did not drink enough I am feeling parched. Cant wait for a new sunrise tomorrow and for the sun to set tonight.

I do know this I ate 4oz chicken, a bag of nuts and drank some tea oh and had 3 pizza rolls, and a plum. Yeah not to exciting.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Day 3 I got this!

Todays Quote: Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony. By Mahatma Gandhi.

Thought of the day: today I wore a dress to work, one I would haven't worn over a year ago but today I did it. There are 2 ladies at my work that wanted to have it. I said they could once it was to big for me! And that would be at the end of this compitition. The funny thing is they would just die if they knew that I bought it at a second hand store. This whole process of the new me has brought out a shopping queen even more. I cant wait until the size 14 that are currently a little to tight are to big for me and I, HAVE TO go buy a new pair. But when I shop there I dont seem to mind as much buying new/gently used clothes. I can get a new wardrobe for what some people spend on a pair of jeans, there is this guy at work that pays $100.00 bucks a pair, wow I said. I dont think I could ever do that, spend that much money on one clothing item when I could get at least 10! Silly boy!

Not to much to share today. I have my Pampered Chef meeting tonight so I wont have my full calorie count for the day yet (we always eat there) So here is the day so far Kari, you will be proud more protien today.
Breakfast: On the run on the way to work; Del taco Breakfast Burrito: Scrambled egg, cheese, tortilla and salsa: and a hot sweetened tea 380 Calories.
Lunch: left overs from last night: (not a full portion) Total 200 calories
I had a snack today: Plum, 1/4 almonds and a tea 305 calories.

So far I am at 885, Lance promised to make dinner under 500 so I can stay in goal!
Dinner will be a healthy option for Chicken and Waffels (thanks food channel for the late night suggestion) We are having Chicken, breaded at home with corn flakes, baked, a cheddar waffle he found a low cal recipie for those too and green beans! YUMMY cant wait. He figured it out at 412 so that should put me at 1297, not to shabby and more protien as questioned on my earlier post!

Time to go do the shopping for the baby shower for the gal at work, baby is due on the 19th shower tomorrow!

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Quote of the day Happiness is contagious....when you reflect happiness, then all others around you catch the happy bug and are happy, too. Jennifer Leese

Today was a wonderful day, I was asked by a friend to be a guest writter on her blog next week talking about nutrition, I was flattered and of course said YES!

Funny thought I had today: I was watching Dr Oz ( I really like him a lot) and he stated that the best day to start a diet was on a Saturday, I understood the logic behind it, that gives you 2 days to get into a habit. If he only knew what my weekends where like then for me he would agree that today was the best day for me to start watching my food intake, set some goals and pack my suitcase for my life changing adventure I am about to go on.

I am going to take a minute to just talk about me, hope you like what you learn. I love adventure, reading, writting, learning about anything and everything. I have 3 children that I am still carrying all their baby weight, I was to lazy to do anything about it. I was a stay at home Mother for about 11 years, so the temptaion of the fridge was always there, we did not do a lot of meal planning just caught items on the fly. "Honey what time you going to be home? Wanna stop by the hamburger joint on the way, or should I just order pizza?" Granted my husband LOVES to cook, and I love him for it! But how he was reaised to eat and how I was, well two differnt worlds but not to far apart. His Father: Grease Fried KING. My Mother : The take out DIVA, I think she had everyone on speed dial! So we both came into our marriage with not so healthy eating styles.

I have been working for a company for 3 years the 16th of this month that really wants people to live longer healthier lives. This is offered to them in a form of educating themselves on research and science based nutrition. We have health advisors at our disposal and doctors on staff to answer a mirad of health related questions. They have all been a GOD SEND to me. I have learned that I have estrogen dominance, not bad for a girl, but bad for business relationships. I can cry at the drop of a hat! No reason at all, just cry. I am my own best critic and I beat the crap out of myself long before anyone else does. OK back on topic, so I asked my Doctor, yes a regular doctor that I pay a co-pay to so I can help pay off student loans so he can tell me all the things that I need to get healthier what if anything was wrong with me, what is happening to my libido, I thought this was suppose to be the time of my life, kids all in their teens (18,15 and 14). But Nooo, not me nothing (hope I am not moving to fast for any of you) . Well he takes a lot of blood says, well your testosterone is a little high, all should be good, YEAH right! So I send the same results, yes the exact ones my Doctor said I was fine when reading them to one of our Doctors (granted she is a hormone speicalist, but still why didnt he think of sending me to one) She read my results and gave a whole protocol to follow. Still no Libido (sorry honey) , but I am feeling great, getting in better shape and well not crying over the little things anymore.

I cant wait to be on the way to the healthier me. The first goal I have set for myself is to just watch what I eat. I know that for me I will not do a fad diet program, that will not be a life lesson but a temporary fix. So today this is what I ate:
Breakfast: 2 Slices of 9 grain toast, 1 small plum (yumm) a cut of hot tea, total 400 calories.
Lunch: left overs but worth it! Vegetarian Indian food Korma with califlower and potaoes and some rice. total 286 calories
Dinner: Broccoli with Lemon couscus and talapia total 260
A sweet tea that I nursed all day 230 calories And the drum roll please.....Total 1246. Not bad my goal for this week is to stay between 1300 and 1600 calories. I am on the low side today, Guess that leaves room for a midnight snack! Maybe a bag of nuts..... I know not what you where thinking.

Monday, July 5, 2010

Today I start a new journey. One that will take me to places I have not been in a long time, the one that will call on the old me and the new me to become one in the same. I have been overweight for to many years and it is time for me to take control of me, what I eat what I do and who I want to be.

Being thinner may not make me more popular, may not get me a new job, may not make me happier. Being thinner will help me live longer, healthier and give the opportunity to make more friends, grow the confidence in me to do what I want or need to do and in turn help me to be happier.

I will do this with a smile on my face and an open heart. Willing to learn from others how to have a healthy life style. I eat foods that help the body and not ones that inflame it. I forgive myself if there is a day that I slip, jump back on the scale and try again.

I am glad that my friend Marinda invited me to join a competition, how does that girl always know when I need a kick in the pants.

Today I start my journey.