New Year, Let's Try Again

So.. I obviously haven't been successful at keeping this blog or taking off the weight. So Sad!! After spending the last 9 days in Mexico engorging myself on seafood, desserts, fruity drinks, and Mexican food, and with the new year upon us, here I am at Day 1 all over again. Wish me luck. Pray for me that it goes better this time around.

Why can't losing weight be easy?

Ticker Thursday

169.4!! I'm okay with that.

My Endless Quest

So Getting back on the wagon then off again has been my story the last few months. Recently I have read 2 books talking about the health benefits of a vegan diet. Last week I decided to eliminate all meat except seafood and cheese from my diet. This week I have also decided to eliminate straight milk (not milk in food yet) from my diet. I have stuck to it and for the most part feel pretty good. By doing so I have made healthier choices for most of my meals as well. Yesterday I binged on candy though and woke up feeling awful today. A testament that sugar really isn't good for body I guess.

By way, Get Movin' is doing AMAZING! I am so impressed.

Weight Loss?????

Weight loss is one of the most mind boggling things, especially for women. I will never figure out the down one day and up the next. It seems like the days you may have cheated are the days you will go down and the days you have been extra good are the days you go up.

I have been plugging along with the exercise and the diet and have been doing okay still. The closer I am getting to my goal weight the slower it is to lose the weight. I must admit that it is probably because I am not being as strict with the diet. My body is adapting to this weight change and last time I went to phase 3 I never did gain the three pounds before I started back into phase 1. Sometimes I am amazed that I am still losing because I am cheating a little. I guess the whole key is moderation in all things. I am not eating 5 or 6 cookies any more I am just eating 1. I am getting anxious to get to my goal weight but I know it will be, if I am lucky by the end of the summer. I will just keep trudging along.

Ticker Thursday

OK.. I'm a day late but I've been doing really well. On Thursday, I weighed in at 163.2 :) This of course was a fluctuation issue because this morning I weighed in at 164.4 but I'm pretty happy with where I'm headed right now.

Happy Day

I have to share. Today the scale said 168.4 !! I'm so glad that the weight is coming off quickly now that I'm eating healthy again. Last night we had an excellent meal too!! Here's the recipe:

Garlic and Rosemary Boneless Ribs
Serves about 4

Ingredients:
7 boneless ribs (If you live in Utah, Kohler's has them for like 1.60 / pound right now)
2 tbsp minced garlic
2 tbsp salt
1 tbsp ground black pepper
8 springs fresh chopped rosemary
Olive oil
Beef Broth

Instructions:
Thaw out the ribs the day before. In a small bowl, crush garlic, salt, pepper, and rosemary with a fork or spoon to make a paste. Use a brush to coat the ribs with olive oil. Rub paste on ribs. In a crock pot pour in about 1/2 cup of beef broth. Lay ribs on top. Cook on low for 8-10 hours.

It was yummy and easy peasy!! First time I've ever used a crock pot too. My husband has lots of times but I hadn't before.

"What I Got" Salad

I made a salad yesterday out of stuff just laying around and it actually was pretty good. Here is the recipe:

Lettuce
1 small tomatoe
2 cutie oranges
2 tbsp of cashews
2 tbsp Drew's Thai Sesame Lime Dressing

I think this one is a keeper!

Cravings

I know exactly what you mean. I have been trying to not fall completely off the wagon and it is so hard. It is always so tempting! My slogan "Nothing tastes as good as thin feels" seems like it works sometimes but when they are having something you are craving and you just can't resist it tastes sooooo good. Cravings are the hardest to deal with! I have never really completely gotten back on the wagon until this week. Since Valentine's day I have been fudging a little here or there. I am trying to keep it to a little or I will completely binge and then it will be tough to turn back. Keep hanging in there and trying remember losing weight is The toughest thing I have ever had to do and unfortunately it is going to be a life long battle.

Falling off the Wagon

So maybe I didn't just fall off the wagon but completely ran away from it. My 1 week break turned into a month long battle of trying to get back on the wagon. I basically gained 10 pounds back too. It stinks. It gets so frustrating when you are doing so well and then your will power just gives in to temptation. Lately, I've just been sooooo hungry. And hungry for sweets and carbs like bread and cake. The other day, I went to Macarroni Grill. I told myself to just order a salad. Then the bread came. I said just a bite. Oh that was the end of it. I ate about 2.5 loaves of bread, pasta, and half a salad. Sometimes for me it seems its all or nothing when it comes to self control. It's so hard.

I'm now back at 173 pounds :(

Well at least I'm back on the wagon again.

Still Plugging Along

I am still trying to keep going! I have been managing to lose a few more pound admist all the birthday parties and the church functions. I am trying not to cheat but I find myself cheating here and there. It is OK I guess. I could probably lose weight a little faster if I wouldn't cheat. I hope that this time the weight will stay off and I will be able to change my eating habits for good.

Surprised

I started phase 3 of my diet last week and so far have managed to lose weight instead of gain. It has been a crazy week and I have been semi counting calories so I have not eaten exactly what I am supposed to. But, I have upped the calories to get my body into the recovery stage and maintaining stage. It is weird. The only difference I can think of is that I am remembering to take my vitamins a little more often. I am happy but a little surprised!!!

Recovery

It has taken almost a week to recover from Valentine's Day and the Birthday Party. I am finally back to losing a little bit. I have started running for at least half my time on the treadmill. I don't know if I can keep it up because my kness are starting to hurt. Time will tell.

Took a Break/Starting Over

So.. I've been naughty. I took a break on my diet for the last week and haven't been good at all, on purpose. Tomorrow morning starts a new day. We'll also see how much damage I did.

Frustration!

We eat unhealthy for things like holidays and etc. because all that good stuff tastes good and we are with family or friends and enjoy the company and the food. It's too bad we don't serve healthier food for gatherings or holidays!

I have not lost anything this week. I have been at 155.8 for almost a week now. This morning I weighed myself before exercising and I was 155.4 and then after I was 155.8 again. Why??? I don't get it. I am taking the 155.4. I have been eating good but I guess maintaining is OK too. I need to get over it. I have lost almost 9 pounds in 31/2 weeks so that is good!

Excuses

When it comes to eating healthy there always seem to be excuses:

• It's so and so's birthday


• It's the holidays


• I'm on vacation


• It's ok it's just a taste


• It wasn't healthy but it sure tasted good


• I'll start eating well tomorrow


• I'm in a hurry and don't have time to make something healthy


• We're celebrating some event


• This is the last time then never again


• Blah Blah Blah

Why do we make excuses for poisoning our bodies with unhealthy food? We know it's wrong but we all seem to do it. I don't get it. We don't accept excuses in other areas of our life (well maybe every now and then) but why is it so easy to do it every day with food?

Ticker Thursday

I'm posting this late. But my weigh-in this week was 167. My rule when traveling is maintain, maintain. I did maintain so I'm ok with this weigh-in.

Eating Healthy While Traveling

I'm currently on a business trip. Eating healthy while traveling is one of the hardest things to do. Especially when visiting a place that has great food around every corner. Here are some of the rules I try to follow when traveling.

1) There is no excuse to stop eating right. Otherwise your life will be a yo yo of eating healthy than not eating healthy
2) Choose at least one of your favorite restuarants to go to and order whatever you want.
3) Don't order appetizers or dessert
4) Salad, Salad, Salad - Usually one of the only healthy things to order at fast food joints or restuarants
5) Try to get a hotel room with a kitchenette. Cooking your own food limits calories.
6) If ordering something off the diet, split your entree in half and eat the other half for lunch.
7) Avoid unhealthy food cooked by family or friends by piling on the veggies and fruits and taking small portions of others.
8) Try to exercise/walk as much as possible.
9) Take snacks with you on the plane ride or eat before so then you only drink water on the flight and aren't starving when you get off the flight.
10) Avoid the hot chocolate machine at work.

Any more tips? Please comment.

Finally!

This week has been a tough week. I started phase 2 of the diet and that meant upping the calories. I have still resisted the cake at the birthday party and all the sweets that I would like to eat. I didn't lose in fact on Tuesday I gained a pound then lost and went back down to the 159 but today, I actually lost a little bit. Yeah!!! It helps me to stay motivated if I can at least lose a little each week! I am going to keep on going. I have two baby showers to go to today so hopefully I can resist the temptations.

Ticker Thursday

167.8? What? I'm not happy. I have done really good this week. With one exception of eating 2 barbeque beef sandwiches instead of 1 last night (but I was starving) So what do I do? Eat cake for breakfast - I didn't eat cake at the party last night so I guess I'll eat it now that I'm 3 pounds heavier any way.

ARGHHH>

NOTHING TASTES BETTER THAN THIN FEELS!

This is going to be my new motto. I have been craving something sweet and haven't given in and have been rewarded by losing 4 pounds in one week. I know that I won't keep losing that much weight each week but it feels good to be in the 150's now.

Chocolate cake taste good but not as good as getting healthy and thinner will feel!

It Works so far!

I have been keeping track of all I eat for a week and so far it is working. The biggest key for me is planning the menu and having all the food on the menu available. If I don't feel like eating what I planned, I always have an alternative available that is still good for me and not going to rack up those calories. I ate out 4 times and still managed to lose about 3 1/2 pounds this week.

I am moving on to phase 2 tomorrow and that means more calories so it will also mean slower weight loss. That is okay as long as it is steady.

I did struggle a little. I have been craving some ice cream and chocolate but have managed to resist. I even watched my husband and my sister and her husband eat the Chocolate Molten Cake at Chili's and didn't even take a bite. I am very proud of myself for that. It is hard to think that I have to make this way of eating a way of life but I know I will be healthier for it.

ONE DAY AT A TIME!

Starting Tomorrow

Usually saying "I'll start tomorrow" doesn't work very well because there is always another tomorrow so usually I say I'm starting today. However, my day is jam packed and I don't have time to start today.

What am I starting you ask? For Christmas in 2007, I received P90X (Don't worry I asked for it). I've been able to stay on track for about 1 week but that's as far as I've gotten. I really love the exercise program and have enjoyed the week I have done about 3 times now. So tomorrow starts my goal of trying to get through all 90 days of P90X in a row. This is one of my new years resolutions and I won't fail.

Ticker Thursday

It's either a miracle or a fluke. I don't know which. But even after eating awful all week and not doing any type of activity except for last Thursday. I'm at 165.2 !! Miracle or fluke, I'll take it.

I HATE cooking

So, for the past week, I haven't really felt like myself. I've pretty much been sick. Now I normally hate cooking. Anything that takes more than 4 ingredients and more than about 15 mins is usually a "NO" for me. Especially when I don't feel very well. That is why I've found fast food and restaurant food so convienent.

The interesting thing is that fast food and restaurant food usually take longer by the time you count driving time there, waiting time, etc. It's just the fact that I don't have to make it. Hence, this week I have splurged on Red Lobster, Dominos (at least twice), Taco Bell, Wendy's and more. As well, I think I've eaten almost all of the items with sugar in the house. The reason why: I don't have to cook it. We are out of veggies. And I can't contain myself very well when I'm sick. I want comfort food. So don't be surprised if tomorrow's weigh in sucks. I've been doing so good too. Darn.

Food Diary

Today is the day! I am starting to keep a food diary and try to eat better. I have been trying all along but when you keep track in your head, I think you start to fudge a little here and there. I have planned all my menus for the week and so there is no opening the pantry door and just grabbing the first thing that I see.

I went to a nutrition diet class on Saturday and so I am starting the "Curves" diet plan. It is a little like the South Beach Diet because it has phases but it also like LA Weight loss because it counts how many fruits, vegetables, proteins, and starches you eat. I will see how it goes. I have the goal to go to Curves at the minimum 3 times a week and to walk, right now on the treadmill every day for 30 minutes. I hope to keep this a priority. I am starting phase 1 today and hope to stick to it pretty strict. Eating out will be the hardest for me and trying to keep the portions the correct amount.

Homemade Breakfast Egg McMuffins

Serving Size: 1

Ingredients:
1 whole wheat english muffin
2 eggs
2 ounces of deli sliced turkey
1 slice provolone cheese

Directions:
1) Cut up turkey into small pieces (I use my hands so as not to waste time with a cutting board and knife)
2) Scramble eggs and turkey
3) Open english muffin place on plate
4) Put slice of provolone on english muffin
5) Put scrambled eggs and turkey on english muffin
6) Microwave for 30 seconds

Motivation to Exercise

Most of the time I have a very hard time finding the motivation to exercise. Like I said in an earlier post, I love to exercise. I love the feeling afterward I love to get my body moving. However, I always feel to lazy to get up and do it. The idea of having to drive to a gym or pull out the weights or even just get started causes me to feel this sense of dread.

I recently quit the gym I was going to. I never went any way because it was so far away from my house. I know that is a lame excuse but that's my excuse. Now I have to figure out how I will get my yoga fix.

My goal is going to be to exercise today at least for 15 mins.

Ticker Thursday

I did really good this week overall. I'm down to 165.6 .6 more pounds to the 165 mile marker!

I am finally getting started

I wanted to comment on the whole eating thing. I can exersise my brains out and then blow the whole day by eating all the wrong things. I have heard that you crave all the foods that are bad for you, well, that is definately me. I crave carbs and sweets and breads and that good tasting stuff. I am very frustrated because I have found as I get older I can't eat hardly anything if I want to keep losing. I recently read an article that said that losing weight helps speed up your metabolism. Well lets see, if I could just lose some weight. It does make sense but it is not as easy to do. The article also talked about sleep being an important factor in losing weight too. I always feel tired and I know it is because I never get to sleep all night long. My husband is up and down all night long and this wakes me up too. I am going to keep trying and hopefully I will see some results this year. Changing my eating habits is my main goal right now. I will be working on that continually as I live with a 17 year old bottomless pit.

Food Diaries

One of the ways I have found success is keeping a food diary. I find that when I keep a food diary, I am less likely to splurge or binge as well as eat healthier. The big benefit is that I tend to lose weight when I'm keeping a food diary.

I tend to think that the best diet would be to find someone who is skinny (looks like you want to look) and have them write down what they eat everyday in a diary. Then follow that diary to a tea just 1 week behind. Then you really know what a skinny person eats. Chances are that diet will NEVER happen but it is something I seem to daydream about more often than I probably should. You would probably need to follow that person's work out regime as well but it is just a dream.


Just as a perk, here is my diary for the day:

Breakfast:
Kashi cereal
Milk
Banana

Snack:
2 cutie oranges

Lunch:
Salad with lettuce, tomatoes, avocados, sprouts
2 tbs dressing

Snack:
1 protein bar

Dinner:
Quesadilla with low-fat cheese, chicken, and jalepenos
Carrots

Migraines

I've struggled with migraines since I was about 16. I've been able to figure out my triggers and most of the time, I don't do them. However, yesterday I was just so busy that I didn't eat for about 7 hours and hardly ate anything before that. So I got a migraine and not a little migraine, this was a doozy. I didn't have meds on me either. When I got done, in order to get rid of the migraine, I popped down some medication and of course I had to eat. By that point, I didn't care what I ate as long as it was food to help make my migraine GO AWAY. So I ate: a wrap, 2 pieces of pepperoni pizza, and a pop tart. Now I'm back up 1.6 pounds to 168.6 :( I hate it when I binge due to poor planning. If I would have carted a lunch/snacks around with me I would have been fine.

If anyone has hints on how to better plan for busy days or plan for days that aren't busy but turn into crazy busy, post a comment.

Self Sabotage

Yesterday, I was extremely excited because I had lost 2 pounds. Then I proceeded to think... you've done pretty good you deserve a treat. Then that treat turned into a full on binge. I think I ate about 4 packs of sweet tarts, about 20 mini chocolate bars, and some various other candies. I swear to you I cannot control myself around sweets and chocolate. It's all or nothing. One halloween I remember that we had about 3 pounds of candy in the house because we had very few trick or treaters that year because we lived in a new development. I think I ate that within 2 days after Halloween. That's how much little will power I have. Allowing myself one piece of cake/candy is not an option, and then I'll eat 2. Sometimes I feel like I'm rewarding myself for the past but in the end I sabotage my future. I need to have more self control. Does anyone else feel the same way?

Ticker Thursday

Thursdays are the day I'm going to be updating my ticker at the bottom of the blog and officially recording my weight.

The good thing about today is that I am 2 pounds down: 167!! Only 2 more pounds to hit 165. I ate out a lot over New Years break so this is the weight that is coming off of that. Woo hoo!!

Hip Hop Dancing

Wednesday is the day that I actually get off of my butt and MOVE. I attend an Adult Hip Hop class at a local dance center. It is so much fun. I have always loved to dance and have found that Hip Hop is my cup of tea. I just love the style and the different rhythms found in hip hop music.

Today we learned a dance that was one of the funnest I've done in a long time. Afterward, my body is on a high and it is just buzzing. I love the feeling I get after exercising. I just don't have the motivation to do it more often even though it makes me feel so much better and so much happier.

I always think to myself though that no one would really want to see a fat (I mean fat, not phat) old lady shakin her booty. Overtime, I guess I just decided that I didn't care. When I attended a different class in the Northwest, there were some ladies that were my grandma's age attending the beginning hip hop class. I think eventually I will be one of those ladies. :)

Before Pictures

Here are some pics of me at my heaviest so far.

Fluctuation

One of the most frustrating things to me when trying to lose weight is fluctuation. This morning I got up and I weighed 169.4, which is .4 pounds more than yesterday. You are thinking to yourself, "Who gives a baboon's butt about .4 pounds?" Usually the fluctuation in my weight is a lot worse, like 1-3 pounds, but it is just so demotivating to see the scale go up when you are trying so hard to make the scale go down. Staying the same is even better than going up. I wish weight loss could be a smooth slope where you stay the same or lose everyday.

I have to weigh myself everyday. I've heard experts say, "Only weigh yourself once a week due to fluctuation." I can't do it. I think I'm doing great but then I hop on the scale a week later and I'm way off track and I've gained like 5 pounds or something. I have to weigh myself everyday to see how my body reacts to different foods and make adjustments in my diet accordingly. It's what has worked for me so far. I do only record my weight in a journal once a week though.

I saw a chart once that took into account fluctuation in your diet. You entered in your weight daily, weekly, or whatever and it smoothed out the curve and estimated your actual weight lose instead of water weight, etc. I'm doubt this was very accurate because it took into account no other factors but your weight; however, it was fairly motivating. I can no longer find that chart so if you know where it is, let me know.

Quest to Lose 50 more pounds

I'm on a long quest... One that I've been on for a long time and that I still have a long way to go. There are many obstacles ahead of me and many hurdles to jump over. It's not an easy quest and there are many villians that want to entice me off the path of my goal. They call to me all day and all night, saying "Eat me, eat me, eat me."

You see.. I'm on a quest to lose 50 more pounds. I've already lost 15 pounds and that has taken me, oh, about 8 months. It is so hard to lose weight. There are people who seem to lose it so quickly, not me. There are people who can still eat what they want or even cheat a little. Not me. I blow up anytime I eat anything off plan. I'm following the Healthy Eating & Exercise diet. No gimmicks. No tricks. Just lots of fruits, veggies, healthly fats, lean proteins, and whole grains. Oh and I'm trying to exercise. Right now I'm at one hour one day a week and I'm hoping to up that very quickly. I'm hoping it will help me reach my end weight goal faster. I'd like to lose at least 5 pounds a month. I'm 5'6" and currently weight 169 pounds (just under the 170 mark - woo hoo). Follow me along my quest or join me if you want.