Cayla - Week 6

Cayla Conley Week 6
Time to regroup

This week it is time for me to regroup. I've been sick, traveling, very busy with work and I had company in town. Needless to say my diet and exercise have taken the backseat. I'm using this week to get well since I've been sick for about two weeks. I have not been eating well and actually found myself craving healthy food (which is strange to me). I'm hoping to hit the ground running Monday and I'm hoping that I haven't done too much damage this week.

Jamie Week 6

I'm going to keep it short here. Probably because I'm frustrated with myself. This weekend was rough. We painted and did new flooring and painted more. So this resulted in ordering pizza, red lobster and left over ribs because the kitchen was a mess. Come Monday I stepped on the scale and saw how easily I can lose control. Funny thing though was I took A water pill Monday and by Tuesday I was back to normal. That's how much water I do drink. About 100 oz a day is what my fitbit says anyways. And all weekend all I had was water. No coffee even. So you can guess that by Sunday night I had a migraine from lack of caffeine.
On Monday I decided to go back to actively counting points not just in my head. And I dropped 3 points so I went from "maintain" to "lose". These last 5 pounds have got to go. I know I can do it. I pulled my binder back out and it's in my possession 24/7 again. Wish me luck!
Wins: worked out 5 days last week
Opps: the weekend remodeling g fiasco created bad eating and lack of sleep. Still trying to catch up.
Goal next week: to not use any activity points, and half my weekly extras
Weight: 135

Allyson | Week 6 | Living Low-Carb

There are more diets and ways to lose weight out there than I could even begin to count. I’m sure many of you have tried at least one of these diets at one time or another and may have had success, only to put the weight back on.  *The problem with “fad diets” is that they simply don’t work. Once you deprive yourself of something for any length of time and then are “allowed” to have it again, you go bazurk! Whether it be no sweets, no bread, no bacon, no cheese, no food, no whatever, if you are “not allowed” to have it, it suddenly becomes more desirable. Once you allow yourself to have a bite you’ll go off the deep end and put all that weight back on you just spent weeks taking off.

*I have a tendency to over-generalize.  Fad diets might work for you. If so, that’s amazing -count your lucky stars. But, for the majority of folks, fad diets just aren’t reasonable ways to live and they end up not working.

Diabetes

When we eat foods with sugar (sugar-sugar and starch-sugar; aka: carbs) our bodies use insulin to help convert the sugar to energy. With diabetes, the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or it has a hard time using it. In turn, the sugar (carbs) builds up in blood cells and blood sugar levels spikes.  (This is the most basic explanation of diabetes/insulin/sugar conversion ever. To find out more, I HIGHLY suggest you check out the book Sugar Busters.)

Diabetes is prevalent in my family and my doctor has told me it’s not a matter of if I get it, rather a matter of when I get it. {Awesome.} If I continued the lifestyle I was living a couple years ago, my doctor said I would develop diabetes in my 50s, but if I changed how I ate and exercised I would push back the onset by decades.  So, basically I needed to start watching my carb intake.

While I don’t have diabetes, and I don’t even have a gluten allergy, I would say I am definitely carb-sensitive and eating high amounts of carbs negatively affects my body. Amidst other immediate ramifications from over-carbing, I gain weight easily when I eat a lot of carbs and, conversely, I lose weight more easily when I steer clear of them. Further reasons why I am a low-carber.

If for no other reason than those wonderful medical ones listed above, I am a low-carber out of competition. A few months before I started my weight-loss process my mom began her own and succeeded by cutting her carb intake. That strategy worked amazing for her so I decided to try it myself. We are both competitive and we motivated each other by an unspoken competition we had. We would see who could cook new recipes or eat at restaurants with the lowest carbs. We would text each other pictures of our low-carb fare and swap recipes and tips to cut carbs wherever possible. My mom was a huge motivator/supporter/ encourager in my transformation to a low-carb lifestyle.

I must admit (I think I already have a couple times, though) that I went a little nutso with the low-carbness. Last spring I dropped my intake to under 30 a day. (This is where the “fad diets don’t work” thing comes into play.) The first week or so that I was under 30 I dropped quite a few pounds, but then I got stuck and the scale wouldn’t budge. Someone suggested I may not have been eating enough calories and my body thought I was starving it. So I counted my calories one day, and to my surprise I only consumed around 700. Ridiculous. No wonder I was at a stalemate. I immediately increased my carb allowance to 50, and strived to reach 1100 calories/day and the pounds started coming off again. {So, if you think you can lose weight by starving yourself, you’re wrong. It seems so backwards, but you need to eat more (GOOD stuff) to lose more.}

Let’s be real, even 50 carbs per day is pretty low. Once my Fit Club competition was over I went off the deep end (as many do with fad diets and/or unrealistic diets). I started eating all the sweets in sight and totally stopped working out. I indulged and enjoyed all the treats of summer a little too much….and then fall…and then the holidays. And here I am,  8 pounds more than at the end of Fit Club.

Since blogging I have gotten back on track. I have been practicing carb-cycling, which I learned from Chris Powell’s book Choose to Lose, where I cycle every other day eating “high” carbs and than “low” carbs. (High is about 60-80; low is about 40-60)

Eating a low-carb life doesn’t mean you have to completely stop eating carbs. On my high days I have carbs with every meal (!)…but good carbs. I have switched to brown rice, rice pasta, sweet potatoes, more veggies, fewer fruits, and lots of protein. I still struggle with eating enough calories on my low days, so I always have a stash of cheese and turkey pepperoni in the fridge to bump me up to a healthy amount of calories. 

It can be easy to fall off the deep end. However, you can avoid that by avoiding fad and unrealistic diets and simply try to live a healthier life style with more whole grains, lots of veggies, little sugar, and exercise.

PS- I still have a Pinterest Board entitled “Dessert is my Favorite”…it still is my favorite, I just try to have it in moderation rather than every single day!

PPS- I am not trying to convert anyone to a low-carb lifestyle. I’m just sharing why it works for me, and maybe it would work for you. If you are stuck at a plateau and have never paid attention to how many carbs you eat, I would suggest track your carbs for a day. If you’re eating well over 100, try cutting down to 100 and see if you begin to make any progress again.

Randee: Week: 6

Eating Plan: Weight Watchers Points Plus

Goal: Lose 50 Pounds

Weekly Weight Loss: 0

Total Weight Loss: -6.4 pounds

Exercise Goals: 4 times a week for at least 30 minutes each time

Weekly Exercise: 3 workouts. 3 x 30 minutes

So…I really need to break the pattern of one good week and one not so good week. On the bright side, my parents have been here over a week and I didn’t gain any weight. On the down side, for the first time since starting this journey, I didn’t work out my minimum of 4 times. I have lots of excuses- but none are that great. I just didn’t get it done. This week I had days where I ate very well and stuck to my plan. But it turns out it doesn’t take much to talk me into something I shouldn’t eat. Now on Weight Watchers, you can eat those things if you plan ahead. I just didn’t plan so well this week.

It also doesn’t help that the 2 days a week that I work, I end up eating dinner at 8 or 9pm. I don’t have a good plan to get around this issue, because I just get busy at work. On the bright side, I pack my food these 2 days, so I always stay within my daily points. I did discover a great snack, some key lime greek yogurt and a few low fat graham crackers and I feel like I am eating Key Lime Pie. Pretty yummy!

Highlights from this week: I did not gain any weight even with my parents in town and my mom cooking, eating out and my dad and his desserts- Oh- and a family birthday party to top it off! Not too bad in the grand scheme of things. I need to try some new recipes this week to keep me on track and excited to be eating the food in front of me!

Challenges for this week: My parents are here for half of this week and this week will include a trip to their favorite place- Corky and Lenny’s. How much will power can a girl have? At least I can work on portion control, right? I just need to at least not gain any weight this week with all these eating out! I also need to get back on my exercise plan. At least 4 times this week, NO EXCUSES!!

Maybe next week I’ll have some more exciting things to share!

Leslie Week 6

I can not believe that we have been blogging for 6 weeks. 

I got to move my belt one hole over.  I can not explain how happy that makes me.  I now have to get a new belt because this one has a mark where it used to live. 

I am happy because my goal is to lose weight but not by cutting out carbs or doing a diet just by health eating and moving more.  I am happy with 10 lbs in 5 Weeks I weigh in on Thursdays. 

Weight Lose this week: 1 lb
Weight Lose so far:10 lbs

3 more lbs to get to one of my goal!!!!

I watch the Biggest Loser, some of the girls are close to the weight I am.  I hope to get motivation from them, now that the weight is so close.  I am also trying for Biggest Loser of the week for my contest at work.  This is my week.

My sons 5th birthday is tomorrow and his party is on Sunday.  Just got done making cupcakes for tomorrow, hoping I only eat one or two.  I love cake.

Exercise:  My exercise has only been moving more.  Walking the dog, playing with my kids more, and doing different things at home.  I hurt my back at dance last 2 weeks ago so I skipped last week, and I have to work tonight so no dance tonight either.  I really do love it and looking at myself in the mirror looking the way I do and not being able to do most of the things that I spent most of my life learning to do.  In such a short time I have done this to myself and now this the time to change.

Happy Blogging!!!

Christy: Week 6

Week 6...WOW! This one word sums up what I was feeling this morning as I got dressed for church.  For years, I dreaded Sunday mornings when I had to find something "dressy" to wear. (Aside: Its been nearly 6 years since I worked outside the home where I wore suits, blouses, skirts, etc.) My clothes now are mostly casual & comfortable. I would walk into the closet, look around and just stand there. Its not that I don't have any nice clothes, its not that I can't put an outfit together. Its that nothing fit, nothing made me feel good. In fact, everytime I put dressy clothes on my belly rolled over and I thought my seams would bust. For years I felt this way. I even broke down and bought clothes that "did fit" but by then it was too late...I knew I was out of shape, I lost enthusiasm for dressing up & looking pretty, and I knew I just wasn't able to wear a good portion of my wardrobe without feeling physically fat!  Today, however, I was filled with JOY as I got dressed for church. Today I CAN wear my clothes...most of them... except for the ones that are too BIG! It was pure joy to put on whatever I wanted and know that I felt good, looked good! I felt so good that I didn't even put on makeup! LOL...and I took my coat off at church (sometimes I'd keep it on to help cover my belly bulge).

So last week, I went a little overboard with eating valentines candy. I rallied back and having increased the poundage of my free weights and the frequency of incorporating them into my workouts, I continued to lose weight and am now 9 lbs away from my goal! I continue to be very diligent about my diet routine....which...if you didn't know involves the following: portion control, no eating after dinner, no drinking my calories, counting calories in & out, and making sure it's nutritionally balanced. I also managed to eat at Chic-fil-a this past week and enjoy a girls night out with appetizers without impacting my progres.  On those days I was especially diligent about the intake of my calories. At this point I don't have cravings, I'm not bloated, I feel full when I eat smaller portions.

I feel like a broken record but I'm just going to keep doing more of the same! I did download a free app to my phone for workout ideas to mix things up a bit and some new music to run to such as Catch My Breath by Kelly Clarkson and Try by Pink.  If anyone was interested in losing weight or plain getting in shape, I would love a buddy. If you are interested in allowing me to coach you, we could sit down to talk in depth about where to start, goals, & create a plan. I am no expert but I am experiencing success. I know you can too!

I lost 3lbs this week putting me at 154.  I haven't seen this number in 6 years! WOW!

Jenn Week 6

In one word how do I feel about this week’s progress:  Proud

High of the week:  Finding new little ways to sneak exercise into my day.

Low of the week:  Not trying out the spinning class at the Y.  I allowed my insecurities to get in the way.  Spinning like yoga is very intimidating to me. Everyone in there seems to know what they are doing and how to set up their bike.    I want to try it I just feel uncomfortable walking in there for the first time.  Yes, I know everyone was new at one point.  Goal this week is to get in there!

Weight loss this week: 1.2 lbs

Total weight loss since 1/20/13: 5.4 lbs (I know progress is progress but this seem SO slow this time.)

Inches lost this month: N/A (opps I forgot to measure!)

Total inches lost since: 1/20/13 N/A

New exercises tried: My focus this week has been increasing my weights and intensity for the workouts I do on a normal basis and to find ways to sneak in additional exercise.   I have mentioned before that Mondays and Tuesdays are hard for me to get work outs in.  Before I got in the shower each day I did the following 3x’s.  The single leg burpees were killer for me!

40 seconds mountain climbers

20 seconds high plank

40 seconds single leg burpees, right side

20 seconds side plank, right side

40 seconds single leg burpees, left side

20 seconds side plank, left side

40 seconds squat jumps

20 seconds low squat hold

Things that fuelled me:  Pumpkin Chocolate chip muffins with no oil or eggs.

  I have family coming in for the weekend and wanted a healthier alternative to my typical offerings of muffins.   I decided to experiment with using pumpkin and Greek yogurt in place of the oil and eggs in one of the quick breads I had on hand.   I love having these on hand because all of the dry ingredients are already measured and mixed up for you, saves time for sure.  

Ingredients:    1 14oz package of quick bread mix

                                3/4 cup pumpkin (this replaced 2 eggs)

                                2/3 cup + 2 TBS low fat milk

                               1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (this replaced 1/3 cup oil)

                                Approximately 1/3 cup chocolate chips.  These are completely optional. 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix all ingredients, the batter will be thick.  Fill muffin cup 2/3 full. I used a large muffin tin.

Bake 20- 25 mins or until toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center. 

I love how these turned out.  Even my hubby liked them!

Cayla Week 5

Cayla Week 5

Weight Loss This Week: 4 lbs

Inches Lost (Since 1/7/13): 12 Inches

Total Weight Loss So Far (Since 1/7/13): 16 lbs

Eating Plan: I am currently following the Paleo plan and discovering new healthy food every day!

Exercise Plan: A minimum of 5 times a week at 5am Monday - Friday. One of these days is with a personal trainer. 

Overall Goals: My immediate goal is 50 pounds....I have 35.4 more to go. Total Goal 125 pounds...110.4 to go.

Recipe's to Share: I'm sorry I do not have any recipes to share this week.

Thoughts for This Week:

This week was challenging and Odd to say the least. I didn't go to the Gym Saturday or Sunday because I had so much to do to prepare for my upcoming work trip. However I worked out 6 days leading up to that. Sunday I started to not feel well and Monday it turned into a full blown Sinus and Bronchial infection. This meant i was coughing like crazy and having trouble breathing. Needless to say my workouts came to a screeching halt....and heating healthy soon followed. I don't know about you but when I am sick I don't want to cook let alone move. I instantly went to quick and easy which was takeout and unhealthy. This is where the odd part came in...i lost 4 pounds. I'm not quite sure how or why. I don't think I was eating less.

I've been at my conference now for two days. They feed you frequently. However I am eating small portions and not stuffing myself. I was planning on working out every day while at conference, instead I'm doing good just to attend all of my sessions. I'm hoping that this illness passes sooner rather than later so that I can get back to working out.

How do you cope with working out and eating healthy when sick?

Jamie Week 5

Okay. So I can accept that I am still learning. I still have my weaknesses. I still have issues. I learned a lesson this week. I am not superwoman. Just because I can run 5 miles at a time doesn't mean I should do it several times a week because my body said no more! I love being on that treadmill and I love out running the person next to me. I'm competitive obviously. But I learned I have to mix it up.
My fit bit showed me how many steps I take in a day at work and how physical my job really is. So I decided to lighten upon cardio and add more weights and elliptical. I said this last week as well. But I did it this week and I feel great. I'm going to step away for my normal format this week because I have a workout to share with you. It's called Tabata. There's even an iPhone app for it.
The format is 20 seconds of something full force 10 seconds rest. You pick 2 exercises  for each set and its repeated 8 times to make 4 minutes then rest a minute for moving on to the next set. So each set is 5 minutes. There is 8 sets so its a 45 minute workout. Here's the one I did today.
1. Jumping jacks 20 secs rest 10 secs mountain climbers 20 secs rest 10 secs. Repeated 4 times for 8 rounds total
2. Bicep curls 20secs rest 10 secs chest press 20 rest 10 again repeated 4 times.
3. Knee drives/jump rope
4. Squats with weights/lunges
5. Butt kicks/ air punches
6. Shoulder press/ tricep push ups
7. Squat kicks/ lunges with weights
8. Plank/side planks/ bicycle

So I hope I explained it good enough to understand. This one I got off you tube. The app counts the seconds for you. Tells you when rest etc and it plays with your music. This is a perfect workout at home. If you try it let me know how you felt.... The next day. Lol. I sweat good with this one and you can tweak it however just make sure you keep the cardio in the. The trick is getting your heartbeat fast then slow.

Allyson | Week 5 | Bacon

Recently I read a couple articles written by some ya-hoos claiming they had scientific proof that we really don’t need to, and shouldn’t eat breakfast.  Yes, you read that correctly… “we shouldn’t eat breakfast.”  I visited the links they provided for their “proof” of this notion, [something about how our metabolisms actually get slowed down if they are fed within three (3!) hours of being awake] and sure, it seemed convincing.  However, give me any topic and I’ll give you “scientific proof” to prove either side of it.  If you don’t want to eat breakfast, be my guest, but let me use a little logic (albeit a fallacy, logic nonetheless) to explain why I eat breakfast:

Allyson is cranky if she does not eat breakfast.
Allyson did not eat breakfast.
Therefore, Allyson is cranky.
And no one wants a cranky Allyson.

I tried the whole not-eating-until-after-I’ve-been-awake-for-three-hours nonsense and, let me tell you, it was not pretty. I was starving, irritable, and had a headache for the first parts of those days.  I don’t care what proof you have as to why I shouldn’t eat breakfast, my growling stomach and irritable mood are proof enough to tell me that I do need to eat breakfast.

Last year a friend of mine was pregnant and she developed gestational diabetes.  One day she was discussing the diet restrictions her doctor place upon her.  She was completely overwhelmed that she was only allowed to have 30 carbs for breakfast. When she said that I’m pretty sure I flipped out because at the time I was only eating about 30 carbs a DAY! [That was unwise and I have since generously increased that amount and I do not recommend that anyone eat that few carbs without discussing a plan with your doctor first…and even then, I don’t think it’s the wisest move]. Anyways, my friend kept saying how there is just nothing she would be able to eat besides one piece of toast with jelly because that alone is 30 carbs and it isn’t even enough to fill her up.  Needless to say I educated her on her low-carb [and filling] breakfast options, just as I will now educate you with some of those options! 

First of all, the best part of a low-carb lifestyle: bacon! Sorry you calorie-watchers, this is one goody you’ll probably pass on, but lowcarbers can fully enjoy! [And don’t try to say turkey bacon is just as good. It’s not. That’s a lie. I’ve had both and there is just no comparing turkey bacon with the real deal.]  So, a simple, quick go-to low-carb breakfast option: 

Bacon and Eggs.  

God bless America. 

Problem: Eggs are bland and boring. Let’s give those eggs a little more flavor and sprinkle some lovely sharp cheddar cheese on them (none for you, low-cal pals!). Add a south of the border flair? Absolutely! Slice up some onions and peppers, sauté those bad boys, scramble in your eggs, melt some cheese in there, then top with salsa and guac. ¡Fiesta en mi boca!

Other low carb breakfast options:

Oatmeal. Yes, you CAN have oatmeal!

• 1/4 C dry oats
• 1/2 C water or non-dairy milk [I like Westsoy Organic Unsweetened Soy milk to add in some protein, or use unsweetened vanilla Almond milk for a bit more sweetness] 
• Cinnamon to taste
• If you wish, you can add pure syrup or honey, but then you’re adding a lot to the carbs, defeating the purpose

Read the directions on the oatmeal package. Do that. Add cinnamon or other spice or possible sweetner after you’ve cooked the oats. Roughly 12cb, 8ptn…unless you sweeten it up.

Chocolate-PB Protein Shake

• 1 scoop of protein powder [I like this one]
• 1 C non-dairy milk [I like Silk Unsweetened Vanilla Almond]
• 2 Tbls Crunchy PB [This has the lowest carb PB you’ll probably ever find]
• 3 to 4 ice cubes

This is real complicated: Blend all ingredients together to your desired consistency. Around 10 carbs and 35 protein, depending on the brands you choose...those are the numbers for what I use.

More eggs.  You’ll probably get sick of eggs.

Egg Soufflés

I often make egg soufflés containing eggs, milk, cheese, ham or sausage, onions, and spinach.  I mix the ingredients together and pour into large muffin tins. I don’t have an exact recipe because I just throw it together based on how many mini soufflés I want to make, but there are tons of recipes floating around on Pinterest. Like this one, or this one, or this one, or…you get the point, Pinterest it.

Eggs in a basket

You can even have bread! I know I just made that big post last week about only buying ingredients with less than five ingredients and most non-bakery breads do not fall into this category, but sometimes I just want bread and I don’t care about that rule! This Schwebel's bread in particular is friendly to both low-carbers and low-calers with only 11 carbs and 35 cals. [By the way….when I give the carb count, it is the net carb count. You find the net carbs by taking the total carbs and subtracting the fiber from that number. I’ll talk more about that next week.]

• Slice of bread

• 1 egg

• Butter

• Optional- Salsa

Cut a hole in the center of your bread…I use a drinking glass. DISCARD that bread! Butter both sides of the bread, place into preheated pan on the stove. Crack your egg into the hole in the bread and cook as long as you want, then flip and finish cooking until egg is desired doneness and bread is nicely toasted. I like to top with salsa and have another fiesta en mi boca.

Omelets (YouTube how to make one…they're not difficult)

Cream Cheese Pancakes- seriously amazing...especially served with bacon

(From ibreatheimhungry)

• 2oz cream cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1 packet stevia
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Put all the ingredient in a blender and mix until smooth and let rest until bubbles settle. Pour 1/4 of batter onto a hot pan greased with butter. Cook for 2 minutes, flip and cook for 1 more minute. Repeat with remaining batter. Serve with sugar-free syrup or fresh berries.

Get the idea? You CAN eat and enjoy and be filled by low-carb breakfasts.  The key is to pump up the volume with protein.

Rule #36: Don't eat breakfast cereal that changes the color of the milk. 
These cereals are loaded with carbs and sugars and obviously dyes. These cereals won't keep you full...well, they might keep your hips and booty full, but they won't give you a full-feeling in your belly.  Instead, opt for organic cereals from Kashi and Mom's Best Cereals.

                                

Piper: Week 5

For the next 2 weeks I will not be blogging my diet/weight/exercise. On Monday I had abdominal surgery and can not exercise or really do much of anything until I see my dr in 2 weeks. It's gonna be a LONG two weeks....I am a very active person and have a hard time sitting still. I am praying that I do not gain back all the weight I have lost since I can't do much. But if I do ...that's ok to...I'll just get back to hard work and lose it again ! See you next week with a update !!

Randee: Week: 5

Eating Plan: Weight Watchers Points Plus

Goal: Lose 50 Pounds

Weekly Weight Loss: -4.2

Total Weight Loss: -6.4 pounds

Exercise Goals: 4 times a week for at least 30 minutes each time

Weekly Exercise: 4 workouts. 2x 45 minutes, 2 x 30 minutes

So this was a great week! And I weighed in 2 days earlier than normal- so that was all in 5 days! Finally seeing some pay off from all my working out! It has been great to hear people’s supportive comments and other suggestions. Knowing I have to get on here and blog has made me get up off my butt even when I really don’t want to. I had 2 nights this week where I didn’t get to exercise until late at night and I REALLY did not want to. But I knew I had to get on here and be honest. So I got up and worked out. It also encourages me to make smarter food choices. Cupcakes at work? Um, no, I have to weigh in. 

Highlights from this week: Got off my butt, even when I didn’t want to. Stuck to my diet and saw success in the numbers. I also figured out that I really don’t mind the Elliptical machine. I’ve been doing 30 minutes on it when I am short on time, instead of one of the longer DVD’s.

Challenges for this week: My parents are here. The invasion has begun. I haven’t blown my diet plan with them here at this point. The trick will be to stick with the plan for the next full week of their visit and continue smart eating choices and working out.

Here’s hoping for another great week!

Leslie Week 5

Monday Funday at our house!!!

What a great and busy week!  I now have my shop all set up and we open Tuesday!  I am so happy this has been a dream of mine for a long time.  With that being said I feel great down 9 pounds so far in 8 weeks, I weight in on Thursdays.  I can not wait to keep up this healthy living.  I have had many temptations along the way and I do have something little once and a while but nothing like I would have done before.

Exercise:

I have not made going to the gym in my regular reteen yet.  I go to dance class once a week and that kick my butt.  I do a little at home, but I need to start going to the gym like I could.  By March I hope to have going to the gym in my schedule 3 Xs a week.  I wanted to start with cutting out the bad food that was the most important part for me.  Exercise will be added in soon.  Baby steps.

Weight lose this week: 1 lb
Weight lose so far: 9 lbs

Snacks:

A great snack is frozen grapes.  I know I like to freeze fresh fruits.  I love them.  It is a great snack.  Great for kids too.

Wanting to hit one of my goals this week.  Wish me luck.

Here is to a good week!

Christy: Week 5

Big lesson learned this week...and I'm still learning.  Last week when I wrote I reported having a fairly decent week. It wasn't without its challenges but over all it was a successful week.  I was doing so good and feeling so good, that I let my guard down.  I feel like I have been "good" for so long...I navigated through Super Bowl without completely blowing it. I navigated through my kids baking a cake for random reasons. I navigated through my own birthday celebrations. I navigated through the emotions of my Dad's death, sinus infections, & my own kids being sick. However, I did not have the same will power navigating through Valentine's day.  This holiday fell on a week when I was feeling weak. I had some false-confidence having made it through so much that I allowed myself to indulge and ended up on a very slippery slope.  I ate 3/4 box of Malley's mints and 1/2 a box of chocolate covered pretzels over the course of 2 days. Yep, it was ugly.

The main lesson I learned is this:  In the fight to lose weight, I can never let up.  I also have to be even more firm & clear with how my family & friends can support me. 

There will be times when I want to stray from what I know to be the healthy path to losing weight.  I need my family & friends to know that especially in this early stage, I have to say "no" to certain things...the cupcake, the one more beer, the eating out, the routine of dessert after dinner.  I feel like I can't put myself in certain situations that I used to because I know food will be involved and I'll be temped without the support to help me make the right choice.  Someone once said (and I used to say this too but won't again) that "you gotta still live your life even though you are trying to lose weight."  I understand the meaning behind it in that a small indulgence once in a while can't hurt and the idea that "living life" means enjoying food too.  But it is really all wrong! A small indulgence can hurt me if I've not yet learned how to balance being able to stop at one small indulgence. I'll be "living life" when I am healthy (including a healthy weight). And that a good life does not have to revolve around food!  When I think about it, it's a crazy thought that is not supportive.  Eating these chocolate pretzels IS NOT living life.  Living life is going skiing in the Alps! LOL 

Thankfully, I continued to do great with my workouts. When I couldn't work out on my normal days & times, I ended up working out on a Saturday and one other occasion I did Billy Blanks boot camp video.  I also continued to run 2 miles consecutive without stopping which has become my new "bar" and I did this 4 times over the past week. I plan to continue to step up the poundage used when I incorporate weights.

My regrets this week revolved around giving into eating lots of chocolate and overdoing it in terms of quantity consumed.  I am fortunate that I only gained 1 pound, leaving me at 157lb to date.

I feel good today. I believe I look good & can see improvements to my body since this year began. I know what I need to do and I WANT to do it. I want to look & be fit (This, I can almost taste).  This week's lesson was a necessary eye opener.  Bring on a new week!

Jenn Week 5

Ever have a week where you look back and think “where the heck did it go?!”.  That was me this week. I have been sick for a little over a week now with a terrible cold.  I have barely been getting my daily wife and mommy duties done let alone working out.  I am calling this week a wash, I am glad it is over and ready to start fresh!

In one word how do I feel about this week’s progress:  Nonexistent

High of the week: My fever! Haha

Low of the week:  Like I said above we have all been battling Coldzilla in this house. It’s been a pretty low week.

Weight loss this week: 0 yep big ole goose egg.  But I didn’t gain either which is amazing since all will power went out the window this week.  I typically lose my appetite as soon as I get sick.  Not this time, the first few days all I wanted to do was eat.  By Wednesday the appetite had disappeared though so maybe that saved me a little.

Total weight loss since: 1/20/13: 4.2lb

Inches lost this month: N/A

Total inches lost since: 1/20/13 N/A

New exercises tried:  Nada! I am so sad that I didn’t get to the gym for any good workouts. But when I was winded by walking up the stairs and struggling to take care of my little man I figured I needed to let my body rest.   I am itching to get in there though.  I am a much better person when I work out regularly.  It is part of who I am now.

Things that fuelled me:  Chicken Noodle soup! After reaching out to  the other contributors of this blog regarding my bottomless pit of a stomach they recommended good old fashioned chicken noodle soup.  I made up a batch and it hit the spot!  Why don’t I make this stuff more often?! It’s easy, yummy and full of good stuff for you.  Here is the recipe I use as a guideline and then sometimes add my own flare.

ingredients

·         4 1/2cups low-sodium chicken broth

·         1cup onion, chopped

·         1cup carrot, chopped

·         1cup celery, chopped

·         1teaspoon dried basil

·         1teaspoon dried oregano

·         1/4teaspoon black pepper

·         1bay leaf

·         1 1/2cups dried egg noodles

·         2cups cooked chicken, chopped

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine 4-1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 1 cup each chopped onion, carrot and celery, 1 tsp. each dried basil and oregano, 1/4 tsp black pepper and 1 bay leaf; bring to boil.

2. Cover and simmer 5 minutes.

3. Add 1-1/2 cups dried egg noodles. Cover and simmer 8 minutes; discard bay leaf.

4. Add 2 cups chopped cooked chicken breast. Makes 4 servings.

Well I am off to disinfect this house and get it a germ free as possible.  Does that count as a workout?!  Here is to a much better week and getting back on track! 

Cayla Week 4

Cayla Week 4 - Everyone has a Journey

Weight Loss This Week: .2lbs

Inches Lost (Since 1/7/13): 11 Inches

Total Weight Loss So Far (Since 1/7/13): 14.6 lbs

Eating Plan: I am currently following the Paleo plan and discovering new healthy food every day!

Exercise Plan: A minimum of 5 times a week at 5am Monday - Friday. One of these days is with a personal trainer. 

Goals This Week: I will be traveling to California for work starting Wednesday through Sunday. My goal is to use the hotel Gym and work out Wednesday - Saturday. I also plan to stick to my diet as much as possible. This will be difficult since much of my food is pre-planned and provided for me during my conference.
 

Little Victories: In Florida the State Fair is in February. My hotel is a partner of the Florida State Fairgrounds. It is expected that I go and experience the fair and new attractions. However I was struggling with the decision of whether to go or not because I knew that I wouldn't make healthy choices. My husband and I decided we were not going to go because we didn't need to eat the "junk". I did have to go for a VIP dinner at the fairgrounds but I was able to stick to somewhat healthy alternatives. Last year we went and practically ate our way through the fair! I'm so glad we did not do that this year.

Overall Goals: My immediate goal is 50 pounds....I have 35.4 more to go. Total Goal 125 pounds...110.4 to go.

Recipe's to Share:

Ingredients:

• Coconut Chicken Nuggets
  Print Recipe
  1 pound ground chicken
  1 egg yolk
  1 teaspoon onion powder
  ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  ¼ cup + ½ cup almond flour
  ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  ½ cup coconut oil
  Salt & Pepper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In a bowl combine ¼ cup almond flour, ½ cup coconut and salt & pepper. Mix to combine.
In a separate bowl, combine the ground chicken, ½ cup almond flour, onion powder, garlic powder, egg yolk and salt & pepper. Mix well until everything is incorporated.
In a sauté pan, melt coconut oil on medium heat. Take about 2 tablespoons worth of the chicken mixture and roll into a ball and then coat with the coconut and almond mixture. Repeat with the remaining chicken. You should make about 15 to 18 chicken nugget/balls.
In small batches place nuggets into heated coconut oil and cook on each side for about 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer balls to a parchment lined bake pan and place in oven for 4 to 5 minutes to allow the chicken to cook through. Repeat with the remaining chicken nuggets.

Thoughts for This Week:
Discouraged does not even cover how I am feeling. I have been going hard at the Gym for three weeks and have not seen any significant weight loss. This includes my workouts with my trainer. I'm working out hard and have completed 5 workouts this week and plan to work out Friday and Sunday. My eating isn't perfect but I don't feel that has been bad enough to warrant not losing any pounds.
One of the problems is that I don't stay full for long and feel hungry most of the time. I've tried natural appetite suppressants, tips and trick and nothing seems to help. I'm going to try to not eat after 7 pm on most days, and I'm going to focus on eating more for breakfast and less for dinner. I'm hoping that this is just a plateau that I am dealing with and I will soon see significant changes.

The Journey:
I find myself looking at other women at the gym and wonder what part of their journey they are on. I see many that to me look to be in perfect shape and have great bodies, yet they work out just as hard as I do. Because I have never been one of these women I wonder, are there still target areas and spots on their bodies that they are trying to change and improve, or are they working to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I feel like my journey has lasted a lifetime and will never end even if I do reach by goal weight.

Where are you in your journey?

Jamie Week 4 Feeling "bad"

I remember when my mom and Aunt first started weight watchers and Blake and I went over for dinner. They made a WW meal and measured it onto our plates. After dinner I was still starved. I text Blake while he was standing next to me and told him we needed to make a run for the border when we left there. He agreed. We made a run for the border when we left. A year and a half later those damn WW measuring spoons are my life, and so is the gym.
Only I feel bad because I have put losing weight and eating right over top of everything and everyone else. I have maintained my weight loss since September so I wonder what my obsession still is. Last night Blake and I had a talk/yelling match and he brought up that I never care what time he works or what time I work as long as make it to the gym. So for example, we work retail so keep this in mind, lets say on the same day he works 12-9 and I work 1-10, I still get up in the morning and go to the gym and basically make it home in time for him to leave. I told him he sleeps in anyways. He says if he knew I would stay home and spend time with him he wouldn't sleep in. One day last week he did ask me to go to breakfast and I did skip the gym and go. Then when I do that my mind knows I missed a workout and it kills me. I did get a really good workout in on Friday which was supposed to be my off day, so its all good right? The worst part is that after this argument, I went to boot camp tonight from 7-8 knowing Blake got off work at 7. I cared, but didn't at the same time. YIKES!! What have I become? I turn down dinner with my parents to go to the gym. Shena said you will never regret a trip to the gym, and I never do. The feeling I get after a workout is pure satisfaction. But am I missing out on other things and putting the people in my life that I love aside?

Wins: Worked out 5 times last week but had to mix it up. I went way too hard the week before. So I added more weights less running and more elliptical.
Opps: Dinner with the in laws resulted in lots of cheese, shrimp cocktail and chocolate cake. Also we are remodeling a few things. We are painting the living room, kitchen and 1 bathroom. My house is in shambles therefore it gives me anxiety. Then I eat.
What motivated me: My Nike Running app. Knowing those miles upload to FB for everyone to see. I want people to know how far Ive come and yes 5 miles in 50 minutes is something I can do.

I am still using the fit bit and I just got an email congratulating me on 50 miles!! Still working out the calories intake but also counting points in my head as I go along to compare. Ive went over calories almost everyday but I have stayed within points.

Bethany--Week 4

This week was different in every possible way from last week and as this photo shows, I got some workouts in!  I wasn't perfect, but nobody is and nonetheless I'm excited to share tonight.

Plan:  Weight Watchers 360--still loving it

Scale:  down 0.8!  9 lbs from my lowest weight since having children.  I'll go ahead and save any of you from searching on my family blog and doing mathematics late at night in the middle of the week--I'm at 148.8.  I still think the numbers don't matter, but they are one way I can measure success.  I still have so much regret over being 9 lbs up from last June, but what can I say, life happens.  Maybe one day I'll stop reminding myself of this failure and move on!

Success:  Yesterday, I lifted weights for the first time since December and only the 3rd or 4th time since last May.  I KNOW from experience how important weights are, I just always have an excuse to skip them.  Here is the workout I did from home yesterday--I used weights for the lunges, squats and mason twists:

I was happy with this workout and today I am SORE!  Good sore though so I'll take it :)

Fail:  I did fail to get to the gym four times this week--if you're keeping track that was a goal of mine last week.  I got two great workouts in, plus my tap class tonight which I loved even better than last week.  I tried to go to the gym, but my 22-month-old was SCREAMING as soon as we entered the childcare room and the ladies are not very friendly with the children or their parents...  I was very frustrated that this happened and messed up my week, but I'm going to keep trying to get her in there so that some of my time working out can be during the day and not all early in the morning or later in the evening.

Burning:  I was on the treadmill for 50 minutes for one workout this week and did the workout above another day this week.  I also did my tap class as I mentioned above.  I'd like to get in 4 workouts + tap this coming week!

Getting There: Like I said when I began this post, this week was a whole different ball game compared to last week.  I felt very much in my groove and in control of the meals I planned, etc.  I was extremely busy this week--for those of you who don't know me in real life, I have a "small" online business selling bows and hair accessories.  This week I fulfilled my two biggest orders yet--161 items went out between two orders.  To have stuck to my weight watchers allowed points and been as busy as I've been these past 7 days is definitely a new and exciting thing for me.  Usually I let life & work get in the way, but not this week.  It was not an option!

I also did not struggle with emotional eating at all this week.  There was one time where I was really craving chocolate, but the only thing we had in the house was something for a Valentine gift, so that wasn't an option.  I had a few clementines instead and was shocked, but they did the trick for me. 

Baby Step:  My baby step {again} this week is to hit the gym 4 times!  This will be my goal until I can make it happen! 

Big Picture:  I still want to lose 13 lbs.  I still want to address emotional eating and eating unhealthily when life gets busy--this may be an issue for me forever...who knows.   I still want to incorporate exercise into my daily life and make it something I feel empty without.  I want to make sure I do not yo-yo with my weight going forward--I want to get down and stay down!

I leave you with this tonight--

What are YOU going to do for the next 7 days?