Randee: Week 15

I didn't weigh in this past week. I just ran out of time and didn't make it in to get it done. From my at home weigh-in, I stayed about the same. Exercise wasn't that great either. Just a ho-hum kind of week.....
I am supposed to be doing weight watchers, but I have been bored by counting points as I have been doing it so long. So then I tried Slow Carb. But I missed carbs an awful lot. So then, I thought I'd blend them together. But, it seems that if I let sugar and carbs back in- then I have no self control or will power. I had lots of will power when I did slow carb- so I know I have the ability to have will power. Really. I do.
But I just don't seem to be on my own plan right now. And I'm really irritated with myself.
So I really need to find some motivation. I need to dump the plump over here......
On the bright side- I signed up for a 5K in September with some friends- so I really need to get going for that. I need to try a couch to 5K program as I am not a runner at all. But- I will have peer pressure for this event.

If you have any motivation for me this week- I could seriously use some.....

Becca - Week 1

Hello!

I am the newbie of the group. Just a quick post to say hi. I will work on my "story" for next time. I am late to the game because I had my second daughter in January and at the time when this group all got started I wasn't quite ready to take on the weight loss challenge but now I am! Please join me and support me as I try to balance my life with my health, working part-time and most importantly being a the  best mother and wife I can be!

Until next time!

Becca

Christy: Week 15

Here we are at week 15.   105 days into this journey. I have had a good streak of losing weight however the last month has been up n down such that I'm basically stuck at 150lbs.

I have been wrestling with being content with where I'm at and whether I want to make the sacrifices that it will take for me to lose more weight. I like where I am at- I'm happy, I feel good, etc.  But the irony is that because I have changed my attitude about how a good diet & exercise routine can change a person, I want to do more of that changing!  Some people may be thinking "you look great, do you really need to lose more?" Trust me, I have more to lose! I like where I am at. I don't love it though. And my body would use more tweaking and I'm a little curious of how I can continue to push myself!

My focus isn't so much so on the actual weight loss as it is seeing how my body has begun to reshape, resculpt, and over come challenges.  It is super exciting to see the flab dwindle, to see muscle tone in my arms, to say goodbye to that double chin, and feel the sweat drip when I'm exercising. Running has been my choice of cardio during this entire journey. I think running is very intimidating for people- at least it was for me.  You see, I used to run "for fun" so to speak in junior high/high school on both the cross country team & track. But it had been 20+ years since I ran for a reason.  I chose running because I knew I could start slow & work my way at my pace. I can't recommend it enough! There is something freeing about being able to propel your body forward by your own devices.  A crazy thing happens too once you've been running for a while...it gets easier the further you go! I am being serious! After struggling to run just one mile it was beyond my comprehension how in the world people could run marathons! Now that it has been a few months and I can run 3 miles (on a treadmill) without stopping, I am starting to "get it." Our bodies are so dynamic...but mine has been unable to demonstrate it's power because of the extra weight. Not so much the case as time goes on and I stick with my exercise program.

This week I'm going to look into other ways I can tweak my diet that may help get my under the 150 hump.  If anyone has ideas, please share! I'm not looking to do anything crazy such as remove carbs or meat or whatever...but if there is balance involved, I'm all for trying something new out!

My only regret this week was having two beers at a night out. It was yet another situation where I was already hesitant about even attending and said to myself "only one drink and then go."  That didn't happen...I had 2 drinks AND some food to boot! Not part of the plan.  Second time this has happened. Summer is coming up which means even more temptations to engage in eating & drinking that can sabotage my progress. I NEED to learn from these experiences and make other choices!

Here's to a week of positive choices and happy running!

Jenn: I'm still here!

I just wanted to pop by and say I'm still here!  I've been absent for a few reason but the major one being I have been faced with another injury and to say it's been discouraging is an understatement.  Truthfully, the situation pisses me off!  Close to 3 weeks ago I tore my left calf muscle during a Zumba class.  It had been bothering me for about a week, it felt like there was a charlie horse in it that just wouldn't form.  Well during the second song of the class I felt a large pop and major pain.  I am thankful to be off of the crutches and able to work it a little bit.  Recovery is going to be a long process.
There is a bit of good news that I'd like to share.  Even with my recent set back I have been able to consistently loose weight.  I purchased a pair of jeans a moth ago, didn't try them on at the store and when I got home and tried them on they would not zip, bummer.  I never got around to returning them and the other night I decided to try them on and see if any progress had been made.  To my surprise the fit!  They are a bit snug but they fit!  I've only been able to do light work outs mostly arms and core but I've really been focused on my diet.
Moral of the story, if you are facing a set back do not use it as an excuse to just let loose and give up for a while.  Stay focused and good work can still be done.
I am looking forward to getting back to harder and more regular workouts, it's my therapy.  I'll also be back to posting more regularly, at a minimum every other week.    My format just might change a bit.  Stay tuned and have a great week!

Randee: week 14

Weight loss this week: 2.4 pounds
Exercise this week: 2 times this week- 2 short of my goal.... :(

This week, I stopped the slow carb and went back to weight watchers while trying to stay cut back on carbs. My first day with carbs got a little crazy. I was like a kid in a candy store. But, after the first day, I got back on track! I've been doing pretty good so far. I've enjoyed having those healthy options, like fruit and whole grains. But, I have had some other options I'd like to avoid since I have no will power- refined sugars!!!

As for exercise- I am just tired of being inside. I want to be outside. And the up and down weather isn't helping my cause. I also have to devise a plan to work out with the kids. Inside- I had it figured out. But it's harder outside. I can't just leave the kids home alone. They frown on that..... So I have to figure out how to find this balance!

Here's hoping to another good week!

Allyson | I'm Alive!

I'm alive; I'm still here! I actually began a post in a Word doc for April 10, but other things came up and I never did finish it (I’ll complete it and share next week).  I have just had a crazy busy month and blogging was the last thing on my mind. Unfortunately, not having the accountability of blogging took its toll on my healthy lifestyle.  The downward spiral began at Easter...the wonderful celebration of Christ's death and resurrection consisted of sweet treats out the wazoo! Once I was back on the Sugar Train it was hard to get off. I kept up with my workouts (including 30 Day Shred), tried to hit my FitBit goals, but slacked on tracking my food and indulged in desserts a bit too much. I kept justifying why it was okay to be devouring everything sweet in sight (I deserved it after being under so much stress; that time of the month was coming up; I should just eat all of the chocolate now so it makes its way out of the house sooner; and I listened to Tom and Donna when they told me, “Treat yo self!”).

My workouts came to a halt last week when I was in a fender bender.  My poor car suffered nearly $9,000 worth of damage (ahem, my 2012 car!), but thankfully I’ve only suffered from a sore neck and back.  I have been to my chiropractor several times in the past week and he has suggested I “take it easy” and that I don’t participate in activities that involve running, jumping, or free-weights.  I’m thinking, “I’m strong, I don’t need to take it easy. I got this.”  Tsk tsk. Wrong. Last Friday I went to Zumba and, even though I honestly did take it easy as far as Zumba goes, I had a headache the rest of the day.  On Sunday Colin and I played tennis and my lower back screamed with pain, but I pushed through until I hurt my shoulder from an overly advantageous back-hand. Okay, I guess I really should take it easy.

“Taking it easy” would be an easy excuse to do nothing.  But I refuse to let that be the case. There are plenty of activities I can still do that won’t affect my back or neck including the elliptical, biking, some pilates, and walking.  Brinkley will appreciate the walking, Colin will enjoy the biking, and my booty will benefit from the elliptical (check out this elliptical interval workout…you’ll almost die). 

I am hopping off the Sweets Train and will remain stationed for four days. (I have plans on Saturday that will probably include an indulgent sweet so I’m not even going to pretend like I won’t take part.) I am back to tracking my food, recording it on my FitBit Dashboard and living up to my FitBit goals. 

Even though I haven’t been blogging, I have been following the other ladies and have found new motivation from them! One of the gals has proposed a do-not-look-at-the-scale-until-June-challenge and I have accepted. Hopefully my body and clothes will be indicators enough of that I'm back on track with my healthy lifestyle.

Christy: Week 14

Even though the weather did not act very "spring like" this weekend, I still decided to wear capris to church today. Not just any capris either. Three years ago this June, I bought these cute-peach-color-lands end-capris to wear at a family reunion. At that time I was still breast feeding my son and I was one of those 'lucky' ones who lost all the baby weight from nursing (the unfortunate part was that I gained it all back when I kept eating as though I was still nursing! ugh!). Needless to say, I wore these pants all of 2-3 times before they became too small. On and off I'd try them on again and each time I could barely get them up my thighs much less come near to zippering closed. But today...today...they not only fit GREAT...but were loose!

Today it did not matter what the number on the scale read. It felt so good to be able to get into these pants and put them to use! THIS is what the journey for me has been about. It feels so satisfying to wear clothes that fit well! It sounds weird but I realized that because I spent less time fidgeting with my clothes: wondering if my shirt was covering my butt each time I stood up, or sucking in my tummy to reduce the rolls spilling over my lap...because I finally fit into my clothes I was able to spend more time focusing on the messages during the church service.

In fact, I've been able to spend much more time focusing on the things that matter...because I'm no longer focused on how "off" I have felt when I weighed heavier than I am now. I didn't like how I felt on a regular basis and this was communicated (without words) in the ways I interacted with my husband, my kids, and others. I may be spending time now exercising or counting calories. But this is time that can be quantified...unlike the constant feeling of depression due to poor self esteem. The latter sucked up much more of my time & energy than any time & energy spent currently on my weight loss journey. The outcomes of a happier Mom, Wife, Woman are unmeasurable!

I don't live by the number on the scale but I don't mind it either since my brain sometimes needs to see that number to keep things in perspective. Even if that number doesn't reflect how you physically feel or what you wanted to see, there is always the pants! The pants don't lie :)

This week I worked hard. Out of honor and respect for the Boston Marathon runners, I ran my own 5K on the treadmill on Tuesday. On Thursday I met another goal of mine which was to exercise twice in one day. Ran 2.75 miles in the morning and another 2 in the evening. My legs were so tired! Worked out 5 days and went to bed before 10pm at least twice-though I NEEDED more sleep!

I kept my eating very consistent too. A typical day last week went like this:
Breakfast: 1/3 Cup granola cereal with a 1/3 cup vanilla soy and 1/3 Kellogg's vanilla protein shake.
Lunch: Two peanut butter mini bagels, 5-7 baby carrots with hummus.
Snack: 2 Toll house cookies, half piece of fruit
Dinner: 4-6oz of turkey sausage, steamed veggie, piece of fruit
Beverages all day: water and/or tea

I don't have any particular regrets from this past week nor do I have any goals for the week ahead.
Hmmm, that might make for an interesting week! lol... I hope that everyone strives to feel good because it will make a positive difference in your life!

Randee: Week 13 (I think....)

Hello All!
This week, I weighed in with a weight loss of 1.4 pounds. I have been doing slow carb diet.
I also exercised 3 times this week- one time short of my goal.

Overall, I feel like I have been doing well! I have been doing the slow carb diet. Despite doing well, I miss carbs. I miss them alot. Now, I feel that with this low carb diet, I have been eating pretty healthy. So I think for a few weeks, I am going to try blending low carb and weight watchers together. My plan is that for most meals, I will stay low carb. Veggies and lean proteins. But, I am going to add in some carbs within my daily points allowance through weight watchers.

Maybe I'll get crazy and eat a piece of bread here and there. Or maybe I'll have a string cheese for a snack. Or some popcorn. Or yogurt..... Or- and here's the exciting part- how about some fruit???? I know, crazy.... But I do think the slow carb has forced me to exercise really good choices and will power. So if I can keep that part up- I think I will be good. Carbs and sweets have always been my downfall, so if I can stay on a lower carb plan, I think I will be good!

We'll see how it goes!!

Christy: Week 13

Why oh why oh why? Why is it so much easier to gain weight than to lose it? I mean, I KNOW the answer to that but can't help but wonder why!?!?!? It is a cruel truth.

So, I gained back a few pounds...yes, a few. Not one, not two, a few. And pretty much with every bite of cake, every beer, every piece of pizza over the course of 3 days, I was completely conscious that it would likely all lead to an overall gain.  I could blame it on my husband's birthday & a neighbor's party. But I've weathered these events before and resisted temptations. Or I could blame the fact that I blog on Sundays...which feels like a set up for failure in terms of timing because I do not work out on Saturday & Sundays...and those are the same days I am most likely out of my eating routine due to family events & crazy schedules. But my weight gain has nothing to do with when I post my blog.

This particular week has been unusually "off" for me. It has mostly to do with the items I was sent last Monday from my deceased Father's estate. I received 2 very large boxes of glassware & china and two extremely large boxes that held art work. Sounds cool huh? Its not. It is it's own mini nightmare. The glassware was filthy & needed to be cleaned. Also, as I unwrapped each piece I uncovered that half of the pieces have chipped rims. I've spent so much time this week trying to figure out what the heck to do with this glassware which is useless to me, yet sentimental, yet possibly of some value. The art work is a whole other issue. One of the pieces arrived with broken glass that I have yet to unwrapped because broken glass & kids just don't mix and dealing with the glassware has been handful enough. The other piece of art work...well...I don't want it & I'm pretty sure no one else does...so what do I do with it? And lastly the china dishes. The couple I've unwrapped are also filthy but seem in good shape. I need to clean them all to prepare to sell. But at the same time, my husband & I actually like the pattern! Ha! But we already have 2 other sets of china (don't ask!). On the surface, this may not look like a situation that would impact my weight loss journey. However, this "stuff" has been on my mind all week and I'm at the point where I just want my house & life back.

The boxes, the packing materials, the broken glass, the time spent on dealing with these items, the disorganization, the emotions behind it all, the indirect impact on my own family...that's the stuff that has had me a little "nuts" this week... leading me to just let it all go by eating/drinking whatever I wanted when the opportunities presented themselves.

And so, I've identified the problem(s). For now.

I can't wait for tomorrow...I find comfort in my workouts and the alone time I have when I exercise. I still have to deal with this stuff but spent some time today getting more of a grip on it by organizing to accommodate these items in my home. It is a fresh week to clear my head and get on track. Next weekend will bring it's challenges again. I've had my indulgences. I don't feel good...I feel bloated. I'll make better choices because I do not want to feel this way anymore.

Today I weigh 154.

I regret allowing myself to slide...even when I knew I was sliding, I still said "yes" to choices where I should have said "no." I need to realize that I can exert control by making positive health choices instead of allowing the bad choices to control me.

This week I'll work out 5 days/week for one hour.  I will incorporate evening walking or running too. I also plan to eat more fish this week and go to bed by 10pm. I need to go back to drinking more water and just in general, take more ownership of the behaviors that will lead me to continue my weight loss AND maintain it.

It was WAY too easy to slip up. I spent 4 days busting my butt (as usual) and another day doing weights...only to blow every drop of hard earned sweat in 3 days of really easy bad food choices. It didn't even out...my weight was blown out! I wish it weren't true...but it is the truth.

Jamie Story Time......

This week I just want to share a story with everyone. A story that broke my heart a year ago and I still think about it everyday.
Last year around this time we had our friends and family at work and we were really busy. A customer who shops regularly came in with her kids. Just a little background on her. She has 3 kids, then they were 16, 15 and 11. Her husband/their father had passed away within the last year and half from a stroke. She always comes in and talks about it and I would always listen. She is a waitress at the Olive Garden, we drive the same brand of car etc etc.
So this particular day it was unseasonably warm outside and she was summer clothes shopping with her kids. We grabbed some stuff and they went to the fitting room. Now this is around April and I was still actively in weight watchers and losing weight. I had recently fit into a size 9/10 at Aero. Which was a big deal for me I was feeling really good about myself.
I hear this mom being mean to her 16 year old, saying things like "I cant believe these are too small" etc etc.
I made my way to the shorts wall to fix it up a little and she comes up behinds me and says "Hey can you grab me that 9/10 for my fatty daughter". WHAT?????
I turned around looked her in the eye and said "Im a 9/10". She says ya but my daughter is 16 she needs to be a 00.
This says 2 things to me. Why does society think a 16 year old should be a 00, or at least this lady. And this poor girl has associated eating with losing her dad. Maybe this mom should help her daughter instead of putting her down. 

Randee: Week 12

Weight loss this week: None. Gained 1 pound since last weigh in.
Exercise: 4 times this week!

So my weight loss wasn't what I wanted this week. I think I gained some over spring break, so I just needed to get back on track. I did get back on my exercising plan this week. I took the week off for spring break and before that, I was doing low impact workouts because I had hurt my back. So this week, I got back into my biggest loser workouts and the elliptical. I'm so excited for some nice weather so that I can get out and get my exercise outside. Bike rides, walks....Maybe try some jogging..... The possibilities are endless!!

As for my diet.... I've been back on the Slow Carb diet. This is low carb and no dairy 6 days a week. So no cheese, lean proteins, non-starchy veggies. Then one day a week, I can have anything I want. I have been doing really well with this plan. Most days, I don't miss carbs at all. I find the weekends to be the hardest- just from social events and parties and things. But during the week, I have found lots of things to eat at home and when I'm out.

So I'm back on track and getting in shape for the summer!

Have a good week!!

Christy: Week 12

This past week I followed in Allyson's and other's footsteps as it was SPRING BREAK! Actually, I saw it as a test for living day to day without majorly focusing on working out or counting calories.

While I ate plenty of things that I normally wouldn't since starting my weight loss regime (i.e. Easter candy, multiple brownies in one day) and I broke many of the rules I've created for myself (i.e. eating late at night, drinking lots of alcohol to name a few), I still ended up fairing pretty well. I only gained back 1 pound!

On the flip side, I was no couch potato! I took the kids swimming twice, went to the gym once, ran outside (for the first time in 7 years) twice! Walked the Cleveland zoo and spent a lot of time outdoors getting a start on yard work.

I won't lie...I missed the weights. I missed the sweating. I missed my exercise routine of cardio, then crunches, then squats/lunges, and so on. I am looking forward to tomorrow...and so is my son who has been asking to go to the tot room!

It was a nice break...a needed break! In the back of my mind I needed to know "how far I've come" in terms of changing my bad eating habits into good ones. I needed to know how I would respond when tempted. I needed to know where my supports were (I have to give a shout out to my neighbor Julie & my Mother In Law whose conscientious efforts helped prevent me for being tempted while I was a guest in their homes! I thank you for it!). 

I encourage everyone to go on a "break" especially if they've found themselves in a rut or looking for a different kind of challenge. You don't need kids in your life to deserve a break, a change of pace.

I have only one regret from this week and it involved consuming a whole chocolate rabbit. My apologies to the rabbit! Lol.

I am exactly 150lbs. I like where I'm at. This week I plan to get back into my old routine but include at least one run outside weather permitting. If I run outside then I can focus on weights when I'm at the gym. Something I'm going to work towards increasing.
I got an ipod shuffle this week(belated birthday gift) and plan to load it up with motivating music. If anyone wants to comment with their favorite artists, I'd appreciate it!

Welcome back to the journey!

Jamie Week 11

My arms look leaner, my tummy is flatter, my jeans fit better, and I miss my gym friends. I do love crossfit, I love the workouts and the challenges and that I get up and do it early in the am and I have all evening at home, but Im not sure I fit in there. At Anytime Fitness I made friends quickly. We are all facebook friends, we text, we have breakfast after class on Saturday mornings etc etc. But crossfit is like your own personal trainer and it works!
I am a talkative person. Everyone there says Hi because they have to. If you are caught not talking to a new person there is a 50 burpee penalty. Makes me wonder why that was put in place.
Anyways now that I am done being a baby..
Still making smoothies every morning, snacking on almonds or fruit in between meals and for the most part doing good except all the chocolate. We hosted Easter dinner so I have all this left over chocolate. I was sneaking it into Blakes lunch when I packed it but he yelled at me. They are little chocolate eggs and I average about 4 a day. They just need to go.
Opps- Easter dessert. lots of it.
Successes- My late night snacking has slowed, when I get home at 11pm some nights I am hungry, Ive had cereal or small sandwich, or a veggie burger.
Goals- I need to workout starting Fri 6 days in that week. I have a floorset this weekend so I have long days ahead.
My chicken teriyaki didnt turn out, sauce was not thick enough.
But I did do a new cake that was delicious! Not too healthy but easy enough. Take a Betty Crocker cake mix, I did chocolate and add a can of diet coke, thats it. Then bake it.
Happy eating everyone, I ve ad enough chocolate for all of us.

Randee: week 11- I survived spring break....

Weight loss: ???

Exercise: Child Herding

This past week, my kids were on spring break. So I took the week off from slow carb eating and just did my best. I actually didn't even weigh in this week- so I have no official weight loss update- but I know I didn't lose weight this week. I also didn't exercise. Now, I was out doing activities with my kids every single day that they were off- so I wasn't exactly sitting around. I was busy enough that I was exhausted evert single night..... I could use a vacation now.....

So starting today- spring break is over and I'm back on slow carb. Back on working out. And I'll be sure to weigh in this week.....

One slow carb recipe I really enjoyed was egg muffins. You take a container of sausage and cook it, sauté onions, peppers and mushrooms. Let it cool. Take a dozen eggs (or egg beaters) and mix in about a cup of cottage cheese. Mix everything together and fill muffin pan. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Make sure pan is well sprayed or use liners. 

I like these because slow carb wants you to eat within 30 minutes of waking- so having these ready is super easy. You can also add more veggies if you want!

Have a great week!