Today's weight: 161.8 (15 lbs to goal)
I've lost 3.8 lbs during my little challenge. Unfortunately I have only exercised twice-last Monday and today. It's all good, though. My main focus of this challenge was to get my head back on straight and I think it's working.
My exercise goal for this week is to run 4 times. Three 5Ks and one 5K+. I also plan to do a little stretching, abdominals, maybe weights, maybe yoga, whatever I feel like as long as I get in the runs.
I've been reflecting a little bit on my habits last year at this time vs. this year. I was pretty strict about getting 4 runs done every week last year and sticking to my "diet" plan. Reviewing my running data from then kind of gave me a kick in the butt. I know it's doable! Last year, it was all still new and I was still going strong to reach my goal by the end of the year. This year, I'm burned out a bit, still pretty much at the same weight as I was then. While staying the same weight is great and I'm glad to have "maintained", my goal hasn't been to maintain yet. I have spent this year trying to actually lose weight! While I could be discouraged about my lack of progress in that area, I'm going to focus on the fact that I have not quit! I have continued to run, I even ran a half marathon! I've learned a whole lot about myself in the process too.
So with all that set, let's get this party started. 15 pounds to goal! I can AND WILL do it!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
10/21: Rewards
Today's weight: 160.6 (13.8 lbs from goal)
When I first started losing weight, I set up a reward schedule starting at -15 pounds. I look back now and have no idea why I didn't start with -5! That first 5 is hard! I definitely recommend rewarding yourself for losing weight, working out, or whatever other measurable goal you set for yourself. Here's the rewards I gave myself for the first 80 pounds lost.
-15 eyebrow wax & facial
-25 Amazon Kindle Cover
-30 sz 16 jeans from storage
-35 new underwear
-40 trip to spa
-45 2 new Victoria's Secret bras
-50 Keen flip flops
Halfway to goal - a trip to Seattle with shopping
-55 manicure
-60 new clothes
-65 new pajamas
-70 new exercise clothes
-75 outdoor coat
-80 Fossil watch
I am a little bit sad that I'm now trying to get back -80 pounds, but I know I'll get there. And whenever I wear my watch, which is practically everyday, I am reminded of the milestone I've achieved. That's the other great thing about rewards, they can be a visual reminder of your accomplishments. I prefer the material rewards, rather than service rewards, although I did enjoy the spa treatments. Whatever will motivate you, that should be your reward, of course. We all have our own priorities.
I'm pretty blessed and have had a hard time thinking of future rewards for the last two 5 pound increments. Here's what I have so far, subject to change, of course. ;-)
-85 New running gloves
-90 Uggs
Do you reward yourself? What are some of the rewards you've chosen?
When I first started losing weight, I set up a reward schedule starting at -15 pounds. I look back now and have no idea why I didn't start with -5! That first 5 is hard! I definitely recommend rewarding yourself for losing weight, working out, or whatever other measurable goal you set for yourself. Here's the rewards I gave myself for the first 80 pounds lost.
-15 eyebrow wax & facial
-25 Amazon Kindle Cover
-30 sz 16 jeans from storage
-35 new underwear
-40 trip to spa
-45 2 new Victoria's Secret bras
-50 Keen flip flops
Halfway to goal - a trip to Seattle with shopping
-55 manicure
-60 new clothes
-65 new pajamas
-70 new exercise clothes
-75 outdoor coat
-80 Fossil watch
I am a little bit sad that I'm now trying to get back -80 pounds, but I know I'll get there. And whenever I wear my watch, which is practically everyday, I am reminded of the milestone I've achieved. That's the other great thing about rewards, they can be a visual reminder of your accomplishments. I prefer the material rewards, rather than service rewards, although I did enjoy the spa treatments. Whatever will motivate you, that should be your reward, of course. We all have our own priorities.
I'm pretty blessed and have had a hard time thinking of future rewards for the last two 5 pound increments. Here's what I have so far, subject to change, of course. ;-)
-85 New running gloves
-90 Uggs
Do you reward yourself? What are some of the rewards you've chosen?
Thursday, October 27, 2011
9/21: The Morning Workout Challenge Week 4
Today's weight: 161.4 (14.6 lbs to goal)
What a poser I am with these posts this week. Another morning, another non-workout. Sorry folks. The good news is I was able to SLEEP last night, so I woke up feeling much better!! Yay for that! So it's a mental health morning as I sit with my coffee and my journal.
**********
The Morning Workout Challenge
Weight Watchers Sept/Oct 2011
Week 5
Shine on!
You can see the finish line, but hte trick is sticking to you rnew goal for the long term.
Applaud your acomplishment. Look back at how much you've done and how successful you've been. Take pride in those achievements.
Reward yourself. You've earned some new exercise gear. Buy a cute outfit or high-tech headphones--anything that will keep you excited about your morning routine.
Stick with it. By the end of the month, you have eased your way into a solid, structured a.m. routine. From here on out, it's not about another "week" to get through--it's your way of life.
**********
Sticking with it can be hard, and it's easy to get into the attitude that if I don't get up one morning, I've become a big fat failure (the tag-line of the day). I am getting better at this. Look at me drink my coffee this morning! Anyway...
And I'm all about the rewards. Tomorrow I'll share the rewards I've given myself while losing weight so far and what's ahead as I reach my goal. And I WILL reach my goal.
What a poser I am with these posts this week. Another morning, another non-workout. Sorry folks. The good news is I was able to SLEEP last night, so I woke up feeling much better!! Yay for that! So it's a mental health morning as I sit with my coffee and my journal.
**********
The Morning Workout Challenge
Weight Watchers Sept/Oct 2011
Week 5
Shine on!
You can see the finish line, but hte trick is sticking to you rnew goal for the long term.
Applaud your acomplishment. Look back at how much you've done and how successful you've been. Take pride in those achievements.
Reward yourself. You've earned some new exercise gear. Buy a cute outfit or high-tech headphones--anything that will keep you excited about your morning routine.
Stick with it. By the end of the month, you have eased your way into a solid, structured a.m. routine. From here on out, it's not about another "week" to get through--it's your way of life.
**********
Sticking with it can be hard, and it's easy to get into the attitude that if I don't get up one morning, I've become a big fat failure (the tag-line of the day). I am getting better at this. Look at me drink my coffee this morning! Anyway...
And I'm all about the rewards. Tomorrow I'll share the rewards I've given myself while losing weight so far and what's ahead as I reach my goal. And I WILL reach my goal.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
8/21: The Morning Workout Challenge Week 3
Today's weight: 161.6 (14.8 lbs to goal)
I'm back to 75 lbs lost!!! 75.2 to be exact!
I feel really good and I'm back on track and eating smart. I didn't get up this morning again due to a terrible night of sleep AGAIN. I cannot turn off my mind and it's freaking killing me! I hope to run after work (evening workout, blech!), but I'm so tired. It's terrible. I'm dead tired, but I cannot get to sleep at night. It's getting really old. When will it end?
And how ironic that I'm not working out in the morning given the subject matter of this week's posts.
**********
The Morning Workout Challenge
Weight Watchers Sept/Oct 2011
Week 3
Keep Movin'
This week tends to be one of the hardest because your initial excitement may be waning. These strategies will help you stick with your plan.
Take Wednesday off! It's time to add one more workout day, for a total of four days per week. Use Wednesday as your rest day; you'll only have to get through two mornings before you get a break.
Eliminate excuses. Write down all of the excuses you can think of to stay in bed. Then, next to each excuse write out how you will overcome it. (Excuse: I'm too tired. Buster: If I do this now, I"ll have the whole night off to relax.)
Aim for 20. When you want to sleep in, try this trick: Tell yourself you are going to get up and do only 20 minutes of exercise. More than likely, once you get started, you'll be inspired to keep moving.
**********
It's always amazing to me how the third week of an exercise plan usually is the hardest for me too. Push through. And while I don't formally write down my excuses and tackle them ahead of time, I often find myself making excuses in the morning about why I don't want to work out. The reminder of how I'll have my whole evening free (except that early bedtime!) is often what makes me get up. I HATE working out in the evening more than I hate going to bed early to work out in the morning. 2 showers in one day? No thanks. I also feel much stronger in the morning even with a work out before breakfast. Morning is where it's at for me and I need to stick with it.
Do you experience the week 3 (or other week) waning of your excitement when it comes to something new? I do, and I also find that day 3 is usually the hardest whenevener I've tried to change my eating habits also.
I'm back to 75 lbs lost!!! 75.2 to be exact!
I feel really good and I'm back on track and eating smart. I didn't get up this morning again due to a terrible night of sleep AGAIN. I cannot turn off my mind and it's freaking killing me! I hope to run after work (evening workout, blech!), but I'm so tired. It's terrible. I'm dead tired, but I cannot get to sleep at night. It's getting really old. When will it end?
And how ironic that I'm not working out in the morning given the subject matter of this week's posts.
**********
The Morning Workout Challenge
Weight Watchers Sept/Oct 2011
Week 3
Keep Movin'
This week tends to be one of the hardest because your initial excitement may be waning. These strategies will help you stick with your plan.
Take Wednesday off! It's time to add one more workout day, for a total of four days per week. Use Wednesday as your rest day; you'll only have to get through two mornings before you get a break.
Eliminate excuses. Write down all of the excuses you can think of to stay in bed. Then, next to each excuse write out how you will overcome it. (Excuse: I'm too tired. Buster: If I do this now, I"ll have the whole night off to relax.)
Aim for 20. When you want to sleep in, try this trick: Tell yourself you are going to get up and do only 20 minutes of exercise. More than likely, once you get started, you'll be inspired to keep moving.
**********
It's always amazing to me how the third week of an exercise plan usually is the hardest for me too. Push through. And while I don't formally write down my excuses and tackle them ahead of time, I often find myself making excuses in the morning about why I don't want to work out. The reminder of how I'll have my whole evening free (except that early bedtime!) is often what makes me get up. I HATE working out in the evening more than I hate going to bed early to work out in the morning. 2 showers in one day? No thanks. I also feel much stronger in the morning even with a work out before breakfast. Morning is where it's at for me and I need to stick with it.
Do you experience the week 3 (or other week) waning of your excitement when it comes to something new? I do, and I also find that day 3 is usually the hardest whenevener I've tried to change my eating habits also.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
7/21: The Morning Workout Challenge Week 2
Today's weight: 162.4 (15.6 lbs from goal)
Today didn't start with any workout. Last night I want to bed at 9:40. I read until 10:00. Unfortunately sleep was not near and would not arrive until after 1:00 in the morning! My mind is going crazy right now. My husband has been moved to the next step of the selection process for the job. One step closer but still waiting. Still going crazy. I'm trying not to think about it, yet trying not the think about it still kept me awake for hours last night. Needless to say, I barely got out of bed to get to work this morning. Maybe I'll work out after work, maybe not.
**********
The Morning Workout Challenge
Weight Watchers Sept/Oct 2011
Week 2
Rise Up
The novelty of waking up to work out might be wearing off. Your focus now is to resist the temptation to hide under the covers.
Feet on the ground. Resist the urge to hit the snooze button. Sit up in bed and put your feet on the floor before turning off your alarm.
Let the music motivate you. Download songs that make you want to dance. Listening to the them while you put on your exercise clothes will get you energized for your workout--and the day.
Keep your eyes on the prize. Hang up those skinny jeans or that cocktail dress you're trying to fit into, so that it's one of the first things you see in the morning.
Kick it up a notch. Try to add 15 minutes to each workout, to bring your session to 45 minutes.
**********
What I have found helpful with getting up is to put the alarm (which happens to be on my phone) on top of my dresser which forces me to actually get out of bed to turn it off. Then I force myself to not get back in bed although I might sit back down and read email on my phone or see if it's my move on any of my Words with Friends games. I like to wake up for a couple minutes before getting up.
I'm sure it would be awesome to turn off the alarm and then turn on the tunes while getting dressed, but my husband would probably not appreciate that. Plus, I try my hardest not to wake up my son who is an early riser by nature anyway. So I pretty much tip toe around until I get to the basement treadmill or out the door to the gym.
How about you? Do you get to fly out of bed and tear through the house on your way to workout, or do you tip toe around in silence?
Today didn't start with any workout. Last night I want to bed at 9:40. I read until 10:00. Unfortunately sleep was not near and would not arrive until after 1:00 in the morning! My mind is going crazy right now. My husband has been moved to the next step of the selection process for the job. One step closer but still waiting. Still going crazy. I'm trying not to think about it, yet trying not the think about it still kept me awake for hours last night. Needless to say, I barely got out of bed to get to work this morning. Maybe I'll work out after work, maybe not.
**********
The Morning Workout Challenge
Weight Watchers Sept/Oct 2011
Week 2
Rise Up
The novelty of waking up to work out might be wearing off. Your focus now is to resist the temptation to hide under the covers.
Feet on the ground. Resist the urge to hit the snooze button. Sit up in bed and put your feet on the floor before turning off your alarm.
Let the music motivate you. Download songs that make you want to dance. Listening to the them while you put on your exercise clothes will get you energized for your workout--and the day.
Keep your eyes on the prize. Hang up those skinny jeans or that cocktail dress you're trying to fit into, so that it's one of the first things you see in the morning.
Kick it up a notch. Try to add 15 minutes to each workout, to bring your session to 45 minutes.
**********
What I have found helpful with getting up is to put the alarm (which happens to be on my phone) on top of my dresser which forces me to actually get out of bed to turn it off. Then I force myself to not get back in bed although I might sit back down and read email on my phone or see if it's my move on any of my Words with Friends games. I like to wake up for a couple minutes before getting up.
I'm sure it would be awesome to turn off the alarm and then turn on the tunes while getting dressed, but my husband would probably not appreciate that. Plus, I try my hardest not to wake up my son who is an early riser by nature anyway. So I pretty much tip toe around until I get to the basement treadmill or out the door to the gym.
How about you? Do you get to fly out of bed and tear through the house on your way to workout, or do you tip toe around in silence?
Monday, October 24, 2011
6/21: The Morning Workout Challenge Week 1
Today's weight 163.8 (-1.8, 17 lbs from goal)
I started the morning with a 35 minute run and then some abdominal exercises, squats, lunges and these other things called Running Rows (from Fitness Magazine, April 2011), all with some arm work with 5lb dumbbells. Are you like me in that you constantly tear great fitness routines out of magazines and then never do them? Well, I decided I was going to put one to use this morning. It had 5 exercises, and I did one of them. Still a success? :-)
So I'm reproducing and article from the September/October 2011 issue of Weight Watchers magazine without permission. I hope I don't get sued. This article is broken into 4 different weeks so I'll just post a week's worth of info for the next four days. I can really relate to these tips while I try and convert to morning workouts. Enjoy!
**********
The Morning Workout Challenge
Week1
Plan Ahead
That's your key to success this week. You just might find the first week of this mission to be a breeze. Chalk it up to the excitement of starting something new and just go with it!
Pick a program. Will you be exercising at a home? Taking classes at the gym? Walking around your neighborhood? Whatever workout you choose, make sure it's something you find interesting and enjoyable. Ease into this new routine by getting up early three times this week to do a 30-minute workout.
Go public. Tell your goals to a friend or relative, and you'll be more likely to stick with them. By nature, we don't want to disappoint others--or ourselves.
Hit the sack. Prepare for this major change in your schedule by getting a good night's sleep. Go to bed 30 minutes earlier than usual; waking up will be easier if you're getting enough sleep. Nix the caffeine after 3 p.m. the day before a morning workout (to sleep more soundly) and aim for a solid eight hours per night.
**********
Without a doubt, the hardest part about getting up early to workout is going to bed early enough and then falling asleep. I HATE going to bed early so I have to force myself to do it. Once in bed, I lay there for a long time when I wish I could just fall right to sleep. I'm hoping with time it will get easier.
Do you workout in the morning? How many hours of sleep do you get?
I started the morning with a 35 minute run and then some abdominal exercises, squats, lunges and these other things called Running Rows (from Fitness Magazine, April 2011), all with some arm work with 5lb dumbbells. Are you like me in that you constantly tear great fitness routines out of magazines and then never do them? Well, I decided I was going to put one to use this morning. It had 5 exercises, and I did one of them. Still a success? :-)
So I'm reproducing and article from the September/October 2011 issue of Weight Watchers magazine without permission. I hope I don't get sued. This article is broken into 4 different weeks so I'll just post a week's worth of info for the next four days. I can really relate to these tips while I try and convert to morning workouts. Enjoy!
**********
The Morning Workout Challenge
Week1
Plan Ahead
That's your key to success this week. You just might find the first week of this mission to be a breeze. Chalk it up to the excitement of starting something new and just go with it!
Pick a program. Will you be exercising at a home? Taking classes at the gym? Walking around your neighborhood? Whatever workout you choose, make sure it's something you find interesting and enjoyable. Ease into this new routine by getting up early three times this week to do a 30-minute workout.
Go public. Tell your goals to a friend or relative, and you'll be more likely to stick with them. By nature, we don't want to disappoint others--or ourselves.
Hit the sack. Prepare for this major change in your schedule by getting a good night's sleep. Go to bed 30 minutes earlier than usual; waking up will be easier if you're getting enough sleep. Nix the caffeine after 3 p.m. the day before a morning workout (to sleep more soundly) and aim for a solid eight hours per night.
**********
Without a doubt, the hardest part about getting up early to workout is going to bed early enough and then falling asleep. I HATE going to bed early so I have to force myself to do it. Once in bed, I lay there for a long time when I wish I could just fall right to sleep. I'm hoping with time it will get easier.
Do you workout in the morning? How many hours of sleep do you get?
Saturday, October 22, 2011
4/21
Today's Weight: 162.6 (-3, 15.8 lbs to goal)
I read something interesting in Runner's World that I wanted to share. It's from the latest issue, page 91, in the article entitled, "The NEW Research".
Question: Eat breakfast before your run?
Fresh Take: Sure, being properly fueled helps you run better. And trying to run when your carbohydrate stores are depleted is hard--but not a bad idea if you're looking to shed pounds. Preliminary studies have found running on empty forces your body to burn more fat. But it does take a toll, so do it just a few times a week.
I love this! I have been trying to switch my workouts to mornings, at least on Monday-Thursday. I workout before breakfast on these days. I feel pretty okay when I do, but I often wonder if I should try and eat something beforehand. Well, I like this Fresh Take and will go with it.
On Fridays when I have more time and try and run longer, I usually eat breakfast first. I'll definitely keep doing what I've been doing.
I read something interesting in Runner's World that I wanted to share. It's from the latest issue, page 91, in the article entitled, "The NEW Research".
Question: Eat breakfast before your run?
Fresh Take: Sure, being properly fueled helps you run better. And trying to run when your carbohydrate stores are depleted is hard--but not a bad idea if you're looking to shed pounds. Preliminary studies have found running on empty forces your body to burn more fat. But it does take a toll, so do it just a few times a week.
I love this! I have been trying to switch my workouts to mornings, at least on Monday-Thursday. I workout before breakfast on these days. I feel pretty okay when I do, but I often wonder if I should try and eat something beforehand. Well, I like this Fresh Take and will go with it.
On Fridays when I have more time and try and run longer, I usually eat breakfast first. I'll definitely keep doing what I've been doing.
Friday, October 21, 2011
3/21
Today's weight: 162.8 (-2.8, 16 lbs from my goal)
I had another great day yesterday and feel even better today! Yay! It's a good feeling.
I don't foresee a run in my future today either, but I'm okay with that. Instead, I'm doing some meal planning and food preparation for the coming days.
As an update on my challenge, I've already ditched the paper journal. It's like I would have to look things up on my phone app anyway, and I decided it doesn't make sense to not just track it at the same time. But instead of just mindlessly tracking and then reviewing the Points total three days later, I'm actually conscious of what I'm doing.
Also, The Vampire Diaries will not be my new show, however, I did check out Melissa & Joey (thanks for the recommendation, Jill) and it's funny and entertaining. Hello elliptical workouts!
So, I'm looking forward to a great weekend. Fridays are my days off and the weekend, too, of course, and it's sometimes more difficult to stay on plan during less structured days. But I'm up to the challenge. We've got soccer, a trip to the pumpkin patch, and some other fun things ahead.
Happy Friday!
I had another great day yesterday and feel even better today! Yay! It's a good feeling.
I don't foresee a run in my future today either, but I'm okay with that. Instead, I'm doing some meal planning and food preparation for the coming days.
As an update on my challenge, I've already ditched the paper journal. It's like I would have to look things up on my phone app anyway, and I decided it doesn't make sense to not just track it at the same time. But instead of just mindlessly tracking and then reviewing the Points total three days later, I'm actually conscious of what I'm doing.
Also, The Vampire Diaries will not be my new show, however, I did check out Melissa & Joey (thanks for the recommendation, Jill) and it's funny and entertaining. Hello elliptical workouts!
So, I'm looking forward to a great weekend. Fridays are my days off and the weekend, too, of course, and it's sometimes more difficult to stay on plan during less structured days. But I'm up to the challenge. We've got soccer, a trip to the pumpkin patch, and some other fun things ahead.
Happy Friday!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
2/21
Today's weight 165.2 (-.4)
I consider yesterday a success despite the fact that I didn't workout. I ate well and feel a lot better today! Last night I went to bed with a headache which made sleeping difficult, but I know it was my body's way of letting me know it wasn't yet on board with the new eating plan. Well, Body, that's too bad! Luckily I woke up headache free!! I woke up at 5:27, all on my own without an alarm, but you better believe I didn't get up and exercise. No, I got up to journal and drink coffee instead.
My head and heart are weighed down by my husband's job thing. We've been living in Limboland for over two years now, but when there is an actual job consideration, it's about 100 times worse. The waiting is a killer and I know I feel extra exhausted this week because of it. I'm having a hard time sleeping at night and feeling rested in the morning. I can't seem to turn off my mind. If he gets the job, there'll be lots of planning to do, and if he doesn't get it, we'll keep calm and carry on, right? I worry most about the latter because I know what a drain it will be for my dear husbad. Neither scenario warrants much thought at this point, however, because the outcome is unknown. No matter how much thinking I do, it won't change the outcome. So instead I just think about when they'll call, if they'll call, why they haven't called, when they're gonna call, what if they don't call, how cool it would be if they did call (with good news, of course), and so on and so forth. You get the picture. I've also been praying a lot. But I'm exhausted by that too. How many times can I ask for something I have no control over? I've told God that I know it's up to him, I've given it over to him. We want this to be the opportunity that knocks, but if it isn't we're supposed to assume it wasn't the right one. I've acknowledged all that. All I can do it hope for the grace and strength to deal with whatever happens. But I'm thought out, I'm prayed out, and I'm exhausted. This could be the longest week in the history of weeks!
Anyway, I plan for another good day today. I had my yummy English muffin with peanut butter this morning, and I packed a healthy lunch and snack options for the day. We've been buying Clif Kid Z Bars for my son and I tried one yesterday which was YUMMY, way better than the Nature Valley Trail Mix bar I had been planning to eat. They are each 3-4 points each and the ones we bought have 3 grams of fiber and 3 grams of protein in each. It's not a huge amount, but it's okay. I can't justify a snack bar that has more than 4 points so these are good. They're not cheap, but we bought them at Costco. And what's money anyway? Just green colored paper that floats in and out of our life like snow. (Points to whomever gets the movie reference.)
Well, I'm off for another day. It's nearly time for snack number one. Oh boy!
I consider yesterday a success despite the fact that I didn't workout. I ate well and feel a lot better today! Last night I went to bed with a headache which made sleeping difficult, but I know it was my body's way of letting me know it wasn't yet on board with the new eating plan. Well, Body, that's too bad! Luckily I woke up headache free!! I woke up at 5:27, all on my own without an alarm, but you better believe I didn't get up and exercise. No, I got up to journal and drink coffee instead.
My head and heart are weighed down by my husband's job thing. We've been living in Limboland for over two years now, but when there is an actual job consideration, it's about 100 times worse. The waiting is a killer and I know I feel extra exhausted this week because of it. I'm having a hard time sleeping at night and feeling rested in the morning. I can't seem to turn off my mind. If he gets the job, there'll be lots of planning to do, and if he doesn't get it, we'll keep calm and carry on, right? I worry most about the latter because I know what a drain it will be for my dear husbad. Neither scenario warrants much thought at this point, however, because the outcome is unknown. No matter how much thinking I do, it won't change the outcome. So instead I just think about when they'll call, if they'll call, why they haven't called, when they're gonna call, what if they don't call, how cool it would be if they did call (with good news, of course), and so on and so forth. You get the picture. I've also been praying a lot. But I'm exhausted by that too. How many times can I ask for something I have no control over? I've told God that I know it's up to him, I've given it over to him. We want this to be the opportunity that knocks, but if it isn't we're supposed to assume it wasn't the right one. I've acknowledged all that. All I can do it hope for the grace and strength to deal with whatever happens. But I'm thought out, I'm prayed out, and I'm exhausted. This could be the longest week in the history of weeks!
Anyway, I plan for another good day today. I had my yummy English muffin with peanut butter this morning, and I packed a healthy lunch and snack options for the day. We've been buying Clif Kid Z Bars for my son and I tried one yesterday which was YUMMY, way better than the Nature Valley Trail Mix bar I had been planning to eat. They are each 3-4 points each and the ones we bought have 3 grams of fiber and 3 grams of protein in each. It's not a huge amount, but it's okay. I can't justify a snack bar that has more than 4 points so these are good. They're not cheap, but we bought them at Costco. And what's money anyway? Just green colored paper that floats in and out of our life like snow. (Points to whomever gets the movie reference.)
Well, I'm off for another day. It's nearly time for snack number one. Oh boy!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
21 Day Challenge (1/21)
I'm embarking on a new plan today. I know I've said it before, but this time I mean it! I have a new idea. It takes 21 days to form a habit, or so they say. So today is day 1 of my 21 day plan to get back on track. This will take me from today until November 8. It's not about trying to be perfect, or lose a certain amount of weight, or run a certain number of miles. It's more about getting my mind back to where it should be with regard to both eating and exercise.
Part of my plan is to use a paper WW tracker to record my foods, exercise and thoughts. I feel that it's important to take tracking seriously rather than using the WW iPhone app and not really paying attention to how many Points I'm using. I'm also going back to weighing myself each morning because I just like that (sorry Mr. McKenna, but you didn't help me.) For giggles, I'm going to use today's weight as my starting weight for the purposes of this challenge.
Today's weight: 165.6
And so we begin with a day on plan. I know me and after justone day doing well, I'll wake up tomorrow feeling so much better. Not just physically, but also mentally. You always have to start with the first day and that is today. Each day after that will just build and build. I can do this! I have never lost sight of my goal, and I've never thought I wouldn't get there there. Unfortunately, I just haven't been as focused on the goal as I was. But it's never too late.
I hope to blog more during this challenge, too. Blogging=accountability.
How about you? Have you been struggling? Do you want to start today, creating/changing your habit(s) for the next 21 days?
Part of my plan is to use a paper WW tracker to record my foods, exercise and thoughts. I feel that it's important to take tracking seriously rather than using the WW iPhone app and not really paying attention to how many Points I'm using. I'm also going back to weighing myself each morning because I just like that (sorry Mr. McKenna, but you didn't help me.) For giggles, I'm going to use today's weight as my starting weight for the purposes of this challenge.
Today's weight: 165.6
And so we begin with a day on plan. I know me and after justone day doing well, I'll wake up tomorrow feeling so much better. Not just physically, but also mentally. You always have to start with the first day and that is today. Each day after that will just build and build. I can do this! I have never lost sight of my goal, and I've never thought I wouldn't get there there. Unfortunately, I just haven't been as focused on the goal as I was. But it's never too late.
I hope to blog more during this challenge, too. Blogging=accountability.
How about you? Have you been struggling? Do you want to start today, creating/changing your habit(s) for the next 21 days?
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Doldrums
I'm taking a week. Well, I don't yet know if it's a week but tomorrow is day three and I don't feel a workout suddenly coming out of me. I guess I don't feel it because my eating has been terrible which makes me feel just icky. Not strong, but sluggish and fat. I know it's crazy but I am taking a few days, maybe a week, to get my eating back on track any maybe lose some of the bad food blues. Starting today. I am going to learn this damn PointsPlus system or go crazy trying. I just hate trying to plan my day while not having a clue how many Points most things are worth. I guess it's time to go back to the basics and eat the simple choices and eat them often. English muffin with peanut butter, yogurt, fruit, frozen meal or leftovers, granola bar, some easy dinner, fruit, vegetable. (Note to self: chips aren't listed!) Getting back to control is what I am craving. I just need to remember that during those times when I think I'm craving chips.
And then she quit exercising!
Yesterday's run and today's elliptical workout were not brought to you at all because neither of them took place. For some reason I was not feeling a run yesterday, and when I went to bed last night, I wasn't feeling a trip to the gym today either. I'm not getting too down about it, we all need rest days (Sat/Sun excluded, of course).
Today I weighed 165! And I've finally updated my little blog widget accordingly to face the music. That makes my loss right now at 71.8 pounds. Discouraged much?
Well, the good news is I might have a new show to watch while on the elliptical. The Vampire Diaries. Normally I'd be embarrassed to admit it, but if this keeps me coming back to the elliptical I'm all for watching mindless crap. I've watched 1.5 episodes and I think I could get into it, more than Greek anyway. Too bad my phone screen seems so tiny! Never before I have wanted and iPad, but all of a sudden with these cross training gym options, I'm seeing the need for one more and more! Why oh why do they have to cost so much?!
In other news my husband is still being considered for a job, and I couldn't be more focused on that and only that right now. It's hard to work, it's hard to exercise, it's hard to eat. Honestly, I just want a final answer on the subject so we can move on in the appropriate direction. I am not a patient person. I had been doing fairly well with not thinking about it, but now I'm consumed by it. Consumed, I tell you!
So time will tell whether I get in a workout tonight. I'm honestly not feeling it, but I'm feeling it for tomorrow morning. Why do something today that you can put off until tomorrow morning? Oh wait, that's not quite how that goes...
Today I weighed 165! And I've finally updated my little blog widget accordingly to face the music. That makes my loss right now at 71.8 pounds. Discouraged much?
Well, the good news is I might have a new show to watch while on the elliptical. The Vampire Diaries. Normally I'd be embarrassed to admit it, but if this keeps me coming back to the elliptical I'm all for watching mindless crap. I've watched 1.5 episodes and I think I could get into it, more than Greek anyway. Too bad my phone screen seems so tiny! Never before I have wanted and iPad, but all of a sudden with these cross training gym options, I'm seeing the need for one more and more! Why oh why do they have to cost so much?!
In other news my husband is still being considered for a job, and I couldn't be more focused on that and only that right now. It's hard to work, it's hard to exercise, it's hard to eat. Honestly, I just want a final answer on the subject so we can move on in the appropriate direction. I am not a patient person. I had been doing fairly well with not thinking about it, but now I'm consumed by it. Consumed, I tell you!
So time will tell whether I get in a workout tonight. I'm honestly not feeling it, but I'm feeling it for tomorrow morning. Why do something today that you can put off until tomorrow morning? Oh wait, that's not quite how that goes...
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Best Week on the Exercise Front
With the completion of Friday's run, I officially had my best workout week ever. I completed 5 cardio workouts, 4 ab workouts, and 2 strength workouts. I really feel great!
My eating for the week was fairly okay so the fact that the scale didn't move is a huge disappointment. It's like no matter what I do I am still stuck in the GD 160s! I'm getting so frustrated!
I know I just need to keep on keepin' on, but it's hard to stay motivated when I do not see results. And please don't comment and say, "Muscle weighs more than fat." That's the biggest excuse in the book. Clearly, I'm eating too many calories even though I'm burning a lot of them too.
I counted Points all week, too. I tried something different by not logging my exercise on the WW app so that alleviated the temptation of blowing through the activity points. I know I don't lose when I use all daily, weekly, and activity points, but it seems I don't lose anyway. I'm sorry if this seems like a big whine fest, but it's frustrating.
I have officially switched my goal from 100 pounds to 90. Mainly it's the skin. My stomach and arms both have loose skin that I know will not go away without surgery. (I'm not opposed to surgery, but I also don't have the money for it so getting it is unlikely.) With the added weight of the skin and just what I know about my body, getting into the 140s will be hard enough. I want a goal weight that I'll be able to maintain for the long haul and not just a weight to hit and then start floating back up. So 146.8 is my official goal weight right now, but I'll take 159 for the moment. It's 6 pounds away.
Anyway, that's me. I wanted to document my workouts on the blog last week for accountability and motivation. Hopefully, I'll maintain my stamina with regards to that. And hopefully if I just keep doing what I am doing, my weight will go down.
My eating for the week was fairly okay so the fact that the scale didn't move is a huge disappointment. It's like no matter what I do I am still stuck in the GD 160s! I'm getting so frustrated!
I know I just need to keep on keepin' on, but it's hard to stay motivated when I do not see results. And please don't comment and say, "Muscle weighs more than fat." That's the biggest excuse in the book. Clearly, I'm eating too many calories even though I'm burning a lot of them too.
I counted Points all week, too. I tried something different by not logging my exercise on the WW app so that alleviated the temptation of blowing through the activity points. I know I don't lose when I use all daily, weekly, and activity points, but it seems I don't lose anyway. I'm sorry if this seems like a big whine fest, but it's frustrating.
I have officially switched my goal from 100 pounds to 90. Mainly it's the skin. My stomach and arms both have loose skin that I know will not go away without surgery. (I'm not opposed to surgery, but I also don't have the money for it so getting it is unlikely.) With the added weight of the skin and just what I know about my body, getting into the 140s will be hard enough. I want a goal weight that I'll be able to maintain for the long haul and not just a weight to hit and then start floating back up. So 146.8 is my official goal weight right now, but I'll take 159 for the moment. It's 6 pounds away.
Anyway, that's me. I wanted to document my workouts on the blog last week for accountability and motivation. Hopefully, I'll maintain my stamina with regards to that. And hopefully if I just keep doing what I am doing, my weight will go down.
The Great Outdoors
Friday's run was brought to you by The Great Outdoors. No, not that kinda funny movie from several years ago, but by beautiful nature itself! It was pretty cold out there, but I achieved my goal of running 50 minutes and it felt great!
The run: 50 minutes, 4.66 miles, 10:50 pace
The run: 50 minutes, 4.66 miles, 10:50 pace
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Greek
Today's elliptical workout was brought to you by Greek.
I'm not so sure about this show. I've watched about 5 episodes, and I'm just not in love. Do I give it more time, or dump it? Not sure yet.
30 minutes on elliptical, 2.74 miles or so
I'm not so sure about this show. I've watched about 5 episodes, and I'm just not in love. Do I give it more time, or dump it? Not sure yet.
30 minutes on elliptical, 2.74 miles or so
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Titanic
Tonight's run was brought to you by Titanic.
This movie is one of my all time favorites and is definitely in my top 3 of all time! And so began my love affair with Leonardo DiCaprio. Love him!
The run: 35 minutes, 3.45 miles, 10:09 pace
This movie is one of my all time favorites and is definitely in my top 3 of all time! And so began my love affair with Leonardo DiCaprio. Love him!
The run: 35 minutes, 3.45 miles, 10:09 pace
Wildfire
Yesterday's elliptical workout was brought to you by Wildfire.
I started watching this show on Netflix last week, and I finished up all 51 episodes as of yesterday. I honestly didn't think I'd like it and was just looking for a new show to watch while on the elliptical, but I was hooked from episode 1! The premise is fine, the acting is decent, the plot lines are far fetched, but the horses are beautiful!!! I always wanted to have a horse, ever since I watched the Black Stallion movies as a kid. I even set one of my fictional stories in a made up town, Shetan, Vermont. (If you don't get that reference, you don't love the Black Stallion.)
45 minutes elliptical, 10/10, 4.21 miles
45 minutes elliptical, 10/10, 4.21 miles
Monday, October 10, 2011
Something Borrowed
Today's run was brought to you by this movie:
This movie is based on a book of the same name written by Emily Giffin. The book is one of my favorite books of all time! The movie is just OK, but if you love the book and/or John Krasinski, I recommend it.
The run: 35 minutes, 3.44 miles, 10:12 pace
The run: 35 minutes, 3.44 miles, 10:12 pace
Sunday, October 9, 2011
My Life in Bullets
I stole this idea from another blogger because I don't have it in me to write a real post tonight.
- I have gained more weight so clearly Paul McKenna isn't "making me thin". Tomorrow I will count points.
- Today we saw the movie "Courageous" and I really loved it. So much to think about.
- I ran outside on Friday for the first time in weeks. It was chilly but it was also fabulous. My run was only 4.15 miles, but it was so much better than the treadmill. I want to get back to my Friday outside runs, regardless of the weather.
- I ran 4 times last week, used the weight machines at the gym once, and used the elliptical once. Apparently all that was still not enough to outweigh the calories I consumed.
- My husband was called back for a 2nd interview which is scheduled for Thursday. There is so much on my mind about this I'm surprised I can think of anything else. I keep reminding myself that God has a plan.
- It is 10:00 and my bedtime in order to get up at 5:00 a.m. to get to the gym. Prefer to be in bed by 9:30.
- My husband is watching the movie "Hanna" right now. This movie looks awful; glad I'm going to bed.
- Good night.
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