Changes

I've been praying that God will make a way for our family to be healthier. You see, I grew up in a home that ate very, very healthy. When I got married, I remember cooking eggs and being told that was not how you cook them! I'd used very little oil - Chris was used to them swimming in bacon grease. Eager to please him, it didn't take me long to adapt to using processed foods, sugar, and anything else that tastes good. Fast forward 17 years, 2 babies, and 80+ pounds weight gain.  

Now I'm seeing my 7 year old reap the benefits of my bad decisions. He's not fat - but let's just say, those loose fit pants look like skinny jeans now. I've been especially burdened for him. This week, I've seen God step in and help us make some big changes and I'm seeing Elijah make healthier choices. He's been excited that I'm making him smoothies for breakfast! He's had a hard time remembering that we don't want him eating donuts off the snack shelf at our store - but has accepted it well when we remind him that we're all eating healthier.  And so, I give God the glory and ask His help to keep the momentum going!

Day One and Two

Yesterday went very well... Chris and I both ate on plan all day. Chris' only complaint? "I can't eat all this food - I am not hungry!" 

I'm still learning this plan and still making mistakes. I over ate for breakfast yesterday - should have only ate one piece of sourdough bread toast instead of two. I also forgot to eat an afternoon snack. It just completely slipped my mind until dinner time when I realized I was hungry. Very hungry. 

Today has been better... Although my 10:30 snack drug out until 11:15 because I was working and eating at the same time. Probably need to work on that - ha ha. I do need to work on getting more water in. I used to drink a lot of water but once you break that habit, it's hard to get back into it. 

I've also got to work on feeding my boys healthier meals. I always make them try what's set before them and we've decided to quit allowing them to ask for something else. I've been praying God will help me to hange their eating habits. Somewhere along the line, I got in a really bad habit of feeding them too much processed food and sugar. They don't understand why Mommy suddenly won't let them eat a whole pack of mini donuts. Mommy is so mean. 😝

Tonight's dinner was encouraging... Jalapeño Popper Soup - Chris liked it!! That's huge for me becaus he normally doesn't like anything new! It's a big batch so I'll have plenty for freezing! Yay!

Now... just got to figure out a time to get in some exercise!

Cliche' post

I'm sure this post matches about 10 billion other people in America today... I want to lose weight.  This marks a new start.  It's a new year, new opportunities, right?

I'd be lying if I said I'm somehow different or more committed, etc.  So what makes today different? This time, Chris says he's joining me.  Anyone who's ever tried to lose weight or make healthier choices knows how important it is to have spousal support.  I hate/despise cooking meals for each family member.  In fact, I pretty much refuse to do it.  So, knowing he's on board makes a huge difference for me.  

I've pretty much spent the entire day reading and learning more about THM.  It's going to take me a while to get it all right, but I refuse to quit trying just because I messed up that meal (like the time I turned my lasagna into a crossover by accident).  THM is all about grace.  And that's what makes it different for me: I need grace.

August 18th check in

Yesterday (Aug 18) was a very busy day full of shopping - both for groceries and last minute back to school extra's.  Lots of walking... lots of decisions... but overall, a good day.

We ate lunch at Cici's... not the best option, but I know I made better choices than I would have a month ago.  A large salad, unsweetened tea, and only three and a half pieces of pizza.  (Which is equivalent to what? 2 pieces of pizza anywhere else?)  I wasn't stuffed but satisfied when we left.

Sonic.  Ugh.  My ultimate favorite drink stop. Especially at happy hour.  This stop was successful - only a an unsweetened raspberry tea!  I'm actually quite proud of this NSV!

Dinner last night was off plan too - but I still cut way back.  A large salad and 1 1/2 burrito's.  I had to do something quick after we got home from shopping.  Homemade frozen burrito's filled fit the bill...

I didn't use a work out video... and I forgot my activity tracker... but after hitting the mall, and 5 other stores, I'm fairly confident I would have tracked 8K plus steps.

Again - I refuse to beat myself up for the bad choices... instead, I'm simply thankful for the presence of mind and motivation to make good choices. A month ago, I didn't care one way or other.  I was simply miserable.  It feels so good to feel like I'm back in control!

My goals for today:

1. Eat at least two on plan meals

2. Drink 72 oz of water

3. Exercise at least 10 minutes

Aug 17 check in

1. Eat at least two on plan meals - ❌ actually none of my meals were 100% on plan. 

2. Drink 72 oz of water ✅ by the skin of my teeth! 😉

3. Exercise at least 10 minutes ✅ I actually exercised for 20 minutes. Logged over 9K steps and right at 4 miles for the day. 

Looking forward to tomorrow!

New day - new week!

This weekend was a guilt free weekend. As in... I'm not beating myself up for the bad choices I made because I found myself making good choices too:  

- Like eating a large salad at Pizza Hit before I ate pizza - and stopping before I was stuffed and miserable. And nearly all my pizza was thin crust with lots of veggies. 

- Stopping with one small plate of snacks at out church fellowship.

- Drinking a lot more water than normal on Sunday (a big challenge for me)

- Drinking a protein shake on the way to church - instead of my normal coffee and granola bar routine 

- Making good choices at Mucho Mexico Friday evening 

- Eating totally on plan Saturday night (even though Saturday's meals were a bust)

Yes, there were plenty of bad choices too. But I know these good choices will pay off in the long run. 

My goals for today:

1. Eat at least two on plan meals

2. Drink 72 oz of water

3. Exercise at least 10 minutes

August 13 check in

1. Ask God for strength and post visible reminders that I need His help to do this ✅
2. Clean out the junk food✅
3. Get my THM supplies out and to the front and center of the cabinets✅
4. Walk 15 minutes✅ (actually 20 min!) 
5. Eat at least one healthy meal today ✅ (2 meals plus snacks!!)
6. Drink 64 oz of water ✅

All in all - a great day!

At rock bottom... but looking up

I weighed this morning for the first time in a while... a very long while.  I knew it would be bad - but that bad was a real wake up call to me.  I've got a whole list of excuses for letting myself ago...

1. Depression (I hate that word and all it implies and yes, I know, by God's grace, I've beat it)
2. Health issues (minor, but still there)
3. No motivation (seriously NO motivation or desire to lose weight - probably a side affect of #1)
4. No time (that is a really lame excuse)
5. Too busy (again. Lame. It's all about priorities)
6. No joy in cooking (when you have three picky men in your family, it does steal the joy)

I could go on, but putting them in writing is a wake up as to just how lame it sounds. I've got to do something.  Starting today.

Looking back on my last post (over a year ago) is troubling.  I looked so much better than I do right now.  And nearly 30 lbs lighter in the last picture.  30 pounds.  What have I done to myself?  I thought I could control this.  I thought I could keep myself in better shape than this.  Where did I go wrong?  And the fact that put on most of this weight since the first of the year is even more frustrating.  Less than 8 months and I've just let go.

I've got to make a change.  One meal at a time.  One decision at a time.  Here is a small list of goals for today:

1. Ask God for strength and post visible reminders that I need His help to do this
2. Clean out the junk food
3. Get my THM supplies out and to the front and center of the cabinets
4. Walk 15 minutes
5. Eat at least one healthy meal today
6. Drink 64 oz of water

I've been down this road so many times.  I know it can be done.  I know what it takes to get this right.  I have the know how and I can do this.  Yes, it's hard.  But there are thousands of others who've been down this road before me.  If they can do it, so can I.  By God's grace and strength, so can I.

Catchin' Up

 

 

I hate sharing these kind of pictures, but they keep me motivated.  This is what the difference in 20 pounds looks like.  I feel so much better too.  Not just in my physical body, but my confidence feels much better.  I've still got quite a ways to go and I'll get there one pound at a time.  It's hard to believe that I've only lost two pounds a month, but they do say that slow and steady is the best way, right?  I've definitely got the "slow" part down!

 

My last post in January... I had no idea how my life was about to change.  Chris hadn't been feeling well for months and quite frankly, we didn't know what to think.  We were in the process of buying a business and had a lot of stress going on.  We decided to get Chris in to see my dad's natural doctor.  He gave us the news that Chris had a terminal illness but thankfully, we were in the very early stages.  He told us how to treat it naturally and also treated Chris for other health issues.  He advised us to eat low carb and no sugar - which we started immediately.  I dropped seven pounds very quickly.  Chris dropped closer to 30 pounds.

 



The good news is that Chris beat all his illnesses.  He's doing GREAT! We're still trying to eat low carb, but quite honestly, we're not eating like we should.  I'm working hard to change that.  The transition to business owners presented a real food challenge.  Working long hours meant quick dinners and a lot of eating out... which meant we didn't eat like we should.  Now that we're past the initial stress of learning the business, life is starting to get back into a new routine.  My sister-in-law and I work every other week.  On my weeks off, I try to cook up freezer meals to make dinner time easier during my working week.  It's working so much better than coming home after a long day of work and trying to figure out what to fix.

I've recently been introduced to the Trim Healthy Mama way of life.  I've bought the book and I'm attempting to learn their ways.  I believe in this lifestyle.  It's low carb in many ways and yet allows many healthy carbs.  It's about learning to eat natural fats and carbs in a way that encourages weight loss and more importantly, a healthy lifestyle.  I want to be healthy.  I'm trying to see "skinny" as a benefit to being healthy.  I want my family to be a healthy family!

Happy New Year!!

It's a new year... time to lose all that weight, right?  Sheesh.  If I could just stick with it for a year... but wait, what am I saying?  I can't even stick with it for a day week!  LOL

It's true.  For me, weight loss has been a lifelong struggle.  Up and down, down and back up again. Does it ever end???  I've half heartedly tried to cut back the past couple days.  Definitely walking again too.  I really would love to make  the switch to eating all healthy foods, but with a picky kid and husband, it really doesn't fit our lives at this point.  Instead of making a full diet switch, I'm just trying to make little changes here and there.  They all add up!

I have joined a challenge to walk 1,000 miles this year.  I did it and immediately was overwhelmed and asking myself "how do I gracefully get out of this?".  But we are three days into the year and I've noticed something: I'm doing this!  And it's really not been too hard!  The point of the challenge is just to get us moving and to make us aware of how much we're moving.  So here's my plan: wear my pedometer (via the Argus app) to count my steps.  Walk with Leslie according to the walking challenge set up.   In doing the challenge, I need to walk at least 6,850 steps a day.  That is really attainable!!  I walk about 5,000 on a semi-busy day.  Throw a walking workout on top of that, at the end of the day and I' m there!  Plus a few extra steps! 

I'm excited about this year... from many aspects!  Let's get this ball a rollin'!!

Walking Challenge - November results and accepting December's challenge

I'm really happy to have one month of walking behind me.  I walked 15 out of 30 days (keeping in mind that Sunday's are "restore" days) and logged a total of 32 miles.  The last week was the most disappointing because I simply didn't walk.  However, I stayed at my parents which means multiple trips up and down the stairs.  And we went to Silver Dollar City two days and of course, walked a LOT!  So, over all, I feel really good about the first month!

Other progress made:

Weight loss - none.  But considering that the last four days have been vacation days - which equals four days of eating out and one lovely Thanksgiving dinner...

Measurements: 

• Neck - none
• Waist - 1.5" lost
• Hips - forgot to record my measurement at the beginning of the month! Weird.  But I am showing a 3" loss since last August!  I'll take it!
• Bust - also forgot to record at the beginning of the month.  No loss shown yet.

Non-scale victories:

• I'm sleeping better!
• At SDC I was no where nearly as winded as I have been in the past.  I kept up with my hubby who is over 6' tall and has those really long legs.  I think this was a HUGE victory!!
• I'm much more aware of what goes in my mouth!!
• I feel so much better on the days I walk!
• I stuck with this.  I'm terrible about starting something and not finishing it.  So it feels good to say: I did it.

Overall, this has been a very positive experience for me.  So yes, I gladly accept next month's challenge!  

Here's the updated, re-usable, monthly challenge: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1S1tLaRCrNOPolp40mDeUnL8z06ULzdBuA0cSyKGgqsA/edit?usp=sharing 

November Walking Challenge - Day 12!

Wow... I can't believe I'm already 12 days into this walking challenge.  I do have a confession to make:

I'm terrible about sticking with something I start!!  Absolutely terrible. 

Even though I posted about the challenge, I really wasn't sure I'd stick with it.  And I knew it when I started it.  Still, I wanted to give it a try.  There have been a few days that I considered quitting.  I have so many excuses I could use... but by God's grace, I am sticking it out. 

To be honest, there has been NO weight loss since I started walking.  It has been very discouraging, yet I remind myself there have been two major factors that, I'm sure, have impacted my lack of loss.

1 - Hormones.  It sounds cliche, but the truth is... I've made a couple personal decisions regarding prescription meds that have wrecked havoc on my hormones.  My cycle is messed up and weird and thus... yes, hormones, has contributed.  

2 - For some reason... when you jump into an exercise program from a somewhat sedentary lifestyle, it seems to send your body into some kind of shock.  My sister, who loves researching these things, has a really good, scientific explanation for what happens.  It happened to both my sisters and myself when we all joined Weight Watchers three years ago.  We walked/exercised faithfully for weeks before it really started affecting the scale.  It is very discouraging, but I know if I can just stick it out... there will be a pay day soon!!

Another big challenge has been learning to curb my increased appetite.  When you work out and burn 500-600 calories, your body seems to think it needs food to replenish those calories. I'm still learning to curb that appetite or to fulfill that craving....

November Walking Challenge

It was back in August that I decided to get control of my weight... and since that day, I've really struggled.  I mean, really struggled.  I've only kept off 5 pounds.  I can't seem to make myself walk/exercise like I should.  It's discouraging, but I'm not giving up. 

I recently found Leslie Sansone's walking DVD's (via YouTube).  Her 15 minute mile is awesome!!  It's easy to do, requires no equipment, and is actually quite fun.  I started following Leslie's Walk At Home Facebook page where each month she posts a challenge.  I modified the November challenge slightly and posted it on the Facebook group (Ditching Plus Size) I am a part of.  I've had two people accept the challenge along with me.  If you want to join the challenge, let me know in the comments below.  You can access the challenge HERE. Print it out... save it to your phone... whatever you need to do to help motivate yourself.  I've included the links to YouTube video's for each mile length.  On Leslie's original challenge, she references her newest DVD's that are not on YouTube... however, I'm trying to make do with what is available to me.  One of my friends is going to simply use her treadmill.  Because I love the outdoors, I may walk outside rather than using the actual video.  The goal is to simply get myself moving!!

Are you with me???

Week 6, Goals, Pumpkin Pie Latte's, and Argus

No loss for week 6.  Actually, I'm finally back to my pre-weekend weight... which puts me right back at my lowest point.  I'm satisfied with that, to a degree.  I want to get more off, but I am relieved to have lost that gain.

I enjoy reading the posts over at It Sux To Be Fat. Today I was reading the post about setting goals.  I love the quote she used:

"Goals that are not written down are just wishes"

I started thinking about the truth in that.  If I don't make my goals visible to me and everyone else, what holds me accountable?  What keeps me from forgetting about the goal?  My first reaction was "lose another 5 pounds".  But that seemed so broad or open ended.  If I lose the 5 pounds this week, I've met that goal, right?  But what about the next week, and the next?  I decided to focus on my need to walk/workout and water.  If I can get those two goals accomplished, then the weight will follow.  So here are my two goals for the month of October:

1. Work out and/or walk at least 5 days a week.
2. Drink 8 servings of water 7 days a week.  (Sundays are a challenge, but I know it can be done!!)

I was real fancy and wrote my goals on pretty paper.  It's going on my refrigerator...

Also, while reading the same post, Jennifer shared a recipe for Skinny Pumpkin Pie Latte's.  Can't wait to try them!!  I have some frozen pumpkin from last year that I'm going to try using!

I stumbled on an a new iPhone app called Argus. I've been trying a lot of different wellness themed apps but what attracted me to this one is: it's a pedometer!  It seems to be doing an accurate job too!  I was amazed at how many steps I put in on a normal day.  I have no idea if this app is available for other operating systems, but I do highly recommend it!  I love that it visually helps me keep track of my water intake too!  Check it out and let me know what you think! 

Week 5

A loss of .6 pounds.  Not much, but considering how much I ate over the weekend, it's actually a miracle.  We attended revival services hosted by the church I grew up in.  Wonderful time... including wonderful food.

I'm working on setting up my Nike+ Running app on my phone.  If I understand it correctly, it's supposed to work like a pedometer.  I'm kinda anxious to try it out!  Looks like it will map my walk, track my calories burned, and more.  I think we'll delay starting school for the day just so I can go try it out!

I love posting motivational stories, and this one is no exception.  It's incredible! This lady's story really inspired me.  She has overcome so much - including weight.  I can't imagine having so many odds stacked against me, but she definitely overcame them!  Absolutely incredible!!

I posted the other day about looking for a fun workout.  Well, I think I found it!  The boys and I went to our local library for story hour.  The storyteller always includes fun songs for the kids - I'm sure it's a way to help them get all their wiggles out, but man!  We danced around, learned various ways to say "hello", and just had a grand time.  I was sweating and breathless by the time we finished all our songs!  And, it was fun!!  No wonder Christ admonished us to be like little children!

Is there any such thing as fun workouts?

I don't like to workout.

There.  I said it.  I admit it.

Working out is so repetitive. It's boring.  The instructors are skinny and for goodness sakes: they're talking while their doing their fancy little moves.  And they're barely breaking a sweat, while I'm about to go into cardiac arrest and drenched from head to toe! I tried Jillian for a while but hated that DVD after about 10 days.  Every time she would say "We're all in the same boat together."  My heart rate instantly went up and I'd all but yell "NO WE'RE NOT!!!  I'M OVERWEIGHT AND YOU'RE SKINNY!!!!!!"  Ugh.  That woman got my dander up.

The reality of it all?  When you read the motivational stories... the ones that got the fat off and kept it of... well, guess how they did it?  Exercising.  Working out.  In some form or fashion.  They worked their booty's off... in every sense of the word.  Seriously.

When I've had the most success, it's because I incorporated some type of regular activity.  So I know I've got to do it again.  I know I've been walking with the boys, but honestly, I know it's not getting my heart rate up for a long enough period of time.

I'm in search of a 10 minute workout.  I can do pretty much anything for 10 minutes... I hope.  YouTube is my source for now. I'm going to try a couple... at least one a day.  If I can get one a day in, that's better than nothing, right?  Then hopefully, I can work up to more time... At least that's my intention.

Anyone have suggestions?  What are fun workouts?

Week 4

It's nearly been a month since I decided to take a step towards losing my excess weight.   I was thinking I hadn't made any progress at all, but after looking over my MFP progress chart, I realized I had lost a total of 5 pounds!  I have to say, I'm pretty happy about that.  My chart looks kinda like a yo-yo but as long as it shows a loss, I'll take it. 

I've been walking most evenings.  The boys both love to walk around town - what better motivation?  G rides along in the stroller, usually humming.  E likes to ride his bike.  Each night he rides up to the sign on Main Street, points to the sign that says "No Bikes or Skateboards" and asks "Mom, can I ride on the sidewalk tonight?"  Of course, I let him because we live in a very small town.  After 5:00 PM, Main Street is pretty much a ghost town.  As long as there is no one on the sidewalk, he rides it.  After all, he's only four...

I had decided I couldn't bear to post pictures of myself in my current condition... but I'm going to after all.  I look so frumpy and well... fat.  But I need something to keep me motivated... maybe knowing I'm going to be posting these online will be the spur I need??  I honestly don't see a difference in my figure... but I'm going to focus on non-scale victories such as sleeping better, feeling better, less bloating, more energy!!

Support and More Motivation!!

Go me... total weight loss at the beginning of Week 3: 5.8 lbs!  Yay!  Although the celebrating (our 15th anniversary) caused a slight gain, the real problem was getting the scales to move again.  Period.  I hadn't seen a gain or loss for several days.  Although I'm grateful there were no gains, I was super happy to see a loss this morning!  Yay! Yay! Yay!

My sister created a small Facebook group for plus size people wanting to lose weight.  It's fun to have the extra support.  People to share the victories and who understand the struggles.  Support is so key in my weight loss.

I've ran across two really neat motivational stories this week:

1. Tory Johnson from Good Morning America.  I don't usually watch the morning show and I'm not sure why I even turned it on yesterday... but there it was: her story of her weight loss.  Of course, she has a book you can buy, etc etc.  But something she said really struck a chord with me: "Being fat when you don't want to be fat has -- it's like being in shackles. It's like being in a prison and you can't escape. You feel like there's no way out." That is so true.  I can really relate to that.  What makes it even worse is when you have no motivation, no desire, to be out of those shackles.  So I keep googling success stories and tracking my favorites - anything to help me stay motivated. 
2. Amanda, a 26 year old woman who has lost 88 pounds! Someone created a time lapse of her photos showing her progress in 5 seconds.  I've watched it over and over and over.  The difference in her is amazing - but I'm not just talking about the physical evidence.  You can totally see a change in her face.  Her self confidence change is so incredible.  You can see it in her face, her posture, her eyes!  Wow! Just incredible!

I know there are so many more incredible stories out there.  I plan to write my own someday!!

Inspriation

I have to keep myself motivated... Have to!  One of my favorite ways is to read other's success stories.  Today, I was reading this article about Hannah Curlee from Biggest Loser.  Wow.  I love her story and the fact that she did it with her sister.  She now has her own website and weight loss betting game.  I'm not interested in the betting, but it does look fun and motivational!  

Another big motivational moment was this morning when I watched Mandisa debut her new music video on GMA.  As soon as the music video makes it's way to YouTube, I'll be adding it as a permanent link to my site.  So encouraging and inspiring.  I love the verse that she's using in the song:

1 John 4:4

New King James Version (NKJV)

4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

Another verse that has been instrumental in helping me through the past week is: 

Philippians 4:13

New King James Version (NKJV)

13 I can do all things through Christ[a] who strengthens me.

Praise God, from whom all blessings, and strength flows!  I can, and I will, do this!!

Another big momument today is Chris and I's 15th anniversary!!  I'm really happy about this day... You can read more on my other blog.  Man! I love that man!!

Week 2

One week down, week two is beginning.  I'm pleased to report an official loss of 3.6 pounds.  I'm really happy with that.  My normal weight loss, during the first week of Weight Watchers, was 3-4 pounds.  So, yes, I'm very pleased.

I went through Labor Day and didn't track a thing.  I was at my sisters house for the weekend and we pretty much ate what we wanted.  She made these awesome, healthy, muffins that were just great.  Sweet enough to satisfy that need for something sweet, yet healthy enough they weren't just empty calories.  Loved 'em.  I'll have to get her to send me the link to the recipe (again!).

I met with an old friend yesterday for lunch.  We chose Chick-Fil-A because they have an indoor play place for our four kids to play in.  CFA has an amazing salad: The Asian Salad! With all toppings, it's a whopping 500 calories, but it really is delicious.  I splurged because I'd (unintentionally) skipped breakfast and had the extra calories to spare.  The salad is made with romaine lettuce, shredded red cabbage, mandarin oranges, and crispy chicken.  Optional toppings are wantons and roasted almonds; I chose the recommended Honey Sesame dressing.  Delicious!  Even my 14 month old son loved the flavor.  Definitely something I'd eat again!

Tomorrow is my husband and I's 15th wedding anniversary.  I'm grateful God gave me such a great guy - my best friend, my confidant, my shoulder to lean on in the tough times.  I still can't believe it's been 15 years though.  I know to the general American population, that number is staggering.  But in reality, our lives together have barely begun.  I love you, Dear! (More about him tomorrow!)