For those of you that know me, know that I am pretty talented about jumping from subject to subject. I realized that this trait was genetically inherited.
I am going to cut to the chase: This post is most of the random stuff I am thankful for...I got inspiration from all my Facebook Friends declaring their thankfulness each day during the month of November. Well, even though I know I can find 30 things to be thankful for, I don't think I can remember to post one a day...so here it is in random order:
1. I am thankful for my daughters. They have taught me a type of love I did not know existed, to slow down, to be proud, to be more grateful, and to appreciate the things around me. I look forward to their hugs and kisses. They motivate me to be a better person and to better my health.
2. I am thankful for my family. Each member in my family has helped me develop into the person I am today. I learned to be random, strong, persistent, loving, respectful, and caring from them.
3. I am thankful for the friendships I have developed in my hometown. These are friendships that still grow over time. I appreciate how when I go "home" I can get together with one of these friends, and we pick up right where we left off.
4. I am thankful for my "girls". These girls came into my life around my freshman and sophomore years of college. I love the dynamic of our group. They are like family to me. I hold dear the special memories I have with each one. Whether it is becoming one of my first friends in college (I would have spent the whole semester keeping to myself in English class had you not introduced yourself to me), the time we spent together during one of my summer internships, eating cookies while complaining about boys in my dorm room, working on projects for class, or the nicknames created for me.
5. I am thankful for Weight Watchers. Thanks to WW I feel so much better than I did a year ago. I have more energy and knowledge to lead a healthier life. It is wonderful to have a sounding board to help overcome your obstacles and celebrate your successes.
6. I am thankful for the YMCA. There is so much I could say about how I love the Y. I love the welcoming atmosphere. The entire staff is friendly and encouraging. The staff in the childcare center are wonderful with the kids, and most of the time remember their names. The Y has also helped me become healthier.
7. I am thankful for the way my body is changing. Yes, I would like my waist to whittle away faster, but I am seeing definition in places I have not seen definition in a very long time. My face and neck are a lot thinner. I actually love a picture taken of me over the week end.
8. I am thankful for one of my "girls" encouraging me to find a church. I think she realized how spiritual of a person I am, and how that aspect of me has been neglected.
9. I am thankful that I found a church quickly. The first time I went to the church I chose, I saw WW members at the service. The next time I went, I sat next to my one of my daughter's teacher. The pastors are welcoming and give interesting sermons.
10. I am thankful for my dog. She is there for me when I have a bad day. She is always excited to see me.
11. I am thankful for having a job, so I can provide for my family.
12. I am thankful for my JS momma friends. Thank you, for opening my mind to so many things over the past 7 years.
13. I am thankful for having fun co-workers. They make the day a lot more enjoyable. Most days they help it go by faster.
14. I am thankful for girls week ends. It is so refreshing to have a dedicated week end to catch up each month.
15. I am thankful for chocolate on of my few vices.
16. I am thankful for willpower.
17. I am thankful to live somewhere where there are four seasons. Each season has something special about it that I enjoy. In the spring I love witnessing the rebirth of nature. In the summer I love seeing green grass, green trees, and beautiful flowers. In the fall I love watching the colors of the leaves change. In the winter I love (and hate) watching the snow fall.
18. I am thankful for the internet. I appreciate all the information I can access at my fingertips.
19. I am thankful to have clean water to drink.
20. I am thankful to have access to healthcare.
21. I am thankful for sleeping children. It gives me time to unwind and get a few things done around the house.
22. I am thankful for having a washer and a dryer.
23. I am thankful for having a dishwasher. I despise washing dishes by hand.
24. I am thankful that I realized that reading for pleasure is pleasurable. It helps me unwind and get through cardio in the fitness center.
25. I am thankful for social events. I love talking to people.
26. I am thankful for a the friends who let me vent. With out you I would be a big stress ball.
27. I am thankful for all the words of encouragement I have received in my life. With out them I would not be where I am today.
28. I am thankful for my husband. With out him, I would not understand my strength or have two beautiful daughters.
29. I am thankful that I am 29 give or take a few years.
30. I am thankful to each of you who read and are inspired by this blog.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Friday, November 9, 2012
Transformation
I admit I have fallen off the weight loss wagon several times. I have brushed myself off and gotten on (after a period of time). I follow the adage of, “Fall down 7 times, get back up 8 times.” This time I am attacking it from a “living a healthy lifestyle” mindset instead of an “I will lose weight” mindset
Last night, I was reflecting on how much I have changed since January. For example, working out was a chore. It is now something I look forward to doing. If I do not exercise as often as I am used to, I feel blah. I am more conscious of what I am putting into my body. I do not eat as many treats as I once used to eat. With each change, I noticed improvement in my life. These changes keep motivating me to move forward in a healthy direction.
These changes did not happen overnight. They happened over time….time that, at times, seemed to drag on FOREVER.
New habits take time to develop. Be patient with yourself and your goals. You will get there. You will transform.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Seeing Progress
I have a problem with Weight Watchers. Everything I tried on this morning was too big. I almost didn’t have anything to wear to work today. My pants don't stay up. My before children clothes are loose. I need to go shopping.
I have about 20 more pounds I want to lose. I have been trying to pick things up on clearance or at thrift stores to get me through. I think this is a good point to "Check In" on my progress since January. See my weight chart below:
Look how much I have lost in my face alone:
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Ah-Maze-ing Updates and Randomness
I had an ah-maze-ing week end two week ends ago. My friends from college and I get together about this time every year for a "Girls Week-End". I was so excited to see them, because the last time I saw them I was about 30 pounds heavier. Well, and to catch up on what has been going on the past year (that we have not been able to follow on Facebook).
I was conscious of everything I put into my mouth. I did indulge, and I made sure to get in activity points before and after the girl week end. Afterall, every girls week end we manage to go to a candy shoppe. The past two have included wine tasting. I think all but one has included looking at art of some sort.
I have rediscovered thrift shops. I am still trying to get over my issues with them, but I am just over halfway to goal. I could not keep my pants up. It was getting annoying to keep yanking them up all of the time. My issues with thrift stores is that I have to try on everything before I buy it, you have to sort through everything to find what you might be looking for, and even then you can come up empty handed.
People are really starting to realize the weightloss too! I hear it everywhere I go :).
Last night, I received an e-mail from a friend/fan. She recently joined WW, and had some questions. I am sure I could make this a separate blog post, but I really want to share with you parts of my reply. I think they could help more people. Here are my reccomendations and advice:
My number #1 tip is to think: "Baby Steps" This is a lot to take on at once. I only incorporate 1 or 2 new things into my lifestyle a week.
Etools is great. My first recommendation is if you have a smartphone: download the Weight Watchers App (it is free) and the Weight Watchers Scanner (also free). If you have an ipad there is a Weight Watchers kitchen app (free) that houses a lot of recipes. The phone app, takes away any excuse to not log my points, because I always have my phone on me.
In regards to eating out and drinking: the smartphone app is wonderful. There are tools in there that can guide you on what to eat and drink. I love me some pizza. You can build your piece of pizza in the app and it will tell you the points. Diet pop is 0 points. Lighter colored alcohol is less in points than darker. Light beer is not bad points wise. I would alternate between beer and water at the bar. (Perk: less chance of a hangover). If you go over your 49 weekly points you can fall back on the activity points you earned during the week. If you know you are going out, come up with a plan. I use eTools to roughly plan what I will eat and drink. I don’t always stick to it, but I stay close. Like I may say 2 glasses of wine, but really have 3. I keep track. The cool thing with the app is that all your friends think you are texting.
Get a pedometer. Track any and all activity. Cleaning house and yard work count, too! WW also has this device called ActiveLink. You can hook it to your pants or shirt, wear it all day, it logs your movement, and you plug it into your computer for it to read. It will tell you how many activity points you earned and shows opportunities for improvement. It is waterproof. One of the WW support staff accidently threw hers in the washer, and it still works. I don’t have activelink because it is an additional fee each month.
At one of my first meetings there was a lady who just became lifetime. She reached her goal for the second time through WW. She said the first time she lost 150 pounds. The second time around she lost 20 pounds. Anyway, she said the first time she struggled losing the last 50 pounds. This time she struggled losing the last 5 pounds. Keep in mind everyone struggles your 50 may be my 5. After 10 months I am finally able to recognize a plateau earlier on. I hit one in April (which also happens to be my birthday month…a lot of alcohol and cake was consumed). It took me MONTHS to realize I need to switch it up. At the end of July I started seeing results again. I am approaching another plateau. I know I need to change it up again. Looking back at my logs helps with this. I can see patterns and I learn a lot from them.
At one of my first meetings there was a lady who just became lifetime. She reached her goal for the second time through WW. She said the first time she lost 150 pounds. The second time around she lost 20 pounds. Anyway, she said the first time she struggled losing the last 50 pounds. This time she struggled losing the last 5 pounds. Keep in mind everyone struggles your 50 may be my 5. After 10 months I am finally able to recognize a plateau earlier on. I hit one in April (which also happens to be my birthday month…a lot of alcohol and cake was consumed). It took me MONTHS to realize I need to switch it up. At the end of July I started seeing results again. I am approaching another plateau. I know I need to change it up again. Looking back at my logs helps with this. I can see patterns and I learn a lot from them.
My biggest advice is break down your goal. I know you think you have a long way to go, but if you should follow WW principles to celebrate each milestone (every 5 pounds lost, when you have lost 5% , 10%, and 20% of your starting body weight). Reward yourself with a nonfood treat (get your nails or hair done, etc). In your weight record on-line you will see stars for every milestone your reach! I rarely thought, “I have 58 pounds to lose.” I keep focusing in on the small milestones. Now I have 24 left to go. Actually, I am focusing in at 1 pound to lose, because it puts me at 35 .
I was conscious of everything I put into my mouth. I did indulge, and I made sure to get in activity points before and after the girl week end. Afterall, every girls week end we manage to go to a candy shoppe. The past two have included wine tasting. I think all but one has included looking at art of some sort.
I have rediscovered thrift shops. I am still trying to get over my issues with them, but I am just over halfway to goal. I could not keep my pants up. It was getting annoying to keep yanking them up all of the time. My issues with thrift stores is that I have to try on everything before I buy it, you have to sort through everything to find what you might be looking for, and even then you can come up empty handed.
People are really starting to realize the weightloss too! I hear it everywhere I go :).
Last night, I received an e-mail from a friend/fan. She recently joined WW, and had some questions. I am sure I could make this a separate blog post, but I really want to share with you parts of my reply. I think they could help more people. Here are my reccomendations and advice:
My number #1 tip is to think: "Baby Steps" This is a lot to take on at once. I only incorporate 1 or 2 new things into my lifestyle a week.
Etools is great. My first recommendation is if you have a smartphone: download the Weight Watchers App (it is free) and the Weight Watchers Scanner (also free). If you have an ipad there is a Weight Watchers kitchen app (free) that houses a lot of recipes. The phone app, takes away any excuse to not log my points, because I always have my phone on me.
In regards to eating out and drinking: the smartphone app is wonderful. There are tools in there that can guide you on what to eat and drink. I love me some pizza. You can build your piece of pizza in the app and it will tell you the points. Diet pop is 0 points. Lighter colored alcohol is less in points than darker. Light beer is not bad points wise. I would alternate between beer and water at the bar. (Perk: less chance of a hangover). If you go over your 49 weekly points you can fall back on the activity points you earned during the week. If you know you are going out, come up with a plan. I use eTools to roughly plan what I will eat and drink. I don’t always stick to it, but I stay close. Like I may say 2 glasses of wine, but really have 3. I keep track. The cool thing with the app is that all your friends think you are texting.
Get a pedometer. Track any and all activity. Cleaning house and yard work count, too! WW also has this device called ActiveLink. You can hook it to your pants or shirt, wear it all day, it logs your movement, and you plug it into your computer for it to read. It will tell you how many activity points you earned and shows opportunities for improvement. It is waterproof. One of the WW support staff accidently threw hers in the washer, and it still works. I don’t have activelink because it is an additional fee each month.
At one of my first meetings there was a lady who just became lifetime. She reached her goal for the second time through WW. She said the first time she lost 150 pounds. The second time around she lost 20 pounds. Anyway, she said the first time she struggled losing the last 50 pounds. This time she struggled losing the last 5 pounds. Keep in mind everyone struggles your 50 may be my 5. After 10 months I am finally able to recognize a plateau earlier on. I hit one in April (which also happens to be my birthday month…a lot of alcohol and cake was consumed). It took me MONTHS to realize I need to switch it up. At the end of July I started seeing results again. I am approaching another plateau. I know I need to change it up again. Looking back at my logs helps with this. I can see patterns and I learn a lot from them.
At one of my first meetings there was a lady who just became lifetime. She reached her goal for the second time through WW. She said the first time she lost 150 pounds. The second time around she lost 20 pounds. Anyway, she said the first time she struggled losing the last 50 pounds. This time she struggled losing the last 5 pounds. Keep in mind everyone struggles your 50 may be my 5. After 10 months I am finally able to recognize a plateau earlier on. I hit one in April (which also happens to be my birthday month…a lot of alcohol and cake was consumed). It took me MONTHS to realize I need to switch it up. At the end of July I started seeing results again. I am approaching another plateau. I know I need to change it up again. Looking back at my logs helps with this. I can see patterns and I learn a lot from them.
My biggest advice is break down your goal. I know you think you have a long way to go, but if you should follow WW principles to celebrate each milestone (every 5 pounds lost, when you have lost 5% , 10%, and 20% of your starting body weight). Reward yourself with a nonfood treat (get your nails or hair done, etc). In your weight record on-line you will see stars for every milestone your reach! I rarely thought, “I have 58 pounds to lose.” I keep focusing in on the small milestones. Now I have 24 left to go. Actually, I am focusing in at 1 pound to lose, because it puts me at 35 .
Friday, October 5, 2012
The holidays are coming!
I feel like I am one big ball of stress lately. As a matter of fact, I have been trying to write this post for over a week. The girls are both in Girl Scouts and Cheerleading. I am leading one troop. Work is stressful. Home is stressful. Now, the holidays are right around the corner. Oh, and I have a girls week end coming up too (before T-day). I love the food Thanksgiving and Girls Week end bring.
The girls week end is not stressful - it is quite the opposite. It just maybe the distraction I need from all of this choas. Girl time, yummy food and wine. I am sure that will be a post in itself. I love the memories my girls from college and I have made getting together annually. Oh, and the reminicing about the good ole days....
In our WW meeting this week we were challenged to make a challenge for ourselves each week to help us lose weight prior to T-day. It could be anything as long as it fits into the goals of getting healthier. My challenge to myself was to try a new strength training work out. Ouch I hurt today. I found an arm work out on pinterest and let's just say, I thought I was doing a good job of working my shoulders...but my delts do not agree.
Over the next 8 weeks and the 8 weeks after that, I am going to challenge myself to keep challenging myself to become more physically fit and lose more fat!
One random thing: I read in a Shape magazine - Pinnersice - when you spend more time pinning exercises on pinterest than doing the actual exercises. I do not do this, but the above strength training work out I posted, I found on Pinterest.
The girls week end is not stressful - it is quite the opposite. It just maybe the distraction I need from all of this choas. Girl time, yummy food and wine. I am sure that will be a post in itself. I love the memories my girls from college and I have made getting together annually. Oh, and the reminicing about the good ole days....
In our WW meeting this week we were challenged to make a challenge for ourselves each week to help us lose weight prior to T-day. It could be anything as long as it fits into the goals of getting healthier. My challenge to myself was to try a new strength training work out. Ouch I hurt today. I found an arm work out on pinterest and let's just say, I thought I was doing a good job of working my shoulders...but my delts do not agree.
Over the next 8 weeks and the 8 weeks after that, I am going to challenge myself to keep challenging myself to become more physically fit and lose more fat!
One random thing: I read in a Shape magazine - Pinnersice - when you spend more time pinning exercises on pinterest than doing the actual exercises. I do not do this, but the above strength training work out I posted, I found on Pinterest.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
3 milestone/6 weeks
Tonight, I hit another milestone. That is 3 big milestones in 6 weeks. 6 weeks ago, I hit 20%/20 pounds. A few weeks ago I hit 25 pounds. This week I am down 30.8 pounds. I had to have my leader repeat my loss to me twice. I could not believe that I lost over three pounds this week. I know I worked hard, but was unsure of how that would show on the scale as my diet has been iffy.
Last week, I logged a lot of miles on the cardio equipment at the gym and with my dog. I also have been ramping up my strength training. Pinterest has been a great source of exercise inspiration. I have found different exercises to do at the gym to minimize the monotony.
The great thing about WW meetings is that you get to hear and see the trials, tribulations, and success of other members. Every week there is opportunity to ask questions and gain solution and insight to any issues you are having. Every week, we celebrate loss. This week there was a member who became lifetime after losing 93 pounds. Another member was celebrating 90 pounds of loss too. As I was leaving, a lady sitting near me said, "Congratulations on your loss. 30 pounds. Wow!" I replied with, "15 is a big deal too. How amazing that must feel." I love going to meetings and seeing how I inspire others and how I get inspiration from others.
Last week, I logged a lot of miles on the cardio equipment at the gym and with my dog. I also have been ramping up my strength training. Pinterest has been a great source of exercise inspiration. I have found different exercises to do at the gym to minimize the monotony.
The great thing about WW meetings is that you get to hear and see the trials, tribulations, and success of other members. Every week there is opportunity to ask questions and gain solution and insight to any issues you are having. Every week, we celebrate loss. This week there was a member who became lifetime after losing 93 pounds. Another member was celebrating 90 pounds of loss too. As I was leaving, a lady sitting near me said, "Congratulations on your loss. 30 pounds. Wow!" I replied with, "15 is a big deal too. How amazing that must feel." I love going to meetings and seeing how I inspire others and how I get inspiration from others.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Starting Out on a Fitness Journey
***I am not a fitness expert***
My husband has decided to start exercising more regularly. He asked to accompany me to the Y on Friday. He admitted to me that he had no clue what to do. I asked him what his goals are. Basically, he wants to improve his health. At this point, I have no idea what to tell him to do, because I do not have any personal training experience. I became really frustrated, because I am not an expert in this field. I do not want to lead him down a wrong path. I kept thinking that men’s bodies are so different than women’s bodies. Heck, from woman to woman there are differences in what will work.
After stewing about it for a couple of days, I remembered my many attempts at a healthy lifestyle. When we were engaged, I joined the YMCA our community. They had a new member service where you got so many free consultations and a customized work out plan. The trainer I worked with then said she likes to start all the fitness newbies to commit to 30 minute cardio sessions 2-3 times a week. After a month, she will evaluate how you are doing, meet with you, and incorporate strength training to your work out program. I did discuss this with DH. He agreed to do 30 minutes 3 times a week. I encouraged him to meet with a personal trainer at the Y. I should have introduced him to the one I used.
I had a friend as me how I determine what to do when I work out. Well, it has been an evolutionary process. I started just taking classes. I tried all the ones I thought I would like. Even, some that I thought I would not like. If I couldn’t make a class, I would go to the fitness center and use the stationary bike. I didn’t see any progress, so I took advantage of the fitness consultation. I learned how to use more equipment and the weight machines. The trainer showed me how to do new exercises. I stuck to the things she showed me for awhile, as I was intimidated by stepping outside of my comfort zone. Mind you this was only a few months ago. Remembering that time is now helping me see my husband’s point of view. “Slow and steady wins the race,” after all.
Lately, I have been getting exercise inspiration from Pinterest, SparkPeople, and magazines. I set a schedule that I kind of follow.
Monday: 60 minutes of cardio
Tuesday: Water Tabata
Wednesday: Off
Thursdays: 45-60 minutes of cardio/strength training
Friday: 60 minutes of cardio
Saturday: 45 minutes of cardio followed by muscle tiring strength training.
Sunday: 60 minutes of cardio
If I miss a day, I don’t dwell on it and move on. I try to be conscious that I don’t miss too many days in a row, so I don’t regress too much. I have come so far, having muscle definition I never had before, and I don't want to lose it!
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