Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Merry Christmas

I have been having some health issues (I found out that I have kidney stones in both kidneys and they are, for some reason, not passing so I will have a dr. appt on January 9).  On a related note- I have cut out all soda and am on day 6 of no soda.  My goal is to not have anything but water and juice until my appt and see what he says.  There's a small possibility from what I have read that some of the south beach diet has caused this but I am not sure and will not know anything for sure until the dr. appt.

Merry Christmas to all!

Monday, December 15, 2008

MIA

I have been MIA- I have been working a lot and have not been feeling well.  In fact, tomorrow (Tuesday) I'm heading to get a CT scan done in the a.m. to check for possible gallstones or kidney stones.  Hopefully I'll know the results soon but if not then I will head to the dr. on Thursday where I am sure she is going to go over things with me.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

just Frustrated

I really WANT to make a change- however, I don't know what it is- I don't know if it's just tiredness, laziness, or what that just can't muster up the motivation to do so!  I'll start again tomorrow and see what I can do. Any advice anyone?

Monday, November 24, 2008

motivation

Just trying to get motivated.  I had a really busy week last week and of course that led to not having a chance to exercise.  I really need to get back in that but I am struggling with that.  However, I am going to post a quote that a friend of mine posted in a thread on SCS.  It's really good!  Let me know what you think:

"Don't wait until everything is just right.  It will never be perfect.  There will always be challenges, obstacles, and less than perfect conditions.  So what. Get started NOW.  With each step you take, you will grow stronger and stronger, more and more skilled, more and more self-confident, and more and more successful."

Mark Victor Hansen

Just some things to think about!

Monday, November 17, 2008

An Excellent Blog Post

A fellow stamper posted this blog post on Sunday.  It's excellent and some great info in it.  Go check it out and let me know if you tried any of these.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Still hanging around and still doing okay




The weight is going down- slowly but surely.  Not as quickly as I would like but I know of two more things that would get it down faster.  To add more cardio into my exercise- right now it's just the 30 Day Shred or get to the gym.  However, due to my schedule the first is more likely to happen- at least until the first of the year.  I know this is my healthy living blog but I wanted to show my goal cards that I made and are hanging on my fridge right now.  If you want to see details you can go find them at my other blog The Journey of Life.


Saturday, November 8, 2008

Review

Oh my goodness- just giving a review of the Jillian Michaels The 30 Day Shred dvd workout!

I borrowed this from a friend (and ordered my own copy this afternoon) because I did level 1 last night.  I worked harder then I have in a LONG time (and I did a hard step class on Tuesday also). I highly recommend this workout because she's encouraging you through it and has modifications for those who need modifications.  Obviously I thought highly of it since I ordered it :)

Let me know your thoughts on this!

Monday, November 3, 2008

Elliptical and strength training

I really need to go to the gym or use my Biggest Loser DVD's but instead I chose to use my elliptical and some five lb. weights.  I did 30 minutes on the elliptical and 10 min. (several reps) of various exercises using the weights.  I'm going to check out Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred.  I really need to kick it into gear.  Have a GREAT day!

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Still Around- I promise!

I'm still here- have been exercising and trying to watch what I eat- unfortunately the pounds are not going down as quickly as I want them to.  Oh well, it will come- I need to kick it up a notch!

I did fix a yummy lunch today based on a dinner I had at church on Wednesday.  I made it a little more SB friendly.

Pizza Pasta
Whole Wheat pasta
1 jar of pizza sauce
1/2 jar of spaghetti sauce (thought it was more pizza sauce but found out it was spaghetti sauce)
1/2 block of Mozzarella cheese
1 serving (about 20 pieces) of turkey pepperoni

Make pasta and then pour cooked pasta and all other ingredients mixing them together.  Put cheese all over the top (you can mix it up but I didn't).  Bake at 350 for about 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and it's warmed through.
YUMMY!

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

I'm doing okay

After some back issues I have started working my way back into exercise!  I did 30 minutes yesterday- and I have been watching what I eat as well.  However, today- I feel like a slug- so, not too sure what's up with that.  Hope everyone out there is doing well!

Watching the Biggest Loser!

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

It's been a while

I have been slacking in the dept. of keeping up with this blog.  I'm trying to watch what I eat and have good days and bad days.  However, I try to shake off the bad days and start fresh the next day.  I'm trying to keep myself more accountable- in the food dep. and the exercise dep.   Right about the time I was getting ready to go back to the gym, my back went out.  I wasn't allowed/released to exercise for over a week.  And, since then I haven't had time.  I know a lot of people make that excuse and it really shouldn't be one.  I am struggling with prioritizing my time- especially in this area which I know is so very important!  I'll work on it- I promise!  I am going to be very detailed in this because I have to type it up to give to someone and it's just easier to put it in one place!

Breakfast:
1 low carb- 100% whole wheat tortilla- 70 calories, 7 g total carbs, 3 g fiber
1 TBS peanut butter- 95 calories, 3.5 g total carbs, 1 g fiber (this is half a serving- which I had the other half later)
1 SB cereal bar (I don't get any time for a snack between 7 and my lunch at 11)-

Lunch:
Grilled chicken salad with lettuce, spinach (I think- usually it does), half a hard-boiled egg, broccoli, cheese, 3 TBS Ranch dressing, grilled chicken, cucumbers (usually).  It's a decent sized salad
s-f jello
10 mini carrots

Snack- SB snack bar (at 2:00)
Snack- 17 100% whole wheat wheat thin crackers and 2 oz. of 2% colby jack cheese (around 4:30)

Dinner: 
grilled chicken patty/filet from McD's-no bread, condiments, JUST the chicken.  My SB dining guide states that at their press time it had 180 calories, 7 g fat, 2 g carbs, 0 g fiber
Fruit and Walnut salad with no nuts- SB dining guide states- 170 calories, 1 g fat, 38 g carbs, 4 g fiber

snack after church- SF pudding, 1 TBS peanut butter (same stats as above)

Water- 24 oz. before 7:30, another 20 oz. by 11, 12 oz., plus 20 oz. plus the 12 oz. I'm drinking right now.  I think that's it.  I also had a 20 oz. diet mountain dew and about another 20 oz. of diet mtn. dew.  

Starting on Thursday I'll try to keep up with it as I eat!

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Starting Fresh/Priorities

Okay- so, I know I have started over/started fresh many times BUT this is going to be again! I have a tendency to let myself get carried away with eating when I hit phase 2 and that has happened again. I'm cracking down on myself to do it-with the right motivation this time! I know that it's not going to be any different until I make the change myself. I need to make exercise a priority. I'm going to work on that and in fact, my first goal for the week is going to be to exercise at least two times this week for 30 minutes (or a total of an hour throughout the week). It may not seem like a lot but hopefully will get myself back on track and motivated!

Friday, August 29, 2008

still around

I really am still here- things have just been crazy since school started back up.  I hope to be back this weekend with more!

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Doesn't this just sound YUMMY

okay- I'll have to come back and try again later- it won't let me copy it.  

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Still with it

I'm sticking with the SB- it's so hot though that I don't want to eat much so I'm afraid that when I go to add back in foods it will be a step backwards.  I'm still struggling with the exercise portion.  I just have to know that when I get back into my daily routine I will start going back to the gym.  I am housesitting right now and they have an awesome treadmill BUT I have only used it once.  I need to get my rear in gear and get out of bed in the a.m. so that I can use it.  The one good thing is that I have been working at school and doing quite a bit of lifting and pushing and pulling so that has helped some.  I start Phase 2 on Monday!  Which just happens to be our first day back to school.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Phase 1 Day 2

I started the exercising today.  I decided to start out using the Phase 1 exercise plan from South Beach Supercharged.  You start out with 5 minutes of warm up walking then do 15 seconds of fast walking then 60 seconds of regular walking.  You do 8 cycles of the 15/60 and then I did 5 minutes of a cool down walk.  For right now I'm doing all of this on the elliptical although I will add the treadmill later this week.  I am signing up for a 1 mile Fun Walk  for August 2 and I don't want to be huffing and puffing after a mile.  Will be back later to record other fun stuff for the day!

Monday, July 21, 2008

Phase 1 Day 1

Today was finally day 1 of phase 1. I'm a little concerned if I'm going to be able to get two weeks of this- but I'll figure it all out. It will be a bit easier once Friday comes and it's payday and I can go grocery shopping.

Breakfast- 1/4 of leftover grilled turkey sausage
Lunch- turkey slices with cheese and jello
snack- mixed nuts (Planters sb approved)
Dinner- 3 eggs, scrambled with cheese.

I have NOT had all my water today but I have had the recommended amount of liquid. I also didn't make it up to exercise this morning. Hopefully I'll be able to get there tomorrow. I also know that I need to eat veggies but honestly I didn't have any here at home that were handy so I'll up my consumption of them tomorrow.

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Starting Over

Starting something over is never easy but this time I am doing it with the help and encouragement from friends. A few friends of mine decided to a Biggest Loser competition so for the next 6 months we will weigh in every two weeks and it will be recorded. I will pay $25 and the "winner" gets the whole pot of $125. I'm excited about this and excited that I have friends along with me on the journey. Due to my cousin's wedding I am starting 100% s.b. next Monday when I return. Thanks for reading and for joining me on the journey!

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Starting Over

I'm starting over on July 5. I know I need to get myself under control. I was looking at some very recent pictures and was very disgusted with myself and how I looked. So, here we go again!

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Why is it so hard?

Why is it so hard to stay on track? I know what I need to do and I WANT to do it but making those right choices are hard. I need to find a balance between wanting and doing. I am struggling with my eating choices. I'm not completely out of control but I have gained weight back and feel generally blah about myself. I have been having horrible headaches and know that they are connected to my weight. I have a hard time drinking enough water in the summer (which you would think would be the opposite). I need someone to challenge me- to walk along beside me-to hold me accountable. To ask- have I been to the gym (no, i haven't in months), have I recorded what I have eaten (no, I haven't in at least a month)? So, is there anyone who can help me out and step up to the challenge with me?

Sunday, April 27, 2008

This weekend

This weekend was not such a great weekend in terms of food choices.  I went to a retreat this weekend and the food was GREAT (tasting)- not so great for you.  However, I had been making adjustments for that throughout the week and don't feel that I did too bad (although I felt yuck after eating).  I am sure it's going to show a gain on Tuesday but that means I get back on the saddle and start fresh on Monday.  

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

So Excited!

I am so excited!  All the watching of the food is really helping.  Being conscious of the foods I eat are going to make a huge difference.  I have seen a loss of 4.4 lbs. this month.  While that may not seem like a lot it's enough of a jumpstart to get my body going!  YEAH!  Now, to keep up the momentum.  This weekend I am going to a retreat where I am unsure what the food choices will be so I will have to be diligent this week and early next week in the chance that my weekend choices will not be that great.

B-fast- yogurt and a jelly roll-up on whole wheat low-carb tortilla
lunch- chicken salad (chicken and m.w.), jello, no sugar added pears

Saturday, April 12, 2008

A New Outlook

I have really struggled the last few weeks with staying motivated. Between not feeling well, frustrated because I know I'm not eating "great", and just a general blah and tiredness I have just not had any type of motivation to do anything. I feel guilty if I don't work out,I feel guilty if I do (lack of sleep), I feel guilty if I eat something remotely off SB, etc. I finally realized that I have been trying to focus on too much at the same time. I made a conscious decision that I was going to focus on one thing at a time for a week. For the first week it was getting back into eating right. I decided that if I made it to the gym during that week- great, if not then I wasn't going to beat myself up over it. I started writing down in my notebook everything that crossed my lips. And you know what- it's worked. I have been more conscious in my food choices and I don't feel like I'm killing myself to eat healthy. The next step will be to add the exercise in. I have a goal. I want to be down 8 lbs. from where I started the month. In the first week I gained three so I now have 11 but I'm determined!

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Tuesday!

B-fast- total bowl of cereal with skim milk and a banana
lunch- hamburger (no bun) , green beans, s-f jello and an apple
snack- fiber one bar, string cheese
dinner- hamburger (no bun), green beans, sun chips

Monday, March 31, 2008

i made it!

To the gym this a.m.  You all have no idea how hard it is to get up in the a.m. at 4:00, workout then teach all day.  However, this is parent conference week so I needed to get my rear into gear and get over there!  So, I made it in this morning.  I only did a half mile due to time and didn't push my speed (but ran for longer periods of time).  
b-fast- bowl of total cereal with skim milk, fiber one yogurt
lunch- grilled chicken (leftover from t.r.), broccoli, and 1 roll, jello

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

wed

b-fast- total cereal with skim milk, banana

lunch turky, brown rice, 10 baby carrots, apple

Monday, March 24, 2008

Boohoo!

Today is the last day of spring break.  We were supposed to have an inservice day but my school is going through SACS so we got today off.  Tomorrow is it until the end of the year.  However, it's hard to believe that it's almost here.  9 weeks left- basically right around 45 days.  WOW!  

b-fast-pb and j sandwich on whole wheat bread (the j is low sugar)

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Stress is a kicker!

I did real well yesterday morning and had no appetite at lunch yesterday (I'll share that in a minute) and then for dinner I ended up at chick fil a.  CFA is one of my fave places to eat- I even like the grilled chicken and love the fact that you can get fruit.  The problem(s): I was traveling (too hard to eat fruit when driving) and I was stressed.  So, what did I get- a chicken nugget value meal with fries- I guess I should not be too hard on myself- I really did do well the rest of the day and I just know that means I'll have to work a bit harder.  That meant this morning I pushed myself out of bed and got my tail down to the Y (my dad arranged for some free visits while I visit them) and worked out for about 50 minutes.  You can definitely tell the difference between the Y and the Rush (where I go)- you can tell the Y is non profit and the Rush is for profit.  I love the atmosphere at the Y (although this one is really small) but my Rush is a great facility- state of the art- lots of machines, lots of cardio, etc.  It even has a climbing wall that moves (I don't know how to really explain that).  I did get a good workout and sweated a lot- it's the first time I have worked out in a week and I needed it.  

Now- on to the stress part of my day- yesterday morning at the school where I teach we got word that one of our second graders attempted to hang himself the night before.  That of course was on my mind all day long and I really struggled with my emotions.  I thought about it a lot on the drive to my parents house.  I'll be praying for the little guy.

Breakfast: 1/2 pb sandwich, 2 slices cheese

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Here's What I have Decided

Ever since I have been sick I have had the hardest time remaining strong in my food choices, getting up the motivation to workout (even though I know I need to), and even blogging about it.  So, I am going to give myself a kickstart by doing a week of Phase 1 to get myself back in the mindset of the lifestyle again.  I am going to commit to blogging on a regular basis- I have to- it's the only way to keep myself accountable.  If anyone has any tips I am open to them!

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Well,  had my last session with the trainer tonight and she gave me some great exercises to do.  I'm going to take some time this weekend to set up some type of excel/word table fitness log that I can take with me.  But I'm going to try to make it smaller (index card size) so that it will be easier to carry around with me.  I will share more about the journey and how it's going this weekend!

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Went to the doctor yesterday

I did go to the dr. yesterday and at the time I wasn't running a temp.  However, he did say that there is a secondary infection going around for people who have had the flu.  Apparently they have had a lot of people in with it.  Well, he gave me an antibiotic and then sent me on my way.  By mid- afternoon I had to cancel all my appts. for today because after not having a temp at the dr. my temp jumped up to 102.5.  It's finally going down but still holding steady at 100.7.  I really can't afford to miss another day of work.  I have the days but I don't want to keep using them and because I had to switch my dr. appt that's another day off in April.  

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Sick again

Well, I am sick again.  I have a temp of 100.5 and a horrific cough.  On a good note- I have lost 15.2 lbs. since Jan. 1.  I'll be back when I feel better

Monday, February 25, 2008

"The tragedy in life doesn't lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach."– Benjamin Mays

I got this quote through my email yesterday and thought that it was perfect for this journey and so many others as well. The key is having a goal to reach for- that way you have something to motivate you. It's kind of silly but I have a goal. I have a skirt that I bought before I gained my weight back. It's brand new- still has the tags on it and yesterday, I finally got it on and buttoned. It's still a bit tight because I still have a ways to go but I know that if I can lose 5-10 more pounds that skirt will fit and I'll have reached that goal! Something little but tangible.

Breakfast- yogurt, cereal bar
Lunch- leftover w.w. pasta, carrots, jello
Snack- popcorn (it was a weak moment)
dinner- chicken (cooked in the skillet in olive oil and P.C. Southwestern Seasoning), green beans

beverages= water, water, water, dt. dew.

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Sunday

Well, I decided against going out to eat- as much as I enjoy spending time with my friends my finances are not really at the point where I can go eat where they did. I had the cash but I decided I would eat what I had at home instead. Besides the fact it's healthier for me. I looked online and the rest. only had regular pasta and not whole wheat. Maybe I could campaign for that. I don't understand- restaurants know that there are many people who want to eat healthy and yet they have limited portions available for doing so. Who knows!

Breakfast- 1/2 pb sand. on whole wheat bread, SB cereal bar
Snack- SB cereal bar, 1/2 banana streusel muffin
Lunch- whole wheat pasta with ICBINB and parm. cheese
Snack-
Dinner- leftover whole wheat pasta with a slice of bread

Beverages: as of 11;30= 2 16.9 oz. bottles of water. I also just made some Crystal Light Lemonade in a pitcher to have around.

Saturday, February 23, 2008

I really am not a slacker

I have been exercising and eating right (for the most part) but I just haven't been blogging about it.  Tomorrow starts a new week so I'm going to plan on starting again.  Some friends are going to Gondolier after church tomorrow and I need to figure out if I am going to go.  I can get grilled chicken but the sides are not all that great to choose from.  I'll have to peruse the menu a bit more before making any decisions.  I will say that I made it to 500 minutes.  I exercised this morning for 45 minutes which puts my 25 minutes on the plus side.  I have to figure out if I'm going to restart my ticker or just add to it.

ETA- I decided to just add to the ticker- I'll just add 500 minutes everytime I hit the next goal.  I think that my "splurge" will be a couple of crafting markers that are a bit pricier than what I normally would spend.  After my next 500 I'm going to get a new pair of tennis shoes.  I will definitely be due by then!

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

So Close

to 500 minutes!  I'll be hitting this on Friday or Saturday morning (whenever I decide to go).  I'm so excited.  Payday is Monday so I am trying to think of a suitable-yet cheap- reward for making my 500 minutes.  Any ideas?!?!

Friday, February 15, 2008

yuck

Well, nothing derails a workout routine like the flu!  Yep, I have the flu.  It really stinks because I'm so tired and not hungry and there's no way I can work out.  The meds made me tired and dizzy so I'm home today hoping to rest it off.  Anyway, hope you all have a fab weekend!

Breakfast- banana

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Down to 110 minutes

I know I should be further along but I'm pretty excited- I should have my 500 minutes of exercising  done by mid week next week- even possibly by Saturday morning of this week.  How exciting!  No weigh-in today because I went to the gym- weigh in will be tomorrow.

Breakfast- scrambled eggs, apple, cereal bar, banana (4 am-pre-workout)

Monday, February 11, 2008

No quote today

Life just got a bit busy today and I didn't have a chance to find a good and meaningful quote.  I will look to see if I can find one for tomorrow.  I don't have much time tonight as I need to work on progress reports for my kids.  They are due to be turned in on Wednesday and I need to get as many done tonight as possible.

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Sunday

Breakfast- cereal bar and banana
snack- bowl of fruit
lunch- naked burrito- black beans, chicken, lettuce, tomato, mild salsa, sour cream and ranch- without the tortilla
snack
dinner
beverages- 3 bottles of 16.9 oz. water- working on the fourth

Thursday, February 7, 2008

I've decided

that my trainer is trying to kill me!  I know that she's not really but WOW my body is already feeling the effects of my work with her tonight.  Apparently I have major muscle tension which affects how I exercise and how I stand.  One big thing I have to work on is the core.  I know that if I get that strengthened I will have better balance and will have fewer back problems.  Anyway- this week I wasn't down much weight wise- about.4 pounds but I now have under 30 to go to get to goal!

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Weigh-in Tuesday

has been moved to Wednesday this week.  I got up and went to the gym today so I didn't get to weigh in before school like normal so I will weigh in tomorrow morning.  

Monday, February 4, 2008

Quote for today!

I got this quote through my email last week and I'm loving this one!  It is a really good with a lot to think about.  In fact, I would like for you to comment with your thoughts on this.  You can comment on your own blog and put a link or you can comment in the comment section.  I will add my thoughts in a couple of days.  


"Once the 'what' is decided, the 'how' always follows.  We must not make the 'how' an excuse for not facing and accepting the 'what'."   -Pearl S. Buck

Thursday, January 31, 2008

Quick Question

I am looking at purchasing an ipod or something similar and am looking for good workout songs suggestions.  I don't do anything that's not "clean" but I definitely don't mind a good beat.  I have a good list started but I want hear what you all have to add!

New Trainer

My trainer, Ingrid, is so understanding and compassionate- yet I think in the two sessions that I have left with her she is going to kick my rear!  Today was just a beginning session- measurements, questions, and cardio "test".  She showed me which machines to use and work on until next Thursday when I will go in again.  Anyway, that's all I have for today!

Breakfast- peanut butter and bananas on whole heat tortilla
Lunch- 2 turkey burgers with cheese and brown rice (leftovers), fruit, s-f pudding
Snack1 SB snack bar
Snack 2- Fiber One bar
Snack 3- banana
dinner- SB sub sandwich (brand new- and it was GOOD)
water- about 60 ounces

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

No Workout Wednesday

So the workout this morning didn't happen.  I was extremely tired this morning.  We had a really bad storm last night and my power went out about 11:15 and didn't come back on until 4:15 this morning.  I didn't quite feel up to getting up this morning.  Tomorrow evening at 6 is when I am meeting my new trainer so I may share a bit tomorrow night about how that went!  

Breakfast- peanut butter and banana tortilla, sb cereal bar
Lunch- SB chicken and walnut salad kit (YUM) with s-f jello, fruit, tomato soup (small bowl)
Snack- SB snack bar
Snack 2- string cheese
Snack 3 (about 5)- SB meal bar
Dinner (8ish)- 2 turkey burgers (with cheese and no bun), brown rice with ICBINB and 2 % cheese (about 1/4 ounce)
Beverages- over 70 ounces

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Weigh In Tuesday

I lost another 1.8 pounds which takes me to 11.2 pounds total since January 1. I'm pretty excited about that= slow and steady right? Anyway, I don't really have any thoughts on this but after I share my food log I'm going to include a few of the 100 tips for weight loss. I will include the link in case you want to read them all before I get to it.

Breakfast- Kashi cereal and skim milk
Lunch- SB turkey wraps, jello, fruit (apples, bananas, and grapes)
Snack- 10 raw carrots
snack 2- SB snack bar
Snack 3- SB granola clusters
Dinner- Campbells Chunky Sirloin Burger and veggie soup, 2 slices of bread- 1 with I can't believe it's not butter and 1 with peanut butter
Beverages- 60 plus ounces of water, 8 oz. Cherry coke zero

100 Smartest Diet Tips Ever

I Can Only Handle One Diet Change Right Now. What Should I Do?
1. Add just one fruit or veggie serving daily. Get comfortable with that, then add an extra serving until you reach 8 to 10 a day.

2. Eat at least two servings of a fruit or veggie at every meal.

3. Resolve never to supersize your food portions—unless you want to supersize your clothes.

4. Make eating purposeful, not mindless. Whenever you put food in your mouth, peel it, unwrap it, plate it, and sit. Engage all of the senses in the pleasure of nourishing your body.

5. Start eating a big breakfast. It helps you eat fewer total calories throughout the day.

6. Make sure your plate is half veggies and/or fruit at both lunch and dinner

Monday, January 28, 2008

Motivational Monday

I don't really have a quote for today- I found one I want to share but I'm waiting on getting permission from the person who first posted it (although it's not her quote). Just leaving you with some thought-provoking questions. Why am I on this journey? Is it for me or for someone else? What am I trying to accomplish? What are my goals? When do I want to see those goals accomplished? What am I willing to sacrifice to reach these goals? Or, how much of a priority are my goals?

I joined a new gym today. I like the Y but it's very small and doesn't have the motivation for me. I ended up joining a larger gym and paid for three hours of a trainer (all I have to say is that I am in the wrong line of work) so that I can at least get the basics. If I wanted to get the trainer for 6 months I could pay close to 250 for the next three months. I just don't have that and as much as I would love for that to happen the next three months at 88 are already going to be tight (but doable). After that it goes down to 39 but then I also signed up for 3 years. The good thing is that this is a 24/7 gym so I can go when I am able. I meet with the trainer for the first time on Thursday evening at 6 but the lady who did my sign up told me to go ahead and come tomorrow and she'll get me started on a couple of machines.

I also won a free month of meeting with dietician BUT I'm going to check that out because I'm not signing anything! Anyway, just some thoughts I'm leaving with you- weigh in is tomorrow!

ETA:
Breakfast- cherry vanilla lite yogurt, peanut butter and banana on a whole wheat tortilla
Lunch: leftover pot roast and brown rice, fruit, s-f pudding
Snack: SB snack bar
2nd Snack- SB meal bar (this was about 5)
dinner (about 8)- 1/2 cup of oatmeal with cinnamon, 1/2 of peanut butter and s-f jelly on whole wheat bread, s-f pudding
Water: as of 9:20- 60 ounces plus of water

Sunday, January 27, 2008

A New Week

Well, according to the scale at church-which I think was figured didn't weigh right- I have lost 2 lbs in 2 weeks. Not great but acceptable. I know last time I lost the weight quickly and obviously it didn't stay off which isn't good. I'm thinking if I go slow and steady this time it will stay off better this time. I don't know-just thinking. I'm trying also to decide about gyms. I like the atmosphere at the Y but the cost and the size (which leads to a lack of available machines) are a deterrant. I can go cheaper at two other gyms and then they are building one right down the road. All 3 of the other are 24/7 gyms. I think what I am going to have to do is make wise use of my time while staying after school. Maybe staying on Fridays to get EVERYTHING ready for the next week so I don't have to come in as early. I need to do some thinking and deciding. If you belong to a national gym please let me know what you think of it.

Also, yesterday here in Knoxville they had the Healthy Living Expo. Lots of door prizes (maybe I'll even win one of the gym memberships) and free stuff. I left with a ton of free tip sheets, thoughts, and ideas that I will be sharing gradually. I also found a website today that had 100 tips so I think I will be sharing them a few at a time! I'll start that tomorrow or Tuesday. Actually I think I'll make that part of Weigh-in Tuesday so that it doesn't interfere with Motivational Monday! Have a great week and I'll see you back here tomorrow!

ETA:
Breakfast- SBLiving Cereal Bar, Peanut butter and bananas on whole wheat low carb tortilla
Snack- SB Living Granola clusters
Lunch- as of 3:30 I haven't eaten yet- I know, I know but I am feeling a bit blah and need to clean up the kitchen before eating
Snack- banana
Dinner- pot roast au jus (Hormel), brown rice
Snack- s-f double chocolate pudding
Beverages- as of 3:30 I have had 30 ounces of water; plus 10 more ounces for 40 ounces; and another 10 for 50 ounces

Thursday, January 24, 2008

A Website for you!

I found a website today through the Biggest Loser Couples website while signing up for the daily drawing for the giveaway. I just thought this was very interesting ad I encourage you to go check it out!

Weight Loss for Healthy Eaters

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Workout Wednesday

Well, I did it- I actually got up and worked out this morning. I used the BL cardio dvd again and it didn't seem quite so bad today. In fact, I believe I'm going to go get a little bit heavier weights (right now I have 2 lb) to use with it. I'm not quite ready to move to level 2 or anything though! I'm going to review the BL Power Sculpt DVD. I did this one day last week and it's a good one for those non-cardio days. Not a lot of jumping around in it because it focuses on sculpting the muscles and building them up. You do use the weights but not as often as in the other one. I will definitely be using it again on those off days. I did get a dvd in the mail today that was a trial dvd. It's a Prevention one and it's Dance Yourself Thin. That should be interesting because I'm NOT a dancer but I thought I could use it for the free trial and see if I would use it enough to justify paying for it. I do have several other DVD's and videos that I have used before and will use again just to review so that others can see what is out there. If you have any questions please feel free to let me know!

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Not as good as I hoped

Well, it didn't turn out quite as well as I hoped but I still did lose. .8 pounds for a total of 9.4 lbs. since starting. Not great but again, I haven't exercised worth squat these past two weeks. I am on a tw hour delay for school tomorrow so if I plan on getting up at the same time then I should be able to get a good workout in tomorrow. I know that my attitudewill play a lot into the next few weeks. I will say that I feel like the week flies by!

Monday, January 21, 2008

Great Monday Quote

First off I want to say that I know I should have exercised today with having the day off but I didn't. I apparently have been exhausted because not only did I have sleep until 8:30 but I then took a two hour nap today. Of course, I did have a mini-migraine earlier. It started while I was out shopping for my Pampered Chef party. If anyone wants to place an order please let me know and I'll send you an email invite and you can place it through the website. I'm excited about hanging out with my friends. I always have fun with that plus we are going to go healthy! Tomorrow morning we have an inservice at school so I'm going to try getting up again at the right time and hopefully exercising. That's my plan anyway.

Here's the quote for today- I found it on the Unity Stamp Company's blog and thought it as appropriate:

"Some men see things as they are and ask why. Others dream things that never were and ask why not."George Bernard ShawIrish Playwright

Instead of asking, why I am "fat"/overweight, or why can't stop eating- DREAM about what you wish or think you should be and ask why not? If needed, journal your answers. For me-it is sometimes a fear to let the "skinny me" out. I am afraid of rejection and when I'm heavier I know I'm rejected. Does that make sense?

Food Log:
Breakfast- SB cereal bar
Lunch- grilled chicken fillet, apples, grapes, and lowfat yogurt (fruit and walnut salad without the walnuts)
snack- 1 tbs. peanut butter
dinner- 1 serving of Campbell's Chunky sirloin burger soup, s-f jello with whipped topping
beverages- 20 oz. plus 20 oz. equals 40 oz. water as of 7 pm

Sunday, January 20, 2008

I'm not a slacker...

I promise! I really am not- the week was so busy that I ran out of time and the blog was the one thing I let go of when I get busy. Thursday I worked and then babysat and didn't get home until close to midnight. Friday night I worked and then went to a Stamp a Stack. Saturday I went to a flea market (lots of walking), went to the Ohio State vs. UT basketball game (lots of fast walking), and then went straight to a friend's house for game night (where I was good and didn't eat the lasagna!). I haven't been exercising like I should and it shows- I'm pretty much staying stagnant but hopefully I can kickstart it this week. It should be a fairly easy week! We only have three days of school so that will help.

Food Log:
Breakfast-SB cereal bar
snack-1/2 (the bottom, skinny half) of a WHOLE grain bagel, dry roasted peanuts
lunch- 2 grilled chicken patties (from McD's), apple dippers (only the apples)
snack-SB peanut butter cookies and then later s-f pudding with cool whip (light)
dinner-
snack

Beverages- water (I'm going to keep a running total as that makes it easier): 10 oz. plus16.9 oz. equals 26.9 oz. as of 4:00.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Biggest Loser DVD review

Last week I bought 2 of the BL DVD's to use and finally had a chance to open them this week. I started on Monday with the Cardio one. Oh, my word, it kicked my rear. I'm still sore even on Wednesday. I definitely got a good workout and was wiped out afterwards. I will definitely be doing it again. The one thing I didn't like: when I turned it on and pulled up the menu you have a chance to customize your workout (that part was fine). I would have figured that since the warm up and cool down are pretty much "crucial" to a workout they would have already been programmed in. However, I realized it when I went to do the workout that it doesn't quite work that way. I actually ended up programming the actual workout to start before the warm up so I wan't exactly warmed up the way I wanted to be (I didn't know until it got to the warm up portion). Oh well, live and learn. I now know what to do and was able to adjust for the BL Power Sculpt DVD which I did this morning (I'll review that next week).

If you have any questions please feel free to ask them and I'll get back with you!

Breakfast- scrambled eggs
Lunch- SB 4 Cheese pizza, s-f pudding, cucumbers
Snack- mozzarella cheese
Dinner- bowl of Kashi Heart to Heart cereal (I know, I know don't fuss at me but I wasn't hungry and didn't feel like cooking)
Snack- peanuts (dry-roasted and lightly salted)
Beverages- by 3:00 I had about 70 oz. of water and then I had a 24 oz. dt. mtn. dew. After this dt. dew is finished I will be drinking another bottle of water.

Exercise: 30 minutes (BL Power Sculpt dvd)

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Weigh in Tuesday and some thoughts

Well, I weighed in today and while I didn't do as well as I would have liked I know that once I get going on the workouts it will come. I lost another 2.4 pounds for a total of 8.6 pounds in 2 weeks. I know that the second week is usually the lowest number anyway so again, I should not be disappointed. I have a ton to do tonight so I'll be back tomorrow with a review of the dvd!

Monday, January 14, 2008

Motivational Monday

I found a great quote over the weekend- I think it came through my email (but I'm not sure). It's by F. Scott Fitzgerald, "Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat."

So, my thought behind that quote- we're all going to have days when we struggle, when we want to eat what is "wrong" for our body- yet even if for that one moment in our day we give in to temptation it doesn't mean that it's the end of our healthy journey. It just means that we have taken a step back and we need to counter with two steps (or more) forward. So, go for it! I encourage you to not give up! Keep up the good work.

Breakfast 3 mini peanut butter cheesecakes (got this phase 1 recipe from a south beach forum- it was GREAT)
Lunch- turkey burger with 2% cheese and no bun, green beans
snack- mozzarella cheese stick
Dinner- scrambled eggs
beverages- 70 ounces of water

30 minutes of exercise- I did the Biggest Loser dvd- the cardio one- oh my goodness! You'll read more about that on Wednesday!

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Workout Wednsday

Well, I didn't actually get a chance to workout today but I'm going to "try" to get up early in the a.m. and try. I bought 2 Biggest Loser workout dvd's yesterday. Kmart had them on sale for 7.99 so I will give those a try first and let you know what I think. I did find this article and if you are pressed for time then it looks like this would be a good workout if you are pressed for time.

http://health.msn.com/fitness/abs/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100171070

Breakfast- scrambled eggs
Lunch: egg salad, s-f jello, 2% cheddar cheese (SB approved)
Dinner: grilled chicken with mozzarella cheese, green beans
Snacks: peanuts, string cheese
Beverages: 24 ounces Dt. Mtn Dew ( I have a few more bottles to finish), as of 7:45 I have had app. 50 oz. of water and have a 20 oz. bottle in front of me.

I did make an extra piece of chicken and cut it up already and went to the store and got romaine lettuce, spinach, snow peas, broccoli and cucumbers and already prepared a salad for lunch tomorrow. I have morning dut tomoorrow so I need to not take time in the am to get ready.

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

WooHoo!

Today was weigh in day and I lost 6.2 lbs but even more than that I feel better. I'm still dealing a bit with hunger at times and know that I am still probably not eating all I shoud but I also know that will come. I'm excited about the 6 pounds because that was the weight that I had gained over the holidays so now that's gone and I feel like I'm finally on my way. Being back at school should help quite a bit because I don't have any breaks from 7:30 until 11:00 and then from 11:30 until 1:40 so that takes quite a bit of 'snacking" time away from me. I'm determined to make time for myself and I think that I am going to go buy one of the index card holder/binders. One of our pastors said that at the office store they have ones with tabs so I am planning on getting a couple of those. One for Bible verses to memorize and the other for inspirational quotes and verses that I can share here in the future. You just never know when you are going to come across one and I would love to have it nearby always.

Breakfast- 2 hardboiled eggs (one with yolk and one without), 8 oz. milk
Lunch- turkey burgers, snow peas, string cheese, s-f jello
snacks- almonds
Dinner- grilled chicken filet without bun
water- 70 oz.

Monday, January 7, 2008

Monday, Monday

Today was back to work- I definitely was not ready as I have extremely enjoyed my break. The good part of today was that it was an inservice day so we don't actually have students until tomorrow. So, a four day week this week, five next week, and then MLK week is 3 days. Monday is the holiday and Tuesday is another inservice day. I'm praying for some snow days in mid February when we are all a little stir-crazy. Today however, I was out in just a sweatshirt and tomorrow they are calling for 72 degrees but then Wednesday it's down to 58.

Today is motivational Monday- I decided for this first M.M. I would share a verse that is one of the reasons that I am doing what I am doing. Those who know me know that I am a follower of Christ and believe the teachings of the Bible. I'm not going to use this forum to "hit people over the head" but I'm not going to step away from what I believe. Therefore, occasionally you will be reading a Bible verse that I feel is timely, inspirational, and truth. That being said let's look at:

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own, you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your body.

So, for me, that means everytime I open my mouth and putting food in it- it should be food that will nourish and strengthen my body- not just "stuff". It's why I'm on this journey!

Breakfast: scrambled eggs, 8 oz. milk
Lunch: grilled chicken with cheese and a house salad that was NASTY! (I went to a restaurant whose specialty is noodles- umm, hello- the people I went with didn't tell me this until we were on the way there).
Dinner: turkey burgers with cheese (no bun), snow peas with ICBINB
Snack:
Beverages: all water was gone by 4:45 pm (app. 80 oz.)

Saturday, January 5, 2008

New Ideas

I was thinking last night (which could be dangerous) about things that I could do to pep up my blog and here's what I decided- and it may be hit and miss on some things due to schedule but:

Monday- motivational Monday- inspirational quotes, stories, verses, etc.
Tuesday- weigh in and and reflect
Wednesday- Workout Wednesday- I'll try to find links to new workouts- give workouts a try and then post my review, etc.
Thursday- Themed Thursday - newspaper/magazine articles, tips, and tricks
Friday- Fast Food Friday- I am going to aim for sharing healthy alternatives to typical restaurant choice
Saturday and Sunday will be for post "whatever".

Breakfast 2 eggs, 2 sausage patties with cheese
Lunch - egg salad
Dinner - grilled chicken fillet, house salad with no croutons and no tomatoes, fresh vegetables (Texas Roadhouse)
Snacks 2 Tbs peanut butter
Beverages- by 8:15- 20 ounces of water by 10:30- 40 ounces of water; by 10:30 pm- 90 ounces of water. And the little splenda packet wasn't too bad

Friday, January 4, 2008

Friday

Well, today is the last day that I have off for vacation. I know technically I have Saturday and Sunday too but I don't count them because I always have them! I have thoroughly enjoyed my break. I think it's helped me get back on track with this journey because I have the time and energy to devote to it right now. It's given me a good start.

Breakfast- 4 bacon slices (which was equal to one serving)
Lunch- 2 grilled chicken filets from Chick-Fil-A ( I was eating in the car so I couldn't do a salad) without bun
snack- about 10 almonds, s-f jello with whipped topping
dinner- deli turkey heated up with cheese on top (sb approved)
Beverages: water- as of 12- 40 ounces; as of 6 80 oz.

Okay- two things that I need to increase are my veggies- I'm not a fan of raw veggies although I do have cucumbers in the house and I like them raw and my fiber. I have metamucil so I am probably going to have add that in in the afternoons. When I go back to school it will be when my kids leave for the day. Now, tomorrow I am going to Texas Roadhouse for dinner and I am planning on grilled chicken, house salad no croutons, and fresh veggies with water to drink! have a fabulous evening and superb saturday.

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Check out this article!

I am including this link because I thought this was an intersting article. To do this I will have to go the gym because I don't have the facilities at home to do so- I have been paying to go so I should be going!

http://health.msn.com/fitness/womens-fitness/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100172177

Howdy!

Happy Thursday to all of you! Hope your day is going well. I'm a little sad that I'm down to my last day and a half of vacation but I am looking forward to a fresh start. I'll tell you what though- I'm not sure how I'm going to get my water down when school starts back up- I feel like I could float away. I'll do it though. Yesterday it took me all day to get it all and then today I have half of my water already done and it's not quite 1:00. I have a hard time when I go to restaurants drinking the water there so today when I was out shopping I found some new little packets of lemon and raspberry flavoring. I have had the Crystal Light before (and yes, they are legal) and I have a bunch in the house that I should use but this one was by Splenda. So, I'm going out to eat on Saturday evening and I will take a couple of these with me to give a try. Anyone tried these already? Well, I have to go meet someone so I'll close here and try to come back with some tips from an article I printed out!

Breakfast- 2 sausage patties
Lunch- oven roasted turkey from the deli (app. 5 slices), s-f jello with light whipped topping
dinner 3 eggs (scrambled), 3 pieces of bacon
snacks 1 tbs of peanut butter
beverages- as of 12:50- 33.8 ounces by 7 pm-73.8 ounces

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Biggest Loser Couples and Day 2

Did anyone watch the Biggest Loser couples last night. I was really surprised by the amount of weight loss the teams showed. I guess the reason was that they focused more on the teams since it was an introduction night and less on the exercise and eating. I haven't yet picked a "favorite"- how about you? Have a fave couple you are rooting for? One thing I was impressed with was the Brita partnership and the wanting to help the earth. I signed up for the coupon because that's one thing that I need to do- I go through so many bottles of water when I just need to break down and buy the filter. I have tried the pitcher before but I always forget it's there so I need to go ahead and get the faucet mount and set it up. The new water thing to my right came from there.

Now, for today- I got up (although not as early as I wanted) and did the elliptical for 27 minutes and then cooled down for 3. Not a bad start and I was sweating!

Food Log:
Breakfast- bacon and eggs
Lunch-1 tbs. peanut butter, app. 3 slices of oven roasted turkey breast (from the deli)
Dinner -2 turkey burgers with cheese (no bun), green beans (leftovers from yesterday)
Snacks
Beverages- 10 oz. water as of 10, up to 30 oz. by 3; up to 50 oz by 7; up to 70 oz. by 10

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

New Year, New Outlook, New Tickers!

We'll start by saying Happy New Year to all of you! I don't even know if anyone reads this or if I'm talking to myself (which is okay I guess in this forum). If you do read this just briefly comment on this post- it will give me an idea of who is on the journey with me. I'm starting off this new year with a new outlook- I started the trek to this new outlook several weeks ago and I have started. I'm going to go back to posting what my daily menu has looked like, recipes I have tried and liked, pictures of recipes, answering questions (if anyone has them), posting articles and links to articles as I read them, etc. The one thing I won't be posting is a "before" picture of me. I have one in my face on a friend's Facebook account and I'm ready to get beyond that. I will post an after pic when I reach my goal. New tickers. I adjusted my weight ticker to reflect where I am starting because I gained and gained more than I lost previously. So, in an effort at honesty I am starting there. I even bought a new scale (The Biggest Loser scale with a free sample dvd) that does tenths of pounds (which I need). My scale at the top- I am looking at 500 minutes of exercise. When I reach that I'll start all over again. For every 500 minutes of exercise I am going to "reward" myself. Probably with a new movie, new something- anything BUT food. I figure if I can get 100 minutes of exercise a week

Food Log for 1/1/08
Breakfast- 2 large eggs- scrambled with an ounce of cheese
Lunch- Chick-Fil-A grilled chicken filet (without bun), side salad w/1 tbs of ranch dressing
snack- 1 ounce of almonds (app. 20)
Dinner- 2 turkey burgers with 2% cheese (no bun), green beans with I can't Believe it's not butter spray
Beverages- Water- as of 6:30- I have had about 75 ounces (I have about 5 ounces left in the bottle I am drinking) and one 12 ounce bottle of Diet Mtn. Dew