New Challenges...

and new determination!  Thankfully I'm still trucking along.  Still eating healthy (or at least 90% of the time) Yes there are days that I go overboard, but I've learned that one day every now and then is not going to get me off my journey. 

I'm not going to lie - I'm liking the new me. It's great feeling going into a store and seeing cute clothes and knowing that a size 14 (and even some 12's) are going to fit you!  That has gave me the motivation to up my exercising - still doing my cardio five days a week, but to add more strength training.  No not weights at the gym, but I do hope to get enough courage to join a gym one day.  But for now I work out with my resistance bands, do my squats and use small 8lb hand weights.  Sure it doesn't look like much... but my goal is to get in a routine for 30 days.  After all consistency does pay off.

We have a family vacation July 20th - 27th. and I hope to lose 5lbs by then.  Currently at 197!! Oh I'd love to lose more... but I'm trying to be realistic!

My advice to anyone wanting to change their lifestyle - GET THE MINDSET THAT YOU ARE WORTH THIS CHANGE AND DOING IT FOR YOURSELF - sure we all see skinny ladies and think oh I'd love to look like that.  But the feeling you get when you see your body change right before your eyes is amazing, when you realize all YOUR hard work is paying off. 

Squats - I do them literally through out the day - in the mornings before I get dressed, when I go to the bathroom at work.... very seldomly do I do them all at once

Standing crunches - stand tall w/ resistance band stretched behind your back (or just your arms behind your head) and raise your knee up to the side and bend until knees & elbow meet.  Believe me it really works on the love handles (aka muffin top)

Front rows & Pole rockies - Yes I made those names up, wasn't sure what they were called.  But hey they are toning my arms and getting rid of the back fat so they work! Take resistance band and wrap around pole (I have spiral stairs so works fine, probably could hook around door knob)
       Front rows - wrap band around pole stretch far back and hold your core (stomach in) and row like in olypics row boat ) both arms at same time
       Pole rockies - wrap band around pole BUT turn around (back facing the the pole and band) and now stretch band out in front of you... this helps the back fat!

Crunches w/resistance band - lying on the floor, hook the band around your feet and do crunches, I try to raise up until I'm sitting in a V and hold for 5-10 seconds. Sure hoping this helps flatten the tummy a little

FINISHED FIRST EVER 5K --- and survived!!

SO excited - I ran (or should I say power walked) my first 5k - The Color Run!! It was so much fun and made great memories with my 14yr old niece!  I have to admit I was scared a little, afraid that I wouldn't be able to finish.  You see - running has never been my friend!  But I was estatic when we finished 3.1 miles in 38 minutes.  Not bad for old hefty girl that didn't prepare!! 

2ND WIND.... MOTIVATION HAS RETURNED!

I must admit the last two weeks I have been slacking on the exercising.  Yes I was still riding the elliptical 3 nights a week, but for only 15-20 minutes, one night only 9 minutes.. PITIFUL!  But I've gotten my motivation back FINALLY..... I'm doing my strength training in the mornings, working out with the resistance bands.  Trying to flatten this belly of mine and get rid of the love handles!  I'm back to riding my elliptical for 40-60minutes five nights a week!!

I've still been on track as far as my eating habits go.  As you can tell from the pictures of my meals, it seems like once I get stuck on eating a certain item, I eat it all week (I've been trying to update my MEAL posts weekly).

I must be really motivated or just crazy - I registered last night for my first 5K, the Color Run in Orange Beach!  My niece is going to run/WALK it with me. So hopefully I don't pass out and embarrass her too bad! 

I'm still doing my exercises in the bathrooms (I know I'm crazy, but hey gotta work it in whenever you can).  I was doing squats, but now I've taken my dumbbells and put under the sink to work my arms and standing crunches for the next month. So we'll see how that work.  If I've learned anything in this journey, it's that consistency pays off.  Even though you get discouraged and don't see results immediately, if you keep at it, eventually the results will just make an appearance one day!  Afterall we didn't gain it overnight, so we can't expect to lose it overnight (That is my motto)

SNACKS

Here are some of the snacks I enjoy

                                                          Lindy's italian ice....I eat this just about every night..only 100calories - comes in all kinds of flavors1

Protein bars - I try to keep these in my purse or desk at all times just in case I get the munchies 

My new favorite of all... I will never buy or eat another regular chip...  

These are actually pretty good (even without the peanut butter) 

New York cinnamon and raisin bagel chips 

OH MY... this tastes like crunch n munch... also comes in chocolate and/or apple cinnamon 

I LOVE these smoothies...great for poolside snack..and ALL NATURAL!!

Just add apple juice!

 

My new favorite snack - whole wheat flat thin (1/2 thin) peanut butter and one sliced strawberry

 

Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies - no flour, no oil, no butter -- use bananas and sugar free apple sauce 

 

Grapes dipped in sugar free dry jello mix then frozen

 

Fruit for softball tournament .. Must be prepared at all times

Bananas, watermelon, apples, oranges, cantaloupe, grapes

 

These were so easy to make and delicious - Peanut Butter Bars

All natural Peanut butter (can use Nutella too), natural honey and oats. 

 

Apples & Sugar Free Caramel

 

Whole Wheat toast w/peanut butter and grapes

 

 

 

Getting ansty.... (is that really a word..owell)

Well I'm getting a little ansty about how much I weigh.  I'm hoping to be 200LBs OR LESS at my next weigh in.  But I still have a few weeks left before then.  Taking all I can do not to get on the scales before then!  Worried cause I was sick and done no cardio for a week.

On a good note, I've accomplished two nights on the elliptical for 60 minutes!!  YAY!! And I've logged my food into myfitness pal for 100 Days!  Even on my bad days, I make a point to log everything.  I just feel better about my changes and it keeps me accountable for what I'm eating and how much I'm eating.

Really having a bad week as far as motivation.  Seems like I'm just in a Blah mood and really wanting to eat, eat and eat!  I be glad when that phase is over!  I just keep telling myself this is a daily lifestyle and small steps are best. 

Here are pics of my time on elliptical (yes I run the stopwatch on my phone)

MOVING ALONG....

Getting back on track this week after missing a full week of cardio... Man I can tell it too.  Seems like my belly is poking way out.  Although I know I was still eating healthy.  

Last night I done the elliptical for 60 minutes!! YAY ME!! That's my mini goal for this week.. to ride the elliptical for an hour 4 nights this week!  I can tell it this morning, My thighs are sore.   I've also been doing the squat challenge this week.  I'm starting with less squats daily though.  30 yesterday, 40 today!! Maybe my butt will show the great results after the thirty days!

Still holding off on purchasing summer clothes - goal is to be below 200 before I buy shorts and swimsuit!!! 4lbs to go -

FIND what works for you....

I've had several to say "tell me what you're doing, give me some tips".     I can tell you my daily routine everyday for a year, but that doesn't necessarily mean its going to work for you.  Take my journey, tweak it to your liking and find what works for you.  Because in order for this to work, you have to want to do if for YOURSELF...not others. 

I like to eat 5-6 times a day, whether or not its accurate, I feel that my metabolism is higher if I feed my body every few hours.  And I don't feel like I'm starving.  No I'm not saying eat 5-6 hearty meals.  Eat healthy meals, and healthy snacks.  As you progress and get your portions under control, you will become more conscious of the types of foods you are eating.  This has to be a lifestyle change, NOT A DIET!  You must change your old, bad habits in order for it to work. 

Same for exercising -- you must move your body along with eating healthy.  They go hand in hand.  Sure you don't have to become a member of the gym. I do all my workouts at home.  There are days I absolutely do not want to work out. But I've found out if I push myself, once I start then I get in the "mood".  But then again, there are days that I skip, and vow to do twice as much the next day!   Before you say "I don't have time"...YOU HAVE TO MAKE TIME!!! If you can find time to sit in front of the television for hours at a time, you can work out...If you're running your children to and from sports practice. You don't have to sit there and watch them the whole time -  walk around the block!  Instead of taking care of everyone else in your family, don't you think it's time to take care of yourself!! Even if its 10-15 minutes, thats better than nothing!

(By the way - I'm going crazy not doing any cardio per dr's orders!! I can feel my waist expanding just thinking about a week off without exercising)...

March 26th Weigh in -- YAY 26LBS GONE

	8/12	10/12		1/13		1/25		1-Feb		21-Feb		26-Mar			YTD loss
neck				14		14		14		14		14
waist	43	38.5	(-4.5)	36.5	(-2)	36.5		36	(-.5)	34	(-2)	33.5	(-.5)		(-9.5)
hips	48	47	(-1)	44	(-3)	43	(-1)	41	(-2)	39	(-1)	38	(-1)		(-9)
bust	43	41	(-2)	41				41		41		38	(-3)		(-5)
right thigh	26	25	(-1)	25		23.5	(-1.5)	23	(-.5)	22	(-1)	22			(-4)
left thigh	26	25	(-1)	25		23.5	(-1.5)	23	(-.5)	22	(-1)	22			(-4)
right calf		16		15	(-1)	14.5	(-.5)	14	(-.5)	13	(-1)	13			(-3)
left calf		16		15	(-1)	14.5	(-.5)	14	(-.5)	13	(-1)	13			(-3)
right arm	16	13.5	(-2.5)	13	(-.5)	13		13		13		12.5	(-.5)		(-3.5)
left arm	16	13.5	(-2.5)	13	(-.5)	13		13		13		12.5	(-.5)		(-3.5)
WEIGHT	230	224		220				217		210		204
											Total Loss from body				44.5
												Total lbs lost			26

Minor Set back ...

Minor Set Back, BUT still on track.  Had strep throat two weeks ago, and then walking pneumonia last week.  NO EXERCISING for a week to two weeks per doctor.  NOT GOOD!  

On bright side I did my monthly measurements and weigh in before the strep --  lost another few pounds! Current weight 204LBS (starting weigh 230lbs)  YAY 26lbs gone!!

Being I can't do any cardio exercises, I've been trying to incorporate strength training when possible.  Doing the 30 day squat challenge  - 55 squats today, better than nothing. Working my arms with the 8lb dumb bells.  I honestly believe those really work - I've went from 2XL shirt to L shirts!

It's a great feeling going into your closet and choosing clothes and noticing that they are NOT snug on you.  Some just fit while others are too big.  Yes I put on a nice pair of old dress capris for work this morning, they literally fell down on my hips! GREAT FEELING!   I refuse to buy any new summer clothes just yet, because I'm determined to be under the 200 lb mark my June!

As far as my food, I'm still logging everything into my fitness pal! That helps me stay accountable.  I'm still measuring all foods and more conscious of the types of foods I'm eating.  My goal this month is too cut back on the number whole eggs - need to eat more egg whites only!  And up my vegetables per day. 

ONE DAY AT A TIME - POUND BY POUND!!

Consistency .... seems to be the key to MY lifestyle change

I've found that consistency is the key to MY weight loss.  As long as I'm doing my part each day, then the inches are dissappearing.  Sure I'd love to take a pill to make me skinny over night, but I've realized that No I didn't get this way over night, that it was through bad habits.  So now I have to make the decision that if I want to change the way I look at myself (cause that is the reason I'm doing this - FOR ME) then I have to change my habits. Sure it's hard, and takes alot of effort on my part especially in the beginning.  But hear me when I say it's well worth it.  Now alot of it comes second nature to me.

WARNING - in the beginning when you finally decide to let everyone else know that you're changing your lifestyle, you will hear some snide remarks, and even some ugly ones.  But hey, don't let that discourage you, use it as motivation to show them.  YOU CAN AND WILL SUCCEED!  I've been very fortunate because my husband supports me in anything I do.  Even my son has complimented me and told me that he's proud of me.  If you know my son, that means alot to me.

Even on nights that I don't feel like getting on the elliptical, I tell myself just do five minutes.  Most nights once I do five, then I want to do ten, then fifteen.  It's the getting up part thats the hardest for me on those nights.  But I feel so much better once I'm finished.  Like I've ran a marathon in the olympics.

Set realistic small goals for yourself. Don't try to do this all over night - you only set yourself up for failure. 

SUPPERS

Supper is usually the hardest for me... But I'm fortunate that my husband will eat just about anything I cook.  But he still has to have his rice and potatoes... so HE has to cook those himself.  With all my meals YES I measure everything. If packaging says 3/4 cup, thats what I measure and log into MyfitnessPal.com


                   Smoked pork loin, english pea salad, canned red beans rice(this is when I got sick - hadn't had rice in 2months, but just THOUGHT I needed it), limas, biscuit. 

Shrimp, sausage, and peppers stir fry with sweet potato fries

Tacos with black beans & cheese, peppers, grapes and pita chips ($1.00 box at Dollar General and several flavors) 

Greens, deviled eggs, shrimp & Sausage stir fry 

Salad with pork cubes 

Baked chicken, brocolli and stuffed eggs 

Hamburger patties with cheese, lettuce as bread and pickle spear 

Naked wings in wing sauce, green beans  

Beef stir fry on bed lettuce with cheese 

Blackened tipalia, deviled eggs, brocolli

Beef burrito with peppers & onions & cheese, Special K chips 

Stuffed chicken breast with asparagus & cheese, brocolli & cauliflower and sweet potato fries

small baked sweet potato w/cinnamon and butter, baked pork chop with panko bread crumbs, BAKED fried pickles

stir fry cabbage in olive oil, baked sweet potato fries, baked naked chicken wings in wing sauce 

reuben wrap(whole wheat tortilla, sliced corn beef, cabbage, tablespoon thousand island dressing, swiss  cheese) Special K chips, two tablespoons french onion dip 

Grilled shrimp & Sausage kabobs w/peppers and onions, deviled eggs (lite mayo & paprika) steamed brocolli and pickle 

As you can tell I get hooked easily on certain items; I LOVE STEAMED brocolli and now sweet potato fries.  My main thing is to watch my portion sizes and if I'm still hungry I try to fill up on VEGGIES.  Now I have to make myself eat, cause I eat three meals and two - three snacks in a day.  I drink 10-15 bottles water a day. 

Beef shoulder steak, baked sweet potato with butter, orange

Pizza wrap - shredded mozarella, pizza sauce, pepperonis, Quaker popped krisps & french onion dip 

Grilled pork chop, grilled conecuh, baked sweet potato 

green beans, cubed steak (no breading) apple granola cup 

See I do eat normal southern food at times... Just control portions

bisquick biscuit, hoppin john beans & rice, brocolli, boneless pork

Boneless, skinless chicken breast tenderloins, flat bread, lettuce, regular mustard, sweet potato fries 

Penne Pasta with shrimp in Olive Garden Italian Dressing, Salad with walnuts and raspberry light vinagerette dressing

Angel Hair pasta w/leftover chicken breast, basil & pesto, garlic cheese bread 

Country Style Ribs in bbq, canned mixed greens, baked sweet potato with butter

Blackened Tilapia, sweet pea salad with egg & mayo, sweet potatoe fries

Saturday afternoon cookout (Yes I pigged out a little)

Grilled hamburger on flat bread with american cheese, lettuce and mustard, grillin beans, conecuh sausage, thompson sausage and special k chips with french onion dip

(Good think I skipped lunch that day) 

Beef fagitas with red&green peppers w/shredded mozarella cheese, pict sweet corn & black bean with tomatoes 

Pork tenderloin in taco seasoning cooked in crockpot with fresh whole green beans 

chicken wings in wing sauce (no breading) with sweet potato fries 

Bratwursts with peppers and onions, sweet baked potato (I LOVE THEM)

Sweet baked pototo and grilled hamburger patttie with lil country bob's sauce 

Grilled chicken thighs w/bbq sauce, boiled eggs, cucumber & Brocolli salad in italian dressing

beef fagitas with corn & black beans, shredded mozarella 

Stuffed chicken breast with spinach & pepper jack cheese, sweet pea salad (eggs&mayo), baked sweet potato with cinnamon 

Italian pork chops, brocolli, sweet pototo fries 

Baked sweet potato, grilled pork tenderloin w/country bob's sauce 

Ribeye steak w/country bob's sauce, baked sweet potato, grilled corn with butter 

Oven roasted brocolli & cauliflower with tilapia, sweet potato fries

 

Roast beef sandwich on deli thins, lettuce, brown mustard, watermelon

 

 

Baked boneless pork chops, sweet potato, cabbage

 

Pan grilled chicken tenderloins, baked sweet potatoes, brocolli 

 

Oven broiled cubed steak w/country bob's steak sauce, broccoli & cauliflower 

 

Pan seared Tilapia in olive oil, green beans, baked sweet potato fries 

 

Pan seared chicken breast tenderloins, canned collards, baked sweet potato waffle fries

 

Pan seared chicken tenderloins, broccoli, baked sweet potato

 

Baked chicken wings, sweet corn, baked beans (I put 1cup of each on my plate, but ended up only eating about 1/2 cup each)

 

Shrimp scampi with rotini noodles, broccoli & carrots (1 cup), corn on cob

 

Baked sweet potato, baked chicken wings 

 

shrimp & sausage stir fry w/whole green beans, baked sweet potatoe

 

Beef sirloin fagita with quineo, mandarin oranges 

 

Blackened tilapia with brown rice and black bean, corn and red peppers  

 

Shrimp, sausage and green bean stir fry with brocolli 

 

Hamburger with ketchup and cheese, sweet potato waffle fries, watermelon 

 

Penne pasta with shrimp and spinach and basil pesto with Italian dressing 

 

Brocolli, "Dirty Rice" - Quineoa with black beans and hamburger meat 

 

Grilled bratswurst, cabbage with red and green peppers 

 

Hamburger with cheese, pickles & ketchup, waffle sweet potato fries, grapes 

 

Blackened tilapia, cabbage, baked sweet potato 

 

Baked sweet pototo, Baked panko chicken tenderloins 

 

hamburger steak w/country bob steak sauce, sweet potato fries

 

Cubed Pork Steak, apples, cheese quesadillas

 

Flounder, stuffed w/crab dressing topped with parmesan cheese 

 

Stuffed Flounder and sweet potato fries 

 

Whole Wheat pasta, spaghetti sauce, chicken tenderloins w/spaghetti sauce, cheese 

 

Grilled pork chop, sweet potato fries, grapes,  

 

Stuffed chicken breast w/mozzarella & pepperonis & pizza sauce, angel hair pasta w/basil & pesto, broccoli bean salad