Wowsers! It's been almost a month since I last checked in on the blog. Life has been busy. Isn't it always? After a rousing week of everyone but me getting the stomach flu, and then a fun-filled (and food-filled) 4th of July weekend, I have to admit that I kind of ate like crap for like a week. I was almost wishing I would have gotten the stomach flu along with the rest of the fam. Then it would have curbed my appetite. Instead, after 4 straight nights of way too much laundry and way not enough sleep, I caved in and ate without counting calories AT ALL. Then we had family come into town for Independence Day, and I didn't really count calories then either. I've had bad days here and there, but I realized this last go-around how easy it would be for me to just slip right back into my habits of overeating and using food as an emotional crutch. It was really eye-opening for me.
This fitness/weight loss thing is pretty hard some times. I've been counting calories and exercising for almost 3 months now. It's been going well and I'm really appreciating the results I see, but sometimes I just want to eat ice cream with reckless abandon and not care about being a fatty-fat-fat. But the days when I have eaten extra crappy, I'm reminded that my body doesn't like it. I feel gross and bloated and sluggish. So I'm glad my body is here to remind me to stick with it because health and feeling good is even more important than looking good and fitting into a smaller size.
Speaking of smaller sizes, I'm getting there. All my pants that were "way too tight" 3 months ago are getting into the "a bit too loose" category. Luckily I have an awesome friend who is also one of my weight-loss inspirations. She's farther along down her fitness journey and looking amazing. She gave me a huge box of clothes that are too big for her, now, but just right for me in the interim. Total booyah for scoring free clothes in the next size down! So a huge shout out of "THANK YOU" to Amber. You rock, girl! And thanks for being my thinspiration.
Here are today's check-in stats. Like I said, it's been almost a month since I blogged, so these aren't one week changes or anything.
Weight Loss
Starting Weight: 225 lb
Last Check-in (6-17-2014): 199.3 lb
Today: 189.6 lb
3.5 Week Change: 9.7 lb
Total Weight Lost: 35.4 lb
Total Inches Lost:
Neck: 0.5"
Chest: 1.75"
Bust: 2.0"
Waist: 3.5"
Hips: 5.0"
Upper Arm: 1.0"
Thigh: 1.0"
Add it all up, and that's 14.75 inches lost overall!
My anniversary is 5 weeks from today. I'd love to have a total weight loss of 40 lbs by then, which is only 4.6 more pounds to go. That is so doable! If I am extra diligent, I think I could even get down to 180 lbs by then, which would be 45 lbs lost. We'll just see how well I do with eating and exercising. I'm not going to beat myself up over it if I'm not quite to 180 yet.
I'm getting to the point now where I need to start some toning exercises. I'm looking to focus on my core (abs and back) as well as my arms and thighs. So my question to you all is: What are your favorite toning exercises to do? Do you use freeweights? Have a favorite video? What works for you? Let me know in the comments. I can't afford a gym membership, but I can rock it with the at-home work-outs. Thanks for all your tips! Happy fitness.
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
The 2 Month Mark
It's been a couple of weeks since I checked in. Life's been busy, what can I say? With 4 kids home all day, every day it makes for lots of busy mom time. Our summer has been off to a fun start, full of time at the park, splash pad, museum, city parade and carnival. Unfortunately, I haven't been so awesome at exercising like I should. I have walked to the carnival and splash pad, and we've done a few laps around the park, but I'm out of my every-day groove of walking, and I need to start up again.So that's my new mini-goal is to recommit to walking and exercising at least 5 times a week.
Remember that 30 day abs challenge I started two weeks ago? Here's how day 1 went: I figured the best way to be a good mom is to model fitness to your children and have them participate. I asked my kids if they wanted to exercise with me, and they all responded with a resounding yes! I got down and demonstrated the difference exercises, then we started in on our reps. Immediately, my baby started crying and crawling all over me. My two year old decided to inform me that he was poopy, and my older two children began punching each other in the guts. By the time I'd cleaned them all up and calmed them all down, I tried to finish my reps and realized that doing ab work with 4 little kids is pretty much impossible. I probably should have kept at it later at night after the kiddos were in bed, but.... yeah... not so much. Maybe I'll try it again some time. If you decided to do the 30 day ab challenge, how is it going? Are you still keeping at it?
Yesterday was my 2 month mark of trying to be a healthier me. I didn't get the time to do measurements today, other than weight, so here's the current progress with that:
Starting Weight: 225 lb
2 Weeks Ago: 199.3 lb
Today: 195.3 lb
2 Week Difference: 4 lbs
Total Lost: 29.7 lb
Almost 30 pounds in 2 months! I'm really excited about that. People who don't know about my fitness plan have started commenting on my weight loss, so I know it's starting to show. I still have a ways to go, but I know that I can get there. This past week my husband committed to counting calories too. He's doing it like a champ and has already noticed an increase in energy levels. It's easier for me to have him as a partner in all of this. He's been so encouraging this whole time, but it really helps me stay on the wagon when I know he is doing it too.
On that note, remember about a month ago, when I mentioned we had pictures take and promised to post some? Well, here is me making good on that promise. Even though I don't love how heavy I am in these photos, I really love how our awesome photographer, Tif Hafen, really captured the essence of our family. I just have to put out a plug for her business Tif Photography. If you are in Utah and need an amazing photographer for a great price, give her a call. You won't regret it.
I'm lighter now than I was a month ago, so I'll have to do better at taking more photos of myself to document progress. It's so intimidating for me to actually be in pictures. I'm way more comfortable just taking photos of my cute kids, and lying to myself about my weight by never putting myself in the photographs. But since I'm trying to be more open and honest, I guess I should deal with my discomfort of photos too. I really hate bathroom mirror selfies though, and I feel dumb asking my husband to take my picture "just 'cuz," so maybe I need to figure out the automatic timer setting on our old camera. Anyway, I'll try to get over myself and figure it out. Not that y'all are dying to see my bulges in spandex or anything. Thanks for putting up with me and all my craziness in my "natural glory" haha!. And thanks again for being so supportive. I really do appreciate the encouragement and compliments from each and every one of you. You guys rock!
Remember that 30 day abs challenge I started two weeks ago? Here's how day 1 went: I figured the best way to be a good mom is to model fitness to your children and have them participate. I asked my kids if they wanted to exercise with me, and they all responded with a resounding yes! I got down and demonstrated the difference exercises, then we started in on our reps. Immediately, my baby started crying and crawling all over me. My two year old decided to inform me that he was poopy, and my older two children began punching each other in the guts. By the time I'd cleaned them all up and calmed them all down, I tried to finish my reps and realized that doing ab work with 4 little kids is pretty much impossible. I probably should have kept at it later at night after the kiddos were in bed, but.... yeah... not so much. Maybe I'll try it again some time. If you decided to do the 30 day ab challenge, how is it going? Are you still keeping at it?
Yesterday was my 2 month mark of trying to be a healthier me. I didn't get the time to do measurements today, other than weight, so here's the current progress with that:
Starting Weight: 225 lb
2 Weeks Ago: 199.3 lb
Today: 195.3 lb
2 Week Difference: 4 lbs
Total Lost: 29.7 lb
Almost 30 pounds in 2 months! I'm really excited about that. People who don't know about my fitness plan have started commenting on my weight loss, so I know it's starting to show. I still have a ways to go, but I know that I can get there. This past week my husband committed to counting calories too. He's doing it like a champ and has already noticed an increase in energy levels. It's easier for me to have him as a partner in all of this. He's been so encouraging this whole time, but it really helps me stay on the wagon when I know he is doing it too.
On that note, remember about a month ago, when I mentioned we had pictures take and promised to post some? Well, here is me making good on that promise. Even though I don't love how heavy I am in these photos, I really love how our awesome photographer, Tif Hafen, really captured the essence of our family. I just have to put out a plug for her business Tif Photography. If you are in Utah and need an amazing photographer for a great price, give her a call. You won't regret it.
Me and my wonderful husband:
And a whole-body shot with the fam:
I'm lighter now than I was a month ago, so I'll have to do better at taking more photos of myself to document progress. It's so intimidating for me to actually be in pictures. I'm way more comfortable just taking photos of my cute kids, and lying to myself about my weight by never putting myself in the photographs. But since I'm trying to be more open and honest, I guess I should deal with my discomfort of photos too. I really hate bathroom mirror selfies though, and I feel dumb asking my husband to take my picture "just 'cuz," so maybe I need to figure out the automatic timer setting on our old camera. Anyway, I'll try to get over myself and figure it out. Not that y'all are dying to see my bulges in spandex or anything. Thanks for putting up with me and all my craziness in my "natural glory" haha!. And thanks again for being so supportive. I really do appreciate the encouragement and compliments from each and every one of you. You guys rock!
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Out of the 200 Club!
It's been a week since my last update, so it's time for a check-in. You guys, I'm so excited! Today, for the first time in over 4 years, my scale has showed me a number under 200 lbs! Booyah! I reached my first mini-goal in just 7 weeks. I'm really happy with the progress that I'm making, and excited to be a smaller, fitter person. I still have roughly 10 weeks before my anniversary, which was my original deadline to lose 25 lbs and be under 200 lbs. Now, I'm hoping to have lost another 15 - 20 lbs by then, which would move me from a BMI classified as "obese" to a BMI of just "overweight." Why yes, I do strive to be overweight. Because overweight is healthier than obese. So, for right now, that's what I'm working towards.
Here is my spreadsheet for my weekly update:
Like I mentioned, I'm happy with the way I'm heading. I'm losing pounds and inches, and my muscles are feeling stronger. As far as my mini-goal about water goes, thanks to everyone for the tips and suggestions. I was doing great for a couple of days, then I kind of got lazy and thirsty again. So I'm sticking with my goal to drink at least 8 cups of water each day, and probably it needs to be bit more since it's getting so warm around here. I'm going to try to keep a special "only for mom" water bottle stocked up with ice and water throughout the day. I tend to drink more if my water is nice and chilled. My kids like to steal my water bottle though and guzzle it up or just kind of dump water everywhere, so I need to keep better tabs of it.
I also saw this 30 day ab fitness challenge that I'm planning on doing. The rest of the world apparently started on June 1st, but I didn't because it was Sunday and I don't really exercise on Sunday. And since I don't exercise on Sunday I forgot to start at all. So yeah, June 3rd is a good day to start, right? Right! Here are the specs of that challenge if any of you care to know:
Looks like fun, right? And it starts off pretty easy and works you up to more of a workout, which is good for my poor flabby abs. I know some of my friends have already committed to doing this, so you folks will have to let me know how it's going.
So that's the latest from me. I'll check in again in a week or so. Happy fitness, all!
PS- I realize that for all intents and purposes, 199.3 lbs is still pretty much 200 lbs. Don't rain on my parade, yo!
PPS- Lest, you think I'm perfect Polly at this fitness thing, I don't even want to mention the daylight donuts I consumed yesterday, or how my lunch consisted of Costco food-court items. Let's just say that my workout yesterday was extra long in order to make up for some excess calories that were not so great for my body, but tasted delicious. If only junk food actually tasted like garbage...
Here is my spreadsheet for my weekly update:
Like I mentioned, I'm happy with the way I'm heading. I'm losing pounds and inches, and my muscles are feeling stronger. As far as my mini-goal about water goes, thanks to everyone for the tips and suggestions. I was doing great for a couple of days, then I kind of got lazy and thirsty again. So I'm sticking with my goal to drink at least 8 cups of water each day, and probably it needs to be bit more since it's getting so warm around here. I'm going to try to keep a special "only for mom" water bottle stocked up with ice and water throughout the day. I tend to drink more if my water is nice and chilled. My kids like to steal my water bottle though and guzzle it up or just kind of dump water everywhere, so I need to keep better tabs of it.
I also saw this 30 day ab fitness challenge that I'm planning on doing. The rest of the world apparently started on June 1st, but I didn't because it was Sunday and I don't really exercise on Sunday. And since I don't exercise on Sunday I forgot to start at all. So yeah, June 3rd is a good day to start, right? Right! Here are the specs of that challenge if any of you care to know:
So that's the latest from me. I'll check in again in a week or so. Happy fitness, all!
PS- I realize that for all intents and purposes, 199.3 lbs is still pretty much 200 lbs. Don't rain on my parade, yo!
PPS- Lest, you think I'm perfect Polly at this fitness thing, I don't even want to mention the daylight donuts I consumed yesterday, or how my lunch consisted of Costco food-court items. Let's just say that my workout yesterday was extra long in order to make up for some excess calories that were not so great for my body, but tasted delicious. If only junk food actually tasted like garbage...
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
10 day Check-In and a Birthday Party Derailment
I didn't get the time to check in on Saturday because it was my oldest child's birthday. We partied hardy all day long. Also, I totally ate like crap. Whoops! It's hard to take your child out for Chinese food (the birthday lunch of choice) and be the sole person in charge of baking and decorating an entire cake without consuming too many low-nutrient calories. Also, with it being Memorial Day weekend, we were busy with barbeques and lots of family activities. Add it all up, and I didn't do so great at staying below my calorie limit for a few days there. Let's just say that today is a new day, okay?
Here's the offending birthday cake:
So here is my weekly check-in, 3 days late.
Yeah, I'm a crazy person and made a spread sheet. Unlike some aspects of my life, I like my data nice and organized. Because last week was the first time I took my measurements, that part of the data seems really redundant today, but it'll all look cooler next week, I hope. I'm pretty happy with the overall results I've made in the last 10 days, despite the setbacks I've had. I actually got down to 203 lbs back on Thursday, but eating junk caused me to retain some water weight over the weekend, so I'm just glad to be back down to where I was 5 days ago.
I'm only 3.1 pounds away from reaching my first mini-goal of weighing less than 200 lbs, and I hope to reach that goal within the next 2 weeks. Overall, I'm really happy with the progress I'm making. I am able to fit into some pants and shorts that I haven't worn in a couple of years. I do have to note one big reason I didn't fit into them last summer is because I was 9 months pregnant. But still, it's good to fit into some of my old summer wardrobe.
This is the last week of school for my children, so I need to make sure I work in ways to keep walking and exercising once I don't have the urgent need of getting kids to school. I'm hoping to start walking with friends in the mornings/evenings with some friends and let my kids tag along too. So if you want to walk with me, let me know! Or if you already expressed an interest, I'll be contacting you. I've been doing about 2 - 3 miles per day, and I'd like to make it a steady 3 miles or more throughout the summer.
I've been upping my protein snacks in the afternoons, and I can tell it's really helped me curb the crazy hunger before dinner time. So thanks to everyone who suggested yummy high-protein snacks to me. I think as a new weekly mini-goal I'm going to focus on drinking at least 8 glasses of water every single day. The weather is starting to get warm here in Utah, and I really don't want to dehydrate myself with all the walking I do. Also, I've noticed that sometimes after a work-out I'll think I'm hungry, but really all I need is a big glass of cold water. So water is my mantra this week. I've even bought some zero calorie water enhancer to add to my water occasionally for those times when my kids are drinking juice and I'm feeling deprived. I realize that all the artificial stuff in water enhancer isn't great for me, but I honestly don't use it too often and it does offer a nice break from regular old flavorless water. I know that I can enhance my water more in more healthy ways by adding slices of fruit or a sprig of mint. Maybe I'll try to do that this week some time too. Do you have any other tips to help me increase my water consumption? If so, let me know. Thanks to everyone for your kind and encouraging words. It really does help me, more than you'll know!
Here's the offending birthday cake:
So here is my weekly check-in, 3 days late.
Yeah, I'm a crazy person and made a spread sheet. Unlike some aspects of my life, I like my data nice and organized. Because last week was the first time I took my measurements, that part of the data seems really redundant today, but it'll all look cooler next week, I hope. I'm pretty happy with the overall results I've made in the last 10 days, despite the setbacks I've had. I actually got down to 203 lbs back on Thursday, but eating junk caused me to retain some water weight over the weekend, so I'm just glad to be back down to where I was 5 days ago.
I'm only 3.1 pounds away from reaching my first mini-goal of weighing less than 200 lbs, and I hope to reach that goal within the next 2 weeks. Overall, I'm really happy with the progress I'm making. I am able to fit into some pants and shorts that I haven't worn in a couple of years. I do have to note one big reason I didn't fit into them last summer is because I was 9 months pregnant. But still, it's good to fit into some of my old summer wardrobe.
This is the last week of school for my children, so I need to make sure I work in ways to keep walking and exercising once I don't have the urgent need of getting kids to school. I'm hoping to start walking with friends in the mornings/evenings with some friends and let my kids tag along too. So if you want to walk with me, let me know! Or if you already expressed an interest, I'll be contacting you. I've been doing about 2 - 3 miles per day, and I'd like to make it a steady 3 miles or more throughout the summer.
I've been upping my protein snacks in the afternoons, and I can tell it's really helped me curb the crazy hunger before dinner time. So thanks to everyone who suggested yummy high-protein snacks to me. I think as a new weekly mini-goal I'm going to focus on drinking at least 8 glasses of water every single day. The weather is starting to get warm here in Utah, and I really don't want to dehydrate myself with all the walking I do. Also, I've noticed that sometimes after a work-out I'll think I'm hungry, but really all I need is a big glass of cold water. So water is my mantra this week. I've even bought some zero calorie water enhancer to add to my water occasionally for those times when my kids are drinking juice and I'm feeling deprived. I realize that all the artificial stuff in water enhancer isn't great for me, but I honestly don't use it too often and it does offer a nice break from regular old flavorless water. I know that I can enhance my water more in more healthy ways by adding slices of fruit or a sprig of mint. Maybe I'll try to do that this week some time too. Do you have any other tips to help me increase my water consumption? If so, let me know. Thanks to everyone for your kind and encouraging words. It really does help me, more than you'll know!
Saturday, May 17, 2014
1 Month Mark, Saturday Check-In and Fatigue
It's weekly check-in time! I decided to start measuring some body parts today so that I can track any progress/inches lost. This is the part where all the healthier folks can look at my stats and think "Eww! Gross! How did she ever let herself get this way?!" I know, right?! I must be crazy to constantly be putting my weight and measurements on the interwebs for all the world to critique. Oh well... it's all about accountability, folks. So here it goes:
Weight
Starting weight: 225 lbs
Last Saturday's weight: 208.6 lbs
Today's weight: 206.6 lbs
This week's weight loss: 2.0 lbs
Total weight loss: 18.4 lbs
Pounds to mini goal: 6.7 lbs
Measurements:
Upper Chest: 41.5 inches
Bust: 49 inches
Waist: 41.5 inches
Hips: 48 inches
Upper Arm: 13 inches
Thigh: 23.75 inches
Neck: 14.25 inches
Whew! Now that that's over with, let's get real here folks. I've been at this fitness business for 32 days now, so just over 1 month. I've lost 2 lbs in the last week. My weight kind of moves up and down a bit from day to day, but the overall trend is still downward, which is good. I'm quite happy with a 2 lbs weight loss in one week. Slow and steady wins the race!
In a lot of ways, things are getting easier for me, but can I just say that it's been a bit of a rough week for me in the energy department. Mr. Baby has been having several rough nights in a row (not really sure why) and that coupled with the fact that I've had family come into town to stay with us means I pulled too many late nights cleaning, prepping, chatting and catching up with folks I haven't seen in a year and a half, and feeding baby. I've only been averaging 4-5 hours of sleep each night, and none of it is uninterrupted, so it's left me feeling really draggy this week.
The weather has cleared up around here, after raining all last week, so I've hit the pavement hard and been walking 2-4 miles each day-- usually taking kids to or from school. The first few days this week before the fatigue set in, I was booking it! I was power-walking 4.5 mph both ways, pushing 100 lbs of kids in the stroller! No, I don't have a 100 lb child. The combined weight of my 3 youngest is close to 100 lbs. Anyway, I was going strong. Then, as the week went on and my sleep deficit got greater and greater, I noticed that I was slogging along. Especially in the afternoons when I would pick my oldest up from school, I was really dragging. It felt like I was walking through sand just to get to school and back. Also, I've been ravenous the last few days. I've done pretty well and still stayed under my daily calorie goals, but some afternoons a huge bowl of anything sounds so good.
I've decided to set another mini-goal for myself this week and try to eat more protein as my afternoon snack in hopes that it will give me the fuel I need to get through the rest of my day without feeling the need to nap. Because napping isn't an option for this busy mom of 4. Are you kidding? My house would be destroyed and my children would be all Lord of the Flies on their own. It would not be pretty.
I suppose I could try to set a goal to get more sleep at night, when the rest of the world sleeps. But although I can control what time I go to bed, I have no control of how many times my children (or cat) need assistance in the night, or what time my early early rising baby will get up. Usually it's some time just before 5:00 am, and then he's up until almost 7, at which point it's time to get the other little people up for the day too. So yeah, maybe I'll shoot to be in bed by 11:00 pm each night, but I guarantee nothing in the total hours of decent sleep department. Realism has become a good friend of mine. It's not always a kind friend, but it is a consistent one.
So yeah, for now I'll focus on some higher protein foods to help fuel me through the afternoon. Do any of you have some great suggestions on protein-powered snack choices? Let me know! And I'll try to post on Monday or Tuesday with some options I've found too. Because sharing is caring, folks. Sharing is caring.
P.S. - We are getting some family photos taken this afternoon, and I'll try to upload some later on. I haven't noticed a huge difference in my appearance yet, but my husband says he's starting to see some changes. We'll see!
Weight
Starting weight: 225 lbs
Last Saturday's weight: 208.6 lbs
Today's weight: 206.6 lbs
This week's weight loss: 2.0 lbs
Total weight loss: 18.4 lbs
Pounds to mini goal: 6.7 lbs
Measurements:
Upper Chest: 41.5 inches
Bust: 49 inches
Waist: 41.5 inches
Hips: 48 inches
Upper Arm: 13 inches
Thigh: 23.75 inches
Neck: 14.25 inches
Whew! Now that that's over with, let's get real here folks. I've been at this fitness business for 32 days now, so just over 1 month. I've lost 2 lbs in the last week. My weight kind of moves up and down a bit from day to day, but the overall trend is still downward, which is good. I'm quite happy with a 2 lbs weight loss in one week. Slow and steady wins the race!
In a lot of ways, things are getting easier for me, but can I just say that it's been a bit of a rough week for me in the energy department. Mr. Baby has been having several rough nights in a row (not really sure why) and that coupled with the fact that I've had family come into town to stay with us means I pulled too many late nights cleaning, prepping, chatting and catching up with folks I haven't seen in a year and a half, and feeding baby. I've only been averaging 4-5 hours of sleep each night, and none of it is uninterrupted, so it's left me feeling really draggy this week.
The weather has cleared up around here, after raining all last week, so I've hit the pavement hard and been walking 2-4 miles each day-- usually taking kids to or from school. The first few days this week before the fatigue set in, I was booking it! I was power-walking 4.5 mph both ways, pushing 100 lbs of kids in the stroller! No, I don't have a 100 lb child. The combined weight of my 3 youngest is close to 100 lbs. Anyway, I was going strong. Then, as the week went on and my sleep deficit got greater and greater, I noticed that I was slogging along. Especially in the afternoons when I would pick my oldest up from school, I was really dragging. It felt like I was walking through sand just to get to school and back. Also, I've been ravenous the last few days. I've done pretty well and still stayed under my daily calorie goals, but some afternoons a huge bowl of anything sounds so good.
I've decided to set another mini-goal for myself this week and try to eat more protein as my afternoon snack in hopes that it will give me the fuel I need to get through the rest of my day without feeling the need to nap. Because napping isn't an option for this busy mom of 4. Are you kidding? My house would be destroyed and my children would be all Lord of the Flies on their own. It would not be pretty.
I suppose I could try to set a goal to get more sleep at night, when the rest of the world sleeps. But although I can control what time I go to bed, I have no control of how many times my children (or cat) need assistance in the night, or what time my early early rising baby will get up. Usually it's some time just before 5:00 am, and then he's up until almost 7, at which point it's time to get the other little people up for the day too. So yeah, maybe I'll shoot to be in bed by 11:00 pm each night, but I guarantee nothing in the total hours of decent sleep department. Realism has become a good friend of mine. It's not always a kind friend, but it is a consistent one.
So yeah, for now I'll focus on some higher protein foods to help fuel me through the afternoon. Do any of you have some great suggestions on protein-powered snack choices? Let me know! And I'll try to post on Monday or Tuesday with some options I've found too. Because sharing is caring, folks. Sharing is caring.
P.S. - We are getting some family photos taken this afternoon, and I'll try to upload some later on. I haven't noticed a huge difference in my appearance yet, but my husband says he's starting to see some changes. We'll see!
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