This has been a pretty decent year for me. I weighed in this morning at 227.8. So, I have gained weight since last time I posted a chart for you all. This is a yearly review though, so I am going to focus on the fact that I lost 20 lbs from my heaviest weight this year. That's something to be happy about. I am also in an XL shirt at Old Navy (I buy a lot of clothes from there.) I can technically get into a L shirt, but my boobs are too big and it's not really flattering for my stomach anyway. So, I've gone from a tight XXL to an XL that is lose around my stomach. I also entered my first 5k this year. I did not warm up properly and ended up slightly injured, but the point is that I overcame a fear and did it anyway. There is one on Jan. 28,2012 that I plan to enter. I have also dropped from a comfortable size 20 jean to a comfortable size 16. On top of that I have lost 15 inches over 8 different spots on my body since I started working out in June. I have also tried new workouts, new foods, and did things completely out of my comfort zone. let's not forget meeting Sam! He is amazing and through him I learned that I am stronger and can do things that I would have never imagined. I might not have done everything I planned to do, but I definitely think I made a pretty great start.
Recap of this year:
-20 lb loss
-2 jean sizes down
-XXL to XL shirt
-completed 1st 5k
-15 inches lost since June
-got out of my comfort zone
Tomorrow I will take measurements for the new year. I have done this for 2011 and 2010, so I will be able to compare the two. I'll also jot down a few goals too. So, check back tomorrow evening for that.
I worked out this morning for the first time in a week and it felt amazing! I did 30 minutes of Zumba 2 on Wii. My sister bought it for me for Christmas. The graphics are much better than the 1st one and you are able to track your weight and it gives an estimate for calories burned. So far though, I like the songs on the first one better, but I only did 6 or 7 songs out of close to 40...so I might have a different opinion of the songs as I do more of it.
Happy New Year everyone!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Quick Update
Hi everyone! I'm still here. The past two weeks I've had finals, work, holiday parties, etc. The bottom line is I've been busy. Today is the first time I have logged in blogger in awhile. I have been decent with exercise and very good with my nutrition. I have probably averaged 3 days a week of working out and my food choices have actually been really good. I just have not had time to get on here and chat about them.
On another note, I'm very frustrated with blogger right now. I'm not sure if it's something I'm doing or not, but I am STILL not seeing all of the blogs I'm following on my dashboard. I have re-followed (yes, I just made this word up) quite a few of them repeatedly with no success. I also cannot view my followers. On my dashboard it says I have 18, but I can only see 10. I have logged in on multiple computers and all of this occurs on each one and I'm about to throw something. Anyway, I'm hoping to catch up on all of your blogs tonight.
I hope you all are doing well and Merry Christmas!
On another note, I'm very frustrated with blogger right now. I'm not sure if it's something I'm doing or not, but I am STILL not seeing all of the blogs I'm following on my dashboard. I have re-followed (yes, I just made this word up) quite a few of them repeatedly with no success. I also cannot view my followers. On my dashboard it says I have 18, but I can only see 10. I have logged in on multiple computers and all of this occurs on each one and I'm about to throw something. Anyway, I'm hoping to catch up on all of your blogs tonight.
I hope you all are doing well and Merry Christmas!
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Just Get Up and Go
First, I'm sorry that I have not been by a few of your blogs lately. I just realized that for some reason all of the blogs I follow are not showing up on my dashboard. I had just thought a few of you had not written anything recently. I'm going to try and figure out what happened and find your blogs later tonight.
I have not blogged in a week. I have not worked out in a week. I really feel horrible. I have gained weight over the past month. I feel sluggish again. I just feel awful all the way around. You can always tell when I slack off, because I disappear. If I'm not exercising or eating better then I really have nothing to talk about on this blog. Plus, I don't want to have to come on here and say I've done nothing, so I avoid it like the plague.
Well, today I was sitting feeling sorry for myself and I just snapped out of it. It's not much, but I did some burpees before I came to work. I also packed my clothes, so I can go to the gym when I get off. I can't even pinpoint why I quit or drastically slacked off. I was feeling great, confidence was up, clothes were too big, compliments were flowing in, my energy level was sky high, my skin looked fantastic...why would you give all that up? I have no idea.
So, I'm going back to the philosophy of day by day. Each day I am just going to get up and force myself to do something. I know initially I will not feel like it at all. I will just have to make myself do. Eventually, I'll feel the way I felt a month ago. Until then I'll fake it until I make it lol! Tomorrow I'm planning to begin C25K again. I'm hoping I will still be able to begin where I left off, which was week 3, but we'll see.
I'm going to the grocery store in the morning to get healthy foods. I love the grocery store. I have no idea why, but I do. I was looking up foods with fiber and I ran across some info about McDonald's oatmeal.
I have not blogged in a week. I have not worked out in a week. I really feel horrible. I have gained weight over the past month. I feel sluggish again. I just feel awful all the way around. You can always tell when I slack off, because I disappear. If I'm not exercising or eating better then I really have nothing to talk about on this blog. Plus, I don't want to have to come on here and say I've done nothing, so I avoid it like the plague.
Well, today I was sitting feeling sorry for myself and I just snapped out of it. It's not much, but I did some burpees before I came to work. I also packed my clothes, so I can go to the gym when I get off. I can't even pinpoint why I quit or drastically slacked off. I was feeling great, confidence was up, clothes were too big, compliments were flowing in, my energy level was sky high, my skin looked fantastic...why would you give all that up? I have no idea.
So, I'm going back to the philosophy of day by day. Each day I am just going to get up and force myself to do something. I know initially I will not feel like it at all. I will just have to make myself do. Eventually, I'll feel the way I felt a month ago. Until then I'll fake it until I make it lol! Tomorrow I'm planning to begin C25K again. I'm hoping I will still be able to begin where I left off, which was week 3, but we'll see.
I'm going to the grocery store in the morning to get healthy foods. I love the grocery store. I have no idea why, but I do. I was looking up foods with fiber and I ran across some info about McDonald's oatmeal.
I got this info from here
I realize I made the pic too large for the blog template I use, but I wanted to make sure you could read the info. Did this info shock anyone else? I have never had their oatmeal, but everyone I know has told me how good it is. So, I had always planned to try it. I think the sugar surprised me the most. I guess I'll be sticking to my steel-cut oatmeal.
One of my favorite pics from Win, Lose, or Blog...I think Catherine posted this one, but I'm not 100% sure. It is exactly what I need to read and remember right now.
Since it's almost Christmas I'm going to post Christmas songs. The workout songs will be back once Christmas is over. I LOVE this song! I look forward to hearing it every year. Yes, it's filled with cheesy awesomeness and I love it haha!
Monday, December 5, 2011
Vacation and Getting Back on Track
I finally figured out why I was getting ads last week on blogger. I was on vacation for the past week, and it had something to do with the condo's internet. Now that I'm back home, I'm no longer getting ads everywhere.
I went with my family to Gatlinburg, TN. It's one of my favorite places to go. I love walking around and looking at everything! We had a great time. I'll post pics from the aquarium at the very end of this post.
Now that I'm back I need to get back on track. I feel like I've really been slipping the past 2-3 weeks, so now I'm back at it. I'm doing a strength training routine from the Dec 2011 issue of Oxygen 3 times a week and I'm doing Couch to 5K 3 times a week.
I told you all previously that I love Oxygen Magazine. This is my stash...there are close to 90 issues here. I know, I know....I have a problem lol! But if anyone needs a back issue (minus 2011 and the last half of 2010) you now know where you can get one. Just email me.
So this is what I did today:
You're supposed to do a 2 min warm up jumping rope and 30-60sec of jumping rope between each exercise. I did the entire circuit twice and it took me about 40 min. You can also do jumping jacks instead of jumping rope or just pretend like you're jumping rope without the rope.. I was thrilled to have everything I needed to do this at home. Not every video is perfect, but I think you can get the general idea from them.
1. Squat (I used dumbbells)
2. Low Incline Dumbbell Press
3. Seated Lateral Raise
4. Seated Alternating Dumbbell Curl
5. Seated Dumbbell Wrist Curl
6. Walking Lunges
7. Flat Bench Reverse Crunch (but on a flat bench)
8. Toes to Ceiling ( similar to previous exercise, but "without bending your legs, lift your hips from the bench, directing your feet straight upward") I could not find a video of this.
9. Upright Dumbbell Row
10. Bench Crunch
11. Stiff-Legged Dumbbell Deadlift
12. Single Arm Concentration Curl
13. Dumbbell Chest Fly
14. Reverse Dumbbell Wrist Curl
15. V-Sit on Bench
16. Sumo Squat
17. Standing Calf Raise
18. Bent-Over Lateral Raise
19. Bent Over Single Arm Dumbbell Row
20. Supine Bent-Arm Dumbbell Pullover
21. Lying Hip Thrust/Bridge
22. Frog Crunch
I did 12 of everything twice. I feel perfectly fine now, but I know I will feel this in the morning. Tomorrow will be a day full of cardio. C25K and maybe something else. I'll let you all know.
Gatlinburg pics:
I went with my family to Gatlinburg, TN. It's one of my favorite places to go. I love walking around and looking at everything! We had a great time. I'll post pics from the aquarium at the very end of this post.
Now that I'm back I need to get back on track. I feel like I've really been slipping the past 2-3 weeks, so now I'm back at it. I'm doing a strength training routine from the Dec 2011 issue of Oxygen 3 times a week and I'm doing Couch to 5K 3 times a week.
So this is what I did today:
You're supposed to do a 2 min warm up jumping rope and 30-60sec of jumping rope between each exercise. I did the entire circuit twice and it took me about 40 min. You can also do jumping jacks instead of jumping rope or just pretend like you're jumping rope without the rope.. I was thrilled to have everything I needed to do this at home. Not every video is perfect, but I think you can get the general idea from them.
1. Squat (I used dumbbells)
2. Low Incline Dumbbell Press
3. Seated Lateral Raise
4. Seated Alternating Dumbbell Curl
5. Seated Dumbbell Wrist Curl
6. Walking Lunges
7. Flat Bench Reverse Crunch (but on a flat bench)
8. Toes to Ceiling ( similar to previous exercise, but "without bending your legs, lift your hips from the bench, directing your feet straight upward") I could not find a video of this.
9. Upright Dumbbell Row
10. Bench Crunch
11. Stiff-Legged Dumbbell Deadlift
12. Single Arm Concentration Curl
13. Dumbbell Chest Fly
14. Reverse Dumbbell Wrist Curl
15. V-Sit on Bench
16. Sumo Squat
17. Standing Calf Raise
18. Bent-Over Lateral Raise
19. Bent Over Single Arm Dumbbell Row
20. Supine Bent-Arm Dumbbell Pullover
21. Lying Hip Thrust/Bridge
22. Frog Crunch
I did 12 of everything twice. I feel perfectly fine now, but I know I will feel this in the morning. Tomorrow will be a day full of cardio. C25K and maybe something else. I'll let you all know.
Gatlinburg pics:
My sister at Bubba Gump's (with me trying to sneak in the background)
Santa's Claus-et
with my mom
just me
I have more pics, but I don't want to overload you all. My father absolutely hates taking pictures, so he is not in ANY of the pics from this trip. We had a FANTASTIC time! I hope you all have a great day!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
New Measurements
First, are you all getting little ads at the bottom of the screen when you log on to Blogger now? I am and it is sooooo annoying. I am really not a fan of this. Ugh!
I have taken new measurements and here they go:
I have taken new measurements and here they go:
I did not expect very much with my measurements this time, because I know I have not been as dedicated.
Positives:
-still lost around my belly
-lost an inch total
-lost 3 lbs
-have lost 15.25 inches overall
-have lost 23 lbs since this summer (began the summer at 247)
I don't see that much of a difference in the month to month photos, but I definitely see a difference when I put the heaviest photo and my most recent photo side by side. Yay me! lol!
This next 5 weeks or so I am going to make a commitment to do better than ever. I have become complacent and I know I can do better, so I am going to do better. I have jogging and a really good strength training routine from Oxygen Magazine. I really have everything I need. I just have to get dedicated again. I'm expecting great results next time!
Goals for next time:
-lose 5 inches total
-lose 5 lbs
-workout at least 4 days every week
-stay on track with my jogging
Thursday, November 24, 2011
I Have to Do Better
First, the Win, Lose, or Blog before and after photos are up.
WLB Before and After Photos
I really don't think I look any different with regard to my size. According to my cousin my pics look like the makeovers they do on the Today Show where they pull someone off the street and give them a makeover lol! I have to admit she is right. I took the first picture after a walk and I took the "after" photo on the way to church...instant makeover lol funny funny!
Wednesday and Thursday were exercise failures. I had every intention of doing another c25k jog on Wednesday, but I was so sore. So, I made plans to do it Thanksgiving morning when I got off. I think we all know THAT did not happen. I don't even know why I was so sore. On Monday I jogged/walked for close to 50 minutes. Tuesday I did the elliptical for 40 minutes and then I got on a bike for 15 minutes. I was so freaking sore on Wednesday. It felt like I had been lifting weights the day before. I guess it happened because my legs were not used to the jogging I did on Monday??? Anyway, I was a bum Wednesday and Thursday.
I am proud of myself for not overeating on Thursday. I tried a small amount of everything and I was full. I did not go back for seconds, and to be honest I did not have much of a desire for anything sweet. I did end of eating a piece of pumpkin bread though. I had to wake up early in order to see my family, so I will be happy to get off in the morning and just crash.
I really need to come up with an exercise schedule for myself and stick to it. It will probably be 3 jog days and 2 weight training days. Oooh oooh oooh...I went to my mailbox the other day and I had the December issue of Oxygen. At first I thought this was a mistake, then I forgot I signed up to get 2 free issues. Let me backtrack a bit. I have been a huge fan of Oxygen Magazine for about 5 years. I literally have years of issues in my "workout room" at my house. I would read them cover to cover (except the ads...not a fan of all the ads they have), and make plans to get started. The getting started never really happened, but I just loved that magazine. I was looking at this stack a little less than a year ago and decided to end my subscription and just recycle workouts from the old magazines. Then about 2 months ago I saw an ad for 2 free issues, so I signed up. Well, I had forgotten all about it. So, I was thrilled to see the Dec issue in my mailbox. It was so funny, because I had just read about another blogger doing an Oxygen strength training plan here. Her blog inspired me to pick a plan from one of the old magazines. I had decided to do one from their Jan 2010 issue. Then I received this new issue. There's a plan in this one that I'm going to try. It has 21 exercises and I have the equipment to do them all at home! You really have no idea how excited I am lol! I did not mean to have such a long paragraph about Oxygen. I'm a fan of muscle. I don't like the extreme body builder look, but I do like some muscle definition. Anyway, I'll let you all know how it goes. I hope to try it out for the first time on Saturday.
Oh yeah, I was supposed to be talking about sticking to a schedule. Gosh, I get off track quickly. I had originally thought about working out through the week and taking the weekend (Saturday and Sunday) off. I have more free time on the weekend though, so I'm not sure. I am also considering taking Friday and Saturday off, because those are the days I am most likely to go out, and if I straighten my hair I hate messing it up by sweating lol! I'm pretty sure I am going to shoot for working out 5 days a week. I could do 6. I've done 6 before and felt pretty good. I just don't know. I'll start with 5 and see what happens.
I'm supposed to be taking 6 week measurements on Saturday and I'm not excited AT ALL. I think I have said this before every 6 week measure post though, so it's really nothing new haha! I'll try to remember to take a new face photo too. Anyway, have a great weekend everyone!
Flo Rida - Good Feeling
WLB Before and After Photos
I really don't think I look any different with regard to my size. According to my cousin my pics look like the makeovers they do on the Today Show where they pull someone off the street and give them a makeover lol! I have to admit she is right. I took the first picture after a walk and I took the "after" photo on the way to church...instant makeover lol funny funny!
Wednesday and Thursday were exercise failures. I had every intention of doing another c25k jog on Wednesday, but I was so sore. So, I made plans to do it Thanksgiving morning when I got off. I think we all know THAT did not happen. I don't even know why I was so sore. On Monday I jogged/walked for close to 50 minutes. Tuesday I did the elliptical for 40 minutes and then I got on a bike for 15 minutes. I was so freaking sore on Wednesday. It felt like I had been lifting weights the day before. I guess it happened because my legs were not used to the jogging I did on Monday??? Anyway, I was a bum Wednesday and Thursday.
I am proud of myself for not overeating on Thursday. I tried a small amount of everything and I was full. I did not go back for seconds, and to be honest I did not have much of a desire for anything sweet. I did end of eating a piece of pumpkin bread though. I had to wake up early in order to see my family, so I will be happy to get off in the morning and just crash.
I really need to come up with an exercise schedule for myself and stick to it. It will probably be 3 jog days and 2 weight training days. Oooh oooh oooh...I went to my mailbox the other day and I had the December issue of Oxygen. At first I thought this was a mistake, then I forgot I signed up to get 2 free issues. Let me backtrack a bit. I have been a huge fan of Oxygen Magazine for about 5 years. I literally have years of issues in my "workout room" at my house. I would read them cover to cover (except the ads...not a fan of all the ads they have), and make plans to get started. The getting started never really happened, but I just loved that magazine. I was looking at this stack a little less than a year ago and decided to end my subscription and just recycle workouts from the old magazines. Then about 2 months ago I saw an ad for 2 free issues, so I signed up. Well, I had forgotten all about it. So, I was thrilled to see the Dec issue in my mailbox. It was so funny, because I had just read about another blogger doing an Oxygen strength training plan here. Her blog inspired me to pick a plan from one of the old magazines. I had decided to do one from their Jan 2010 issue. Then I received this new issue. There's a plan in this one that I'm going to try. It has 21 exercises and I have the equipment to do them all at home! You really have no idea how excited I am lol! I did not mean to have such a long paragraph about Oxygen. I'm a fan of muscle. I don't like the extreme body builder look, but I do like some muscle definition. Anyway, I'll let you all know how it goes. I hope to try it out for the first time on Saturday.
Oh yeah, I was supposed to be talking about sticking to a schedule. Gosh, I get off track quickly. I had originally thought about working out through the week and taking the weekend (Saturday and Sunday) off. I have more free time on the weekend though, so I'm not sure. I am also considering taking Friday and Saturday off, because those are the days I am most likely to go out, and if I straighten my hair I hate messing it up by sweating lol! I'm pretty sure I am going to shoot for working out 5 days a week. I could do 6. I've done 6 before and felt pretty good. I just don't know. I'll start with 5 and see what happens.
I'm supposed to be taking 6 week measurements on Saturday and I'm not excited AT ALL. I think I have said this before every 6 week measure post though, so it's really nothing new haha! I'll try to remember to take a new face photo too. Anyway, have a great weekend everyone!
Flo Rida - Good Feeling
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
WLB Results (Super Quick Post)
The results from Win, Lose or Blog are in and I came in 4th place with a loss of a little over 9 lbs.
Link to Results
I had a great time and it kept me motivated.
Today I went to the gym and got on the elliptical for 40 min (2.5 miles) and a bike for 15 min (5.5 miles). It felt great to work up a sweat. Another 6 week measurement is coming up this weekend.
Link to Results
I had a great time and it kept me motivated.
Today I went to the gym and got on the elliptical for 40 min (2.5 miles) and a bike for 15 min (5.5 miles). It felt great to work up a sweat. Another 6 week measurement is coming up this weekend.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Finally Started Jogging Again
Whew...I FINALLY started training for the half marathon I want to do in April. Maybe I should say I finally started Couch to 5K, because I am a long long way form a half marathon. I'm honestly not even sure I'll be able to jog the whole thing in April, but I'm going to try. If I can't, that's okay. I should be able to at least jog a good bit of it by then if I stay on track. I'm starting with Couch to 5K, after that I am not sure if I want to look at beginners half marathon plans or go to the Bridge to 10K. I'll look into it more when I get to that point.
Today I began with Week 3 Day 1 of Couch to 5K. I made a few modifications.
Original Plan:
5 minute warm-up
jog 90 sec
walk 90 sec
jog 3 min
walk 3 min
(repeat x2)
My Plan:
10 minute warm-up (I know from previous attempts that I need a good 10 minute warm-up if I do not want to be in pain halfway through my workout
3 min jog (I like to start with the longer jog first)
90 sec walk (I knew I did not need the full 3 min walk to recover)
90 sec jog
90 sec walk
Instead of only doing this twice I did it until I reached my car again. I think I did this 3.5 times before I decided to walk in order to cool down, because I could see my car coming up. I ended up doing 2.8 miles in 42:54. This is somewhere near a 15 minute mile. Which isn't the fastest time in the world, but I really don't care lol! I'm just getting back into jogging and I'm super proud of myself for finishing. So, Day 1 is in the books for me and I can officially say that I have started training for a half marathon! Whoo Hoo!
There might be a 5k in December that i will look into. We'll see. I had forgotten how great it feels to accomplish something new. Lately I had been dialing it in and fixing what I eat in order to compensate. Well, I feel awesome right now! My calves are starting to stiffen up a little bit, so I'm going to rub them out. I glad I set this goal. It seems to be what I need right now.
Oh, Win, Lose, or Blog has ended and I will let you all know how I did on Tuesday or Wednesday. It was a great experience.
I'm taking it back a few decades for today's song!
The Gap Band - Early in the Morning
Today I began with Week 3 Day 1 of Couch to 5K. I made a few modifications.
Original Plan:
5 minute warm-up
jog 90 sec
walk 90 sec
jog 3 min
walk 3 min
(repeat x2)
My Plan:
10 minute warm-up (I know from previous attempts that I need a good 10 minute warm-up if I do not want to be in pain halfway through my workout
3 min jog (I like to start with the longer jog first)
90 sec walk (I knew I did not need the full 3 min walk to recover)
90 sec jog
90 sec walk
Instead of only doing this twice I did it until I reached my car again. I think I did this 3.5 times before I decided to walk in order to cool down, because I could see my car coming up. I ended up doing 2.8 miles in 42:54. This is somewhere near a 15 minute mile. Which isn't the fastest time in the world, but I really don't care lol! I'm just getting back into jogging and I'm super proud of myself for finishing. So, Day 1 is in the books for me and I can officially say that I have started training for a half marathon! Whoo Hoo!
There might be a 5k in December that i will look into. We'll see. I had forgotten how great it feels to accomplish something new. Lately I had been dialing it in and fixing what I eat in order to compensate. Well, I feel awesome right now! My calves are starting to stiffen up a little bit, so I'm going to rub them out. I glad I set this goal. It seems to be what I need right now.
Oh, Win, Lose, or Blog has ended and I will let you all know how I did on Tuesday or Wednesday. It was a great experience.
I'm taking it back a few decades for today's song!
The Gap Band - Early in the Morning
Friday, November 18, 2011
Just Catching Up
Today's post is just full of small updates
C25K
I have not started yet. If I was going to give excuses I would say I've been tired. The truth is that It has been 20 degrees outside when I have planned to go jogging and i just cannot bring myself to do it. I have just started my off week, so now I'll be able to go jogging midday when it should be around 50 degrees. 50 is so much better than 20. Therefore, I'm going jogging today no matter what.
New Wii Games
My best friend bought me the Your Shape Wii game.
Amazon Link to game
I'm excited to try this out. I love my Wii and I easily get excited about new workout games. This one is not new, but it is new to me, so I'm pumped. I'll have to let you all know what I think about it later.
Also Zumba 2 is out. It came out on Tuesday. The reviews for it are really good and most people are saying it is much much better than the first one. I already know the graphics are better, you can now pause in the middle of a routine, and you can make your own playlist (those were my 3 biggest complaints about the original game). I think my sister will get it for me for Christmas. Yay!
Zumba 2 Amazon Link
Nutrition
My food has been awesome the past couple of days, so I am really pleased about that. This is the last week for WLB, so although my exercise has not been fantastic I'm glad my food has been on track. I always feel so much better when I eat the right things. I'm going to look online for a nice crockpot meal for today I think.
Misc
I'm planning to spend a good bit of the weekend watching holiday movies on The Hallmark Channel. I have already looked at the lineup and some of my favorites will be on this weekend. This is the first time all football season that I have no plans for Saturday. I'm not sure what I'm going to do. Maybe that's a good thing and I won't eat horrible bar food lol! Anyway, I hope you all have a great weekend!
Madagascar version of I Like to Move It
C25K
I have not started yet. If I was going to give excuses I would say I've been tired. The truth is that It has been 20 degrees outside when I have planned to go jogging and i just cannot bring myself to do it. I have just started my off week, so now I'll be able to go jogging midday when it should be around 50 degrees. 50 is so much better than 20. Therefore, I'm going jogging today no matter what.
New Wii Games
My best friend bought me the Your Shape Wii game.
Amazon Link to game
I'm excited to try this out. I love my Wii and I easily get excited about new workout games. This one is not new, but it is new to me, so I'm pumped. I'll have to let you all know what I think about it later.
Also Zumba 2 is out. It came out on Tuesday. The reviews for it are really good and most people are saying it is much much better than the first one. I already know the graphics are better, you can now pause in the middle of a routine, and you can make your own playlist (those were my 3 biggest complaints about the original game). I think my sister will get it for me for Christmas. Yay!
Zumba 2 Amazon Link
Nutrition
My food has been awesome the past couple of days, so I am really pleased about that. This is the last week for WLB, so although my exercise has not been fantastic I'm glad my food has been on track. I always feel so much better when I eat the right things. I'm going to look online for a nice crockpot meal for today I think.
Misc
I'm planning to spend a good bit of the weekend watching holiday movies on The Hallmark Channel. I have already looked at the lineup and some of my favorites will be on this weekend. This is the first time all football season that I have no plans for Saturday. I'm not sure what I'm going to do. Maybe that's a good thing and I won't eat horrible bar food lol! Anyway, I hope you all have a great weekend!
Madagascar version of I Like to Move It
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Fiber, Fiber, Everywhere
I don't have much to talk about today concerning exercise, so I'm going in a different direction today. I'm a HUGE fan of fiber! I know it sounds weird, but I really am. This week I wanted to actively try to incorporate more fiber into my diet. I always feel so much better when I am hitting my goal for fiber (25g). It's great for choloesterol, blood sugar levels, and weight loss. Don't believe me...check out an the following article below.
Mayo Clinic Fiber Article
You can find fiber in whole grains, nuts, veggies, and fruit.
Things I love with high fiber counts:
Mayo Clinic Fiber Article
You can find fiber in whole grains, nuts, veggies, and fruit.
Things I love with high fiber counts:
I always add extra raisins
a snack food for me...I carry them around in a ziplock bag and snack on them (I always eat my cereal dry. I hate milk lol)
These taste like candy bars to me. I buy large packs of these from Sams Club.
Another Fiber One product that I really like
I LOVE WAFFLES...I wish the ones with added fiber came with blueberries already mixed in
I've been eating the apples and cinnamon oatmeal since I was little. I thought I would hate the reduced sugar, but I actually really like it and I keep this stocked in my house.
I probably get most of my fiber in by eating fruit or Fiber One products.
Monday, November 14, 2011
I Need Sleep
I've been away for a few days, because I have been so stressed out with school. I could literally fell my neck muscles kind of freeze up instantly at any given moment. It was painful. I didn't realize just how far I had pushed myself. If I am working my typical Wednesday evening through Friday morning or Monday evening through Wednesday morning looks like this:
work from 9pm-730am
class from 8am-315pm
arrive home around 4pm
shower,get settled, and asleep by 5pm
up to get dressed for work by 730pm
work from 9pm-730am
So I get less than 3hrs of sleep. This is why I complain about being sleep deprived all the time. I know I make my own school schedule though, so this is my fault, but gosh I'm exhausted. I have had even less sleep this working rotation though because I had to finish that giant research paper and study for a test. I won't get any real sleep until Wednesday, and it cannot come soon enough.
I started this week out with the best of intentions. This is the last week of Win, Lose, or Blog and I really wanted to give it my all. I was planning to workout everyday and eat clean everyday, and pray for a nice loss. At this point, I have forgotten about losing and I just hope not to gain lol! So far I have not worked out this week (I just want to sleep), and my eating has been so so.
I am sitting here at work typing and I'm thinking I really don't have much to say. I just want to sleep lol!
I would like to say thanks to all the people who gave me food advice when I asked about cheap healthy food items. I got a ton of frozen veggies at the grocery store over the weekend. It sounds silly, but before your advice I had never really thought about buying frozen veggies. Now I'm wondering how I went without them lol! I have literally used them everyday since I bought them.
Also, a blogger that I have followed for quite sometime (first on Sparkpeople and now on her own blog) will be on Dr. Oz this upcoming Friday, Nov. 18th. She has lost 125 lbs and has kept it off for quite some time now. She looks fantastic and I absolutely love her blogs. So, check out Katie's Blog and tune in to Dr. Oz on Friday!
Jessie J - Domino
work from 9pm-730am
class from 8am-315pm
arrive home around 4pm
shower,get settled, and asleep by 5pm
up to get dressed for work by 730pm
work from 9pm-730am
So I get less than 3hrs of sleep. This is why I complain about being sleep deprived all the time. I know I make my own school schedule though, so this is my fault, but gosh I'm exhausted. I have had even less sleep this working rotation though because I had to finish that giant research paper and study for a test. I won't get any real sleep until Wednesday, and it cannot come soon enough.
I started this week out with the best of intentions. This is the last week of Win, Lose, or Blog and I really wanted to give it my all. I was planning to workout everyday and eat clean everyday, and pray for a nice loss. At this point, I have forgotten about losing and I just hope not to gain lol! So far I have not worked out this week (I just want to sleep), and my eating has been so so.
I am sitting here at work typing and I'm thinking I really don't have much to say. I just want to sleep lol!
Me at work. I'm attempting to smile, but I think my eyes show that I'm tired. I'm still amazed that I no longer have a double chin in pictures. I think I have taken more pictures in the past 4 months than I have taken in the past 4 years.
I would like to say thanks to all the people who gave me food advice when I asked about cheap healthy food items. I got a ton of frozen veggies at the grocery store over the weekend. It sounds silly, but before your advice I had never really thought about buying frozen veggies. Now I'm wondering how I went without them lol! I have literally used them everyday since I bought them.
Also, a blogger that I have followed for quite sometime (first on Sparkpeople and now on her own blog) will be on Dr. Oz this upcoming Friday, Nov. 18th. She has lost 125 lbs and has kept it off for quite some time now. She looks fantastic and I absolutely love her blogs. So, check out Katie's Blog and tune in to Dr. Oz on Friday!
Jessie J - Domino
Friday, November 11, 2011
Goals
This will be a short post, because I'm actually in the middle of typing and researching a 16 page paper that's due Monday. I'm such a procrastinator. I needed a break though and decided to blog.
I've been thinking about goals lately. Without Sam, my exercise dedication has been losing steam. Don't get me wrong, I'm still doing it, but I don't have quite the same amount of joy. It's like I have nothing to look forward to. So, I need goals. For the past year or so I have had dreams of becoming a runner. I have attempted and quit the Couch 2 5k program twice out of sheer laziness. With that being said, I am signing up for a half marathon in April 2012. I am really hoping that 6 months is enough to get me in decent shape. I will either be doing the Rock 'n' Roll in Nashville, TN or the Oak Barrel Half in Lynchburg, TN. at the moment I am leaning towards the Lynchburg race. The Nashville race will feature country music, which I'm not a huge fan of (but if Keith Urban or Kenny Chesney will be there then sign me up lol).
I can currently jog for about 12 minutes nonstop. At the end of that time I think I'm going to pass out though lol. So, I am probably going to give the C25K program a shot again. I'm going to use next week and this weekend trying to figure out just where in the program I should start. I'll try Week 1 Day 1 and see if it's too easy, or a pretty good fit. I am going to look for shorter distance races to schedule before the half in order to keep me motivated, but the half is my ultimate goal. Wish me luck!
On another note, I did a workout from Oxygen Magazine on Wednesday and I am so sore. The workout I used was from the Jan 2010 issue. I have close to 5 years of Oxygen magazines at home. I have read each of them in its entirety at some point, and I am still overweight. That just goes to show that you can know what to do and have all the right tools, but you will not change until you are ready to do so. Anyway, it was a full body strength training routine and boy am I feeling it. The soreness makes me feel alive though, in some odd way...go figure.
I tried to make this pic extra large, so everyone can read the words. I hope they are not too blurry from my enlarging it. No song today...Happy Friday!
I've been thinking about goals lately. Without Sam, my exercise dedication has been losing steam. Don't get me wrong, I'm still doing it, but I don't have quite the same amount of joy. It's like I have nothing to look forward to. So, I need goals. For the past year or so I have had dreams of becoming a runner. I have attempted and quit the Couch 2 5k program twice out of sheer laziness. With that being said, I am signing up for a half marathon in April 2012. I am really hoping that 6 months is enough to get me in decent shape. I will either be doing the Rock 'n' Roll in Nashville, TN or the Oak Barrel Half in Lynchburg, TN. at the moment I am leaning towards the Lynchburg race. The Nashville race will feature country music, which I'm not a huge fan of (but if Keith Urban or Kenny Chesney will be there then sign me up lol).
I can currently jog for about 12 minutes nonstop. At the end of that time I think I'm going to pass out though lol. So, I am probably going to give the C25K program a shot again. I'm going to use next week and this weekend trying to figure out just where in the program I should start. I'll try Week 1 Day 1 and see if it's too easy, or a pretty good fit. I am going to look for shorter distance races to schedule before the half in order to keep me motivated, but the half is my ultimate goal. Wish me luck!
On another note, I did a workout from Oxygen Magazine on Wednesday and I am so sore. The workout I used was from the Jan 2010 issue. I have close to 5 years of Oxygen magazines at home. I have read each of them in its entirety at some point, and I am still overweight. That just goes to show that you can know what to do and have all the right tools, but you will not change until you are ready to do so. Anyway, it was a full body strength training routine and boy am I feeling it. The soreness makes me feel alive though, in some odd way...go figure.
I tried to make this pic extra large, so everyone can read the words. I hope they are not too blurry from my enlarging it. No song today...Happy Friday!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Slow and Steady
I have to keep reminding myself of this. Averaging 1 lb per week does not sit well with me all the time, but over time it really is quite wonderful. I was watching Dr. Oz yesterday and he brought up the fact that those who lose weight slowly, statistically have a better chance at keeping it off. That made me happy. I have to remember that I'm only in a race with myself and the only way I lose is if I quit. I have come to far to quit, so that is not an option. Let's be honest though...sometimes it is hard. There are days I don't want to do anything or I only want to do half of a planned workout. Today was one of those days. I had an hour of cardio scheduled for today. I chose the elliptical. After 10 minutes I was in the zone and feeling great, but at 45 minutes I hit a wall and it took almost everything I had to finish. Life is like that sometimes, but I did finish and I was proud of myself for doing so.
Am I the only person who takes pride in a sweaty body after a workout? It's like my badge of honor. I love it. It makes me feel like I've really done something. A soaking wet t-shirt makes me giddy with joy. It reminds me the pounds and inches are going away, and in the end that's all that matters!
Yeah, I really do have Nsync in my workout playlist...don't judge me lol!
Nsync - Pop
Monday, November 7, 2011
More Rambling...I'm Quite Good at Rambling lol
So....we lost. 6-9 in overtime. The good news is that we are still #3, so there is a chance we can still go to the championship game! No worries, I'm not going to go into a football rant lol!
For those who don't know, I am in Tuscaloosa, AL. In April we were hit by a MONSTER tornado (stick with me...I promise I have a reason for mentioning this). It destroyed a good bit of the city, including a place almost everyone here loves to eat at, Taco Casa.
Well, after 6 months they finally reopened their main building. I HAD to go. Well, it made me sick. You see I have been eating better lately. This is not the first time this has happened to me. It happened with fried chicken a few weeks ago. I'm not pleased at all it happened with one of my favorites places though. I ordered a beef burrito and felt HORRIBLE after I ate it. I thought I had a stomach virus or something, but it was just the grease I suppose. I wonder if things would have gone better if I had ordered it with chicken instead. I think I would cry if I could never eat at Taco Casa again. I know each of you has to have some hometown favorite spot to eat. So, on one hand I am glad to realize that I have made major changes to my nutrition. On the other, I HAVE to find something I can eat there lol!
I weighed in and I'm not 100% pleased...maybe 85%. I had gained about 4 lbs during TOM. I lost 3 of that 4. I know it could be worse. So, I'm not complaining too much. There are only 2 weeks left in WLB and I'm hoping to really make them count. I had wanted to drop 10 lbs, but it does not look like that is going to happen. That's alright though. It was an ambitious goal for me to begin with knowing my average loss per week. I can still come pretty close though.
I'm not sure what I'm going to do for a workout today. Well, I just lied. I looked at my list of options from Sam and I just picked one.
(x2)
High Knees for 2 min
1 min Mountain Climbers
20 Thrusters
20 Leg Lifts
Jumping Jacks for 2 min
30 sec Squats w/ Pulse
20 non-modified Pushups
20 Wall Balls
Jog in place for 2 min
15 Alligator Walk (words cannot express how much I hate this exercise..it is absolutely the hardest thing Sam has ever made me do and definitely my least favorite)
1 min Burpees
20 Squats
I want to go to a zumba class today at 3:30, but we'll see. I have a test tomorrow and a 16 page paper due next Monday. Zumba will depend on how much progress I make on my school work.
Oh, I can't remember if I let you all know or not, but I finally had to give the Insanity dvds back last week. I'm not happy about it. I really liked them. Plus, the co-worker has not used them at all. He has not even attempted to use them. Okay, okay...I realize they were never mine to begin with, and I sound like a pouting child, but I want them back haha! I guess I'll either have to save to buy my own or put it on my Christmas list along with the new Zumba on Wii that comes out sometime this month. According to my sister I need to put new clothes on my Christmas list, because I'm still wearing clothes that are too big and she declares that sometimes I look a "hot mess" lol!
I almost forgot. I received a Versatile Blogger award. So I have to tell you 7 things about myself and give the award to 15 other bloggers. At the moment, I'm not even sure I follow 15 active bloggers and I know a few of them have already done this. Some of the links will not be "traditional" blogs. A few are tumblr sites that I just really like to look at.
1. I bite my nails...not a good habit and I'm hoping to change this
2. I love really good hummus dip. I mean REALLY love it.
3. I'm obsessed with Christmas.
4. I love scented candles.
5. I have cracked my sternum before...not a pleasant experience AT ALL
6. I hate to work out in front of people
7. I'm a sucker for Hallmark movies
Blogs:
Win, Lose, or Blog (motivation, weight loss, giveaways, competition, etc)
Fitness For the Rest of Us (weight loss, reviews, giveaways)
Avery and Winslow (crafting)
Runs for Cookies (maintaining weight loss, running)
Changing from Fat to Fit (running, weight loss, fitness, etc)
Gina's Skinny Recipes (recipes)
Carbie Girl (weight loss)
Endurance Isn't Only Physical (running)
Girl with Curves (fashion)
Millie's Blog (another client of Sam's) (weight loss, running, triathalons)
365 Weighs (she has not posted in awhile, but it's still good stuff)
Finding Myself While Losing Myself (weight loss)
Fat Girl in a Skinny World (weight loss)
Pril's Place (fashion)
Hourglass Red (weight loss)
There is also a giveaway going on for one more day at Changing from Fat to Fit, so stop by and enter. Sorry for the super late notice.
I love this song when I'm jogging.
Janelle Monae - Tightrope
For those who don't know, I am in Tuscaloosa, AL. In April we were hit by a MONSTER tornado (stick with me...I promise I have a reason for mentioning this). It destroyed a good bit of the city, including a place almost everyone here loves to eat at, Taco Casa.
The top pic is before the tornado and the bottom pic is the exact same location afterwards. If you look on the right side in the top pic you can see Taco Casa's building. You can also see it's completely gone in the bottom pic.
Well, after 6 months they finally reopened their main building. I HAD to go. Well, it made me sick. You see I have been eating better lately. This is not the first time this has happened to me. It happened with fried chicken a few weeks ago. I'm not pleased at all it happened with one of my favorites places though. I ordered a beef burrito and felt HORRIBLE after I ate it. I thought I had a stomach virus or something, but it was just the grease I suppose. I wonder if things would have gone better if I had ordered it with chicken instead. I think I would cry if I could never eat at Taco Casa again. I know each of you has to have some hometown favorite spot to eat. So, on one hand I am glad to realize that I have made major changes to my nutrition. On the other, I HAVE to find something I can eat there lol!
I weighed in and I'm not 100% pleased...maybe 85%. I had gained about 4 lbs during TOM. I lost 3 of that 4. I know it could be worse. So, I'm not complaining too much. There are only 2 weeks left in WLB and I'm hoping to really make them count. I had wanted to drop 10 lbs, but it does not look like that is going to happen. That's alright though. It was an ambitious goal for me to begin with knowing my average loss per week. I can still come pretty close though.
I'm not sure what I'm going to do for a workout today. Well, I just lied. I looked at my list of options from Sam and I just picked one.
(x2)
High Knees for 2 min
1 min Mountain Climbers
20 Thrusters
20 Leg Lifts
Jumping Jacks for 2 min
30 sec Squats w/ Pulse
20 non-modified Pushups
20 Wall Balls
Jog in place for 2 min
15 Alligator Walk (words cannot express how much I hate this exercise..it is absolutely the hardest thing Sam has ever made me do and definitely my least favorite)
1 min Burpees
20 Squats
I want to go to a zumba class today at 3:30, but we'll see. I have a test tomorrow and a 16 page paper due next Monday. Zumba will depend on how much progress I make on my school work.
Oh, I can't remember if I let you all know or not, but I finally had to give the Insanity dvds back last week. I'm not happy about it. I really liked them. Plus, the co-worker has not used them at all. He has not even attempted to use them. Okay, okay...I realize they were never mine to begin with, and I sound like a pouting child, but I want them back haha! I guess I'll either have to save to buy my own or put it on my Christmas list along with the new Zumba on Wii that comes out sometime this month. According to my sister I need to put new clothes on my Christmas list, because I'm still wearing clothes that are too big and she declares that sometimes I look a "hot mess" lol!
I almost forgot. I received a Versatile Blogger award. So I have to tell you 7 things about myself and give the award to 15 other bloggers. At the moment, I'm not even sure I follow 15 active bloggers and I know a few of them have already done this. Some of the links will not be "traditional" blogs. A few are tumblr sites that I just really like to look at.
1. I bite my nails...not a good habit and I'm hoping to change this
2. I love really good hummus dip. I mean REALLY love it.
3. I'm obsessed with Christmas.
4. I love scented candles.
5. I have cracked my sternum before...not a pleasant experience AT ALL
6. I hate to work out in front of people
7. I'm a sucker for Hallmark movies
Blogs:
Win, Lose, or Blog (motivation, weight loss, giveaways, competition, etc)
Fitness For the Rest of Us (weight loss, reviews, giveaways)
Avery and Winslow (crafting)
Runs for Cookies (maintaining weight loss, running)
Changing from Fat to Fit (running, weight loss, fitness, etc)
Gina's Skinny Recipes (recipes)
Carbie Girl (weight loss)
Endurance Isn't Only Physical (running)
Girl with Curves (fashion)
Millie's Blog (another client of Sam's) (weight loss, running, triathalons)
365 Weighs (she has not posted in awhile, but it's still good stuff)
Finding Myself While Losing Myself (weight loss)
Fat Girl in a Skinny World (weight loss)
Pril's Place (fashion)
Hourglass Red (weight loss)
There is also a giveaway going on for one more day at Changing from Fat to Fit, so stop by and enter. Sorry for the super late notice.
I love this song when I'm jogging.
Janelle Monae - Tightrope
Friday, November 4, 2011
Plan for the Weekend
Yesterday, I was a cardio day. So here's what I did:
42 min on treadmill.
-10 min warmup
-alternating 3 min on incline and 2 min flat (I started with a 5% incline then 6%, 7%, 8%, 7%, 6%)
Went to the track and walked a 15 minute mile
Elliptical for 30 min
I had planned to do at least an hour using the inclines and I wanted to go all the way up to a 12% incline, because I had done that with Sam once, but I just couldn't make it. The day I did the 12% with him it was part of a lot of other things, so I was on the treadmill for about 5 minutes and he gradually took me to the 12% incline and I stayed there for 3 minutes and then came back down and went to weights. I remember thinking how good that was for my legs, so that's why I wanted to do something similar yesterday. I did not do exactly what I wanted to do, but I still got in a good workout.
Since I didn't hit the 60 minutes I wanted to do (my calves and thighs were really at a breaking point) I decided to hit the track. Walking a 15 minute mile for me is fast walking. I was planning to stop after this, but I was on an exercise high at this point. The endorphins had kicked in, so I looked for something else to do and saw the elliptical empty. I did 30 min on it, and I honestly wanted to do something else, but I decided not to over-do it.
Today this is what I'm planning:
(x3)
50 Jumpimg Jacks
40 Squats
30 Push-Ups
20 Leg Lifts
10 Burpees
50 Mountain Climbers
40 Lunges
30 Curl to Press
20 Tricep Dips
10 V-Ups
Hopefully, I'll do this as soon as I finish catching up with things online. A friend told me about a website for core exercises. The site is Random Abs. There is no sign up or anything...just go there everyday and get a new core workout. They also have links to show you how to do each exercise in case you are not familiar with the names. I'm going to give it a try.
This weekend I'm really going to have to watch it. Bama is playing LSU, so there will probably be 2-3 bars in my future this weekend. In case you are not a college football fan like I am, it's a HUGE game! In my opinion and according to the rankings we are the best two teams in the nation. It's a shame we are in the same conference and this isn't the national championship game. The game is Saturday and ESPN has been here since Wednesday and filming live since Thursday. I was so excited to see the Gameday guys yesterday as I was coming from class. Roll Tide!
ESPN UA/LSU Commercial
Back to something fitness related lol! I'm going to have to give away this extra Halloween candy. I cannot even tell you how many Blow Pops I have eaten. I'm planning to take it to my parents and they will probably take it to our church to give to the kids there. I have no idea what I'm going to eat today. I need to go grocery shopping and I need to plan out my list ahead of time, so I won't stray from it. So far, I've still been doing a good job avoiding the candy and cookie aisle.
Anyway, I'm pretty sure I won't get any blogging done again until Sunday or Monday, so I hope everyone has a great weekend!
David Guetta ft Usher - Without You
42 min on treadmill.
-10 min warmup
-alternating 3 min on incline and 2 min flat (I started with a 5% incline then 6%, 7%, 8%, 7%, 6%)
Went to the track and walked a 15 minute mile
Elliptical for 30 min
I had planned to do at least an hour using the inclines and I wanted to go all the way up to a 12% incline, because I had done that with Sam once, but I just couldn't make it. The day I did the 12% with him it was part of a lot of other things, so I was on the treadmill for about 5 minutes and he gradually took me to the 12% incline and I stayed there for 3 minutes and then came back down and went to weights. I remember thinking how good that was for my legs, so that's why I wanted to do something similar yesterday. I did not do exactly what I wanted to do, but I still got in a good workout.
Since I didn't hit the 60 minutes I wanted to do (my calves and thighs were really at a breaking point) I decided to hit the track. Walking a 15 minute mile for me is fast walking. I was planning to stop after this, but I was on an exercise high at this point. The endorphins had kicked in, so I looked for something else to do and saw the elliptical empty. I did 30 min on it, and I honestly wanted to do something else, but I decided not to over-do it.
Today this is what I'm planning:
(x3)
50 Jumpimg Jacks
40 Squats
30 Push-Ups
20 Leg Lifts
10 Burpees
50 Mountain Climbers
40 Lunges
30 Curl to Press
20 Tricep Dips
10 V-Ups
Hopefully, I'll do this as soon as I finish catching up with things online. A friend told me about a website for core exercises. The site is Random Abs. There is no sign up or anything...just go there everyday and get a new core workout. They also have links to show you how to do each exercise in case you are not familiar with the names. I'm going to give it a try.
This weekend I'm really going to have to watch it. Bama is playing LSU, so there will probably be 2-3 bars in my future this weekend. In case you are not a college football fan like I am, it's a HUGE game! In my opinion and according to the rankings we are the best two teams in the nation. It's a shame we are in the same conference and this isn't the national championship game. The game is Saturday and ESPN has been here since Wednesday and filming live since Thursday. I was so excited to see the Gameday guys yesterday as I was coming from class. Roll Tide!
ESPN UA/LSU Commercial
Back to something fitness related lol! I'm going to have to give away this extra Halloween candy. I cannot even tell you how many Blow Pops I have eaten. I'm planning to take it to my parents and they will probably take it to our church to give to the kids there. I have no idea what I'm going to eat today. I need to go grocery shopping and I need to plan out my list ahead of time, so I won't stray from it. So far, I've still been doing a good job avoiding the candy and cookie aisle.
Anyway, I'm pretty sure I won't get any blogging done again until Sunday or Monday, so I hope everyone has a great weekend!
David Guetta ft Usher - Without You
Monday, October 31, 2011
Nothing but Motivation
Today's blog is really for myself. TOM has hit and I did have a monster gain and I'm in an ill mood overall about my weight loss. So, to combat that I've decided to make myself a blog post that I can come back to whenever I need motivation.
First, let's look at what I've lost:
WHAT I'VE LOST (counting down from my heaviest..249)
1 pound = a Guinea Pig (DONE)
1.5 pounds = a dozen Krispy Kreme glazed donuts (DONE)
2 pounds = a rack of baby back ribs (DONE)
3 pounds = an average human brain (DONE)
4 pounds = an ostrich egg (DONE)
5 pounds = a Chihuahua (DONE)
6 pounds = a human’s skin (DONE)
7.5 pounds = an average newborn (DONE)
8 pounds = a human head (DONE)
10 pounds= chemical additives an American consumes each year (DONE)
11 pounds = an average housecat (DONE)
12 pounds = a Bald Eagle (DONE)
15 pounds = 10 dozen large eggs (DONE)
16 pounds = a sperm whale’s brain (DONE)
20 pounds = an automobile tire (DONE)
23 pounds = amount of pizza an average American eats in a year
24 pounds = a 3-gallon tub of super premium ice cream
25 pounds = an average 2 year old
30 pounds = amount of cheese an average American eats in a year
33 pounds = a cinder block
36 pounds = a mid-size microwave
40 pounds = a 5-gallon bottle of water or an average human leg
44 pounds = an elephant’s heart
50 pounds = a small bale of hay
55 pounds = a 5000 BTU air conditioner
60 pounds = an elephant’s penis (yep, weights more than his heart!)
66 pounds = fats and oils an average American eats in a year
70 pounds = an Irish Setter
77 pounds = a gold brick
80 pounds = the World’s Largest Ball of Tape
90 pounds = a newborn calf
100 pounds = a 2 month old horse
I've lost a tire and a rack of ribs (22 lbs...not including my TOM gain)! That's no small feat! Have you ever lifted a tire? Now imagine having to carry it around everyday, all day. How the heck did I do it? lol! Anyway, I'm glad it's gone.
Taken from http://www.believe-toachieve.tumblr.com/
Taken from http://www.reasonstobefit.tumblr.com/
I belong to a website called Sparkpeople. The following are quotes I have seen on the pages of other Sparkers.
QUOTES FROM OTHER SPARKERS:
"Eat healthy foods, stop when you feel full, give yourself a treat now and again, stay hydrated, and ENJOY eating." - GAPINTHEVOID
"Running Shoes are Cheaper Than Insulin" - Anthony Reed (a book I read about on ABSOLUTZERO's page)
Ability is what you are capable of doing.
Motivation determines what you do.
Attitude determines how well you do it. - ZIRCADIA
"Success is the result of what you do when the Whoo Hoo is all through." - ON2VICTORY
"You can't out exercise a bad diet" - Bill Phillips from an article sent by REEKU731
If this page is not enough motivation for me, then I don't know what will be. I hope you all have a great day! Oh, and if you're curious about what Sam looks like (since I've been chatting away about him for months) check out the previous blog post!
Lady Gaga - Poker Face
First, let's look at what I've lost:
WHAT I'VE LOST (counting down from my heaviest..249)
1 pound = a Guinea Pig (DONE)
1.5 pounds = a dozen Krispy Kreme glazed donuts (DONE)
2 pounds = a rack of baby back ribs (DONE)
3 pounds = an average human brain (DONE)
4 pounds = an ostrich egg (DONE)
5 pounds = a Chihuahua (DONE)
6 pounds = a human’s skin (DONE)
7.5 pounds = an average newborn (DONE)
8 pounds = a human head (DONE)
10 pounds= chemical additives an American consumes each year (DONE)
11 pounds = an average housecat (DONE)
12 pounds = a Bald Eagle (DONE)
15 pounds = 10 dozen large eggs (DONE)
16 pounds = a sperm whale’s brain (DONE)
20 pounds = an automobile tire (DONE)
23 pounds = amount of pizza an average American eats in a year
24 pounds = a 3-gallon tub of super premium ice cream
25 pounds = an average 2 year old
30 pounds = amount of cheese an average American eats in a year
33 pounds = a cinder block
36 pounds = a mid-size microwave
40 pounds = a 5-gallon bottle of water or an average human leg
44 pounds = an elephant’s heart
50 pounds = a small bale of hay
55 pounds = a 5000 BTU air conditioner
60 pounds = an elephant’s penis (yep, weights more than his heart!)
66 pounds = fats and oils an average American eats in a year
70 pounds = an Irish Setter
77 pounds = a gold brick
80 pounds = the World’s Largest Ball of Tape
90 pounds = a newborn calf
100 pounds = a 2 month old horse
I've lost a tire and a rack of ribs (22 lbs...not including my TOM gain)! That's no small feat! Have you ever lifted a tire? Now imagine having to carry it around everyday, all day. How the heck did I do it? lol! Anyway, I'm glad it's gone.
The thing about reaching your goal weight is that it’s 100% possible. It’s completely in your control. The only thing stopping you from getting there is you. So get out of the way.
The three above images and the quote were taken from http://www.byebyechubbydays.tumblr.com/
QUOTES FROM OTHER SPARKERS:
"Eat healthy foods, stop when you feel full, give yourself a treat now and again, stay hydrated, and ENJOY eating." - GAPINTHEVOID
"Running Shoes are Cheaper Than Insulin" - Anthony Reed (a book I read about on ABSOLUTZERO's page)
Ability is what you are capable of doing.
Motivation determines what you do.
Attitude determines how well you do it. - ZIRCADIA
"Success is the result of what you do when the Whoo Hoo is all through." - ON2VICTORY
"You can't out exercise a bad diet" - Bill Phillips from an article sent by REEKU731
This reminds me of what I am capable of.
I know I have posted this picture before, but it reminds me of the changes I have made recently.
If this page is not enough motivation for me, then I don't know what will be. I hope you all have a great day! Oh, and if you're curious about what Sam looks like (since I've been chatting away about him for months) check out the previous blog post!
Lady Gaga - Poker Face
Saturday, October 29, 2011
A Case of the Blahs
Tonight I'm feeling very blah. I can tell TOM will arrive tomorrow. This leads me to the subject of weigh-in. I hate stepping on the scale when I'm bloated. I know the number is up because I'm bloated, but that does not mean I have to like it. It still disappoints me. I always post a huge gain when I'm bloated....I'm talking 3-5 lbs.
Enough period talk lol! This morning I tried Insanity. I don't own the dvds. My coworker purchased them and when he watched it (he did not do it), he decided that he needed time to mentally prepare lol! So, he told me I could borrow the set for a few days while he gets his mind right. I LOVED it! I had to stop for a few seconds a couple of times, but so did the people in the video; therefore, I did not feel bad at all about stopping. It's definitely called Insanity for a reason. I did a 40 min crazy cardio dvd and then 16 minutes of cardio abs (which was on the same dvd). When I finished I was pumped and wanted to do more, but I decided not to push it. Good thing I stopped, because I woke up sore (and not quite as in love with Insanity lol). My thighs are not very happy with me right now. I can completely see why people get results with this program. I was sweating within 8 minutes, and that was still the so called warm up. Maybe I'll get to keep it longer than expected while my co-workers mentally prepares.
Now it's time for my ode to Sam. I had my last session with him on Friday. It was bittersweet. I'll probably end up going back to him in December or January, but it was really hard for me to accept that I won't be seeing him twice a week anytime soon. He's going to write me out a program to follow while I'm away. I feel that's really kind of him. I know I don't NEED him, but he's wonderful. I mean it. I really cannot say enough about how great he is. He is so supportive and pushes me out of my comfort zone, so that I can be my best. His belief in me makes me feel I can do anything he asks me to do, and it makes me WANT to do it. I thank him all the time and he always says there is no need to thank him, because I'm the one doing all the work. He's freaking fantastic. I wish I could wrap up mini Sams and send one to all of you.
Did I mention he's super cute? lol! Anyway, I love Sam. He's perfect and I'm going to miss him terribly.
Eurythmics - Sweet Dreams
Enough period talk lol! This morning I tried Insanity. I don't own the dvds. My coworker purchased them and when he watched it (he did not do it), he decided that he needed time to mentally prepare lol! So, he told me I could borrow the set for a few days while he gets his mind right. I LOVED it! I had to stop for a few seconds a couple of times, but so did the people in the video; therefore, I did not feel bad at all about stopping. It's definitely called Insanity for a reason. I did a 40 min crazy cardio dvd and then 16 minutes of cardio abs (which was on the same dvd). When I finished I was pumped and wanted to do more, but I decided not to push it. Good thing I stopped, because I woke up sore (and not quite as in love with Insanity lol). My thighs are not very happy with me right now. I can completely see why people get results with this program. I was sweating within 8 minutes, and that was still the so called warm up. Maybe I'll get to keep it longer than expected while my co-workers mentally prepares.
Now it's time for my ode to Sam. I had my last session with him on Friday. It was bittersweet. I'll probably end up going back to him in December or January, but it was really hard for me to accept that I won't be seeing him twice a week anytime soon. He's going to write me out a program to follow while I'm away. I feel that's really kind of him. I know I don't NEED him, but he's wonderful. I mean it. I really cannot say enough about how great he is. He is so supportive and pushes me out of my comfort zone, so that I can be my best. His belief in me makes me feel I can do anything he asks me to do, and it makes me WANT to do it. I thank him all the time and he always says there is no need to thank him, because I'm the one doing all the work. He's freaking fantastic. I wish I could wrap up mini Sams and send one to all of you.
Eurythmics - Sweet Dreams
Thursday, October 27, 2011
It Pays to Read Labels
It is getting cooler here and for me that means a quilt, movies, and hot chocolate on my couch!
This is exactly what I did earlier this week. I was planted on the couch drinking my second cup of hot chocolate when I decided to read the label. I was shocked. First, let me say that I love hot chocolate. I think the brand I use is absolutely the best, which is why I was on my second cup lol! On the other hand, they range from 120-160 calories...yes...160 freaking calories for a cup of hot chocolate. I probably have 20 of these in my pantry. So, what's a hot chocolate addict to do? I guess I'm just going to have a cup sporadically, because I'm not willing to give it up just yet.
Also, yesterday I did not feel like leaving the house, so it was going to be the Wii or a dvd for exercise. I decided on a dvd. I thought "try something you have not done in awhile." So this led me to Tae Bo. It's a really old dvd, but it was great! I still can't kick like so many of the people in the video, but I got it done. I always find it amusing when they quit (mostly the people in the back). This dvd really kicks butt and now I remember why so many people lost weight doing Tae Bo.
My internet connection is ridiculously slow right now, so there's no song today. I hope you all have a wonderful day!
Also, yesterday I did not feel like leaving the house, so it was going to be the Wii or a dvd for exercise. I decided on a dvd. I thought "try something you have not done in awhile." So this led me to Tae Bo. It's a really old dvd, but it was great! I still can't kick like so many of the people in the video, but I got it done. I always find it amusing when they quit (mostly the people in the back). This dvd really kicks butt and now I remember why so many people lost weight doing Tae Bo.
My internet connection is ridiculously slow right now, so there's no song today. I hope you all have a wonderful day!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
18 Week Measurements
I took my 18 week (really 19 weeks) measurement. Here you go:
If I look at my progress over the last 3 weeks I am pleased. As you can see, on 9/9/11 I weighed 231. Well, 3 or 4 weeks ago I weighed close to 235. So, to now be at 227.2 I’ve done a good job over the past few weeks. With that being said, I also think about where I would be now if I had not gained and had to lose that. There’s nothing I can do about that now, but I did want to mention it.
Negatives (Yes, there are negatives, because I always feel I can do better):
I gained during the 6 weeks and had to lose that.
I stopped working out for 2 weeks during this 6 weeks.
Gameday Saturdays: I’m normally eating poorly and drinking mixed drinks while watching the game. I think we all know wings or nachos and margaritas are not calorie friendly.
Positives:
I’m 0.2 lbs away from 20 lbs lost since I got serious this summer. Also, since my heaviest (249) I have lost over 20 lbs! That’s so exciting.
I’ve gone from a tight size 18/ comfortable 20 to a size 16 that fits. I use the word fit because I’m used to wearing oversized clothing and to me they (a pair of jeans) seem a little tight, but every single person I know says they fit the way they are supposed to. I guess the bottom line is I don’t have to suck in to button them, I can sit with no problem, and without a belt the waist would slide down.
I lost an inch around my belly (the navel measurement) and I finally lost something (0.25 inches) around my arm. I pay the most attention to my navel and arm measurements. I think everyone wants a smaller tummy and I’m really not a fan of my huge arms, so I’ve been waiting and waiting for that number to go down.
I have not had fast food in awhile, so I’m cooking at home more and I’m making better choices. I’m also better at fighting cravings or at least finding substitutes that are nutritionally better for me.
I have pretty much been drinking water only. I would say I’m drinking water 99% of the time. I don’t drink sodas at all anymore, but I think I’ve had the Lipton green tea once or twice.
Overall, I lost 2.5 inches and 3.8 lbs. That’s 2.5 inches and 3.8 lbs gone over 6 weeks that I never want to see again. So yay! Losing anything at all is always a success to me!
Saturday, October 22, 2011
2 Years in the Making
(I originally wrote this blog on Friday, Oct. 21, 2011)
First, and most importantly, it’s time for the Dora song. I DID IT! I DID IT! I DID IT! YAY! I am now in the 220s, which is the lowest weight I’ve been in over 2 years! I’m so excited! REALLY EXCITED! Can’t you tell by all the exclamation marks! Lol! Today was not my official weigh in day, but since I was only 0.6 lbs away, I’ve been stepping on the scale every other day. I want to celebrate, but I can’t think of a reward that does not involve food, alcohol, or money (I’m trying to spend less right now). I am less than 3 lbs away from the lowest weight I’ve been in many many years, probably somewhere between 6-8 years. Since that’s so close maybe I’ll save the reward for that milestone. I’m eyeing a dress that’s on clearance for $15, and I’m thinking that might be my reward when I lose the next 3 lbs. Yes, I know, I know…I said a reward that does not involve money. So, this is when I need for you good people to give me other options. I seriously cannot think of anything else. It’s also alright for you to say “just get the dress Briana.” Haha!
In other news I saw Sam today. Goodness, I’ve missed him. I have not seen him in close to 3 weeks. I’m actually going to have to stop seeing him for a couple of months, but I still had a couple of sessions that I had already paid for. So, I’m using them. It’s amazing how quickly I lost all the endurance I had gained with him since June. 3 weeks off probably undid 60% of the strength and endurance I had gained in over 3 months. I was still better today than I had been the very first time I saw him. So, that’s good, but whew today was rough. I had to stop and go to the bathroom because I thought I was going to vomit. I actually had to stop twice. Sam is not a believer in the Biggest Loser style of working out. He doesn’t believe you should workout more than an hour and he doesn’t want you to be sick. That is not the point of what he does. So after the second time I was about to vomit we quit for the day. This means I did not do the last 3 exercises (curl to press, dips, and v-ups) of the final round. In all honesty, if Sam had said to finish I would have done it, but I was glad he said to stop. Part of what I like about Sam’s workouts so much is that we rarely use machines. This means when I am no longer seeing him I can still do a majority of things at home. Today I would only need dumbbells (which I already have) for the curl to press. Everything else used my body weight. So, here’s what I did today.
(DID THIS TWICE)
50 Jumping Jacks
40 Squats
30 Modified Push Ups
20 Leg Lifts
10 Burpees
40 Lunges
20 Tricep Dips
10 V-Ups
On a side note, I have taken my newest set of 6 week measurements, but I’ll post that on Tuesday after the WLB results go up for the week. So, come back on Tuesday!
I discovered today's song during a Zumba class.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Just Do You
The Week 2 WLB Results are in. I'm down 3 lbs in two weeks and that is good, but when I look at where I rank with the other ladies...I feel awful. I keep having to make mental adjustments. In the past I've really only looked at my own numbers and for the most part I am generally pleased with them. So, when I see others posting huge numbers I think "crap!" Then I realize that I have to just do me. A loss is a loss is a loss, and I'm losing lbs and inches, so in the words on Charlie Sheen, "I'm WINNING." Sorry, I just couldn't help it lol!
I'm currently at work and I have the urge to go jogging, which I have not done in quite awhile, so that's exactly what I plan to do. We have had a huge drop in temp though, so it might be pretty cold when I go. It's supposed to be between 37 and 57 today. I like cooler temps, but I don't like the 30s. I've been thinking more and more about getting on a jogging schedule. I consistently jogged about 2 years ago for 2 months and after the first 3 weeks or so I really enjoyed it. Plus, I dropped weight.
I'm really hoping this upcoming weigh in goes well. I am 0.6 lbs away from a weight I have not seen in 2 years. After that, I will be about 5 lbs away from a weight I have not seen in probably 7 years. So, I have some pretty big scale milestones coming up and I'm excited.
Also, WLB is having a giveaway right now. So, stop by and enter. Pure Pearls Giveaway
Beyonce - Get Me Bodied
I'm currently at work and I have the urge to go jogging, which I have not done in quite awhile, so that's exactly what I plan to do. We have had a huge drop in temp though, so it might be pretty cold when I go. It's supposed to be between 37 and 57 today. I like cooler temps, but I don't like the 30s. I've been thinking more and more about getting on a jogging schedule. I consistently jogged about 2 years ago for 2 months and after the first 3 weeks or so I really enjoyed it. Plus, I dropped weight.
I'm really hoping this upcoming weigh in goes well. I am 0.6 lbs away from a weight I have not seen in 2 years. After that, I will be about 5 lbs away from a weight I have not seen in probably 7 years. So, I have some pretty big scale milestones coming up and I'm excited.
Also, WLB is having a giveaway right now. So, stop by and enter. Pure Pearls Giveaway
Beyonce - Get Me Bodied
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Its Amazing How Good it Feels...
to get back into things.
I guess I didn't do too much damage on Friday, because I still lost some weight this week. I'm officially below where I was when I started gaining a couple of weeks ago, so that's great!
I've taken some time off and once I take days off, it's extremely hard for me to get back into things. The longer I stay away, the harder it is to start back. Yesterday, I decided I needed to do something, but I just HAD to watch football. So, this is what I decided to do:
Burpees
Leg Lifts
Push Ups
Jumping Jacks
Squats
I would do 2 for every 1st down, 3 for every field goal, and 7 for every touchdown. I missed the 1st hour of the game. What do you know we ended up beating Ole Miss 52-7. So, even with missing the 1st hour I still ended up doing 71 of everything. It was a nice workout and afterwards I felt great! I went to work and ran the stairs for 5 minutes and I did 3 sets of 12 Calf Raises (I did them without stairs). When I got off this morning I met with my sister and I did a total of 1 hour on the Wii. We did Just Dance 2 and the Michael Jackson Experience. I worked up a good sweat, had a great shower, and slept great!
Have you ever noticed that when you workout a shower feels soooo much better than a normal shower? Maybe it's just me lol!
Anyway, here's the song for the day. It's featured in Just Dance 2. I couldn't decide whether I wanted to use the actual video or the Just Dance 2 routine, so I'm posting both. The actual video is....different lol! Enjoy and try the Just Dance 2 routine out if you have the time. It's one of my favorites!
Junior Senior - Move Your Feet (Actual Video)
Junior Senior - Move Your Feet (Just Dance 2 Routine)
If you've never done a dancing game on Wii, pay attention to the figures on the bottom of the screen. They give you a short heads up to what movement is coming up next. Have a great day!
I guess I didn't do too much damage on Friday, because I still lost some weight this week. I'm officially below where I was when I started gaining a couple of weeks ago, so that's great!
I've taken some time off and once I take days off, it's extremely hard for me to get back into things. The longer I stay away, the harder it is to start back. Yesterday, I decided I needed to do something, but I just HAD to watch football. So, this is what I decided to do:
Burpees
Leg Lifts
Push Ups
Jumping Jacks
Squats
I would do 2 for every 1st down, 3 for every field goal, and 7 for every touchdown. I missed the 1st hour of the game. What do you know we ended up beating Ole Miss 52-7. So, even with missing the 1st hour I still ended up doing 71 of everything. It was a nice workout and afterwards I felt great! I went to work and ran the stairs for 5 minutes and I did 3 sets of 12 Calf Raises (I did them without stairs). When I got off this morning I met with my sister and I did a total of 1 hour on the Wii. We did Just Dance 2 and the Michael Jackson Experience. I worked up a good sweat, had a great shower, and slept great!
Have you ever noticed that when you workout a shower feels soooo much better than a normal shower? Maybe it's just me lol!
Anyway, here's the song for the day. It's featured in Just Dance 2. I couldn't decide whether I wanted to use the actual video or the Just Dance 2 routine, so I'm posting both. The actual video is....different lol! Enjoy and try the Just Dance 2 routine out if you have the time. It's one of my favorites!
Junior Senior - Move Your Feet (Actual Video)
Junior Senior - Move Your Feet (Just Dance 2 Routine)
If you've never done a dancing game on Wii, pay attention to the figures on the bottom of the screen. They give you a short heads up to what movement is coming up next. Have a great day!
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Overslept
I completely missed my 5k. I went out last night with my sister and a friend I have not seen since July, so I overslept this morning. The big picture for the 5k was the fundraising, so I at least accomplished that. I'm a little disappointed I missed it. On the other hand, I would not have traded the night with my sister and my friend for it. I rarely get to see wither of them anymore, so for me it was worth it. I'm planning to doing a 5k on my own at some point this week, just to kind of see how long it will take me to finish. I'm also going to look at the calendar for my local track club to see what other 5ks are coming up and I'll sign up for one of them.
I have to weigh in tomorrow for WLB, and after eating (I did share them) cheese sticks, cheese fries, and drinking 4 alcoholic drinks last night I'm not so sure how that's going to go. Other than that I've done pretty well this week with food. I've had lots and lots of grilled chicken, baked fish, veggies, and water.
I'm still having problems with my chest being sore/burning when I do the slightest bit of exercise. It's not a huge issue, but it's there.
Today I'm doing some ST (strength training) while watching football. I'll be mixing in squats, leg lifts, push ups, and jumping jacks on commercials and when a team scores. I have already started and I should have thought to keep track of it all, because I'm curious how many I will end up doing, but I didn't think of it until this moment. I hope everyone is having a great Saturday!
Anastacia - I'm Outta Love
I have to weigh in tomorrow for WLB, and after eating (I did share them) cheese sticks, cheese fries, and drinking 4 alcoholic drinks last night I'm not so sure how that's going to go. Other than that I've done pretty well this week with food. I've had lots and lots of grilled chicken, baked fish, veggies, and water.
I'm still having problems with my chest being sore/burning when I do the slightest bit of exercise. It's not a huge issue, but it's there.
Today I'm doing some ST (strength training) while watching football. I'll be mixing in squats, leg lifts, push ups, and jumping jacks on commercials and when a team scores. I have already started and I should have thought to keep track of it all, because I'm curious how many I will end up doing, but I didn't think of it until this moment. I hope everyone is having a great Saturday!
Anastacia - I'm Outta Love
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