Pregnancy Weight

Hello all! It's been a while since I wrote on here... sometimes I feel like it's a little pointless since I'm supposed to be gaining weight and all. However. I thought I'd say hello, and I do have some good news in the weight department... Throughout the pregnancy I haven't gained too much! :D I have 4 weeks to go and, therefore, 4 more pounds I'm supposed to be gaining. That will actually put me just a smidge under what the doctor told me to gain in the beginning. This last 2 weeks between appointments, I actually lost a pound... which the dr said was no big deal. Dave's mom told me that when she had her kids as soon as the kid was born she weighed less than she did when she started. Hopefully I'll be the same and get jump started on losing again.

Rits - when you had Monkey, how soon were you able to exercise and get going again? I keep hearing that there is about a 6 week recovery period before you feel yourself again. True? And will I kill myself if I start slowly before then?

Weight Watchers Recipes

Hey, I ran across this Weight-Watchers recipe blog this morning, and I thought some of us might like it.

We've been so sick at my house for so long, but I'm finally getting to the point where I feel like I can exercise again, which is really nice! Happily, it looks like I haven't gained anything while I've been recovering.

I Get It!!

I finally understand why people run! Why it is that runners get so strange about missing a run, why they spend so much money on that expensive gear, why they go out in the rain and snow and whatever. Why they run.

It feels good!

Whoa. It was super cool this evening. I ran more than I have ever before. I discovered a stride - one that uses my whole foot, kind of a rolling motion - that just works. It was completely amazing. I got totally nasty sweaty, but instead of feeling nasty it felt like an accomplishment, in a strange sort of way. And I could breathe. Most of the time. Except that since I was doing so well I pushed it, so then I couldn't breathe. But as soon as that passed, I'd run until it happened again. And I was running more than before too; instead of running 1 walking 2 and not even that, I was running 1 walking 1 a good bit of the time. It was so cool!

Also, I weighed myself and got out the old measuring tape this morning. Good news there too: I'm down 3 pounds. One more and I get a new badge. I'm hopeful that I'll have it before the week is out. Most of my measurements are also improved over last week.

Oh, and I need a shower. Man, am I stinky. Andy says the sweat smells worse at first, and once your body cleans itself out with the heavy sweating it gets better. I sure hope so!

Go Mama!!

Ah, Yes. Checking In.

There's supposed to be a check in. I'm not real sure that I want to do that this week, as I'm feeling more than a little frustrated with the whole thing. But I suppose that I should to the weighing and measuring so that I can have yet another "starting point." I am resolved. Running. Yoga. Calorie counting for the next 2 weeks, faithfully, and intermittently after that.

So. After checking my numbers I find that I'm not as bad off on the weight as I thought I would be, but the measurements are definitely telling me that I need to sit up and pay attention. We'll see if I can't be doing better by next week. Though it's not as bad as I expected it would be. I don't think that I'll call it "starting over" after all.

Thursday Check-In

So, I've only done the Pilates tape twice now (Monday and yesterday).. but I have been doing much better with my eating and water-drinking. I forgot to take measurements this morning, but when I weighed myself I'm down two pounds from last week. (I'm sure it's more of my watching what I consume rather than the Pilates being magic or something)
But, how about that Pilates?

The DVD I got was put out by Gaiam. Back in college I had a VHS from Gaiam, Yoga for Weight Loss, that I really liked. The instructer was clear, and explained what she was doing and even gave pretty good directions on what sorts of things to watch out for (i.e. she'd warn about tension in various places and I'd notice, yep, I had LOTS of tension in that area). So, I decided to trust Gaiam again.

I was takling to a friend on Sunday night about my plans to start Pilates the following morning, and she pointed out that one of the drawback to doing workouts from video (or any do-it-yourself workouts without prior training).. there's always the danger of doing the moves wrong and at best, having a less effective workout, and at worst, hurting yourself. I considered her words.. they were a wise warning.. but I don't really have the option of getting myself a personal trainer, so, the next morning before starting, I said a little prayer and resolved to honor any feelings of resistence in my body, I popped in the DVD and got started.

It has two options: a 10min Pilates Energy Boost and a 30min Pilates routine. Since I generally slot out 45-50mins in the mornings for my workout, I decided that I'd give them both a try. Wow do they ask you to put yourself in some strange positions! It's different than yoga. Yoga's all about stretching and holding positions.. Pilates has that too, but it's more about smooth motions and repetition. Some of the exercises don't look so bad, but after you do them 15 times, you start to feel it.

Following my wise friend's advice, I took it easy; I didn't do all the excersies, and I didn't do all the reps, but I did do most of them and I ran through both segments of the DVD. At the end of the workout, my muscles felt rubbery and a few hours later the tell-tell symptoms of pending soreness began. I knew then that there would be pain on Tuesday.

And there was. But, Tuesday morning I did my elliptical routine, followed by handweights, anyway. I think that helped to soften my muslces, so the soreness wasn't so bad. Wednesday I did the Pilates again, and I felt like I could do more. And it seems, even with only two times doing it, that my posture is better, and today I'm not sore at all.

I think this routine is a keeper!

Back again :)

Hi Ladies,

I haven't been really good about posting. No excuses. I just haven't had much to say.

But, I am back. I am glad that your stuff automatically comes to my email. Keeps me in touch - or at least a spectator!!

I have been working on losing weight since July. I am doing okay. I have lost 17 lbs. That puts me almost back to where I was a little over a year ago!!! Oh well. Now I can start thinking about losing new weight!! That is a happy thing.

The nice thing is that I have been walking. I did a 5K the first of August and Laura and I are walking about 4.5 miles in 70-75 minutes. It has gotten harder to find a time to go together now that I am back in school. But I got on the treadmill tonight. That takes a whole different set of muscles. That seems funny since I am still mostly just walking. But the walking is really helping with the inches!!! That is a happy thing!!! :)

But, with having lost 17 lbs, that is a little more than 20% of the total weight that I would like to lose. That is a positive way to look at it for me. That sounds like a lot of progress. I just can't allow myself to think about how much further I still have to go - that is discouraging. So, 20% done!! And feeling a lot more healthy. That is a happy thing, too!! :) :)

Keep up the good work Ladies!!! It is worth it!!

Trying New Stuff

I feel like I'm loosing the battle with my bulge.. so, since I am the boss of me, I went out today and got a Pilates workout DVD. The plan is to keep getting up early in the morning and working out, but on alternating days to use the Pilates rather than just doing the elliptical every other day.
Monday will begin the new regime.

Measuring Tape: Lost

This is a problem. It's really cramping my keeping-track-with-more-than-the-scale style. Hopefully it's hiding with the stopwatch I bought myself a while back and they will both turn up soon.

This Is Funny.

You should read it.

Getting Out There

I'm starting to run again. It's nice to be back out there. I've basically lost all the ground I gained, as far as ability to run, in the year since I've last run. But I'm going to get it back. Today was the second run, actually. I went earlier in the week with Maulbeere. Next week I'm planning to go out 3 times, plus to a walk or yoga on the off days. I went about 1.5 miles; Runner's World has this awesome tool that will tell you how far you went. Runner's World also reminded me that the last time I tried running I managed to move 28 miles, all total. Which is a pretty good accomplishment. I'm looking to make that "total miles I've run" number get a lot bigger!

Trying to build momentum (again)

So, I went to the doctor yesterday (nothing serious.. mostly just a check-up) and, of course, they weigh you with their very accurate and unflinching scale (as opposed to mine at home which i KNOW is 10lbs light, but it's still nicer to see that number even knowing what it really means).

Ugh. I don't know how I can feel like I look better and see muscle definition in multiple places and still be gaining weight. Part of me argues that muscle weighs more than fat.. and I AM building muscle... However, I'm pretty sure that my tendency toward sugary snacks is not blameless either.

I actually received a terrible surprised earlier this week when I looked at the nutrition info on the yogurt covered raisins (the only way i like raisins) that have become a regular snack for me at work, and realized that there really isn't much nutritional value to them at all! No fiber, protein or calcium. Just carbohydrates. Now I have to find a new, healthier snack. Boo!

So, I was praying about getting some help to aid in my lack of willpower when it comes to food last night and I've decided to go back to Sparkpeople. I can get myself up every morning and do my workout (admittedly, sometimes more energetically than others) but I really struggle with the amount of food that I take in. I think that if I can revisit the idea of being aware of my caloric intake that I'd be less likely to indulge as frequently as I have been.

Back on the wagon with me.

Mixed Bag

I'm slow on my weigh-in, but I am here. It was a mixed bag this week: I'm low on water, so I'm up on the scale. However, I did well with my exercise in spite of Andy being out of town all week, and my measuring tape shows it: good looses. So I'm working on my water and hoping that I can get the scale to agree with the tape next week.

Sweet-Tooth Attacks!!

So, as I'm working to make smarter choices with my eating, trying to eat better foods, I find I feel more and more temptation to eat sweet things. What's up with that?

Last week I realized that I'd eaten a dessert or candy pretty much every day. I think that is not a conducive way to maintain my health, or work on trimming my figure for that matter.

So, this week, I decided to avoid eating desserts. Yesterday I actually forgot about it and had a little bag of Reese's Pieces. But today, I'm back to my determination. I even brought fruit for lunch (that frequently satisfies my sweet-tooth). However, it's nearing the sleepy time of day and I totally have the munchies!

So, in hopes that I'm not the only one, I thought I'd open this up for discussion.. What do you guys do to avoid giving in to your sweet-tooth?

Lost Ground:Regained

So, I lost some ground over the 4th, but I'm now back to where I was before the holiday. Water. Water. Water. Water. It makes all the difference. I MUST remember this when we go out to Utah (YAY!), or I will be upset with myself.

Ran across something interesting this week. It's parts one and two of a three part weight loss success story, and she's got an interesting theory of loss. I found it interesting (though I don't know that I buy everything that she says), and thought that you guys might as well. As of right now, she hasn't posted part three yet, but I'll bring the link when she does.

Ah... there it is. She's now posted part three.

Mixed Messages

I keep getting mixed messages from my scale and tape. It seems like one week the tape is down but the scale is up and the next week it's the opposite!

This week, all my measurements were up (by just a 1/4") except my thighs, that one was down a 1/2"... but then the scale said I was down two/three (it kept wobbling between them and couldn't decide on a specific resting point)

I admit, my at-home workouts are a little less intense than the gym workouts, but then they're a little longer, so I think it balances out more or less. And I miss the treadmill.. but I've been switching between the elliptical machine and jump roping each time, so at least there's still a little cross training going on to keep the muscles confused and non-stagnant.

Despite all the differences and apparent lack of great effect, I feel pretty good overall. I feel that, even though I don't seem to be losing any actual weight/inches, I feel like my bulk is redistributing somewhat and I like the new placement better. Plus, I'm certain my calves and arms are looking more shapely.. even if I don't measure those things, that helps make me feel that my early morning torture sessions are not all in vain.

I am going down!!!

I have been really watching what I eat for the last couple of weeks and have added walking with Laura and went on a bike ride with Aubrey. It has had a good result!! The scales are starting down!!!!!! After about 9 month of gradual climbing, this is great!!!

Umm... I only gained 3 lbs. Hooray!!!

So I went to the doctor on Tuesday and since the last appt (a month ago) I've only gained 3 lbs! I feel kinda silly posting that on here, but it is a really big accomplishment. I had to work pretty hard on that. I was actually hoping to only gain 1 or 2, but the doctor said 3 was perfect. So cool! :D And another thing I feel kinda silly posting here, I was laying in bed the other night rubbing my belly and I can feel me getting bigger. I have a baby bump!!! I was so excited and I made Dave feel it too. :) Is that nerdy or what?

Ok. So an actual progress report, I was going crazy at the beginning of the pregnancy. I couldn't go to the gym cuz I was just so incredibly tired all the time and barely had enough energy to get through work. I fell asleep on the way home almost every day... Dave drove. So needless to say, I wasn't going to the gym ever. And then, I decided it would be a really good idea to eat pizza and chips every night for dinner. And hamburgers. And I'm craving brats. So I gained about 5lbs the first month. But my energy is back... mostly. And I'm loving the pool. I even got a new swim suit and goggles. :)

Weigh-in

Not too bad. I always suffer when I don't drink water, and I had several days in a row, what with Independence Day and the Fast Sunday. I fluffed right up with bloating. But all but 1 pound of that is gone now. My measurements were a mixed bag: some loss, some gain. But I'm back on track and getting things going in the right direction. One thing that's helped is that when I write my measurements, I write down the new number, then in parenthesis I'll put the change for the week and the total change. That's pretty wordy. It's just this:

Weight: 203 (+1/-6)
Waist: 36 1/2" (-1/2" / -2 1/4")
Hips: 45 1/4" (+1" / -1 1/4")
R. Thigh: 26 1/4" (+1/4" / -1")

It's a bit of a mess to look at, and the math is sort of obnoxious. But I've decided that it's absolutely worth it: when I had the gains this week, I could see that there is still progress, even though it wasn't a stellar week. And it has helped keep my thoughts in the way they should be so that I'm still feeling successful, still feeling hopeful. And THAT means that I'm not feeling the urge to sabotage myself. It's worth a bit of messy math to me!

Checkin' In

Well, the holiday didn't do me any super major damage.. though, I think I probably could have done better with things.

So, I did my weekly measure and weigh-in today.. the scale wasn't cheerful (up 3), but the measuring tape was very kind. I'm down in nearly all the numbers by at least 1/4 inch. It feels like I say that each week: "Nothing with the scale, but happy for the tape".. I suppose that's ok though.

My coworker (who is way into working out) says that the weightloss can sometimes take a much longer time than one would expect. We were talking and I mentioned that I thought that in 2-3 months, I should see some significant changes on the scale (if i'm steady with the good eating and regular with the working out of course) ... she indicated that often it takes much longer, more like 6 months to see big results. So, I suppose, since I'm really only 2 or 3 months into being regular with my workouts and only moderatly ok with my "good eating" habits, I shouldn't let the scale's not budging bring me too much discouragement.

Headed for the camp ground !!

I weighed this morning and I did pretty good this week. I am down 3 even with the 4th. I can live with that!!!! :)

We are headed for Bancroft to camp. It is turning out that not everyone is staying the whole time. Kind of going in shifts - but we are going!!!

The nice thing about being the Mom is that I get to choose the food that we take!! So I packed a bunch of fruit and veggies. I am hoping that I can manage to not eat all the treats that I got for the boys!!! I just couldn't bring myself to not get stuff for them. I think that they would have be crabby - especially since tomorrow is a birthday!!!

So, I am planning to count the points and do my best!! Hopefully the relaxing weekend will be good for us all!!

Getting Back on Track

As you know, you haven't seen me here for a while. I visit, but have been silent. The last few months have not been good for me as far as watching what I eat and exercising. Therefore the pounds have gradually gone up.

However, I am doing better!!! A and I are working on it together and the scales this morning said that I had lost 5 pounds this first week. (Don't you love 1st weeks!!) I still have several to go before I reach my low spot again, but at least I am going in the right direction!!! :) That is a very happy thing!! Making that turn around has been really difficult for me.

I think a huge factor in my success is getting a little more sleep. That and really watching what I put into my mouth and writing everything down. I keep being surprised at how it adds up by the end of the day. Writing it down as I go really keeps me aware of what I have already eaten.

Glad to see that D and K are doing well and moving in the right direction too!! Glad that the 4th wasn't too hard on you D. How about you K? I actually did really well. I lost 1 lb!! For a holiday weekend, that never happens for me!!! :) I am pleased.

Practically Next Week Already

It's practically next week already; soon we'll be posting how the holiday goodies have affected us. But I'm just now getting around to checking in with the results of my weigh-in last Thursday: a 3 pound loss! I'm beginning to notice a difference in a few of my clothes, which is very encouraging. Now, the trick is to not spoil things with this week's Independence Day goodies!

Oh Happy Day!

I've got a 2 pound loss this week! Plus, 2 of my 3 measurements are slightly down. I am a happy girl. The biggest thing I did this week: more water. More water more water more water. Makes a huge difference, because between the heat & both my guys being sick, I didn't really do so hot on the exercise this time around. I'm feeling very encouraged about my lifestyle changes. They seem to be working! It still takes vigilance, but the changes are doing the job and I'm getting closer to that baby!

Making Changes...

So, for the past year, I've been doing my working out in the gym in the building where I worked. However, this past week, we moved buildings and the new place doesn't have a gym.. Theoretically they're planning on having a gym, but it's not currently up and running. The hope is to have it up and running by September or October sometime. That is a loooooooong time away.

However, since I knew this was coming, I've made other arrangements. We've got an exercise machine at home that, previously, I rarely used. (the gym at work was just so much more convenient). While doing my time at the gym, I came to realize that I enjoy working out more when I'm watching something. So, now that I'm doing the workouts at home, I've increased my Netflix and created a queue list that only includes episodes of various shows so that I've still got something to distract my brain while I'm beating up my body.

The hardest part of this transition is the timing.. I do my workouts before work now. That means I'm getting up 45 minutes earlier than I'm used to. Today is day 4.. so far so good.
Though, it helps that I have a hubby who would poke me if I neglected to get up. So far I haven't needed that, but I know he's there and awake enough - should I ever need it, to do it. That proves to be good motivation to get out of bed :)

However, today when I did my weekly weigh-in, the scale wasn't so kind to me. I'm back to where I was before my loss from last week. Bleh. But the measuring tape was kinder. My waist and chest are down, my arms came out a little smaller too, and most of the other numbers stayed the same.. so I know there's some progress being made.

Not There Yet

Well, the lesson this week is that I haven't made enough changes to my lifestyle to let it go on auto-pilot for a week. I still need the vigilance that comes from counting calories, and I'm not exercising enough. I had small gains both on the scale and on the measuring tape, so I'm off to babyfit to put in my breakfast so I can count my calories today.

Thursday Check-in

Woot! Alright.. I actually managed to measure AND weigh this morning, and it's even Thursday!

The scale was very kind to me, I'm down 3 lbs.. my waist is down 3/4 of an inch and my hips are down 1/4 of an inch. Those are very motivating numbers (especially considering the amount of birthday sweets that have been floating around the office this week). But, overall, I think I've been doing significantly better with being careful about being aware of what I'm eating. I wouldn't say I'm doing a super job at not eating whatever I want to eat, but I do think I am improving with the making of wiser choices and that's a start.

Not too Shabby

I like that our "Thursday Check-Ins" are pretty fluid :) I forgot to measure or weigh myself yesterday but I thought I'd check in today all the same.

I measured myself this morning (though I forgot to hop on the scale). While all the other numbers are up, I lost half an inch around my hips. Yay!

I'm not too discouraged about the other numbers not getting better though, I feel like it'll take more than a week to make any real progress. Plus, I was looking in the mirror at the gym yesterday and I think that the chub is moving around (if that makes sense); certain areas are looking noticeably better. While that does mean that the chub has relocated to other areas, I like to think it's only temporarily before it goes away all together.

I've continued to be pretty good about having quality work outs (i'm a little sore today and will be back up there again this afternoon) and I'm being more honest with myself about how much I eat and working on cutting back on the larger quantities and very bad foods. It'll be a process, but I think I'm making good steps in the right direction.

Lovin' the Measuring Tape

Yes, indeed I am! The scale isn't nearly as encouraging as I wanted it to be. But I started taking measurements, and that requires records. I am reminded why it is that we liked records so much when I worked at IDTC: they make little progress real, keep away discouragement, and keep the goal on track! They make progress visible.

So, here is my progress:

Weight: down 3 pounds
Waist: down 1/2 inch
Hips: down 1 3/4 inches!!!
Thigh: down 1 inch.

I'm so excited about these numbers! They are 2 weeks worth of time, and I was feeling rather blah about the weight, as I'm not into new numbers yet, nor am I below 200, and I had hoped to be. However, I AM about 10% of the way to my first goal. And when I make it to that goal I'll have my doctor call in some fertility drugs! Wooooot!! Talk about your non-food rewards!!

Oi Oi!

Alrighty. So, I know it's not Thursday, but today is the day I'm getting back on the wagon. The last few months I've been being better about working out.. however, I've NOT been better about watching what I eat. So, my weight hasn't ballooned, but it's still not anywhere that I'd like it to be nor is it going in the direction that it should. For a while, my measurements were going down (so i didn't mind the scale too much) but now I don't even have that and I know it's time for some changes.

Back last Fall, I was doing pretty well by working out 4 or 5 times a week (for me, it is clear, 2 or 3 times is not going to get me the results I want). So, now I'm going to get back to that sort of routine. Gotta stop with the slacking and get on with the determination!

Sparkpeople here I come!!

Weakness and Strength

I am slowly making some progress. I made myself a journal this week - just a three ring binder, with a verse printed out in a pretty font for the front, to remind me. This is what it says:

I give unto men weakness
that they may be humble;
if they humble themselves
before me
and have faith in me
then will I
make weak things
become strong until them.

It's from Ether 12:27. Weakness includes an inclination to over-indulge when eating and to under-indulge in movement. I am seeking His help, and as He promises so often, I am finding what I seek. It's slow progress: I haven't lost any pounds yet. But one of the things I'm keeping track of in this new binder of mine is my measurements, and I lost 1/2 inch on two of them this week. I am grateful for His help!

So, now that I'm measuring myself, and I'm actually taking weekly pictures too, though I don't plan to post those, as they are the most honest (read: unflattering) ones that I've seen in a long time, I'll be checking in with my journal weekly about Thursday. I did it early this week because I was so frustrated with the scale that I needed to see what the tape measure was going to say. But if anyone cares to join me, I'd love company on a Thursday weigh-in/measurement schedule!

Still Going

We were out again tonight with the bike and trailer, riding around. I think I'm going to need to pump up the one tire a bit, it seemed a bit low this afternoon. But other than that, everything is still wonderful. We checked out a new park today, as we wandered around looking to see what there is to see in the range offered by the bike. I can tell that I'm not as strong as I once was, but at the same time it's not terribly hard, so it's working out well. After we got back from the ride we spent a few minutes in the garden before it got too dark to do that too. There's a lot of weeds in there that need to be choked out. I'll probably take some boxes out and put them on my path and then cover them with some mulch to keep it looking less trashy yet still keep the weeds down. My friends that used boxes on their paths last year only had weeds where the boxes slipped apart, so I'm going to try it. It was a good evening. Neither cold nor hot, just very nice. Too early for many bugs. My kind of night.

New Toys

I've been outside all but 1 day this week. We had rain that day, and I also had a nasty headache. But today was something of a red letter day.

Today, I finally got the new bike that I've been wanting to get! We picked it up, and I rode it home. Monkey wanted a turn, but unfortunately, it was lunch time and he clearly needed a nap. So I promised that I would take him out after his nap. At the time, it was hardly a satisfactory solution: he cried. "I'm not sleepy!" And, "It's not my quiet time!" Eventually he woke up from the nap he didn't need, and then we took his stroller outside. Poor Monkey was pretty confused by this. Last fall I used some of my piano money to buy a bike trailer. It came with a stroller adaptation, and we've used it off and on since then. It's a nice stroller. Big wheels. Easy to push. But it's something of a wide load, since it'll fit two kids. So the poor little guy was a bit confused when I said, "Let's go on a bike ride," and got out the stroller. But I talked him into playing along with it, hooked it up, buckled him in, and off we went. At the end of the first block I asked him what he thought. "I like it. It rides good."

Take it Outside

I'm struggling to make the kind of life-style changes that will make loosing weight & keeping it off possible. Recently, I was praying about it and felt prompted to spend more time outside.

---

Once upon a time, there was a Mom who had a daughter that liked to read. (That would be me.) Mom, from time to time, would say to the young girl, "You need to go outside to play." Seated on the coziest corner of the couch, with her nose well buried in a fat book, the young girl probably didn't even hear her Mother until she'd said it at least three times. But eventually, if the Mother persisted, she would look up and say, "What?" Sometimes, the Mother was persistent enough that she would actually end up outside. Upon finding herself in the Great Outdoors, the girl commenced to search for a corner as soft as the couch to sit upon. Preferably, a corner without bugs. This was a difficult thing to find, and the girl very seldom found it. Sometimes, she would sit on the cement stairs and try to read comfortably there, but it never seemed quite as appealing as the coziest corner of the couch. In addition, there always seemed to be ants, spiders, and bees on the porch. So she would go back inside to the couch to continue her story, much to the Mother's frustration.

---

Yeah. I wasn't much of an outdoorsy type. I'm better now. Discovering gardening did a lot for me. And having flowers just outside my living room window, flowers that attract big fluffy bumbles, has also helped with the whole bug thing. And doing nature study with Monkey is also a lot of fun; I'm learning tons. But I often still feel that old "What am I supposed to DO out here?" feeling that used to bring me back inside so quickly. But it makes sense that getting outside will help with increasing my overall activity level. So Maulbeere and I brainstormed some ideas for Things To Do Outside.

And today is 2 days in a row that I've been outside.

Water Water

Some days I am super thirsty. I sometimes drink three liters of water while at work, and then another one or two at home. And then some days I am not thirsty at all and trying to finish a single liter is a struggle. What's up with that?

Today is a thirsty day. Yay for water!

(from http://aunz.siemens.com/Water/Pages/CC_2097_Water.aspx)

Gathering Momentum

I picked up running again, to go with my efforts at putting more veggies and less sweets in my mouth. So far, it's going really well. Today was Day 3 of that Runner's World training program. I haven't had to repeat a day to get it yet: first try all the way! I'm feeling pretty good about that, let me tell you! I think that the furthest I've been into that program is Day 8 or so, so I'm going to start out with a modest goal: Make it to day 10. Someday, I want to run a 5k, but I'm not worrying about that right now. Right now I'm working through the issues that keep me sabotaging myself. Like fear of miscarriage and gluttony. Things that happen in my head that keep the food going in the mouth or the feet off the treadmill.

I'm coming to the conclusion that weight loss isn't really so much about calories (though those ARE important) as it is about psychology or something like that. How many times have I started to loose, been making good progress, then let it all slip away and ended up heavier than when I started?? That's not a problem with my ability to loose weight: the weight loss was working. That's a problem with the things that happen between my ears. So I'm trying spending more time on my knees, asking for clarity and help. It worked yesterday. I managed not to eat more than I should.

I'm setting smaller goals: just this week. I want to loose 2 pounds this week. I'm doing that by drinking water and running. Next week will take care of itself when it gets here. I have to Pay Attention or I find myself with a fistful of M&Ms or something and then another and another... But yesterday I made it. I resisted the temptation to sabotage. And I'm not doing too badly today, though I really need to find my water.

Digging Out of My Hole

The one that I dug for myself when we went on our trip. It was not pretty. I came back with much more of me to love than there was when we left and this does not make me a happy Mama! However. I've been getting back on track since then. I've got some smoothie stuff to post (more on that in a minute) because I've been working on re-learning how to eat so that I loose weight. Re-discovering how tasty veggies and fruit are. Plain. All by themselves. With maybe some other healthy things. That and some water is working nicely. Which is good because getting the exercise to happen has really been a struggle. But I feel pretty good: I've lost 8 of the pounds I'd gained while we were out. Still have 4 to go, but it's progress. And it's loss. So I get a button.



Speaking of smoothies, they make a yummy breakfast. This one had apples in it, which my blender didn't quite manage to smooth out, so I had chunks. But the blender is known to be dieing, so it's OK. One of these days I'll replace it. But it's not all dead yet, just partly dead. Partly dead is still slightly alive... Ahem. In addition to the apple (chunky) there was strawberry. That got smoothed out. I think this one also had the end of my pineapple rings and some pineapple juice. And a little vanilla yogurt. YUM. So tasty! Sometimes, when I don't have any juice around I throw in a slosh of soy milk. For whatever reason I never seem to slosh around the regular milk like that, though you probably could. But soy milk is very easy on the calories. I've got some frozen fruit that I sometimes put in: peaches or blueberries. Both quite yummy as well. There will be bananas in the next bunch of smoothies that I make cuz I got a whole slew of bananas today. Just whatever's around. It's a tasty fruity way to start the day for not many calories! If you're feeling REALLY adventurous, a friend of mine makes a green smoothie... with spinach in her fruit. Looks like toxic waste. Tastes good. But it's a bit... oddd.... drinking that green stuff. But it'd add more veggies to the day.

Another Day

Today the gym was super packed. Bleck. (I had to use a bike, my least favorite of the options) However, I still worked up a sweat and I feel like I got a good cardio workout. And I spent some time working my core muscles with leg lifts and side-ways crunches.

Last Friday, instead of going to the gym, I had to stand in line at the DMV to (unsuccessfully) take care of some business with my car. However, I had also missed Wednesday ('cuz I forgot the necessary pieces) so I was feeling like I'd slacked off and didn't want to miss my Friday. So I determined (and posted it as my status on Facebook to hold myself more accountable) that I would go home and jump rope. And I did! I jumped rope for 20 mins and then worked on the elliptical machine for another 15, followed by those same tummy exercises as above. Now, if I could just stop eating sweet things I think I might notice some positive effects! :)

How are things going with you ladies? It's been kind of quiet around here...

Yummy Food!!

Strawberries! They're starting to come into season in the grocery stores, and I'm so excited! Not long after you can get good strawberries at the store (which these are) you can get them from the you-pick places. I love the spring and summer fruits. They're delicious and healthy and very low-calorie. Eat up, it's a gift from a Loving Father!

I tried Kate's pita salad, and it's yummy. I added mushrooms to mine, and because I like my veggies juicy, I added a bit of greek dressing. It was delicious.




Kate and I have been discussing in comments some very yummy looking food. One of the ideas she found was peanut butter sushi. It's fun. A little fiddly to make, but lots of fun. I ran it through my recipe program, which tells me that four pieces of "sushi" - the amount made from one piece of whole grain bread - comes to about 280 calories.

Sharing Ideas

So, I work an office job and for some time now I've been bring-your-own-lunch kind of girl. Good for a lot of things, and saving money is just one of them. Sometimes I would bring a sandwich, or leftovers from dinner yesterday, but then I got tired of eating the same thing twice in a row. (having the same stuff for lunch and dinner takes all the fun out of even the best dinner dishes)

So, for the last several months I've taken to bringing different kinds of Lean Cuisines (or knock-off brands of the same sort). However, either the meals have changed or my tummy has just gotten tired of them because, for the last few weeks, each time I would heat one up for lunch (and tried pretty much ever flavor and it was all about the same) after I would finish eating it, I'd feel nauseous and gross (and it wasn't just my body's dislike of milk kicking in). After exhausting the supply of new flavors -and my patience with feeling nasty every day- I went online to find something new and portable that I could bring for lunch; something that would still be within the 250-300 calorie range and be (ideally) on the healthy side.

Then I found this:
It's made up of these ingredients (i don't actually measure them out, but here's a general idea):
1 half pita (6 1/2" diameter) whole wheat
2 Tbs hummus (original flavor)
1/4 cup of green (bell) peppers
2 medium slices of ripe tomato
7-10 black olives, halved

I spread the hummus inside the pita and put it in a baggie. Then, in another bag, I put the chopped peppers, tomatoes and olives.

While the hummus works wonders to make the pita bread more moist, it also makes it super difficult to peel it apart when it's time for lunch. So, when it's time to eat, I just pour the toppings over the pita on a plate and eat it with a fork and knife.

I looked up this concoction on http://sparkpeople.com 's calorie counter and it came out to roughly 270. Well within my ideal lunch calorie limit and there's next to no preservatives, all sorts of veggies AND it's soooo yummy.

I've brought it every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, for the last couple weeks and, so far, I don't see myself getting tired of this any time soon. And I cannot wait until the farmers markets open and I can upgrade to vine-ripened tomatoes and garden fresh peppers.. oh baby oh baby!!

In Praise of Water

I went to Mom & Dad's house this weekend, and we had dinner. It was yummy: spaghetti and salad. There was also chocolate milk on the table which I enjoyed very much. That is, I did until I looked at the label and realized that for the brief pleasure of a glass of milk I had spent 170 calories or so. And I'd had more than 1. I usually know it when I'm sabotaging myself, but I'd been completely blindsided by this one. Nothing to do about it but enjoy the fact that I'd been to the ice rink earlier in the day and skated for an hour and a half. At least I did a good job on the exercise!

Just one more reason to love water: it's crazy easy to drink your calories, which leaves you still hungry enough to eat them too. Milk's not even all that bad: check the label on soda some time. That stuff is liquid candy. Juice makers want you to think their apple juice is the same as eating an apple, but you don't get any of the filling qualities: no fiber, no pulpy bulk filling the belly.

Makes me want to make sure to drink water at my meals: it's an easy way to keep the calorie count lower.

Grunt and Sweat

Oh yeah. Working out is a funny thing; one hour of hating life so that you can more fully enjoy the other 23.

Yesterday I hit the elliptical machine, the one with the arm thingys. I used to not like it, but I've decided that it's a very effective way to get a full body work out. My hour in the gym went something like this:

First there was a little bit of this:

(from http://sojourness.blogspot.com/2007_04_01_archive.html)

Then a little bit of this - only less serene and with more red-faced grunting:

(from http://pilates.about.com/od/pilatesmat/ss/RollOver.htm)

And then some of this:

(from http://www.fitnesscure.com/2007/07/30/weekly-workout-schedule-july-29-aug-4/)

I'd say it was an hour well spent!

Back on the Wagon!

I went and excersised just now. I ran/jogged one mile in 18:30!! YAY! I used to run a mile in over 20 minutes, but I dropped two mintues! Wahoo! That felt wonderful, and I feel all sweaty and refreshed. :) I listened to music the whole time, and that kept me from being bored out of my brains. :) I'm officailly back on the wagon. Now if I can just remember to do this every day, continue my sit ups, and still watch what I eat, I should hopefully be in good shape soon. :)
I love all the encouragment I get from all of you. Thanks.

New motivation

Well, I AM still alive. So there's a Freshman Formal dance coming up at school, on the 28th of February I think. I convinced mom to buy me a dress, but I need to do sit ups ir something so I can get my belly to not bulge as much in the time I have. mom said that if I do between 10 and 25 sit ups every day, maybe twice a day, that I could get my stomach to noy bugle so much. :) YAY!! I'm trying that to see how well it going to work, so I'm going to go in my room and see how many sit ups I can do. A while ago, I went to my dear oldest sister's house, and she and her husband were trying to help get me a routine for excersising, and he said that I'm not really breathing when I excersise. I suppose that's not very good. He told me that I should count" 1,2" for every breath in, and every breath out. So far it's been working wonderfully. You should tell your husband thanks for me, dear oldest sister. :) I was also thinking that in addition to my sit ups, I would walk on that treadmill that's downstairs once a day, for about 20 - 30 minutes, and see how much I can do, and try to take less time getting that far so I can go farther in the same amount of time. :) WHEE! I haven't been doing very well with my dieting and whatnot, but someone at church today commented that I was looking skinnier! That made me feel SO good! That meant that the little things that I was doing were working! YES! I love all of you sisters and mother of mine!

Young Sister in Wisconsin :)

Handy Little Reminders

I finally got around to posting all the things I've been meaning to post inside my bathroom cabinet tonight :) Along with it, I made this sign. I thought it turned out pretty well, so I thought I'd share, on the off chance that anybody might wanted to print out a ready-made sign.

Getting back up.. again

Like Ritsumei has said in previous posts: Fall down seven times, get up eight. I'm finally getting back up :)

Even though I keep saying, "I'm going to go back to the gym.. really, I'm going to go back.." Yesterday was the first time, since we got back, that I went to the gym. It really felt good to be back to being active though. Really good.. my day went so much better after that. And (mostly) I've been being better about eating good and healthy foods. Those things combined really make a difference in how I feel day to day. Today those really are my motivation to keep up with the gym thing: Work out+Eat well=Feel Good. I think I need to make a little sign and put that in my bathroom cabinet too so I will continue to remember.

Picking Up Steam

I've been talking to the Lord for some help with the fears that are causing me to sabotage myself. And while I'm not actually loosing yet, I think it's helping. My exercise is getting more important to me again: I did 2 days last week & started the week out right this morning with a bit of a walk-n-run. I listened to some Conference talks on my phone while I did it, and it felt good. That is, it felt good until I got a cramp in my hip. Andy said that sometimes happens when your body isn't used to it, so I'll take my day of rest (probably try for some yoga tomorrow, but Monkey has an allergist appointment that's going to seriously gum up the works) and then try again on Wednesday. I'm feeling pretty good.

Emma Needs a BUTTON!

Sorry, they didn't have a 12 pound button, only increments of 5.

12 Pounds

So today I realized I lost 12 pounds this month! I was shocked when it dawned on me - I've been looking at it all from a week to week perspective, and by that it was kinda depressing! I lost 2 pounds last week. Which I do understand is good, but Dave's family is doing this biggest loser thing and I've always been in the bottom 3! So kudos to them for getting me to the bottom with 2 pounds! :) But today when I thought about the whole month it was a really nice feeling! I've lost 12 POUNDS! At this rate, by the time Josh comes home, I'll be at 180! And by my anniversary I can be at my target for the year! Amazing! :D 

Back in the Saddle Again

Well, I'm getting back up and trying again. I rode the bike for a half hour this morning. I kept my breakfast light and my lunch reasonable. I'm drinking my water.

Fall down seven times, get up eight. -Japanese Proverb.

I think I may be past 7 falls already, but I'm still getting up, so there's still hope for me.

Battling the Bulge

Ooooh.. Vacations are dangerous things! We did walk, and walk, and walk, aaaaand walk every day that we were there, but we also ate more than we would normally. I actually didn't do too bad (i weighed myself after getting back) and I only gained 3 or 4 pounds. But I definitely need to get back into the drinking water thing and visiting the gym thing. I'm doing pretty ok with the water drinking, however I am struggling to get to the gym.

There are definitely some drawbacks to working out over my lunch hour. Not only does it complicate getting errands run, but also, it requires that I remember to pack all the necessary bits of clothing (every morning) that are needed to actually utilize the gym. Today I had grand plans for getting back on the wagon. I was going to hit the elliptical machine and go to work on my tummy and hinney. Alas, today I forgot the necessary bits of clothing. Sigh.

Right There With Ya

Well, I think that I'm doing pretty well in the eating department: I seem to be right close to being back where I was at Thanksgiving, which I definitely wasn't after Christmas. A few too many tasty treats, me thinks! But I too have an excess of snot, and it makes it hard to breathe. Which makes it hard to exercise. And we just won't go into the motivational difficulties that brings on. I think that Kate did justice to those already. But I'm pleased with myself anyway: even without decent exercise I've been making some small progress. I need to check my BMI: I think I'll be out of the "obese" range here in another pound or two and that will be exciting!

Blerg... Sick

Funny how being sick totally takes all motivation and stomps it into the ground. For the last couple weeks I've been doing pretty well with the exercising three times a week thing. However, this past Friday I was feeling a little sickly (nasty cold and stuff) and I did have tentative plans for going to the gym anyway.. but then I ended up running for the train and that made me feel even worse, so I decided to skip the gym that day. On Saturday I wasn't feeling any better, so I didn't do anything very active that day either. However, today (while my nose is still stuffy and raw from repeated blowings) I am feeling much improved and think I will make an attempt to do a little bit and get myself moving again.

However, despite the less than perfect record with working out, I do feel like I've been doing quite well with eating better (and less). I've changed my snacks to incorporate fewer bagels and animal crackers and more fruits and veggies (yay for carrots and hummus!) and I've also been eating more nuts. String cheese is another favorite, and doesn't seem to bother my milk-intolerance too much.

Also, I was reading the other day about the health benefits of fish and my husband, while perhaps not the most adventurous of eaters, is a fan of fish. So this past Friday I went to the little Spanish market down the street and bought a couple fillets of fish (tilapia) and cooked those up for dinner. (Yay for this magical recipe site: http://allrecipes.com/) While I was a little nervous about trying it, this recipe (http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Fish-with-Pico-Garlic-Rub/Detail.aspx?prop31=4 - skip the salt) was super quick and actually quite tasty! I think it may make it into the repeat pile!

(i'll fix the links tonight on my home computer)

Happy New Year!

So I too have made a bunch of New Year's Resolutions. And I, just like Kate, have felt like in the past they have lasted until about Jan. 2. So this year I have a system. My nerdy list making self and I got together and made The List. I have about a dozen resolutions, broken down into 3 catagories (Spiritual, educational, and other. Yes other. Creative. I know.) I also have a calendar just for me with The List pinned up next to it and color-coded sticker system to keep track of progress. Yea for shiny stars! 

I have to admit, I may have been a little over ambitious, but for the moment, other than one of the goals, I feel like they're actually things I can do. I'm going to exercise hard 3 times a week. I'm going to eat more veggies and only 1 dessert a week. (That's the one I'll have issues with. Last week it was 3. Still improvement though, so we'll keep it and keep moving.) I'm going to the temple once a month, I'm reading my scriptures every day, and I'm going to give everything I need to - time, effort, and most importantly, prayer - to the lessons I have to teach. And any other calling I'm asked to do for that matter. I'm going to go to school in the fall and get amazing grades. And I'm going to win the scholarships audition this spring. That one also may be difficult. But, I've talked to a friend of mine who graduated from the same school and now teaches voice lessons and I'm gonna have a few lessons. Kinda feel like as long as I put tons and tons of good hard work into it, if I don't win, I'll be ok. 

So there you have it. The bulk of my resolutions. And how are things coming? :) Pretty well. Dave and I have an appointment at the Redlands Temple next Saturday, and last week I went to the gym Thursday and Saturday. I actually bought veggies other than corn and green beans (which were never eaten before anyway. Hehe.) and I ate them! I had to teach the all young women Sunday since I was the "guest speaker" and, granted it wasn't a perfect lesson, but I tried hard and it even went pretty well! So I think this week I can give myself a huge pat on the back and maybe even a WHOO-HOO!!! :) Sorry for tootin my own horn a bit, but I'm feeling kinda proud. 

It sounds like everyone else is doing really well so far as well! I hope we can all keep it up! :) 

Yay!

Mom and I went downstairs and exercised on Friday morning for half an hour! I'm back on the wagon as all you people say. :) I went over to my oldest sister's house on Saturday and Sunday. It has been loads of fun. They were talking to me, and we came up with a wonderful way to loose flab nicely. They said to walk on the treadmill for forty-five minutes, and work my way up to running for forty-five minutes. :) I think that it will work if I MAKE time for it, not TRY to do it. OH! I almost forgot, I made a new blog at the oldest sister's house. It's called Fun Stuff by Little People.
The web site is LittleFunStuff.blogspot.com

Yay! Enjoy.

A good week

Hello Ladies,





It has been a good week. Lots has been accomplished, including getting started on an excercise program. I bought a new pair of shoes - asisc - that is probably spelled wrong - but they are still very comfortable!! I have walked on the treadmill 3 days and used the fitness ball once. A and I traded off on the treadmill and the fitness ball this morning. That was fun. I also went back to sparkpeople and started counting my calories. I do much better when I have to write down everything that goes into my mouth. Makes me much more aware of how and what I eat. I discovered today that McDonald's Snack Wrap with Grilled Chicken is a pretty healthy choice. Dad and I were out and about and stopped for a quick pick me up. It was nice the see the numbers - only 240 calories, or maybe 260. I don't remember for sure. Anyway, the result for the week is a 2 lb loss. Only 14 more to go to be back to the low that I hit the end of the summer. But, not bad for having New Year's Eve in there and attending a party where there were lots of tempting snacks!! I was pleased with my progress.





Hope that you are all feeling up beat and positive about the new year and the healthier us that it will bring!! :)

New Years

Here we are, once again, in the beginning of a new month in a new year. Now is the time that people typically make their resolutions for the year. This year I have a couple, but I keep thinking (if i'm actually going to do this resolution thing) I should have more than just two. This has been cooking in the back of my brain for the last week. Hehe.. ok, I promise this post isn't a lobby effort to make everybody make resolutions, mostly it's just me posting my musings because writing them out often helps me clarify my jumbley thoughts. I promise to bring it back around to fitness :)

So, I was up in the gym today, walking along on the treadmill and I started thinking about this whole New Year's Resolution thing. I recognize that not everyone partakes of this yearly tradition. Throughout my life, my observance of it has been spotty at best. When I was growing up I would right them down in my journal on January 1st and, most years, they would be completely forgotten by January 2nd. Though, in recent years I've taken to a more active observance of New Year Resolutions. In recent conversations with my husband, I've found myself revisiting the reasons that I make these resolutions in January. He raises and interesting question though; why do we do this in January? He wonders why this doesn't happen in the spring when new life is springing up rather than the dead of winter...

Anyway, back a few years ago now (sometime when I was in college) I remember we had a fireside or a CES broadcast or something where someone talked about the benefits of resolutions. At the time I was actively not making resolutions; I'd become disenchanted with them when it seemed that each year I would break or forget them before February came; what's the point?? But at this fireside they pointed out that resolution=goal. And they suggested that goals are good to have in your life - They keep you moving in an fixed direction. In addition to making your goals attainable (but still challenging), they suggested that goals should be more specific than vauge and general. But then I would add that it doesn't have to be "all or nothing". Percentages are ok; try try try again.

In my (unfruitful) search today for this fireside or CES broadcast or whatever it was, I came across this quote by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin: “You should look ahead now and decide what you want to do with your lives. … Write your goals and review them regularly. Keep them before you constantly, record your progress, and revise them as circumstances dictate. Your ultimate goal should be eternal life” (Ensign, Nov. 1989, 73).

So, while I was up there walking, I began to consider my goals for the year.. or my life.. or even just the next month. What do I want to accomplish? Often I think I fall into a sort of coasting mode. Not so much idle, I am productive and even creative, but I don't necessary have any specific direction overall. Lulls are nice, even good; frenzied feverish activity isn't a sustainable lifestyle (for me). However, I do think that I could use more direction sometimes.

Then my thoughts came around to my recent resolving to work out with more regularity. So then I thought that that's kind of vauge. What does "more regularity" mean? This lead me to decide what I wanted to add to my very short list of New Year's Resolutions.

3. Work out (at least) three times a week
4. Lose 7lbs by June and another 8 by December.

So these I will add to my little list, maybe even one or two others, and then I will write them down and put them on the inside of the cabinet in my bathroom because there I'll be sure to see them every day. That worked for those from 2008; I feel like those were actually acheived at ~87.92%. Not to shabby for 12 months!