If the shoe...er... pants fit. Or not!

I love seeing the results of all my hard work. It definitely makes the sweat, tears, and soreness worth it on so many levels. My scale is broken and I have a sneaking suspicion the kids did something to it, unless of course Not Me did it which seems to have been happening more and more frequently when something goes wrong. Anyhow, I will be scale shopping later this week and will be able to have a more accurate idea of where I stand in the poundage department. I believe I may have finally hit the 20 pound lost mark and I am excited to report. I have taken me measurements as well and based on previously recorded measurements, I'm down 15 inches over all. This also equals approximately two pant sizes. I AM ECSTATIC!!! I have quite a bit more to go, but this is a great start and motivates me to continue with it. It's hard work indeed, but not hard to follow. I'm going to create a Google Doc spreadsheet to keep track of my progress in weight and measurements. I had an Excel spreadsheet that I lost when my computer crashed last week.Six months of progress vanished into thin air unless I can have my hard drive recovered.

Well this post turned into a ramble more that a blog post, but whatever. I guess that's what happens when you're trying to blog and have two kids in your face and trying to climb all over you. The next one will br better organized.

Reflections 9/2012 to now - being honest with myself

Sure, I'm sure I'll never be the 36-24-36 type, but I know that I am working my butt off to better myself, get healthier, and give my body a total overhaul.

I started this blog towards the end of September 2012 and tipped the scales at almost 290 pounds. The fact that I was so close to 300 scared me to death. I am very fortunate to not have the health problems often associated with being "obese". The only issue I have had came about recently when my doctor told me my cholesterol was elevated, not in the danger zone, but elevated. Of course, I didn't want to be put on medication so I had to do something to correct the problem before it got any worse.

Four months later, I'm doing some reflection on my progress so far and I have to say I am not too happy. I am happy because I have made progress, but not happy with the amount of progress. I could have done so much better. Everyone says November and December are the worst months to diet because of the holidays and all of the food. I found this to be true.

I made it through Halloween and indulged on very little of the candy I swiped from the kids. I got so busy with inspections at work and parties and family get togethers that I really stopped caring. I stopped working out and stopped paying attention to and tracking what I ate. Fortunately, I only put on 4-5 pounds. However, I sit here and remember just how much work it was to get that 4-5 pounds off in the first place. A LOT of work! I wasn't too terribly upset by this, but I was disappointed in myself because I knew I could do this and was using all of these things as excuses.

December 31 comes around, New Years Eve. Like plenty of other people out there, I set my resolution... not to lose weight (like I had so many years before) but to be healthier and exercise like I should. So far, I've been successful in this and (as of 1/21/13) have lost 5 pounds since 1/7/13.

I have realized I have to be honest to myself. I am the one most responsible for accountability. I cannot allow my head to get cloudy if I ever expect to reach my goals and dreams. Life is to short to be watching from the sidelines! I need to up my game and get into it!

1/21/13 Update

Tracking my weekly progress keeps me accountable and reminds me that I have to remain diligent if I want to attain my goals. Not following my plan properly slows my weight loss progress and it kicks my butt and says HELLO? I am going to rethink my plan and see if there is any tweaking needed to help reach my goals.

Here's my update for 1/21/13:

Last weeks weight: 278.2 pounds

This weeks weight: 276.8 pounds

TOTAL WEIGHT LOST: 1.4 pounds

Loss since start: 9.4 pounds

LOTS TO GO!
 2/4/13 goal: 7.9 pounds to go

I had a slight set back this week. I am not so sure I will make my 2/4/13 short term goal. Two weeks to lose 8 pounds does not sound easy to do, but I'm sure I will get close. If I don't make it, I'm not going to freak out, just remember that this isn't gong to be an easy journey. I have had setbacks and it's reflected when it comes to reaching my goals. I just have to put my mind to it and leave it at that.. 

My Fitness Wish List *Updated*

This weekend was a productive one! I managed to pick up a couple of things I've been wanting and can cross them off of my fitness wish list. I've also added a couple of things!

MY FITNESS WISHLIST:

1. Heart rate monitor with calorie counter Got this for Christmas! :)
2. Set of dumbbells, 5 lbs. and 8 lbs. Still need the 8 lb. set. Will get them when 5 lbs. is too little.
3. Large exercise ball
4. Resistance bands
5. More workout clothing - Will get as I lose weight and reach short term goals.
6. New Zumba shoes - Will get as I reach short term goals.
7. Better MP3 player and earbuds that don't fall out
8. Tennis racket and balls My daughter wants to play so I figured, what the heck. It's good exercise too.

10 items in my gym bag

Many of us have incredibly busy schedules that leave us dashing from the office to the gym, with little to no time in between. If you're like me, my gym bag and other essentials are in my car every day ready to hit it hard.

WHAT'S IN MY GYM BAG?

1. Workout clothes and sneakers (and socks!!) - Most days I am able to change at home before I go to the gym. On days that I know it's not possible, I make sure to have everything packed the night before or first thing in the morning.
2. Bottle of water - Water is the most important part of working out. Gotta stay hydrated!
3. Heart rate monitor - I use my heart rate monitor to determine how many calories I've burned during a particular class or workout session. It makes it easier to log on MyFitnessPal. 
4. Weight lifting gloves - I don't actually lift weights. I use my gloves at the gym for my turbo tone class. We move so fast and I want to make sure a) I don't lose grip on my weights and b) to avoid blisters and calluses.
5. Yoga mat - Now for a giggle. I haven't taken a yoga or pilates class yet. Turbo Tone is a crazy class where we end up on the floor doing ab exercises. 
6. Extra hair elastics - I have such good luck that my hair elastics break when I need them the most so I try to have at least one extra on hand.
7. Headband/bandana - The one thing I hate the most is getting sweat in my eyes. 
8. Small towel - Again, I hate getting sweat in my eyes. 
9. MP3 player/music streaming app - I rarely use it, but my iPod is charged and in my bag for when I need it. I usually take classes and don't need music.
10. Deodorant - Deodorant is a no brainer. 

Some other items may make their way into my bag from time to time: bathing suit (for sauna and/or hot tub), a bath towel, shower items (shampoo/bodywash in one). I hate getting to the gym and then realize I forgot something. I try to keep it all together. I'd lose my head if it wasn't attached. Haha!

Goals

I don't think I've written anything specifically discussing my goals.

Here are my stats as of this morning:

Start Weight: 286.6
Current Weight: 274.6
Current Weight Loss: 12 pounds

Current Goal Weight: 269, 5.6 pounds to go!
Complete date: 2/4/13

Long Term Goal Weight: 180, 94.6 pounds to go!
Complete date: 1/7/14, my 30th birthday!

Ow! My boobs hurt!

Yesterday morning I woke up and, as expected, my body was sore. It is always fun to get out of bed and stretch to see which new muscles I've found. Haha! However, what I found was not what I expected, by any means. The whole day I went thinking that my breasts were sore and it was super annoying. I went on about my day as normal. About half way through, I did something, moved a certain way, and that's when it hit me.

HELLOOOOOOO PECTORAL MUSCLES!

I will have to say that our of all the muscles in my body that have been sore (abs, quads, hamstrings, biceps, triceps calves shoulders), pecs hurt the worse.

I give many thanks to my instructors. They keep me motivated and moving! They give some of the best and most intense workouts. I start the class energized and ready to go. By the end of the hour, I am exhausted! It's a good thing when I look at my heart rate monitor/calorie counter and see that I've burned 500-800 calories! A great burn and a good time. Can't get any better than that!

Bald is beautiful!

Part of my "resolution" this year is to better myself. Up until now, I thought this only meant physically. Last night I was doing some writing and was off and on Facebook and just thinking about a bunch of random whatever-the-heck popped into my head. The thoughts started coming.

Ok, so I've registered for a 5k in March benefitting the Senior Resource Association and I'm joining a bootcamp benefitting St. Baldrick's Foundation in March as well. (Apparently March is the month I'm training for right now!) I got to thinking. (Yes, I'm doing that a lot in this post.) Not only do I want to better myself physically and health wise, but I would love to make significant contributions to multiple charities that I believe in. I am a single mom and with the FICA taxes increase, I am not able to physically contribute more than $20-30 here and there, and even that's a stretch. So, how can I help? Well, depending on the charity, there are a handful of ways to help without actually donating. 

One example that I hold near and dear right now is The St. Baldrick's Foundation. The St. Baldrick's Foundation is a childhood cancer charity funding the most promising research to help find cures for kids with cancer.Since 2005, they have raised over 103 million dollars to fund research to help find a cure for pediatric cancer. One of their large fundraising events is the head-shaving event. The shavees ask friends and family to donate to the foundation and in return attend a local head-shaving even and have their heads shaved in solidarity with the kids fighting cancer.

One of my very best childhood friends was claimed victim by acute myeloid leukemia. She was formally diagnosed in November of 2004, but parents and doctors expect that she had been sick for some time and it just hadn't presented itself as aggressive as it did then. Even though she was an adult when she passed, this same type of cancer claims the lives of many children. 

A friend of mine (and Zumba and 5k participant, lol) gave birth to a beautiful baby boy in August 2012. He was born with a malignant rhaboid tumor. Unfortunately, he passed away in October 2012.

It is things like this that make me want to give oodles and oodles of money to help fund this research, but like I said, it's not possible. I've been seriously considering becoming a shavee and raising money and shaving my head. To make it ten times better, my 7 year old daughter has agreed to shave hers as well. I believe that with the two of us, we could raise quite a bit of money. 

I've had a few people tell me I'm crazy for wanting to shave my head. Guess what? This isn't about me or them. This is about raising money for an amazing cause. It's only hair and it will grow back in no time. I'm already planning how I'm going to solicit my donations. I just have to talk to my parents about my possible intentions and go from there. I'm still on the fence, but as the days get closer, I'm considering it more and more. 

1/14/13 Update

I guess this is a good time to start my weekly updates. These posts will include my week in review as well as my weight loss from last update. This will give me the opportunity to reflect on things I did in the last week as well as determine areas I need to improve on.

Last weeks weight: 281.2 pounds

This weeks weight: 278.2 pounds

TOTAL WEIGHT LOST: 3 pounds

Loss since start: 8 pounds

LOTS TO GO!

What makes me most happy about this weight, is that I'm pretty much right where I left off before Thanksgiving. Since then, last week was the first full week where I was focused and went hard. Working out at the gym is somewhat limited due to the kids' basketball schedule, but I have made an agreement with myself. On days that I know I won't be able to make the gym, I have decided to get up early (6:00 am is early for me) and do a 20-30 minute workout. Examples: 20 minute Zumba Wii workout or 30 minute Jillian Michaels' Yoga Meltdown that will try out on Thursday. Tuesday and Wednesday will be business as usual with Turbo Tone and Zumba class.

Over the weekend I went to the local produce market with my kids and picked out some healthier snack options. We got apples, pears, strawberries, grapes, zucchini, squash, tomatoes, broccoli, and I'm sure there are more! They were practically begging for a salad when we got home! They make eating healthier so much easier than if I had to hold myself accountable and do it alone.

The week consisted of 3 evening work outs: Zumba on Monday and Wednesday and Turbo Tone on Tuesday. I have become more mindful of my eating habits and track everything I can on MyFitnessPal app. (User Name: doinitonmyown) I don't allow myself to starve and also know when I can and can't indulge. With that being said, I have designated Fridays to be my "cheat day". That's the day I can eat pizza or chinese food or whatever (in moderation) and have a couple of beers or margaritas, whatever the case may be.

This week we have a Monday basketball game so no Zumba for me. I took care of that with the Wii this morning. I know we won't be home until later in the evening so I have prepared a snack for the kiddoes and we'll have a salad or something light for dinner when we get home. HOW MANY TIMES CAN I SAY THEY'VE MOTIVATED AND INSPIRED ME TO BE A BETTER MOM??? I love them so very much!

I'm getting the evil eye from the boss so I think she's figured out I'm not working right this second... better get to it!

Eating Habits

I just came to this realization...
My children have actually had an effect on my eating habits, as well as changed the way I look at certain foods. It has been quite eye opening for me to see that they like so many different vegetables. They are also pretty open to trying new things.
Let's face it. I have always been the one to say, "I don't like [insert random vegetable name here]", without giving it as much as a second glance. Because of my kids, I have been more willing to try new things and much to my surprise, I like them.
For example, I went to Boston Market. The fat girl inside of me wanted the macaroni and cheese with corn or mashed potatoes or something that was loaded with calories that I didn't need. This time I opted for the steamed vegetable with green beans, carrots, yellow squash, and zucchini. Yay for making a good choice, however, follow through is key now.
I am proud to say I ate all of it! This was a milestone and I was extremely proud, to the point where I texted my parents and informed them of the impossible task I had completed.
I am finding that making the right choice and following through isn't that difficult when you have two little people by your side, cheering you on and (somehow) encouraging you to make good choices. While I am setting a good example for them, they don't realize they are doing it for me too. I love them so much and look forward to getting in shape, not only for myself, but for them as well.

My Fitness Wish LIst

I love when I am in the gym or in a class and find new [and easier] ways to get an effective workout. Based on these findings, I have compiled my fitness wish list. This is a list of items I want to get for myself to use at home when I don't quite have the time to get to the gym and a couple of new things for the gym or for use in both places. Having the ability to effectively work out at home will cut down on the excuses. I want to be successful with my weight loss and as long as I have the tools, I will!

MY FITNESS WISHLIST:

1. Heart rate monitor with calorie counter Got this for Christmas! :)
2. Set of dumbbells, 5 lbs. and 8 lbs. 
3. Large exercise ball
4. Resistance bands
5. More workout clothing
6. New Zumba shoes
7. Better MP3 player and earbuds that don't fall out

I'm sure there are a lot more things I could think of that I want, but these are the most important!... for now! ;)

5k... 2 months away!

Today I am registering for my FIRST 5k!! We are doing the "Color Me Rad" 5k to benefit the Senior Resource Association on March 16, 2013. I will be honest that I am nervous, but I have two months to "train". It's going to be a blast and I know I will feel great when it's all over!!!

Check for locations and dates near you!
http://www.colormerad.com

Make yo salad taste mo betta

I remember when I was younger, my parents would take us to the local produce market. We (the kids) would usually just get the peanuts in the shells, while my parents would actually purchase fruits and veggies. Every time we were finishing up the purchase and cashing out, the cashier would say "Free cucumba (or peppa) for you. Make yo salad taste mo betta." As a kid, I didn't understand really, but now that I am older, I am reflecting today on things from my childhood that have influenced me as an adult, one being the produce market.

Here I am now, a grown woman, with children of my own. I realize I have to set the standards for them. I have to be the positive influence and the role model in their lives. I must say that I am very fortunate that my children aren't really picky eaters. They will wipe out a veggie tray in the matter of minutes and love fruit. They eat salad! WHAT? I know!!! The only thing we can't eat right now is spaghetti sauce because "it has onions in it", as my son would say.

They have inspired me to eat healthier than I have been. I am *trying* to eat at least one salad per day. I take a handful of vitamins and supplements (no quick weight loss pills either... they are a joke!), along with a protein shake each day to make sure that I have all the nutrition I need for the demanding and rigorous schedule I have put on myself. I work full-time, work out hardcore at least 3 times per week, keep my house (how, I don't know), maintain the children with school work and basketball (with baseball probably coming soon), and try to have an active social life (when I can).

At the end of the day (around 7:00), I don't want to eat a heavy meal and don't want the kids to either. When we're home late they love it because then they get to stay up a little later to do homework or watch TV and let their food digest some before it's lights out. I'll usually fix soup and salad or something of that nature. I am very excited now because on Monday, I discovered a delicious salad from the "P" place that, with a little brain power, I was able to recreate at home!!

DELICIOUS SPINACH SALAD

2 cups Spinach (or baby spinach)

1 boiled egg (cut up)

1 tablespoon of bacon pieces (NOT BACON BITS)

2 tablespoons of Marie's Spinach Salad dressing with real bacon

ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!!!

Reboot

Yesterday was my birthday! I turned 29... ::insert huge sigh here::
It was a great day! I got off the healthier path thanks to the holidays and work, etc. Yesterday I [re]started my healthier eating and gym routine. Our schedule is a little fuller now with kid activities and appointments, but I will make it work. At the end of it all, it will be worth it.

On another note, I realized that I AM 29 YEARS OLD!!! Now I have 364 days until I turn 30! I'm not afraid of turning 30, I just refuse to turn 30 as a fat ass! Let's calculate. I have 50 weeks in the year and if I concentrate and stay focused to lose 2 lbs. per week, that's the 100 pounds I want to lose. I have negative thoughts clouding my mind, but I cannot allow for this. I must move forward and stay focused! It sure is hard, but it is something I must do.

New year, new me!

2012 is gone with the wind. I sit here this morning and reflect on a lot of things: the people I've met and lost, the good and the not so good things I've done, the things I wanted to do that I never bothered starting. There have been some pretty dramatic changes in the last year and some to come this year.

We are at the start of a new year and with that, comes a new me!  I have a bad habit of starting things and not finishing them or procrastinating. This year I want to change that and a few other things. With this being said, here is my comprehensive list of things I hope to progress in during 2013: 

1. Eat healthier and exercise often - this includes drinking more water and keeping fast food/restaurants and alcohol to a minimum.
2. Work on being more financially responsible - this also goes hand in hand with eating better, spending less money on fast food/restaurants and alcohol. I must find tools to assist with this;
3. Weed out the people in my life who aren't uplifting
4. Delegating to my children and not taking no for an answer - They are plenty old enough to habe some responsibilities arojnd the house
5. Follow through - I have been so bad at not following through with things that I start and I have got to stop!
6. Continue my education - not sure how I am going to accomplish this, but where there's a will, there's a way!

I did not say resolution. I do not believe that I can change everything overnight (or in this case, a year). I believe that we should aim for progress and not perfection. Every baby step of progress will lead to the great leap of attaining the ultimate goal, whatever it may be.

This is my plan for 2013 - as part of my goals for the year, I will follow through (or try realllllllly hard) with my list and make progress. For now, it's back to work!