Crash and BURN!

Okay, okay, so I didn't eat very well this week and I only exercised twice. I'm afraid the consequence of that is a couple of pounds. I am going to weigh myself on Wednesday and see what the damage is. I really am praying for diligence. It is soooo hard to be disciplined!

Its been a while!

So, it has been a couple months (almost) since I posted my weight last. I have good news and bad news. I have lost weight. But, I have only lost 2.5 more pounds. I am down to 153.4. I hope to kick myself in the butt and exercise at least four times this week. I got up and exercised yesterday, so that is a start! I have soooo much to do before Christmas, so I am making today a day to catch up, and I hope to exercise tomorrow (Tuesday), Wednesday, and Friday. That is the plan, but we will see what happens!

Geen Tea Me!

Photo taken by Lekyu.

Recently I decided to drink a cup of Green Tea. The teabags had been sitting in my kitchen for a year. I gave the tea a try because I kept reading about the benefits this tea has. It has been known to help fight the growth of cancer cells, helps reduce cholesterol, specifically raising your good cholesterol (HDL) and lowing levels of your bad cholesterol (LDL), and it helps with dieting (it helps burn more calories). With the whole dieting thing, I was a bit skeptical. However, I read that part of the "help" comes from the caffeine that the tea provides. It contains less caffeine than coffee, but enough to keep you going. I don't like coffee, but sometimes I just need a kick in the rear end to get me going. So, I tried the tea that had been left neglected for a year. I was pleasantly surprised by a couple things. I love the taste. I don't have to add any sugar or sweetener because it is naturally sweet. It also gives me a refreshed feeling in the morning, and a relaxed feeling at night (when drinking the decaf version). Aside from giving me a energy boost, it also fills me up when I drink it with a meal. That is because I am drinking more liquid with a meal. The bottom line? Those who haven't tried a cup of green tea, should...it is too sweet of a deal to pass up!

By the way, there are a lot more benefits than I listed. To read about them, click here.

20 lbs later...

The photos below were some of the photos that prompted me to join weight watchers. I could belive how horrible I looked. The photo was taken in Joshua Tree during a camping trip we took at the end of April. The photos following it were taken this past weekend, 20 lbs later (20.6 lbs to be exact)! I am down to 156.0 lbs! It is coming off slowly, but surely!

October 2008....20 lbs later!

Wow! 20 lbs sure does make a difference!

Whoo-hooo!

I weighed in this morning at 159.2...for those of you who are counting that is over 17 lbs since May! It feels good to finally get out of the 160s!

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

While I was reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar to Jackson last night, I realized I have the same exact eating pattern as the caterpillar in the book! I eat wonderful all week, and often times I am still hungry, as the catipillar is. By the time Saturday gets here, I eat a bunch of junk and don't feel too good about it by the end of the day. So, to make up for the bad eating on Saturday, I eat a bunch of leaves on Sunday. The only thing different from me and this caterpillar character is that I don't turn into a beautiful butterfly. Sigh. Perhaps someday!

My Fat Pants

July 14 / July 31 / Sept 13

On Saturday, I organized my closet. In the process, I found the pants that I bought 6 or 7 weeks after I had Jackson. I was probably around 185 then. I'm not sure why I don't count my weight loss from there. I think I will! So, back to the pants...they are absolutely HUGE on me! I asked Troy to take a picture (above), and I felt like I was in one of those weight loss ads! That was very encouraging! By the way, I weighed myself on Friday, and I came in at 160.8 pounds. This means that since starting Weight Watchers in May, I have lost 16 lbs and about 25 lbs total! No wonder those pants are big on me!

Weigh-in!

So, it seems this Weight Watchers Core diet is working for me. I weighed in this morning at 162.6 lbs. This means I have lost a total of 14lbs! It may not sound like much, but on my 5'2" frame, it is a good amount! My clothes are too big and some of my clothes that were too small now fit me, like one of my favorite jean jackets...just in time for the Fall! Well, I am excited! I walked for the first time after my surgery. I'm feeling pretty good, so I'm slowly getting back into the swing of things. I am hoping to make my goal weight of 135 by mid-December. It is going slower than I thought...but it seems I have kicked it up a notch with this other diet. And, now that my hernia is repaired, I hope I can just move forward from here!

One Breadstick Too Many!

Rats! I ate terrible this weekend! Just horrible! Oh, Self Control, why do you slip away so easily? Perhaps this week will be better! I better go buy some lettuce and carrots to gnaw on...

Weigh-in!

I know its been a while since I weighted in. I had my surgery last Monday, and the week before that, I had an infection, so I haven't exercised in a while. I haven't really counted my WW points either. I don't really have time for that. Or, it could be that I don't have the patience for it. Or the diligence. However, I decided to eat a salad everyday for lunch last week and eat more healthy protein (egg whites). I also kept a close watch on what I ate. Needless to say, I lost 1.4 pounds since last week. I decided to switch to the Core Plan on Weight Watchers, and nix the Flex plan because I don't count my points. The Core Plan gives you a huge list of foods to choose from and basically focus on eating until you are satisfied and recognizing when you are hungry and full. I am going to try this plan out and see how it works. For now, though, I am down to 164 pounds! only 28 lbs to go! Its been a slow process, but at least I am still loosing! I can't wait till I can exercise again!

Weigh-in Wednesday!

I know it is Thursday. I am a day late...but, I have good news!!!! I have lost a total of 11 pounds now! I am down to 165.6! I have lost 2lbs in the last week! Oh! The joy! I suppose since I have lost over 10 pounds, I will post up some "before and after" shots. I didn't take official before photos, so the best I have is the first picture shown. The second set of pictures are during (on the left) and after (on the right). These pictures were only taken 2 weeks apart. The "during" pictures were taken the first week I started really working out consistently. I can see a difference. I can FEEL the difference! Exercise really does work!

Fabulously Fit Foods

I am no stranger to searching packages for nutritional information. Diet food comes in all varieties: the good, the bad, and the "I can't believe this is diet...how do they do that?!?" The key to a great diet food is that it doesn't taste like a "diet" food, or, in other words, it doesn't taste like cardboard. I'm not fond of the taste of cardboard, or sand for that matter (not that I have tasted either of those!). So, here you are, drum roll please...this is my list of Fabulously Fit Foods!

Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwich (Vanilla Flavor) (2WW points)
These babies are amazing! I mean...who knew only 140 calories and 3 grams of fiber could taste so good?

Skinny Cow Fudge Bars (mini) (1 WW point)
With the minis, it is the same case as the sandwiches. They are so delicious! Two minis are technically a serving, but by the time you eat one of them, you are satisfied!

Lean Pockets Spinach Artichoke Chicken (5 WW points)
I must say that Lean Pockets have had some major improvements on taste. They have come out with some new flavors and this is one of my favorites. Spinach Artichoke Chicken tastes like you are eating a gourmet deli sandwich! This flavor was recalled last week due to some plastic found in some of the products, so you may want to check out the information on that (click here for more info).
After the whole recall thing clears up, I recommend trying this flavor!Lean Pockets Whole Grain Garlic Chicken White Pizza (5 WW points)
Again, this flavor has amazing gourmet taste! Lean Pockets has also improved their whole grain crust...it no longer tastes like the box it came in!
Lean Pockets Cheeseburger (5 WW points)
Two words: White Castle. This flavor tastes exactly like them. Its amazing!

Apples (1 WW point)
Yes. Apples. They have a good amount of fiber and paired with low fat cheese, they really make a great snack that will hold you over!The Laughing Cow Cheese Wedges (Any Flavor) (1 WW point)
These cheese make great spreads for wraps! I use the Garlic and Herb flavor for my turkey wraps. That way, I don't have to use mayonnaise. It makes the wrap a lot healthier and whole lot tastier!

Lipton To Go! Iced Tea Packets (White Raspberry, Peach) (O WW points)
These conveniently little packets of tea pour right into a water bottle! They are sugar free, which I usually don't like, but these are exceptional! Most flavors are only 5 calories!

Kashi Go Lean Crunch! Cereal (Honey Almond Flax) (3 WW points)
In the land of breakfast, this cereal rules over everything! It not only has 8 grams of fiber and 9 grams of protien, but it also tastes great! Those three qualities usually don't come together in one package! This cereal really keeps me full! Also, it has flax seed in it, which is great to, well, keep you regular! If you haven't had flax seed on a daily basis, you don't know what regular is! :)

Avocado (6 WW points- 1 cup)
Who can pass up the creamy goodness of an avocado? I sure can't! Don't be deceived by the high fat content because these treasures are full of mono-unsaturated fatty acids (also found in olives), in other words, 20% of the fat is healthy fat. They also have 10 grams of fiber and 3 grams of protein! You can't beat that!

Weigh-In Wednesday!

This week has been a good week so far regarding eating and working out. I haven't been keeping track of my points, but I am still eating healthy, and I worked out for at least 1 1/2 hours twice this week, thanks to finding a committed work-out buddy! The results are in: I am down to 168.8! I thought I would never see the end of 169!!! Yea!

Weigh-In Wednesday!

Okay...Okay....so its been a while. I went on vacation, had a birthday, and completely got out of the habit of counting points. However, there is good news, along with this bad news. I haven't gained any weight. In fact, I lost a TINY bit. I am stuck at 169 lbs even. I need to start counting my points again and doing some more exercises (that won't put me at risk regarding my hernia). So, I'm looking at it as a fresh start. So here I go....

Weight-In Wednesday

Okay. I didn't loose any weight this week. In fact, I gained 0.6 pounds. I didn't record points from Saturday to Wednesday, but I thought I was counting them in my head alright. Apparently not. So, from now on, I will record my points to the best of my ability on a daily basis. It has been a hard week. So, I'm not going to be hard on myself. I'm waiting for surgery and have been ordered by the doctors not to exercise or do anything that uses my abs (that is a bit hard), to read the details on why, you can read my regular blog.

"Take it in!" Thursday

Here are my measurements for this week:
(Lost this week is in italic) (Total lost is in bold)

Chest: 37.5" (-.25") (-.5")
Waist: 35" (-.75") (-1")
Hips: 42.25" (-5") (-.75")
R. Thigh: 19.75" (-.75") (-1.5")
L. Thigh: 20" (-.5") (-1.5")
R. Calf: 13.5" (-.25") (-1")
L. Calf: 13.25" (-.5") (-1.25")
R. Arm: 12.25" (-.5") (-1")
L. Arm: 12.75" (-.25") (-.5")

This is awesome...I'm still loosing! Due to illness this week, I only exercise 3 times, and didn't do any toning or anything like that...just light exercise. So, when I actually challenge myself with exercise, I wonder what a difference it will make!

Weigh-in Wednesday!

Well, folks, I weighed myself today. I have lost 7.4 pounds!!! I am now at 169.2 and am officially out of the 170's...that feels really good. I told Troy this morning that I never want to see the 170's again, even if I get pregnant. I hope to gain a whole lot less in my next pregnancy, if I can help it! I have 33 pounds to go, and at this rate, I can hopefully loose that before my next pregnancy!

"Take it in!" Thursday

I had to come up with a cheesy name for my measurements on Thursdays!
Here they are:

Chest: 37.75" (-.25")
Waist: 35.75" (-.25")
Hips: 42.75" (-.25")
R. Thigh 20.5" (-.75")
L. Thigh 20.5" (-1")
R. Calf 13.75" (-.75")
L. Calf 13.75" (-.75")
R. Arm: 12.75" (-.5")
L. Arm: 13" (-.25")

Is it really possible to loose that much in one week? I may have taken measurements wrong (even though I paid close attention to where I was measuring) or I am loosing inches! I prefer it to be the later!

Weigh-in Wednesday!

I have lost 2 ounces shy of 6 lbs...hooray for Weight Watchers! I can already fit into some pants that I haven't been able to fit into for a while now!

Measurements

I took my measurements so I can tell how many inches I loose. I think that this is more efficient and, at times, more encouraging than looking at the scale every week. Due to the fact that I am exercising now and doing toning exercises, I may gain muscle mass, which may cause my weight to stay the same at times, but my inches to go down. So to all those people out there who read my blog or just come across it, here are my measurements:

Chest: 38"
Waist: 36"
Hips: 43"
R. Thigh: 21.25"
L. Thigh: 21.5"
R. Calf: 14.5"
L. Calf: 14.5"
R. Arm: 13.25"
L. Arm: 13.25"

In the process of measuring myself, I admit that I had to take a deep breathe, considering I have never been this...uh...well, for lack of better words...wide. But, I have a good outlook! After all, I'm loosing weight!

With that, I will set some realistic goals for myself. Here they are:

Chest: 35"
Waist: 30"
Hips: 38"
R. Thigh: 19"
L. Thigh: 19"
R. Calf: 12"
L. Calf: 12"
R. Arm: 11.25"
L. Arm: 11.25"

Let's see those inches come off me!

Weigh In!

So, yesterday I "weighed in" for Weight Watchers. My loss wasn't as big this week, but it could be because I started to exercise very regularly and could be building muscle mass. That means I need to start taking body measurements to see what I am loosing there. I went down to 172.2 lbs yesterday. My scale measures in tenths of a pound, not ounces, so that means I have lost 4 1/2 lbs. I thought it was closer to 5lbs, but oh-well. Its close enough! :) Since I started exercising almost everyday, except on weekends, I feel more invigorated and energized, which is what every mother needs to feel like when taking care of little ones who wake during the night at times!

WW Works!

I weighed myself this morning because I couldn't wait one more day to do it (my weigh-in day is Wednesday). I went from 176.6 to 173.8 in six days! Looks like my theory of eating more to boost my metabolism is working! Yea! That puts me at nearly 38lbs away from my goal weight of 135...I can do it! :)

Fresh & Easy

No, I'm not talking about the store. I am talking about last night's dinner. I just put boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the crock pot, covered them with 1/2 a bottle of Trader Joe's Soyaki Sauce, and 1 1/2 cups water (until the chicken was fully covered), and cooked it all day. When it came to dinner time, all I had to do was cook the veggies (in a wok/frying pan) with some soy sauce, cook the brown rice (Trader Joe's frozen bags- 3 minutes in the microwave), and bake the egg rolls in the oven. Before I knew it, I had a fresh, easy, and healthy dinner. I love my Crock Pot!

I did it...

Nope...I didn't loose any more weight yet. However, I did join Weight Watchers after my sister-in-law informed me that they have a program specifically for nursing moms. I am excited! I get 36 daily points, which is 12 above the norm. I hope this keeps me eating everything I need to in order to get my daily caloric values (I haven't been). Perhaps if I start eating enough, my metabolism will speed up. Now there's a concept! Maybe I will even get a better milk supply for Jackson...that would be great!

A Fresh Start

I got exercise this morning. I put Jackson down for a nap and he slept long enough for me to exercise! Yea! I pray this can happen on a regular basis...for both of our sakes!

A moment in reality...

I need to be real here. I feel fat. Very fat. I feel trapped in this body that is no longer me...no longer my own. Honestly, I feel a bit of discouragement. I want to be able to exercise 5 days a week. WHY CAN'T I??? Is having a baby a good excuse? Should I even have an excuse? I don't think I should. Am I being too hard on myself? Maybe. That may be what it takes for me to kick myself in the behind and get in shape. Sorry. I just had to vent.

Mommy & Me Yoga

I got a Mom & Baby Fitness DVD and used it for the first time last week. Jackson loved it, and I loved it too because I got to exercise while entertaining him. He also got to do some yoga, and even got a massage out of it! The DVD is made by Parenting Magazine. I definately recommend it for those moms who have wee ones!

1 lb later....

So, I've only lost 1 lb in this effort to loose 40 lbs, but I have a positive outlook. My pants are too big, and thats always a good sign that things are going in the right direction! I'm sick this week, so I'm hoping to get better really fast in order to get back to exercising! I found another "skinny picture" of me. These photos always motivate me to get back to the shape I was!

This week's fitness goals...

1. Walk on Tuesday and Thursday.
2. Exercise with Fit Moms DVD twice this week.
3. Cut out on some sugary food items.
4. Eat at least 4 servings of produce a day.

Victoria Ave

Today my friend and I walked Victoria Ave with the kiddos and I must say I was reminded why I love Riverside. It was such a beautiful walk! My muscles also hurt from it, so it feels great to know that I got a good workout! Yea!

My Scale is Stuck

I weighed myself yesterday (Fridays are my weigh-in days) and I am still at 175. I know its not those Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwiches because I haven't had any in a while! :) I was told, however, by a friend of mine who has used my scale that the scale lies. She said the scale at the gym weighs her at less. At this point, I would love to think that my scale is lying.

On a positive note, I got out and walked a couple of times with a friend this week. It was good exercise and fellowship. We are going to get together twice this coming week too. I also walked once alone. Counting from last Saturday, I walked a total of 4 times this week! Yea! Today I'm going to buy a DVD called Fabulously Fit Moms and its basically a DVD for exercising with the baby. So we will see how that works out!

Three things...

First, Troy and I walked up Mt. Rubidoux on Saturday with Jackson in the Stroller (which is quite challenging on the way down). I would like to do that more often.

Second, I haven't lost any weight this past week. Booooo. Oh-well...I must persevere!

Third, Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwiches are the most AMAZING things!!! They are only 1.5 grams of fat, 140 calories and they have 3 grams of fiber! I don't know how they make 'em taste so good! I'm afraid its too good to be true...you know, like the non-fat frozen yogurt in that episode of Seinfeld? Hmmm...maybe that's why I didn't loose weight! :)

Update

It looks like I will be getting to exercise with someone (walking outside w/ the stroller) a couple times during the week, and a few girls on Saturdays, so I am very excited! The rest of the days, I will try my best to do some Tae Bo. I tried to do Tae Bo yesterday, but 13 minutes and 10 seconds into it, Jackson decided he had enough of watching his mommy punch and kick the air! I weighed myself yesterday and there is good news and bad news. I gained two pounds in Florida, but lost one pound within this week. So, I'm on my way to that goal weight of 135lbs! I just have to keep pressing on!

Exercise Accountability

I must say that it is sooo hard to find time to exercise with the baby! That is no excuse, though! I recently signed up with a great website called Babyfit.com that allows me to record everything I eat and it calculates all the nutrients for you. It also allows me to record my exercise. I've also sent out an email asking for girls to join me in the effort to exercise. Its good to have someone to do it with! I need accountability!

Exercise: A Priority and a Privilege

I got to exercise for a full thirty minutes today! I know that doesn't sound like much, but for a new mom, its a great start! Its a wonderful privilege just to do that much! Jackson went down for a nap this morning, so I hopped on the elliptical for 16 minutes and then he woke up crying. I had my heart rate up, so I wasn't going to stop there. I held him while marching around the house for 14 more minutes! You gotta do what you gotta do! Troy and I plan to take a walk up Mt. Rubidoux on Saturday. I want to do that on a regular basis!

Healthy Choices...even while traveling!

Once again, I was reminded that even when on vacation, the healthy choices can be easy to make. After a big, somewhat unhealthy lunch at Cracker Barrel, I decided I needed to eat a healthy dinner. We are in Miami right now, so we stopped by a Pollo Tropical, which is like a El Pollo Loco, but with a tropical flare. I ordered the boneless, skinless chicken breast meal with white rice and black beans. It was delicious and I felt good eating it! I thought back to my previous experience of weight loss and I remember how no matter where I ate, there was a healthy option most of the time. It can be easy to make those choices! I just have to do it! I must admit, though, we did stop to get Key Lime Pie when we drove down to the Florida Keys today...but who would pass up a Key Lime Pie when in the Keys???

The Weigh-In

I weighed myself this morning and I am at 173.6 lbs. That's a little less than I thought! I'm leaving for Miami tomorrow, so I will do my measurements in inches when I come back next week. I am just trying to make healthier choices right now. For example, I couldn't figure out why I was craving beef all the time. I thought of the reason last night...after giving birth, I became anemic due to some blood loss (all women do), however, I stopped taking iron a few weeks ago. A simple step to improve iron levels in my blood is to simply take my iron! I also need to drink more milk! I know I'm not getting enough calcium. After I get back from Miami, I will start to get active any way I can. (It's not always possible to schedule a work out when Jackson isn't on a schedule yet!) Well, here's to a healthier life!

What's in a Goal?

I've started this blog with the goal of being candid about my current fitness level and what I hope to improve concerning my nutrition and fitness. Back in high school, I was overweight. I wasn't required to take a Physical Education class the last two years of school, so I wasn't exercising. I also got a job at Del Taco and started eating more fast food and drink more soda than I ever had before. By high school graduation, I reached over 170 lbs. I had so many insecurities about my weight, but it took a while to get out of those unhealthy ruts I was in. Mainly, I had to get moving! I started with a walking class at RCC and then I changed my diet. I recorded everything I ate and all my daily exercises. Emotionally, it was a struggle because the weight wasn't coming off as fast as I hoped it would. Those ads on TV and in the magazines were constantly reminding me of how fast I could be loosing the weight with their products. However, I was determined to do it without their help. I did rely on my Creator's help, though. I meditated on the fact that He created me to glorify Him in ALL I do. As it says in 1 Corinthians 10:31, "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." I knew that eating unhealthy and being sedentary were not glorifying to God. These thoughts kept me walking. I would even walk from RCC to my house after my classes (that is almost 3.5 miles.) To sum up the story, within a year a half, I lost 60 lbs and ended up at 117 lbs. I ended up working at a gym, so I worked out there 5 days a week for free. I felt so great and energetic! I desire to feel that way again. I don't like feeling like a slug! So, I hope I can use the means of this blog to journal my way through this journey of getting back in shape!


June 2006- at 126 lbs December 2007- at 185lbs

I gained extra weight during my first pregnancy. I'm sure most of you know that I gave birth to Jackson back in November of last year. I wasn't my thinnest to start out with when I found out I was pregnant. My weight was back up to 145-150. At my first pregnancy appointment, I weighed in at 149 lbs. After going up to 206 the day I went into labor, and was 190lbs a month after giving birth.  I am now down to 185 lbs. (I will do my official weigh-in tomorrow). We shall see if breastfeeding is helping me loose weight like other moms say!  Ha!  My goal, with the Lord's help, is to get down to 135 lbs. That is a total of 50 lbs. To do that, I have to look at what I must change. There are certain things wrong with what I consume. I know I eat too much sugar. I don't get enough calcium, and I don't eat enough produce. I've been drinking too many different kinds of sugary drinks, whether it be soda or juice. Next, I need to make a habit of exercise. So, with those goals set, I'm asking you all to pray for me! I will be a bit more difficult this time around!