Still Here

Still Here.
Still working.
Short on time.
I wanted to be 7 lbs. lighter today than I currently am.
However, I lost about 5 lbs in April and about 3-4 inches.
This is good- not as good as I wanted, but progress.
Slow and steady wins the race right?
And next weekend I'm running a 5K.
This will be my 3rd one since baby #3.
:) yeah for me:)
more later- sleep is important to weight loss too!

This past week

This past week

I dropped 4 and a 1/2 pounds from all the hard work last week.

It pays off to work your butt off :) Literally. Sometimes it just takes a while for it to show up.

I have managed to keep that weight off even with an easy week this week.

My easy week consisted of:

2 good outside runs

Step aerobics class

Cardio 5 times, and weights 3 days

2 rest days (usually I just take one)

Lots of toning and weights- my abs were sore this week-I think I finally found them :)

And lots of yummy food!

I tried several Hungry Girl recipes (one is pictured above) and

all were super good. It is tasty diet food- and right up my ally, since I cook that way anyway.

And Jillian's No Trouble Zones- is great- but it is hard- good for someone who is already in pretty good shape.

She uses a circut approach and you would be amazed at how challenging it is!

I knew I saved my 3 lb. weights for a reason.

Overall an O.K. week.

Next week I am really going to work hard and PUSH myself further!!

Losing weight is fun!!!

stay tuned...

With a Little Help...

Lots of working out this week. I did about 200 minutes of cardio and about 150 minutes of weight lifting/toning. Now to get the weight to come off.

I am a firm believer in the "calories in calories out" principle. However, I also believe the quality of those calories makes a difference too. And I do not believe in fad diets (hcg-if it works for you great). But I don't go for it at all.

You would think since I have been diligent about exercise and recording my calories- and keeping them at the right amount to lose weight, that the pounds would just melt away. Guess what?? It isn't happening. I am losing about 1/2 a lb. a week. But since FEB. my low weight of the month has been the same. No change- well maybe one pound less now. I did lose 2 inches off my back/bust in 2 weeks, while no change in my waist and hips. So I know I am doing something right-since I did lose 2 inches. This is when you need to get a little help. Blood work. Testing. See your doctor and make sure you don't have thyroid problems or something. I have had those in the past; so I get my checked regularly. And this is when you need to shake things up, get some extra help, or try something new.

So I added 2 new tools -this week I fully intend to implement into my week:

Enter NO MORE TROUBLE ZONES. I researched many DVD's and found this one. Click HERE to see the reviews. I have Winsor Pilates. Do it a few times a week. I have all the Taebo ones. Do those too. I have quite a  few workout videos but a new one was needed and this was very affordable at Target.

 And if you are looking for a really good workout video, and need a good website, check out collage video-the best to find any workout video. Lots of reviews, and lots of different choices. A great resource!

And I have several great cookbooks that I love (I'll share that later) for healthy eating, but this new one really got me excited about yummy healthy eating-plus I love Hungry Girl.

Now the only thing I need is a support group-a  in real life support group would be the best-of course. :) People who are trying to lose weight from babies- and you don't count if you weigh under 150....and think you are fat. That is just ridiculous. and I used to be one of those people...pathetic.
So if you are a person who isn't one of those people - let's support each other!

I'm making my first recipes tomorrow from the cookbook. I'll be trying out the DVD in its entirety Monday.
Stay Tuned.... the journey continues.....

the hardest part.

Do you ever feel like this when you exercise?

I sure do.

ugh. Sometimes I just don't get it. Maybe it is because I am in my late 30's and my metabolism is super slow. Maybe it is because I'm stressed out and not getting enough rest. Maybe it is because my body is different after having 3 kids really close together all in my thirties. Maybe my thyroid is suddenly acting up again. Maybe it is just a test and trial of my patience and I need to learn something.
You see, I have been working out like nobody's business. I did almost 100 minutes of high intensity cardio yesterday. I wear a pedometer to track my steps and in exercise alone, I did over 10,000 steps yesterday. I did a full body weight workout the day before. I track everything I am eating and have been doing this for a very long time. Do I do all this perfectly? No. I splurged over Easter- ate some white stuff-rolls, cake, ice cream. I slip up. I ate lots of chocolate yesterday- more than I should. And DIET has a bigger part in weight loss than most people think. But I do good about 80% of the time, really good.
 I am educated in the ins and outs of weight loss. I read. I study. I have even obtained a few certifications in the past in this area. I know what is necessary to lose weight.
And yet here I sit, my own weight not hardly even budging. I don't know what to do. I hate hate hate the way I look. I don't feel like myself at all. And it is all because of my weight, because of my looks. Sad. Pathetic. Probably.

I am not the cute energetic stylish person I was when I was single and that BUGS me. Because inside I feel like the same person.
And so I have decided to approach my weight loss efforts in a new way: I am focusing on getting healthy- more than I have been. And my over 90 minutes of cardio? Well I am going to still do what I can-but sometimes less is more and I know that. And some weights- more weights. And hopefully over time, it will all show up on the scale. And I'll look like I feel on the inside. At least I hope so.

To Run or Not To Run....

I reallyreally want to run a race. But I am not in the kind of shape I was when I ran and ran.
See today the St. George Marathon registration opened. I have run that marathon 5 or 6 times. 5 I think.
I have also run the NYC marathon and the LA marathon. And now I run like 3 miles a day--on a good day- and these miles are s-l-o-w.
There are lots of great fun physical things I used to do that I currently am not doing- like snowboarding. How I miss it.
So the debate continues- do I have the time to actually train properly for a marathon? This would be a good time- as I am not pregnant or nursing- and probably won't be for a little while.
I have registered for this lovely marathon before- all in the name of "if I pay the million dollars and register-then I'll train" and I  only ended up throwing my money away because I did not have the time to be a proper mom and train for a marathon. It takes a lot of time and energy to do that.
So I ask myself, "to run or not to run?" Maybe I'll register for a shorter closer race- one that I actually have the time to train for. But then again- training for a race and trying to lose weight-that is like riding your bike while juggling--- it could work but most likely doesn't. And I have experienced that.

Where to focus....just getting healthy. Maybe doing a race- a 6 miler or something- perhaps a 1/2 marathon. But a full marathon- although that is what I really really want to be doing- in my heart- I know I should not put my energy there right now.
And I will run that distance again. Soon- whether I'm skinny or not- I will run the distance again...

Break-through

I went to Weight Watchers on Saturday. The scale said I did not lose any weight. What a lie. I was trying to keep a good attitude about my efforts anyway. Well Monday morning- break-through! I lost about 2 more lbs! And you know what? I feel so much better.
I feel lighter. I have more energy. I feel like I am on the right path. Even though I just ate a cupcake....I have WAY more self-control with my eating. And in the exercise department....
I ran over 3 miles in 36 minutes...and continued on for 50 minutes today. That is a far-cry from when I was 24 and ran  half-marathons at a 8:30 pace. BUT... it is progress!! I may never run an 8:30 pace. I am a lot older than 24. BUT... I am hoping to be able to run a 10 minute mile again.
Keeping at it really pays off....even if it is really tiny steps and little tiny results.

Favorite Weight Loss T.V.

Probably everyone watches The Biggest Loser- if you are concerned about weight loss. I love it and even though sometimes it seems like the same thing over and over, it is very inspiring to watch people change their lives for the better.

Another one I love is The Last 10 Pounds on FLN. In fact I really like it when the person on the show is close to my current size, and it able to work hard and drop the pounds. Very inspiring.

Another one I watched a while ago was DietTribe on Lifetime. A group of friends were working together to lose 50 lbs each and get healthier. Man, I wish I had those kind of friends- that wanted to spend time getting healthy together. ( I had lots in the past- great running partners,etc. most of them live out of state far away... and with kids things change a bit when it comes to working out :))

It is sometimes a lonely journey to workout always by yourself, and not have much moral support. Of course my kids cheer me on. "go mommy go!" Just today my 2 and a half year old told me, as I was discouraged and frustrated with my efforts and results, he said in his most cheerful voice:"It's OK MOMMY." And he is right. 

I won't be fat forever. Eventually I will get there. And I have to remember that. 

These shows help remind me that it is a journey. 

And  I can do it- however slow it may be....and you can to!

Just a few of the shows I watch that inspire me to try harder and push myself more. :)

If scales weighed in calories...

I weigh myself every morning and night. While some would disagree, it actually helps me. Even if the weight loss is slow right now- that is another story.
My scale weighs me to the closest tenth of a pound. So I was thinking, what if scales weighed in calories?
It takes 3500 calories to equal one pound of fat on your body.
So if my scale says I weigh 120.2 it would say I weighed 120 pounds, and 700 calories.
Here is the break down:
.1 = 350 calories
.2= 700 calories
.3 = 1050 calories
.4=1400 calories
.5=1750 calories
.6=2100 calories
.7=2450 calories
.8=2800 calories
.9=3150 calories
and a pound equals 3500 calories.
Sure makes eating that extra dessert,  a little easier to turn down when you think of it like this huh?
At least for me it does.
See if I eat that one extra piece of chocolate cake that is 350 calories, the scale will be up .1 for it. And usually you don't eat one- so it really could be up .2- for 700 extra calories.- obviously depending ont he cake-.  Doesn't sound like much, until you equate it to poundage. eeww...kind of makes me want to fast.

LAST NIGHT one of my friends, saw a photo of me when I was NORMAL size, like before I had kids. She said, "you were so tiny/skinny." I am just a normal person in a "fat" body working on getting out.

The Dish on Frozen Meals

I love Hungry Girl. I have been following her for years- when she just had a little blog.
Today she had a great review on frozen meals. Though I rarely eat these, I have been buying them when they are on sale, and eating them lately due to my husband's crazy schedule.
Click HERE for the reviews.

sometimes

Sometimes
you don't get dressed all day but stay in your workout clothes all day hoping that will motivate you to work out.
Sometimes
you are too tired to workout and even too tired to eat right or take care of your kids.
Sometimes
you take a few naps in one day.
Sometimes
you end the day by making cookies- for your husband to take to work-but you eat 1/2 of them and then you feel really guilty so you sort-of-workout.
Sometimes we have days like that.
But it is O.K.
We can start over tomorrow.
And someday, somehow, by some miracle you can reach your goal.....someday.

Going through the motions

I have mixed feelings about "going through the motions"- you know doing something without 100% real intent. For example, going to the temple every week, and then telling everyone you do that, but then talking negatively about family members, church members, friends, neighbors, etc. That kind of stuff really really bugs me and I see people living that way all the time. I am guilty of doing this myself.

Same thing with scripture study. Some people always make sure you know they are serious scripture studiers...but it doesn't seem to sink in- like change how they are and how they treat people. We are all human and sometimes we all just don't get it.

So that is what I mean about "going through the motions". I firmly believe "any act can be good or bad depending on your motive."  Sometimes your motives are pure, and sometimes they are just to get through it- going through the motions- which isn't entirely bad, I have decided. :)

So how does this relate to exercise and weight loss? Well yesterday- I got  on the treadmill and did just that-"went through the motions." I was tired. I was beat. I did not want to be doing that thing called exercise. But I pushed on and finished. 3 miles. And I felt good, even though I started just going through the motions.

I still think it is always best to do things with real intent. But sometimes, going through the motions can help you and make you stronger. And for that, you become a better person. And pretty soon, those motions will always be done with real intent.

Just Sayin'

If you workout and eat less than you burn, guess, what....you lose weight. Amazing concept isn't it?

Count Count Calories

I don't care what people think or believe about diets, there is one way, and one way only to keep the weight off for good. It is all about calories in, calories out.  And I believe the QUALITY of calories also makes a BIG difference. Make every calorie count. That is my goal. Only 200 calories of "junk/treats" a day- although somedays it is higher than that. But we are working on that. 200 calories a day of treats, can actually be quite a bit if you pick your treats wisely. :) ( example-8 yogurt covered pretzels from Trader Joe's- or those FLIPZ- has 190 calories- only 8 of them!! Not a good use of 200 treat calories.... Or a frozen Fudge Bar only has 100, and then you still have 100 more for treats- now that is sweet!)

I used to work for Weight Watchers. I still count my points, and use Weight Watchers online. BUT I have found that recording my points along with my calories is the most effective. So I got a NEW calorie counter book- since I lost my old one recently that was this same book but a version from about 5 years ago.

So I have this new version now. Hope I can still find my old one- and have two so I have no excuses.
Why do you need a calorie counter book?
I have figured that every bite I put in my mouth has approximately 25 calories-see pretzel example above. Ugh. So if you take 10 licks, nibbles, tastes, or bites, you just consumed 250 calories. -approximately. Do that a few times a day- like I do somedays- and you could consume 500-1000 extra calories just from bites, licks, nibbles, and tastes. Scary! SO... having a calorie counter book and recording calories along with my points,  helps me just be more honest and accurate about the calories I am consuming. IF YOU BITE IT, WRITE IT...it works!

Except today was my free day. And yesterday. Birthday weekend. What can I say. We start fresh and new tomorrow. And we count every bite. Let's see where it gets me. Hopefully to a better place than where I was last week. Baby steps people. Baby steps all the way there. :)

Aerobic classes kick my...bum

Yes, that is right- it kicked my bum. (bum is a nicer word than the other word). And my "bum" needs to be kicked. The fat on it needs to be kicked right off. -Geesh- wish that was possible.
I usually do the treadmill and step aerobics in my house. But tonight I went to a step class a friend was teaching. AAAHHH how I needed that. I am going every chance I get. I work out so much harder in a class than in my house by myself. I need that extra push.

Now I just need to keep it up so I can bust the pounds right off my body.

That is what I want. A healthier better body.

Today my son asked me why I was exercising. He is really into asking WHY about everything. I realize it wasn't just to lose the baby weight. It wasn't just so I could fit in my clothes. It was to be healthier. It was to have more energy. It was to be there for him. I want to run and play with my children. I want to be there to watch them grow. I want to be healthier so the next pregnancy doesn't tear my body apart. Why I exercise isn't just for me. It is for my family.
For my posterity. THEY are the reason.

Tips for Feeling Better in 2010

USA Weekend several weeks ago had Dr. Oz offering "16 tips for Feeling Better in 2010". It is worth sharing so here ya go.
1. Don't skip meals and eat your breakfast
2. No extreme diets- if you cut just 100 calories a day, you will lose a pound a month.
3. Slow down when you eat- savor each bite.
4. Take your vitamins and get some sunlight everyday if possible.
5. Don't go by the scale alone. Know your other numbers- blood pressure, waist size, etc.
6. Eat well and eat what you like. Read labels, and eat a balanced diet.
7. Go for a walk.
There are just a few. If I can find the paper, I'll post the rest. :)