Last week, my family and I traveled for Thanksgiving.  I wasn't able to make it to my WW meeting.  I did check around for other meetings, but could not make them either. 

I had a hard time staying on the plan during the week away.  My family can cook!  My aunt also cooks all my favorite foods!  AHH!  After we got home, I ended up with some kind of head cold.  BLAH!

It had been over a week since I exercised!

I forced myself to my WW meeting.  I knew I would gain, and I hated to go.  I knew that if I didn't go, I would continue in my downhill slope.  I went.  I gained 1.4 pounds.  I woke up this morning and exercised!

Now, to lose next week!!!

30 Pounds Gone!!!

This week was not my best week.  I was not feeling well for one day.  I stopped tracking for a couple days due to my schedule.  I was even contemplating going to my meetings and paying the money vs. just doing this on my own.  My husband encouraged me to go to my meeting.  I did realize that I was on the downward slope and needed to get back into the groove before I gained too much.  My daughter had a volleyball game so I just had enough time to weigh in.  I stepped on the scale and lost 4.4 pounds!!!  What????  Where did that come from???  How did that happen???  Who cares.  I officially lost exactly 30 pounds! 

25 Pounds Gone!

YEA!   I lost 1.8 pounds this week!  This makes my total weight loss 25.8 pounds!  It felt great to make that goal.  My next goal was 10%, which is actually 26 pounds!  I hope to keep losing this week and hit it next week.

I realize that my weight loss has slowed down.  It was very nice to lose those larger numbers in the beginning, but now I am losing around one pound per week.  I was hoping to keep up with the 2 pounds, but this is fine!

I earned 29 activity points last week!  Activity points are a way of tracking your exercise in Weight Watchers.  You earn points for how much exercise. 

My clothes are starting to be baggy on me.  I have a pair of workout capris.  I wore them to walk yesterday and they were literally falling off.  I had to hold my pants up to walk!  If I didn't every 5 steps they would have been down to my ankles!  Guess I will toss those into the Goodwill bag!  

I have to point out that my husband is an amazing support through this loss.  He tells me often how good I look and pushes me out the door to walk when I need to.  Thank you Jake!

Miles!

I must brag about today or I mean blog!  What a beautiful day!  Thanks to my wonderful husband I walked by myself for 6.6 miles today!  YES!!!!  It felt good!  The only problem I have noticed is I wanted to eat all day long after that walk!  I added my Nike + mini me on this site.  This can keep you up-to-date on my walks!  It says running- but I walk! I do have my average down to around 14:06 - 14:28 per mile, but my total average still says 18! 

The company I work for really pushes physical fitness.  They offer individual memberships to your local YMCA and give out ipods with Nike+ shoes.  For every 400 miles you log on Nike + you earn a new pair of shoes (limited to one pair each year).  They also offer challenges on Nike + as well.  I recently participated in a Mars vs. Venus challenge (aka Men vs. Women). The Women won!  You earn little trophies on the site for your winning challenges.  I was impressed, I think I finished 15th in the whole challenge.  Not too bad for just starting!

Last week I averaged 10.81 miles in 3 days of walking.  I hope for more this week!  The 6.6 miles today should help, but the weather will not be in my favor the rest of the week.

Reading and Walking

This week I was dreading my walks.  I had to force myself to go.  I remembered when I walked on my treadmill on my last weight loss journey in 2002, I began to listen to books on tape.  So, I bought a $5.00 book on tape for my iPod.  Today, I made it to my favorite walking spot and started my book.  At first, I missed the beat of the music to keep up with, but I quickly became interested in the book.  My three miles were over and I did not want to stop.  I wanted to keep walking/reading to find out what happened next.  Unfortunately, the hubby was home with three kids and cooking dinner!  I needed to go home.  I can't wait to go back tomorrow to hear my story though! 

Motivation!!

This week has been a rough week, beginning with my weigh in (see previous posting of minimal weight loss).  I had another personal issue that consumed my thoughts for a couple days.  I was very down most of the day today from this issue.  I didn't want to do anything today- including exercise.  My food choices were definitely not part of the "good health guidelines" either.  I did track everything though! 

I tossed the idea back and forth of not walking today.  I work evenings on Thursdays (from home).  I knew I had to get out of the funk I was in and taking a nap this afternoon and not walking was not going to do it.  So, I forced myself into the car and to my favorite walking area.  Brrr.  It was cold!  It is November in Ohio!  I even walked with my hood up for part of the walk, but I walked!  Not only did I walk, I walked 4 miles!  I am still not quite back to my normal self this week, but I definitely felt my spirits lift during my walk today!

Here is a before picture that shows my stomach area.  I don't think I have mentioned that I have Type 2 diabetes.  I have been on medication in the past and insulin shots during my last pregnancy.  So far, I have lost 3.5 inches off that stomach and it has only been 8 weeks!  I am waiting for an updated picture for my 25 pounds mark!!!  Only 1.2 pounds to go!

Minimal Loss

Okay,

I will no longer weigh in at home before my WW meeting.  I weighed at home in the a.m. and had lost close to 6 pounds!  I knew it wouldn't actually be that much loss by the evening, but I was positive I would have a good loss.  I would make my 25 pound loss and possibly hit my 10% of 26 pounds.  I was pumped.

Then....

I stepped on the scale at my meeting- one pound!  One measly pound!  WHAT????  I was bummed.  As I walked away, I realized that my keys and cell phone were still in my jacket pocket.  Normally, I even take the jacket off.  So, I removed my cell phone and keys and weighed again.  I had loss another .4 pounds.  I told the leader to not change my card, I would just see it next week.

But, that wasn't the end.  I was so upset.  My husband was very upset with me since I had lost one whole pound!  I knew that I had worked hard.  I walked 16 miles last week!  I even did a little extra and walked on the days that I don't normally.  Well, I ended up binging on pizza!  We had planned for me to bring home pizza for dinner.  I ate 7 slices of pizza throughout the evening!  YES, that was hard to admit on my blog!  That is more than my daily amount of points. It was veggie pizza, but come on, 7 slices!!

So, let's review what this binge got me: an overly full stomach, more points than I get in a day, a possible gain for next week.  Not to mention so much sodium that I am swollen this morning and the guilt!  So, for those of you out there trying to remove weight- don't binge over a one pound loss!

So this morning, I have forgiven myself and recommitted to removing my weight.  I have thought back on the week and decided that I may not have wrote down every little bite I took.  I need to remember, "Bite it, Write it!".  I also want to look again at my portion sizes.  I also eat the same thing every morning for breakfast.  I may need to change up my food a little.   I did change up my exercise last week, so this week I want to continue my exercise and focus on my food! 

So, here's to another week!

Exercise

Today I didn't walk. 

I get very upset with myself when I don't exercise.

I needed a break.

Then my family met for dinner at my Grandmother's to take care of all her leaves.

I exercised with a rake.

I know I will feel it tomorrow!



Last Tuesday, I weighed in.

I was sure I had gained and prayed to maintain.

I lost 2.8 pounds!

I'm hoping for 2.2 pounds this Tuesday.

2.2 would make my total lost of 25 pounds.

3.2 would hit my 10% goal.

I have to remember this is worth it!

Rough Week Ends with Joy!

At my Tuesday weigh-in, I was down 3.2 pounds.  My WW total weight removal is 20 pounds!  YEA!! 

I have had a rough week, not fallen off the wagon, but a rough week.  We have eaten out many days- pizza, bbq, Bob Evans, staff meeting, chinese, and an adoption party.  Also, due to a huge blisters on my feet, cold weather, lack of baby-sitter and head cold, my exercise for this weeks SUCKS!!!  So far, I have only earned 3 activity points.  My goal is at least 20 points a week!  I am trying to not get discouraged.  At this point, I am 13.5 points over my weekly allowance.  I have 3 days left.  I am praying that I can get at least 2 four-mile walks in and one day at Curves.  That would give me 12 points.  Not sure if this will work or not, but I will feel much better.  Blister and Rain GO AWAY!

Also, at my staff meeting, no one noticed my weight loss unless they knew I had lost.  I was a little disappointed.  Instead of getting discouraged, I have counted down the weeks until my next staff meeting- 8 weeks.  My goal is to  lost another 15 pounds.  That would be a total loss of 35 pounds.  I bet they will notice then!

On a Good Note for this weekend, a close college friend spent the night with us on Friday night.  She was my workout partner in college and we had so much catching up to do.  She didn't realize that I have been working out and lost my 20 pounds.  We have a similar drive for exercise, even though she is at her ideal weight and I am not.  We have different lifestyles and different body types and she has to work hard to maintain her ideal weight.  She just finished a Full Marathon!  I shared my desire to walk the Half-Marathon in May.  She began to tell me all about her training for the Full Marathon- food, hours of running, and blisters!  After we stayed up late talking, I went to bed second guessing my desire to walk the Half in May.  The next morning, I told her I don't think I am up to doing a Marathon.  Then I asked if a half was as bad?  She said she also thought about it last night and decided she would come in May to walk with me in my first marathon.  Thinking back on this, I tear up.  She is 7 hours away, but she is part of my support group for my weight removal.  To think that she would drive 7 hours and walk with me for 13.1 miles just overwhelms me with joy.  Thank you for believing in me! 

Trick or Treat

My kids went trick or treating in Grandma's neighborhood this afternoon.  I didn't expect to want to eat the candy.  I have not had many cravings for sweets since I started my weight removal.   BUT, I started eating the candy!  While at Grandma's, I made note of what I was eating.  Then, I got home and snacked on a few pieces.  Later, I went back and snuck in a few more.  I had 18 points left after tracking my food for the day.  I just planned on counting all the 18 points to candy.  Just for fun, I tried to remember all that I ate and counted up 14 points!  Hard to believe those little bits of candy add up that much! 

So, I decided to see what I could have done better today.  The actual town trick or treat is in 2 weeks.  More candy will arrive in the house.  Here is my plan:
1.  Plan ahead- know point values of candy and save points for candy!
2. Save the wrappers of what I ate- you can see how much and be able to write in the points!
3.  I may purchase myself some of my favorite candy- PEEPS!  Only eat my candy.  This probably won't work since I will eat my candy and the kids!

With the holidays around the corner, I want to continue my weight removal.  I also don't want to deprive myself.  I know I need to learn to incorporate my new healthy eating into my everyday life.  I need to be able to enjoy some "good" food in moderation. 

Goals

At weigh in this week, I lost another 2.2 lbs.  I was sure I was going to gain. I had remained in my points values, but did not walk as often as often as I usually do.  Life happened =)  I was very excited.  Now, I am down 16.8 pounds!  Woo hoo! 

I feel better.  I don't notice being more healthy, but I feel better because I have control of my body.  I have control over what I put into my body.  I fit into a size smaller pants today too! 

I can't wait until more people notice.  My husband and my Grandma have made comments about my weight loss.  I have heard that 10% is when people start to notice your loss and your health improves.  26 pounds is my 10% goals. I have about 10 pounds to go. 

One thing I have learned in this removal process is that goals help.  I used to set dates to my goals.  By January, I will lose 30 pounds.  I don't set dates anymore.  Think about how inconsistent weight loss is.  Set your goals without dates.  My next goal is my 10% goal.  I do use dates as motivation.  For example, my children play in a local basketball league during the winter months.  During those games, I run into many friends that I have not seen in awhile.  I know that they will notice my loss.  When I think about that way, I will figure my loss at 5 pounds per month.  It is great motivation!  I could be down 20 more pounds by then!  That is a total of almost 40 pound loss! 

Since I work from home, I rarely see my co-workers.  This week I have to go to work for a meeting.  I really hope someone notices my loss!  I will let you know in my next blog!

For those of you trying to lose with me- keep working hard!  It will be noticed!

Walking

A co-worker posted recently that she is training for the Capital City Half Marathon.  She asked if anyone else was interested in running the marathon.  I took a look at the website and found that the marathon was on May 1st.  My daughter's birthday is on May 1st.  I could walk this marathon for her. 

The marathon is 7 months away and 13.1 miles.  I walked 5 miles the other day.  It was a little difficult, but not too bad.  I really feel in 7 months, I could do 13.1 miles.  I think this would be great motivation to keep on my walking through the cold winter months. 

I talked to my daughter.  She wants to go to.  I told her they had a kids run before the actual marathon that she could participate in.  You know, you can give your child music, singing and dancing lessons.  You can have them participate in all sports.  But, if you give your child the ability to integrate physical fitness into everyday life, what could be better!  Especially, at such a young age!

One Month Down and I'm losin it...

Okay, flash foward one month.  I have lost 14.6 pounds.  My measurement had a loss of 8.5 inches.  I will be measuring again in one week for  month 2.  It really didn't feel like I was on a diet, until last week.  I just wanted to snack.  I also allowed negativity to creep in.  I have lost nearly 15 pounds, but I still have 102 more to go! Is this even possible and how can I keep up so long. 

I took my daughter for a haircut the other day.  We started having a discussion about weight loss.  She is only 9 years old and was very informed on the topic.  I explained that I wouldn't be losing 15 pounds per month from now on.  I told her the first month you lose a lot of weight.  She so smartly said, "Well yea, but you just need to mix it up on the exercise end.  Walk a little more each day.  It will help you to burn more calories".  She then started tearing up.  She told me that my 8 year old son had called me fat.  She said it really bothered her.  I explained that I am overweight right now (actually obese).  I told her that he was right, but it was nice that he did not say this to my face (he has before).  I continued to explain that it will be nice to look better after I lose weight, but that is not my main goal.  My main goal is to be healthy.  She then started crying and said that she could not wait for me to lose the weight.  And BAM!  There is my motivation.  There is the reason I want to be healthy.  I have heard you have to do this for yourself.  I am doing this for my health so I can be around for my children in the future. 

I like to picture myself in 10 years.  My daughter will be graduating high school.  We can either be going on fad diets together while we sit on the couch and watch movies - OR- walking/jogging together next to each other.  I would it rather be the latter! 

And so it begins...

Actually, my journey began about one month ago.  I was 261.4 pounds and 5'4".  I have Type II diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and high triglycerides.  I am currently on two medications, TriCor and Labetalol.  My A1C, for those diabetics out there, is only 5.9.  Although, since my sugars are high and very sporadic my physician has determined I am diabetic.  I was on MetFormin in the beginning, but during my last pregnancy I switched to insulin.  Surprisingly, I watched my diet very well during my pregnancy and lost 45 pounds! (Of course, by the time my baby was 6 months old the 45 pounds were back)  Currently, I am trying to control sugars without medication.  Personally, I feel if the weight comes off and stays off I will not have issues with high sugars.

I had to develop a plan that is workable for me, a busy wife and mom!  I also wanted a plan that would work!  I began to think back to what had worked for me in the past and my schedule.   I developed my weight removal plan.  I decided to join Curves, Weight Watchers, and walking.  Curves is local, in my area we don't have many fitness centers.  I had a sister-in-law also starting Curves so I thought that I could have a weight loss buddy.  I also decided to start Weight Watchers with another friend.  Walking has always helped me lose weight.

I decided to go to Curves four days a week and walk four days a week.  Saturday would be my double-up day.  And so the journey began...