Friday, April 10, 2015

INSANITY


Last week, a friend of mine invited me to join her Insanity boot camp class. She has been taking it for a while, but said that I could definitely do it. Because of my push to my 30th birthday and that this 6-week class fit so nicely into that timeframe, I decided to go for it. I didn't look up Insanity before the class because well, I was afraid of psyching myself out.

As the class neared, I started to really get into my head about it. The same doubts that creep up every time I do something for the first time. I went for my daily lunch walk on Wednesday and listened to the #WYCWYC podcast and realized exactly that... I would #wycwyc the Insanity class. I knew I wasn't going to be able to do all the moves -- but I decided to do what I could. I was going to give it my all and that was going to be enough. And you know what happened? I didn't do all the moves. I did a lot of modifications. I had to stop a couple times to let my heart catch up. But that was ok. I did the class, I survived, and my triceps are still sore!! Next week, I'll be able to do a little more than I did today and by the time the 6 weeks are done, I'll be exponentially better than I was this week.

My goal for the class is, by the 6th week, to be able to do the full 30 seconds of burpees. That seems reasonable, no?

Monday, April 6, 2015

This week's plan

So far, so good, on the healthy push to my 30th birthday.

I was totally on point during the week - both with exercise and food. This weekend I took Saturday "off" of counting calories -- I was celebrating my anniversary and I didn't want to be tied to the numbers. I made good life decisions and didn't eat everything put in front of me - so over all, it was a success. I don't feel bad at all for my choices. Easter was the same way - I didn't deprive, but I didn't binge.

Last week was the first time I got to put $5 in my money jar for not binging in a really long time - so I was proud.

This week, I've got some high goals. Lots of fitness-related things happening, so I hope I survive.

  • Monday - Walk before work and at lunch; Trainer after work, then Zumba.
  • Tuesday -  Walk before work, at lunch, and after work. No formal exercise.
  • Wednesday - Walk before work and at lunch; Insantity Boot Camp after work; Zumba if I'm not dead.
  • Thursday - Newbies week with a local running group. I'm going to check them out -- will probably run 3-4 miles.
  • Friday - Walk before work and at lunch (depending on Judge's schedule); Trainer after work
  • Saturday - Either just walking or a run, depending on how I'm feeling.
  • Sunday - Whatever I didn't do on Saturday

It's a lot happening -- two sessions with my trainer, the first class of the boot camp my friend invited me to, AND the running group. Oh, and my sisters are doing a plank-a-day challenge, so I've got that to do too. I'm going to be SORE this week.



I also need to focus on my eating -- Easter candy is my favorite, so I need to keep it in check and moderation.

What are your goals/plans for the week?

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

March Recap

This morning I weighed in for my Dietbet game -- 234.2 lbs. Did I make goal? Not even close. Am I down from where I was on March 1? Yes (just barely). Honestly, at this point, I need to consider that a success. Maintaining is better than gaining.

March was tough. I got off track at the beginning of the month, traveled a lot, and just overall wasn't doing what I needed to lose weight. I've recommitted and now have a plan (see my last post) -- and I'm ready to lose some more weight. I have a goal of 219 lbs by my 30th birthday (May 15) -- which is about 6 weeks away. 15 lbs in 6 weeks is a little bit of a stretch, but I really think it's doable.

I know at this point it's a mental game -- I can physically do what I need to be doing -- but getting my mind into it -- convincing myself that I DON'T need that snack or that I WON'T die if I keep running -- is what I need to work on now. The last week, I've gotten much better at telling myself NO -- no need for fast food on my way home, I have stuff in the fridge. No need to get a snack after going out for lunch with a friend because I just ate and I'm not hungry and even if I was, I have healthy snacks back in the office. No slacking off on exercise just because I'm feeling lazy.

I decided to join a second Dietbet Transformer this morning -- to give me that extra push that I need. And to make sure I keep losing even after I meet my 10% with the first Transformer. This month I have to lose 7.4lbs, which can happen. I can do this.

Monday, March 30, 2015

46 days

As of today, there are 46 days until my 30th birthday. Unlike many other people that are staring down their 30th birthdays, I'm not dreading it. My life is in a really good place right now and I honestly don't have anything serious to complain about. I have no reason to think that my 30s are going to be any worse than my 20s. Honestly? They're probably going to be way better because my 20s kinda sucked.

My goal for the next 46 days is to go into my 30s in the best possible shape I can be in. I've got a plan (I love having plans, I'm 100% Type A).
  • When it's not raining and less than 90 degrees, I want to go for a walk before work (assuming I get downtown in time) and a walk during lunch. This morning I got 4000 additional steps in just by going for a 45 minute walk before work. I'll have to figure out what to do once the temperature gets high enough that walking outside at those time would mean being covered in sweat. Because no one at my office wants that!
  • No going out before/during the workday for snacks. This is a dirty little habit of mine and it really needs to stop. I bring enough healthy food with me to work each day to survive the day. There's no need to get more.
  • Solo meals out should only be pre-planned (and when it's not possible to get home for a meal). Meals out with others should be in moderation.
  • I started working out with my personal trainer again on Friday (I worked with him for a time last summer). This is my birthday present to myself -- I'm committing to 2 months, and then we'll see where the budget is after that. My goal is to work with him twice a week.
I'd like to be at 219lbs by the time my birthday comes around (originally, I wanted to be at 199, but that's not realistic at this point).

46 days is not that long. It's less than 7 weeks. A lot of good can happen in 7 weeks if I just commit to making it happen. Here's my commitment.

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

A Successful Trip

Last weekend, I headed to South Dakota (where I grew up) for my little sister's bridal shower. I'm the Maid of Honor, so I was throwing the shower (with some serious help from my other sister and a family friend). Thankfully, the shower went off without any MAJOR problems.

This morning, I jumped on the scale. My eating hasn't been on point lately, so I had no idea what to expect. I was at 236.6. Slightly up from last week, but the same as I was two weeks ago. Overall, I'm fine with it. It's not helping my DietBet cause, but the fact that I've more or less maintained this month is pretty amazing in its own right.

What I was most impressed with, though, is that I managed to go to South Dakota and not gain a ton. My whole childhood was unhealthy. I was over 200 lbs in middle school and by the time I headed off to college, I was at my highest weight ever, 294. I can't blame it all on my mom/her cooking (or lack there of) because I know I did plenty of my own damage at convenience stores and fast food drive thrus -- but either way, South Daktoa was not a healthy place for me. While I've changed a lot about my eating and exercise routine since moving away, South Dakota (and my mom) have largely stayed the same.

There was plenty of unhealthy food for the taking -- and I did. There were two trips to Taco John's (yummm) and donuts and drinks and all of the things. But there was moderation. And balancing the unhealthy with fruits and vegetables. And making better decisions than I normally would have(#wycwyc anyone?). And, my favorite part? There was a sister run in there too. My older sister just had a baby in January and was recently cleared to workout -- so we took advantage of it! we did 3.5 miles in total (although there were a couple walks in there). I love that health and fitness is something that two of my sisters and I have embraced over the years and I love that it is something that we can do that still qualifies as bonding.

So I'm chalking the trip up as a success and remembering that Taco John's is a once or twice a year splurge and that it's OK.

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

#wycwyc

Man. It's been 5 weeks since I last updated? I suck at this blog thing. Life has been crazy, I haven't been super healthy lately (I've maintained, but not lost), blah blah blah. You've read it all before. Probably even on this blog.


Well, after a bad week last week -- seriously, it was just one thing after another -- I'm trying to get back on plan this week. I ate mostly on point yesterday and I got out for a walk at lunch and a short walk after work. And then Zumba. I KILLED it at Zumba last night -- I was on FIRE. I don't know what got into me -- but I was having so much fun. It had been probably 2 weeks since I had made a class (between ice storms and things popping into my schedule) -- so I was ready to have a good time, and I did! I love that I can be my ridiculous, bad-dancer self. I don't care. It's fun and I have no shame.

Anyway -- the reason I came back today was because I had to write about #wycwyc (wick wick!). Two bloggers I've followed for years (Roni and Carla) coined this term a while back and I LOVE IT. #wycwyc stands for "What you can, when you can" and means exactly that -- you do what you can, when you can. Whether it is "I can fit a 10 minute workout in between meetings" or "I'm going to have a small french fry instead of a large" or something entirely different, it's all about what works for YOU. It's not a new concept -- people have been doing this for years -- but finally, it has a name! And a hashtag! And a website!

Roni and Carla started a #wycwyc podcast which I also love. I love when blogs come to life. When I listen to the podcast, I feel like I'm just sitting there next to them, just three friends chatting. It's fantastic.

Well, I decided something. I decided to stockpile the #wycwyc podcasts and only listen to them when I get up for my 430/5am runs. I listen to a podcast on every run -- but what works for a 6pm run (Jillian Michaels, Dan Savage, This American Life) does NOT work at 430am when I'm still 90% asleep. When I have to get up that early to run (today it's because I have a networking meeting after work) -- I need that extra push. It's nice to have Roni and Carla along the way, reminding me that it's ok if it's not my fastest run or my longest run -- just getting out there is enough. 2 slow miles is better than no miles.

Now that spring is slowly creeping in, here's to more #wycwyc runs with Roni and Carla and more healthy days ahead.

Tell Me: What are you #wycwyc-ing today?

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Welcome to Dietbetters!

Hi All -
I'm back. I was doing pretty well updating my blog at the end of last year - but when I joined a Dietbet at the beginning of the year, I started updating there and not here. Well, I've fixed that. I pulled all my updates from Dietbet and put them into my journal. You'll see some of them are short, some are long, but all reflect where I was on that particular day.

I'm happy to report that thanks in large part to the dietbet, I have lost almost 10 lbs since the beginning of the year! This is the most I've lost since moving to Memphis (and i'm almost down to the weight I was when I moved to Memphis and began eating ALL the barbeque). I'm really happy with my progress and I can't wait to see how things progress.

I've got a 10% loss goal by the end of the 6-month Dietbet (about 25 lbs before June 30) -- but I have my sights set a little higher. I'm turning 30 in May and want to be below 200lbs (for the first time since... elementary school?). That means I have about 40lbs to lose in 3.5 months. It's a stretch, I know. But honestly, I'll just be happy to get close!

Welcome to all that are new to the blog. Please leave a comment to let me know that you're here!

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Progress, Not Perfection

Today was a nice reminder that this is not about PERFECTION, but rather about PROGRESS. The last couple days have been tough depression-wise. Yesterday, I ended up binging... my boyfriend says that it was a "small" binge (800 calories) -- but it was a binge nonetheless. BUT. This morning, I got on the scale and I had lost 1.6lbs since last week. It doesn't have to be perfect to show results. Obviously I'm not encouraging binging -- but remember -- that even if it happens, you need to jump back on the wagon and keep going. I had a small dinner last night and I'm back with a healthy breakfast and I'm determined to keep the losses coming. I'm just shy of 10lbs lost (for this dietbet) and almost to my lowest weight of my adult life. I've got nothing to scoff at, even if I lost control for a bit yesterday.

Hang in there, everyone. Happy Tuesday!

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Running

Nearly 2 months after my half marathon, I think I'm finally starting to enjoy running again. I had a great run on Tuesday, and a solid run today. I woke up this morning and REALLY wanted to go back to bed... but I looked at the weather, and it was 57 out -- whoa! (it was 30 for my Tuesday run) That isgoing to be the warmest it is going to be for the rest of the week, so I knew I HAD to go and take advantage of it. And I'm glad I did. Plan was to run 2.5, but I was feeling good and did almost 3.5! I run at 5am (the only time it fits in my schedule, so I do it) and it's great to be out when no one else is, just running with myself, my headphones, and the stars above. I even went so far as to disinvite my boyfriend (who ran the half with me) from my morning runs because I want me time. Feeling great.

Happy Thursday, all!

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Binging

This is definitely one of those posts that I'll come back and read from time to time when I'm feeling that desire to binge. If I got through it once, I can get through it again.

Original Post: I'm fighting a serious urge to binge right now. It's the first day of that time of the month so my hormones are all over the place and I'm exhausted, my sinuses are acting up, I'm freezing in my office and there is sawing happening outside my office window, work is super busy (and our internet has been down all morning, to boot), and I've got a ton going on personally. overall, just having a tough day. So here I am, looking for accountability. I hit goal yesterday, so I really don't want to mess this up (I'm worried about bloating/retaining water the way it is.). But MAN is that urge strong. Going to scroll through and hopefully get some strength from your posts! Encouragement is more than welcome right now!

Dietbet Encouragement:
  • You can do it! Try drinking some green tea--the caffeine will give you some energy, the steam will help clear your sinuses, and the warmth will warm up and relax you. If the urge is still there, take a moment to munch on a healthy snack, slowly and without distractions. And I'll say it again: you can do it!
  • Stacie, when I get the urge to binge, I'm usually just dehydrated. Can you drink something hot that's low-calorie? Tea? Hot water with lemon? Think how much better you're going to look and feel this summer and keep fighting. You can do it!
  • I just went through the exact same thing last week - It was that time of the month and the bloating was unbelievable! I didn't eat that much but the more water I drank to flush it, the more I retained. I tried motrin and that helped a bit but I look forward to hearing any suggestions also.
  • Go drink something calming and warm... maybe even splurge on a small hot chocolate. Remember again why you are trying to lose the weight. Refocus and ask yourself what you have to do to achieve it. Hang in there!
  • Im having a terrible day as well! Everything that can go wrong is. I was considering binging after work too but heres what we should remember...tomorrow morning, when we dont binge...how great it will feel compared to a binge...ya know? We can do this! To reduce bloating...try no carb for a few days...helped me during that time of the month... ;)
  • If I was in this situation, I would eat a few pieces of dark chocolate with almonds - good for your heart!
  • You are so strong! Despite all of the excuses you have to binge today, you're not going to! I know you can do this!
  • You've got this!! Best part is your realizing you want to binge before doing it!! That's a huge win .. Stink some water if you still feel hungry then grab some almonds or a yogurt something that's healthy to munch on . I always go to water first as I realize I'm not always hungry but dehydrated
  • Its days like this that will test you to the limit, stay strong, keep plenty of flavored water around (I could not make it without my Dasani Drops) and ride it out. Above all keep track of what you do on days like today so that when you have another day like this one you can draw on the strength of you previous successes. You can do it!
  • You can do it! I love to write, you? - perhaps you can start with ' Dear Craving, You are strong right now, but I am stronger.....'
  • I am so in the same boat right now. Noone better walk by me with chocolate or I will spring on them like a wild animal....And MUST PEOPLE BREATHE!!! Going to put in my headphones and blast music until the blah goes away. We can do it!
  • Stacie, it's getting through the tough times that really demonstrate we have a new PERMANENT lifestyle. Not that a slip here and there won't happen; of course it will. But when you can analyze, know why it's happening, and know dang well you don't want to suffer the consequences, you move on and succeed!
  • Give your self some tlc...tender loving care...when your day is done....do something truly for you...take a hot bath...have a hot drink...tea....cocoa...& relax

Update: I have successfully avoided a binge today! This afternoon, I did take a break from work and walked to a coffee shop where I got a latte and a couple locally-made specialty caramels that I had been wanting to try. Was it a splurge? Sure. But it was DEFINITELY much fewer calories than a binge would have been! I had a little treat and have no desire to binge anymore! I'm going to hit up a zumba class after work to shake off the rest of the day's negativity and burn off the extra calories that I consumed. Again -- thank you so much for your support -- it definitely helped!!

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Weekly Weigh-In

I've been working really hard over the last week -- staying mostly on plan (other than the 2 days i was at home sick) -- and it worked! I lost 3.4 lbs this week and am at goal with a half pound to spare! I have a personal goal of losing another 1.2 before the end of the month, so going to keep on keeping on this week -- but I'll be happy if I just maintain this week (it's that time of the month, eep). I'm so proud of myself for my work this month and so happy with the results!

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Prioritizing ME.

I've had a really hard last week. Life (and depression) got in the way of my well-planned-out week and overall, it was just bad. I did a lot of walking, but I didn't get my gym workouts in. My eating was "eh" -- but off from what I'm normally at (more meals out than normal, too many snacks, etc.). Long story short, I'm up a pound this week. Honestly, I thought it'd be a little worse. I only have 2.9 lbs left to make my round 1 goal, so I know it's still in reach.

I'm going to focus really hard this week to meet my goals. I'm really going to get my eating back on track. I packed my food for all day today (I'm away from home from 645am-after8pm) and I'm going to limit myself to just that. I made cookies for my coworkers and boyfriend this weekend, so I need to focus on not eating a million of those (they're so good!). Overall, I just need to prioritize me/my health and make this week a better week.

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Weekly Weigh-In

Today is my normal weekly weigh in. I had peeked a couple times throughout the week and was regularly seeing a 2.5 lb loss. This morning I got on the scale and was totally bummed to see only a 0.6lb loss. I KNOW I should be happy because a loss is a loss, but I definitely feel like I worked harder than a 0.6lb loss. I'm sure it was something I ate yesterday having more sodium than normal and retaining some water, but it was a serious let down this morning. I only have 1.9lbs to lose in the next 2 weeks to make my goal, I just expected to be closer at this point.

Anyway, the weigh in put me in a bad mood. I was having a pity party for myself and SERIOUSLY wanted to binge. I instead made myself a healthy breakfast and decided that if I got to work early enough, I would walk (mile+) to Starbucks and get myself a latte. The walk and the coffee got me out of a bad mood and now I'm ready to have a healthy day. I'm going to keep working hard and hope for a big loss next week.

Monday, January 12, 2015

Being home alone = recipe for disaster

Well, I learned this weekend that being home alone all day means that I'll eat ALL the food. If I'm at home on a weekend day, my boyfriend is usually there with me, so I don't eat things I shouldn't (because then he'll KNOW, haha). But he was working this weekend and I ate too much crap. It wasn't all out binge, but it was more than I would have normally eaten. I think the next time he has to work on the weekend, I'll make a more conscious effort to make plans with friends so I'm not tempted by things in the house.

Overall, though, the week has been really good. I look forward to jumping on the scale tomorrow morning (Tuesdays are my regular weigh-in days) to see how the scale says I've done.

Thursday, January 8, 2015

Strength Training

Does anyone have any guidance/websites/apps on beginning a strength training program? I've done some weights before, but I've always felt that i was just wandering around doing exercises that I know. I'd love a personal trainer, but that's just not in the budget right now. Both free weights (at the gym) and body weight (at home) recommendations are welcome!

Suggestions by fellow Dietbetters:
  • Website/App: Cody
  • http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/bbinfo.php?page=BeginnerWorkoutPrograms
  • The book "New Rules of Weight Lifting for Women"
  • Pinterest has lots of great suggestions for exercises and sites. I'm sure that a search on "beginning strength training" would give you a wealth of info. YouTube would probably be the same.
  • You tube. Google. Classes at the local gym

More suggestions are welcome!

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

I want to EAT.

Today is one of those days when I just want to EAT. Anything you put in front of me, I'm going to want to eat. I just finished breakfast and I'm wishing I had more food just to eat. You know what I'm talking about. Going to focus on staying busy at work (after I read through all of the updates since I was last here) and keep my mind off of food. But boy, I could do some serious damage today, left uncontrolled.

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Weekly Weigh-In

Tuesdays are my weekly weigh in day and today I was excited for it. I've been working really hard to eat healthy over the last week and it worked! I'm down 5lbs this week! Sure, last week was my TOM, so I'm sure I was retaining some water, but I'm proud of this loss. I celebrated by taking a short walk before work (I was 10 minutes early, so I walked a couple of blocks) and eating a healthy breakfast. Here's to another healthy week!

Monday, January 5, 2015

NSV

I've been avoiding all the post-holidays treats in our breakroom by having a peppermint whenever I'm craving something sweet. I really wanted a cookie after lunch, but I told myself that I'd have a peppermint then, and if at 3pm I wanted the cookie instead of my healthier snack, I could. Turns out, it's almost 3pm and the sweet craving is gone and now I can have my healthy snack guilt-free! It's the little things.

Thursday, January 1, 2015

Not exactly what I was planning...

Starting 2015 off with severe lower back pain is not exactly what I had planned! Hopefully this IcyHot will work wonders and I'll get back to feeling fine tomorrow! I had to reschedule my gym session today for this weekend (I can still make 5x for the week). Guess my body just needed a day off. BUT, my eating has been on point the last couple days, so I'm not too worried about it!