Why, yes I have - thank you for noticing.
Just jumped on the home scale - told me I weighed 202 pounds - What? For serious? Going to have to double check this at the gym tomorrow.
I've noticed that whenever I skip a day of going to the gym my body drops weight like a kid drops a slippery water balloon.
Lovin' it!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Seafood Extravaganza!
Tonight was a fun night... meaning, I didn't go to the gym. I was all set to go and then at the last minute changed my mind and went down to the beach instead. It was fun - the beach is a very steep incline down a few flights of stairs from my apartment. I walked down the steps, then down the pier on the beach and then went to a seafood restaurant and had some wine and a large plate of seafood.
I must say that I did make some very good choices while at the restaurant. In the past I would have been more than happy to order an enormous plate of nachos and a large variety of deep-fried junk! Not anymore - all I wanted was fresh, quality food and I got it! I had 1 glass of wine, 1 crantini, 6 prawns, 3 mussels, 2 oysters and 2 crab wontons. It was a cold seafood plate - meaning that none of the seafood was cooked in oil (all was raw) - it just had some dipping sauces on the side that I avoided. I also drank about 4 glasses of water - which was awesome.
Then, when all the fun was said and done, I walked home. In the past, I would be huffing and puffing on my way up those flights of stairs. Tonight - although I was sweating, I wasn't huffing and puffing anywhere near to the extent that I did when I was 233 pounds. I can really tell that I am in shape now and it feels good. I love that I am making good choices (even at restaurants) and no longer get out of breath at the sight of a flight of stairs.
Rewinding a bit here - yesterday at the hairdressers (and I have always disliked getting my hair cut), I didn't feel like I had a fat face any more. The thing I hate most about getting my hair cut is that once they put that hideous cape on you - you can really see how fat your face is. Yesterday I was pleasently surprised that I felt somewhat like ME again - and not just a fat face staring back at me in a hideous cape. Don't get me wrong, I am not there yet - but I am getting very close to seeing myself when I look in the mirror.
With a belly full of prawns and oysters - i'm off to read the rest of "Wicked" - again - such a wonderful book!
G'Night blogging buddies!
I must say that I did make some very good choices while at the restaurant. In the past I would have been more than happy to order an enormous plate of nachos and a large variety of deep-fried junk! Not anymore - all I wanted was fresh, quality food and I got it! I had 1 glass of wine, 1 crantini, 6 prawns, 3 mussels, 2 oysters and 2 crab wontons. It was a cold seafood plate - meaning that none of the seafood was cooked in oil (all was raw) - it just had some dipping sauces on the side that I avoided. I also drank about 4 glasses of water - which was awesome.
Then, when all the fun was said and done, I walked home. In the past, I would be huffing and puffing on my way up those flights of stairs. Tonight - although I was sweating, I wasn't huffing and puffing anywhere near to the extent that I did when I was 233 pounds. I can really tell that I am in shape now and it feels good. I love that I am making good choices (even at restaurants) and no longer get out of breath at the sight of a flight of stairs.
Rewinding a bit here - yesterday at the hairdressers (and I have always disliked getting my hair cut), I didn't feel like I had a fat face any more. The thing I hate most about getting my hair cut is that once they put that hideous cape on you - you can really see how fat your face is. Yesterday I was pleasently surprised that I felt somewhat like ME again - and not just a fat face staring back at me in a hideous cape. Don't get me wrong, I am not there yet - but I am getting very close to seeing myself when I look in the mirror.
With a belly full of prawns and oysters - i'm off to read the rest of "Wicked" - again - such a wonderful book!
G'Night blogging buddies!
Summing Up: End of April
Here we are on the last day of April and I made it - working out almost every day and staying on plan the entire month. I totally rock!
To sum up, here were the goals that I was working towards for all of April:
APRIL 2010 GOALS
1.) Fit comfortably into my size-16 black work pants: CHECK --- these pants are now way to big for me
2.) Reduce boobage to 38 DD: ALMOST THERE --- boobage is a tough one, I'm going to have to carry this one over into May
3.) Increase Elliptical resistance to 6 by April 30th: CURRENTLY AT 5 --- for the last week or so, I've been trying to increase the resistance to 6, but every time I do, my legs will have none of it. This is another goal that will have to carry over into May
4.) Be at 205 pounds by April 30th: CHECK! 204 baby!
5.) Toss away (or donate) all the clothes in my closet that are too big for me CHECK
Reward for Completing All Goals: Hair Cut
This months reward was a haircut. Because I am so proud of what I accomplished this month, I wanted to get a good hair cut so went to some expensive salon. $75 later, my hair now looks pretty. For future goals, I am going to try and keep the monthly rewards to under $25 so that I don't break my bank account.
Here are the before shots:
And the after shots:
I do like my new haircut a lot, I think it will be nice for the Spring.
Now, onto planning some May goals!
To sum up, here were the goals that I was working towards for all of April:
APRIL 2010 GOALS
1.) Fit comfortably into my size-16 black work pants: CHECK --- these pants are now way to big for me
2.) Reduce boobage to 38 DD: ALMOST THERE --- boobage is a tough one, I'm going to have to carry this one over into May
3.) Increase Elliptical resistance to 6 by April 30th: CURRENTLY AT 5 --- for the last week or so, I've been trying to increase the resistance to 6, but every time I do, my legs will have none of it. This is another goal that will have to carry over into May
4.) Be at 205 pounds by April 30th: CHECK! 204 baby!
5.) Toss away (or donate) all the clothes in my closet that are too big for me CHECK
Reward for Completing All Goals: Hair Cut
This months reward was a haircut. Because I am so proud of what I accomplished this month, I wanted to get a good hair cut so went to some expensive salon. $75 later, my hair now looks pretty. For future goals, I am going to try and keep the monthly rewards to under $25 so that I don't break my bank account.
Here are the before shots:
And the after shots:
I do like my new haircut a lot, I think it will be nice for the Spring.
Now, onto planning some May goals!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
A Letter to the Muscle Men at My Gym
Dear Muscle Men at My Gym,
Please invest in a mirror of your own. A public fitness facility is not a place to go to stare at your guns and take up space in the walkways of the facility.
If you're not breaking a sweat - chances are, you shouldn't be there.
I can provide you with a list of stores that sell full-length mirrors if you need it, please let me know.
Thanks,
Lisa
Please invest in a mirror of your own. A public fitness facility is not a place to go to stare at your guns and take up space in the walkways of the facility.
If you're not breaking a sweat - chances are, you shouldn't be there.
I can provide you with a list of stores that sell full-length mirrors if you need it, please let me know.
Thanks,
Lisa
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Tuesday Two Hour Workout
I love Tuesdays. Tuesdays are always my big workout day (because the Biggest Loser is on at the gym). Today was no exception - 1 hour on the elliptical and 1 hour on the treadmill. I ran on the treadmill tonight for 1 and 1/2 minutes straight - my running is definitely improving - I think I could have ran longer if I really pushed myself - but by that time I was coming up on 1 hour and 45 minutes and was ready for quittin' time.
On the downside - today was a busy day at work and I missed lunched - literally, the first time I actually looked at the clock today was at 3pm and was like, "darn, I missed lunch" - This resulted in a foot long sub from Subway for dinner (I know better than this!). At least my sub had no meat, cheese or sauce - just a pile of veggies and mustard on whole wheat - yum! Still managed to stay within my points allowance today - but tomorrow I'm not missing lunch even if the fire bell goes off or a bomb threat gets called in!
To close - that book I mentioned in my last post - um... yeah, it's really good - I totally can't put it down. If you like fairy tales (and the Wizard of Oz) - this book is a must.
PS - My boyfriend is bragging to others about my weight loss to date = totally ramping up my self-esteem, self-wroth and pride. *sings* Lovin' it!
Next hurdle: The battle of Onederland.... Bring it on...
On the downside - today was a busy day at work and I missed lunched - literally, the first time I actually looked at the clock today was at 3pm and was like, "darn, I missed lunch" - This resulted in a foot long sub from Subway for dinner (I know better than this!). At least my sub had no meat, cheese or sauce - just a pile of veggies and mustard on whole wheat - yum! Still managed to stay within my points allowance today - but tomorrow I'm not missing lunch even if the fire bell goes off or a bomb threat gets called in!
To close - that book I mentioned in my last post - um... yeah, it's really good - I totally can't put it down. If you like fairy tales (and the Wizard of Oz) - this book is a must.
PS - My boyfriend is bragging to others about my weight loss to date = totally ramping up my self-esteem, self-wroth and pride. *sings* Lovin' it!
Next hurdle: The battle of Onederland.... Bring it on...
New Toy for the Gym
As many of you know - I often download TV shows and movies to my ipod to entertain me while I am at the gym. I've noticed that this is getting costly (especially because I attend the gym on a daily basis), so my new toy to entertain me while at the gym is good old fashioned books.
To celebrate my Weigh In Victory from my last weigh in, I've taken my own advice and have not rewarded myself with food - but rather with a new book to keep me occupied at the gym.
The book is called "Wicked" and is a story about the Wicked Witch of the West (from the Wizard of Oz). I'm about a 1/5 of the way in and have got to say that I really like it. My only concern is that I won't really be able to read it at the gym while I am bobbing up and down on the elliptical - I guess we'll have to wait and see if it's practical entertainment... Wicked will have to wait until tomorrow though - the Biggest Loser is on tonight. That mean's i'm going to be given'r at the gym tonight. Can't wait!
To celebrate my Weigh In Victory from my last weigh in, I've taken my own advice and have not rewarded myself with food - but rather with a new book to keep me occupied at the gym.
The book is called "Wicked" and is a story about the Wicked Witch of the West (from the Wizard of Oz). I'm about a 1/5 of the way in and have got to say that I really like it. My only concern is that I won't really be able to read it at the gym while I am bobbing up and down on the elliptical - I guess we'll have to wait and see if it's practical entertainment... Wicked will have to wait until tomorrow though - the Biggest Loser is on tonight. That mean's i'm going to be given'r at the gym tonight. Can't wait!
Monday, April 26, 2010
April Weight Goal: CHECK!
Today, I didn't go to the gym because every muscle south of my waist is in terrible pain from the long hike on Sunday. Instead I went for a walk along the lakeside with my mom (45 minutes) which was all my poor legs could take.
When I landed back in Vancouver, I went to the gym only to weigh myself on the scale and am happy to report that I have met my April goal and lost ANOTHER 5 pounds this week. This puts me at 204 - 1 pound more of my goal of 205 by April 30th. I am so thrilled I was able to meet my scale goal this month and am looking forward to meeting my May goal!
I don't know what's going on though - 10 pounds lost in the last two weeks! Maybe my body is catching on? Muscle memory? Switching up my exercise routine? Eating less processed foods? Or? Whatever is going on in my body, I hope it keeps up at least until I am under 200 pounds! It's funny too because I am eating all my Weight Watchers Daily points and all my weekly points - and only some of the Activity Points. I think it must be the balance of eating healthy and exercise and my body getting the hang of it. Love it.
So where do I go from here now that I have met almost all my April Goals. Well, I've got to think up some May goals for myself and am feeling so motivated from this weigh in that I am going to give myself a good beating at the gym tomorrow after work - after all the Biggest Loser is on - that means a two hour cardo workout for Miss Lisa. I can't wait.
My current state of mind: Keep my head in the daily tasks (the gym work-outs, the food planning, etc) - but never stop dreaming of the larger picture and the finish line.
When I landed back in Vancouver, I went to the gym only to weigh myself on the scale and am happy to report that I have met my April goal and lost ANOTHER 5 pounds this week. This puts me at 204 - 1 pound more of my goal of 205 by April 30th. I am so thrilled I was able to meet my scale goal this month and am looking forward to meeting my May goal!
I don't know what's going on though - 10 pounds lost in the last two weeks! Maybe my body is catching on? Muscle memory? Switching up my exercise routine? Eating less processed foods? Or? Whatever is going on in my body, I hope it keeps up at least until I am under 200 pounds! It's funny too because I am eating all my Weight Watchers Daily points and all my weekly points - and only some of the Activity Points. I think it must be the balance of eating healthy and exercise and my body getting the hang of it. Love it.
So where do I go from here now that I have met almost all my April Goals. Well, I've got to think up some May goals for myself and am feeling so motivated from this weigh in that I am going to give myself a good beating at the gym tomorrow after work - after all the Biggest Loser is on - that means a two hour cardo workout for Miss Lisa. I can't wait.
My current state of mind: Keep my head in the daily tasks (the gym work-outs, the food planning, etc) - but never stop dreaming of the larger picture and the finish line.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
I Just Hiked Up a Mountain - WHAT!
That's right! Today my sister and I spent 3 hours hiking up an enormous mountain in the Okanagan called, "Giant's Head Mountain". Holy smokes it was hard! I wore my awesome pedometer so I would know how far we went - 14,900 steps later, we hiked a 7 mile distance! My legs are killing me now, so I know I did an excellent job on the hike. Also, I managed to get a wicked sunburn on my face! The mountain is pictured here:
This is what the mountain looks like from my parents back yard (looking up):
My photo doesn't do the mountain justice - I really need to get a camera because taking pics on my laptop ain't working for me!
While hiking, I was explaining to my sister that my goal is to weigh as much as her (130 pounds), and she replied, "That will be weird - I have never seen you that skinny before". I love my sister's honesty - her comment adds to my motivation to actually follow through with this entire journey, and not just get to a "skinny weight" and stay there.
I haven't hiked in more than 5 years or so (and certainly not up a mountain), but I have to say that I really feel a sense of accomplishment. Something about getting to the top, looking down over the town and then climbing back down and looking up - knowing that just a few hours ago you were sittin' at the top - very rewarding. I think running a "run" such as a 5K or the sun run would yield the same sense of accomplishment. This is definitely going on my "to do" list. Maybe this is what will keep me motivated once I get to my "comfortable skinny weights" i.e. the 170's.
I am very happy that I have stayed on plan this whole trip - I did have wine, but in moderation and I think I ate better foods while I was here than I do at home - lots of fresh veggies, fruit, salads and seafood. I deserve a big pat on the back for the awesome food I stuck to these past couple days. What's more, I think I've motivated my family to turn up the healthy living dial - my mom has started talking about making healthier foods and my sister said she wants to make exercise a routine for herself. It feels good knowing that my progress has inspired the ones I love most to take better care of themselves. Who would have thought that me being more selfish and putting myself first would inspire others to get healthy - crazy!
This is what the mountain looks like from my parents back yard (looking up):
My photo doesn't do the mountain justice - I really need to get a camera because taking pics on my laptop ain't working for me!
While hiking, I was explaining to my sister that my goal is to weigh as much as her (130 pounds), and she replied, "That will be weird - I have never seen you that skinny before". I love my sister's honesty - her comment adds to my motivation to actually follow through with this entire journey, and not just get to a "skinny weight" and stay there.
I haven't hiked in more than 5 years or so (and certainly not up a mountain), but I have to say that I really feel a sense of accomplishment. Something about getting to the top, looking down over the town and then climbing back down and looking up - knowing that just a few hours ago you were sittin' at the top - very rewarding. I think running a "run" such as a 5K or the sun run would yield the same sense of accomplishment. This is definitely going on my "to do" list. Maybe this is what will keep me motivated once I get to my "comfortable skinny weights" i.e. the 170's.
I am very happy that I have stayed on plan this whole trip - I did have wine, but in moderation and I think I ate better foods while I was here than I do at home - lots of fresh veggies, fruit, salads and seafood. I deserve a big pat on the back for the awesome food I stuck to these past couple days. What's more, I think I've motivated my family to turn up the healthy living dial - my mom has started talking about making healthier foods and my sister said she wants to make exercise a routine for herself. It feels good knowing that my progress has inspired the ones I love most to take better care of themselves. Who would have thought that me being more selfish and putting myself first would inspire others to get healthy - crazy!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Stair Climber is the Devel!
Well, it's my first of a three day mini vacation visiting my family.
First thing my family said when I arrived is that they immediately noticed that I had lost a bunch of weight - saying things like "you look great", etc. This, of course made me feel great.
I was able to stay on plan all day and even go to the local gym (which was a weird experience). I've gotten so used to my gym that I felt very uncomfortable in this one. I did go on the star climber tonight (a machine that they don't have at my gym) and oh my gawd it is so hard! I was sweating like crazy and my heart rate was super high the whole time and I was only on level one. What a scary machine! I ended up doing just over 50 flights of stairs in 16 minutes.
I also did the wii fit with my sister tonight. It was difficult and I was depressed to learn that I had gained 4 pounds since the last time I was on it over a year ago! I've lost 25 pounds and i'm still 4 pounds heavier than I was last year? It's true that I lose the weight just as fast as I can pack it on - this is more scary than the stair climber. I was also saddened when the wii told me I was off the charts obese. *sigh* guess that means I gotta keep on working hard! I'll show that wii!
Tomorrow, I am going for a hike and then back to the gym to conquer the stair climber (at least 20 minutes on that dreadful machine!)
First thing my family said when I arrived is that they immediately noticed that I had lost a bunch of weight - saying things like "you look great", etc. This, of course made me feel great.
I was able to stay on plan all day and even go to the local gym (which was a weird experience). I've gotten so used to my gym that I felt very uncomfortable in this one. I did go on the star climber tonight (a machine that they don't have at my gym) and oh my gawd it is so hard! I was sweating like crazy and my heart rate was super high the whole time and I was only on level one. What a scary machine! I ended up doing just over 50 flights of stairs in 16 minutes.
I also did the wii fit with my sister tonight. It was difficult and I was depressed to learn that I had gained 4 pounds since the last time I was on it over a year ago! I've lost 25 pounds and i'm still 4 pounds heavier than I was last year? It's true that I lose the weight just as fast as I can pack it on - this is more scary than the stair climber. I was also saddened when the wii told me I was off the charts obese. *sigh* guess that means I gotta keep on working hard! I'll show that wii!
Tomorrow, I am going for a hike and then back to the gym to conquer the stair climber (at least 20 minutes on that dreadful machine!)
Friday, April 23, 2010
3 in 7
That's right! After a 2 hour hardcore cardio workout at the gym (making up for yesterday) I am currently at 208 pounds. That means - to get to my goal of 205 by May first, I have exactly 7 days to shed 3 pounds.
Normally, I would say that this is a piece of cake, but since I'm flying to central BC tomorrow morning to visit the family - I am worried about how much cardio I'll be able to fit into the three days that I am there. Also, I'm going to give it everything I've got to stay on plan and not stray. I can and WILL do this. 205 by May 1!
Off to pack for the weekend get-a-way...
PS: My wonderful boyfriend bought me a beautiful bouquet of flowers and card for all my hard work on my weight loss (and for "rocking my presentation" yesterday). I've noticed that he's also stepped up his exercise regime. I smell competition...
Normally, I would say that this is a piece of cake, but since I'm flying to central BC tomorrow morning to visit the family - I am worried about how much cardio I'll be able to fit into the three days that I am there. Also, I'm going to give it everything I've got to stay on plan and not stray. I can and WILL do this. 205 by May 1!
Off to pack for the weekend get-a-way...
PS: My wonderful boyfriend bought me a beautiful bouquet of flowers and card for all my hard work on my weight loss (and for "rocking my presentation" yesterday). I've noticed that he's also stepped up his exercise regime. I smell competition...
Nice Bum, Where Ya From
I was too tired to go to the gym last night and fell asleep early - but will make up for it tonight with a two hour date with the gym.
Wonderful news - if you recall, one of my April goals was to fit into my size 16 black work pants - well I did more than that - my arse is now swimming in them.
To celebrate this victory - I will make it my May goal to fit (comfortably) into my size 14 black work pants!
Lovin' my progress - now - back to the gym to kick this shrinking arse!
Wonderful news - if you recall, one of my April goals was to fit into my size 16 black work pants - well I did more than that - my arse is now swimming in them.
To celebrate this victory - I will make it my May goal to fit (comfortably) into my size 14 black work pants!
Lovin' my progress - now - back to the gym to kick this shrinking arse!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Hard Core Challenge Coming My Way
Well, this weekend will be my real first hard-core challenge of my weight loss journey. I am leaving town for the entire weekend to visit my family in central BC.
Already, my mom has called me and asked what kind of food she should buy, "what kinds of food do you eat these days?". I can just picture it now - everything that goes into my mouth will be questioned and every exercise I do will be evaluated. This - as you may have picked up on is something that aggrivates me to no end.
On a brighter note, I have had an incredibly busy schedule this week, and an accident on the highway made my commute home 3 hours long today. It's been one thing after the next and I have barely found the time to stop and breathe! Tomorrow I have to make a massive presentation at 4:30 that I have essentially been working on for the past three years to a bunch of scholars and city officials and my nerves have skyrocketed. However, in the midst of all this business and hoopla going on, I have not allowed myself to use this as an excuse to go off plan or stop exercising. In the past I would have played the "woe is me" card and fallen out of this awesome routine i've got going on - but this time around I've got a serious sniff of devotion and have decided that whatever comes my way, whatever crap lands in my lap - there is no excuse to sacrifice my health. So far, so good. Still on plan, eating healthy (and less pre-packaged foods - thanks to blogger "Finding my Beauty" for suggesting stir fry's - brilliant - just brilliant) AND, I have managed to squeeze in gym time for at least an hour everyday, even if it is later at night. I've got my groove back, and anyone who knows me can tell you that once I find my groove and get on a roll, I accomplish my goals.
Hopefully the stress of my presentation won't keep me up too late tonight! Does having crazy nerves burn more calories? Gawd I hope so!
Already, my mom has called me and asked what kind of food she should buy, "what kinds of food do you eat these days?". I can just picture it now - everything that goes into my mouth will be questioned and every exercise I do will be evaluated. This - as you may have picked up on is something that aggrivates me to no end.
On a brighter note, I have had an incredibly busy schedule this week, and an accident on the highway made my commute home 3 hours long today. It's been one thing after the next and I have barely found the time to stop and breathe! Tomorrow I have to make a massive presentation at 4:30 that I have essentially been working on for the past three years to a bunch of scholars and city officials and my nerves have skyrocketed. However, in the midst of all this business and hoopla going on, I have not allowed myself to use this as an excuse to go off plan or stop exercising. In the past I would have played the "woe is me" card and fallen out of this awesome routine i've got going on - but this time around I've got a serious sniff of devotion and have decided that whatever comes my way, whatever crap lands in my lap - there is no excuse to sacrifice my health. So far, so good. Still on plan, eating healthy (and less pre-packaged foods - thanks to blogger "Finding my Beauty" for suggesting stir fry's - brilliant - just brilliant) AND, I have managed to squeeze in gym time for at least an hour everyday, even if it is later at night. I've got my groove back, and anyone who knows me can tell you that once I find my groove and get on a roll, I accomplish my goals.
Hopefully the stress of my presentation won't keep me up too late tonight! Does having crazy nerves burn more calories? Gawd I hope so!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
A Short Blog Story
Once upon a time, in a land called beautiful British Columbia, there lived a girl named Lisa who lacked motivation and struggled with weight her entire life. For as long as she could remember her weight yo-yo'd back and forth and it cost her a small fortune to keep clothes in a multitude of sizes to accompany her yo-yo'ing weight.
Miss Lisa had tried weight watchers before because she knew that her biggest problem was over-eating and that weight watchers could help her control that. So, when she was 23 she joined the program only to quickly fail due to a lack of accountability to both herself and the program. After falling off the wagon, hitting her head on the pavement and gaining an additional 30 pounds, she woke up one day to find herself at an astonishing 233 pounds. On that day, Lisa had a horrible conversation with her mother, which prompted her to re-join weight watchers and give the weight loss thing another try. Within the first week, she was finding a lot of success, but knew that her motivation and more importantly her accountability power would soon run out.
Lisa wondered, what could she do to make this time different? - make this time around the time that she kept with it and didn't give up and make herself accountable for her actions. It was around this same time that Lisa started reading weight loss blogs from her fellow weight watcher online buddies and thought to herself - maybe blogging is THE thing that will help me stay accountable. After all, she did like Julie and Julia and that was based on a blog. So off she went, created a cute little blog and wrote posts every night while inspired by other weight loss blogs that fueled her to keep going and stay on track.
The lesson Lisa learned is that the wonderful virtual world of blogging has helped her stay accountable for her actions. When she felt tired or like not working out one night, she would ask herself, "well, if I don't stay on plan today and go to the gym tonight, what oh WHAT will I blog about?"
To that - thank you my lovely blogging community for helping me shed the first 25 of 100 pounds. I have complete confidence that the next 3/4 WILL happen with the help of this wonderful tool and the support I receive from you!
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
Miss Lisa had tried weight watchers before because she knew that her biggest problem was over-eating and that weight watchers could help her control that. So, when she was 23 she joined the program only to quickly fail due to a lack of accountability to both herself and the program. After falling off the wagon, hitting her head on the pavement and gaining an additional 30 pounds, she woke up one day to find herself at an astonishing 233 pounds. On that day, Lisa had a horrible conversation with her mother, which prompted her to re-join weight watchers and give the weight loss thing another try. Within the first week, she was finding a lot of success, but knew that her motivation and more importantly her accountability power would soon run out.
Lisa wondered, what could she do to make this time different? - make this time around the time that she kept with it and didn't give up and make herself accountable for her actions. It was around this same time that Lisa started reading weight loss blogs from her fellow weight watcher online buddies and thought to herself - maybe blogging is THE thing that will help me stay accountable. After all, she did like Julie and Julia and that was based on a blog. So off she went, created a cute little blog and wrote posts every night while inspired by other weight loss blogs that fueled her to keep going and stay on track.
The lesson Lisa learned is that the wonderful virtual world of blogging has helped her stay accountable for her actions. When she felt tired or like not working out one night, she would ask herself, "well, if I don't stay on plan today and go to the gym tonight, what oh WHAT will I blog about?"
To that - thank you my lovely blogging community for helping me shed the first 25 of 100 pounds. I have complete confidence that the next 3/4 WILL happen with the help of this wonderful tool and the support I receive from you!
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Mind Over Body
Today I was sore. And I mean SORE. Every muscle in my legs were screaming at me - telling me they were tired and wanted to rest. After a long day of work, I contemplated what kind of exercise I should do tonight with achy legs.
After I got home and had some yummy dinner - I decided it was mind over body and that my legs are just going to have to *suck it up* and do an hour on the elliptical. Boy am I glad I did - my legs were just fine and I got an 800 calorie burn in - working in my target heart rate almost the entire time! I'm sure my legs will give me lip tomorrow - but i'll deal with it then.
Can't fall back into past habits - I need to start thinking with my brain and push aside the screaming complaints of the fat cells living in my arse and thighs.
Skinny Lisa: 1, Arse Fat Cells: 0
PS - The incredible hulk goes to my gym :) Always entertaining.
After I got home and had some yummy dinner - I decided it was mind over body and that my legs are just going to have to *suck it up* and do an hour on the elliptical. Boy am I glad I did - my legs were just fine and I got an 800 calorie burn in - working in my target heart rate almost the entire time! I'm sure my legs will give me lip tomorrow - but i'll deal with it then.
Can't fall back into past habits - I need to start thinking with my brain and push aside the screaming complaints of the fat cells living in my arse and thighs.
Skinny Lisa: 1, Arse Fat Cells: 0
PS - The incredible hulk goes to my gym :) Always entertaining.
Reflecting on the Fat Me
With all the excitement of getting down to 209 pounds, I've been thinking a lot about my life as a fat girl.
Although I don't really feel like this since I started losing weight - the main thing that haunts me when I was 233 pounds (or being overweight and not trying to lose weight for that matter) is other peoples comments.
When you're 233 pounds, you know you're fat - I wake up in the morning, stand in front of my closet and stress over what fits or doesn't fit and a little piece of my heart breaks every time I slip into my XXL shirts and size 18 pants. Along with that there's the depressing chores of shopping or exercising with your skinny friends as well as a slew of other activities (swimming, going to the beach, hot tubs, etc) that your too embarrassed to partake in because of what your body looks like. Further - sitting on the bus, plane and train is often uncomfortable, especially if you're lucky enough to sit beside another large-sized person.
The thing is, I could almost live with all of those personal disappointments - the thing that really gets me is my friends and family's perception of me when I am obese and overweight. My family would continually ask me if I was planning to go back to the gym or would suggest I try kickboxing or the like, my grandma would call me up and tell me about the new diets she read in her latest magazine, even colleagues would lecture and "educate me" on things I can do to help improve my health. People automatically assume when your fat that you know nothing about nutrition, activity, etc. and this is simply not true. My biggest pet peeve is people talking down to me - and I felt this so much at 233 pounds - people just assumed that I didn't know how to live an active lifestyle - which is far from true - I simply chose not to live a healthy lifestyle.
I know that they are trying to help and all - but it only brought me down when others commented on my weight - it was like - seriously - do you think I don't know I'm fat?
In fact, I worked at a health centre and gym for over 6 years, used to be a lifeguard and took the BC fitness theory course. I do know this stuff, so people putting me down simply because they are skinnier than me just makes me feel worse than dirt.
So, i've changed my outlook and choice and will be thin again - never to return to the days when people assume that I don't know jack. I'm seriously looking forward to being under 200 pounds and am ready and willing to put my fitness knowledge into practice and show them I know what I am doing.
Although I don't really feel like this since I started losing weight - the main thing that haunts me when I was 233 pounds (or being overweight and not trying to lose weight for that matter) is other peoples comments.
When you're 233 pounds, you know you're fat - I wake up in the morning, stand in front of my closet and stress over what fits or doesn't fit and a little piece of my heart breaks every time I slip into my XXL shirts and size 18 pants. Along with that there's the depressing chores of shopping or exercising with your skinny friends as well as a slew of other activities (swimming, going to the beach, hot tubs, etc) that your too embarrassed to partake in because of what your body looks like. Further - sitting on the bus, plane and train is often uncomfortable, especially if you're lucky enough to sit beside another large-sized person.
The thing is, I could almost live with all of those personal disappointments - the thing that really gets me is my friends and family's perception of me when I am obese and overweight. My family would continually ask me if I was planning to go back to the gym or would suggest I try kickboxing or the like, my grandma would call me up and tell me about the new diets she read in her latest magazine, even colleagues would lecture and "educate me" on things I can do to help improve my health. People automatically assume when your fat that you know nothing about nutrition, activity, etc. and this is simply not true. My biggest pet peeve is people talking down to me - and I felt this so much at 233 pounds - people just assumed that I didn't know how to live an active lifestyle - which is far from true - I simply chose not to live a healthy lifestyle.
I know that they are trying to help and all - but it only brought me down when others commented on my weight - it was like - seriously - do you think I don't know I'm fat?
In fact, I worked at a health centre and gym for over 6 years, used to be a lifeguard and took the BC fitness theory course. I do know this stuff, so people putting me down simply because they are skinnier than me just makes me feel worse than dirt.
So, i've changed my outlook and choice and will be thin again - never to return to the days when people assume that I don't know jack. I'm seriously looking forward to being under 200 pounds and am ready and willing to put my fitness knowledge into practice and show them I know what I am doing.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
SHUT THE FRONT DOOR! 209!
Seriously - shut the front door.
I was worried about this weeks weigh-in because of the generious points week I had, and the last time I weighed myself, I was at 213 (Friday).
Tonight, on my official weigh-in day I weigh 209!!!!!I literally worked out tonight with a big smile on my face the entire time I was so pleased with myself.
I have a feeling that, because I didn't eat many heavy foods today and especially for dinner (i.e. Chili) - but instead snacked the day away, my current weight was affected by foods I consumed today. The true test to this will be what I weigh tomorrow - if I'll still be at 209 or a little higher.
Last Sunday, I said I would be at 209 by today and I DID IT! I am on top of the world right now and am so proud that I met my weekly goal! This means that I've lost a total of 24 pounds since I started on March 1st and I lost 5 pounds this week! It also means that I have officially lost 10% of myself.
I have to admit that I am totally feeling better now that I am "fit" - I breathe better, and feel "healthy". I think I might have a shot at being successful in that 5K in June. I am actually looking forward to it - but still have a long way to go as I can only run for one minute straight - yikes! I will get there though.
24 pounds down - 79 to go!
I can't believe I made it to 209! I'm such a rockstar!
I was worried about this weeks weigh-in because of the generious points week I had, and the last time I weighed myself, I was at 213 (Friday).
Tonight, on my official weigh-in day I weigh 209!!!!!I literally worked out tonight with a big smile on my face the entire time I was so pleased with myself.
I have a feeling that, because I didn't eat many heavy foods today and especially for dinner (i.e. Chili) - but instead snacked the day away, my current weight was affected by foods I consumed today. The true test to this will be what I weigh tomorrow - if I'll still be at 209 or a little higher.
Last Sunday, I said I would be at 209 by today and I DID IT! I am on top of the world right now and am so proud that I met my weekly goal! This means that I've lost a total of 24 pounds since I started on March 1st and I lost 5 pounds this week! It also means that I have officially lost 10% of myself.
I have to admit that I am totally feeling better now that I am "fit" - I breathe better, and feel "healthy". I think I might have a shot at being successful in that 5K in June. I am actually looking forward to it - but still have a long way to go as I can only run for one minute straight - yikes! I will get there though.
24 pounds down - 79 to go!
I can't believe I made it to 209! I'm such a rockstar!
Snacky McSnackerton
Today has been a day filled with snacks. Although I haven't really had any "meals" I have thouroughly enjoyed these yummy low-points snacks:
(Excuse the backwards-ness of these photo's, they were taken on my mac)
A staple, HUMMUS:
SQUIGGLES - Sort of like fun fruit snacks:
Yummy Dessert popcorn I discovered today:
SKINNY COWS (or as my boyfriend calls them "silly cows"):
And lastly, snack day would'nt be complete without a Babybel Light cheese:
Stay tuned - Weigh In is later tonight...
(Excuse the backwards-ness of these photo's, they were taken on my mac)
A staple, HUMMUS:
SQUIGGLES - Sort of like fun fruit snacks:
Yummy Dessert popcorn I discovered today:
SKINNY COWS (or as my boyfriend calls them "silly cows"):
And lastly, snack day would'nt be complete without a Babybel Light cheese:
Stay tuned - Weigh In is later tonight...
Saturday, April 17, 2010
When the Going Gets Tough...
This week has been the first week where I was finding is difficult to stay on plan. Looking back through my food journal, I went over my daily points allowance 6/7 days - using up both my weekly points and activity points. I usually try to not touch my Activity Points at all - but this week I used up almost all of them! As tomorrow brings the start of a new week - I am going to pledge to stay within my daily points everyday and not dive into either my weekly points (or my activity points).
Secondly, instead of going to the gym, I took my new pedometer (and by new - I mean that I won it at a Christmas party two years go and just broke it open today). I went for a two hour walk with a friend of mine and when I got home I was playing with my "new" pedometer and noticed that it is fancy and does more than just count steps, it counts distance, pace and almost everything that the treadmill does. I forsee this being my new favourite toy and will be using it lots over the summer months. However, on our two hour walk, 13,250 steps, 6.25 miles going an average of 3.09 miles/hour, it says I only burned 348 calories! How can that be - I usually burn that amount or more in ONE hour walking on the treadmill at the gym. I just don't get why the calories are so low.
I am getting a bit nervous, the last time I stepped on the scale (Friday) it said 213 - I really wanted to be at 209 by tomorrow (or I'd settle for Monday). So, i'm putting the power of positive thinking into the mix and MAKING myself get to 209 by Monday. Let's hope it works!
Lastly, one of my absolute favourite restaurants in Vancouver is The Naam. It is a vegetarian restaurant that has the most delicious food - it is to die for really. I bought The Naam Miso Gravey (thier best and staple product at the restaurant) from my local Pricemart Foods (but have seen it at many different food stores) and used the sauce on some stir fried veggies today for lunch and holy smokes it was almost as good as at the restaurant! I loved it. I was smart enough to purchase a bunch of veggies on Friday after work and spent an hour or so on Friday evening cutting up the veggies and put thim into two very large tupperware containers into my fridge. My plan is to eat my "Naam Stirfry (minus rice)" every day until I am either sick of it or run out - the later of the two is the most likely. I am literally looking forward to lunch tomorrow (haven't said that in a while). This is the BEST 5-point lunch in the world.
Off to watch Saturday Night Live, and then to bed.
Secondly, instead of going to the gym, I took my new pedometer (and by new - I mean that I won it at a Christmas party two years go and just broke it open today). I went for a two hour walk with a friend of mine and when I got home I was playing with my "new" pedometer and noticed that it is fancy and does more than just count steps, it counts distance, pace and almost everything that the treadmill does. I forsee this being my new favourite toy and will be using it lots over the summer months. However, on our two hour walk, 13,250 steps, 6.25 miles going an average of 3.09 miles/hour, it says I only burned 348 calories! How can that be - I usually burn that amount or more in ONE hour walking on the treadmill at the gym. I just don't get why the calories are so low.
I am getting a bit nervous, the last time I stepped on the scale (Friday) it said 213 - I really wanted to be at 209 by tomorrow (or I'd settle for Monday). So, i'm putting the power of positive thinking into the mix and MAKING myself get to 209 by Monday. Let's hope it works!
Lastly, one of my absolute favourite restaurants in Vancouver is The Naam. It is a vegetarian restaurant that has the most delicious food - it is to die for really. I bought The Naam Miso Gravey (thier best and staple product at the restaurant) from my local Pricemart Foods (but have seen it at many different food stores) and used the sauce on some stir fried veggies today for lunch and holy smokes it was almost as good as at the restaurant! I loved it. I was smart enough to purchase a bunch of veggies on Friday after work and spent an hour or so on Friday evening cutting up the veggies and put thim into two very large tupperware containers into my fridge. My plan is to eat my "Naam Stirfry (minus rice)" every day until I am either sick of it or run out - the later of the two is the most likely. I am literally looking forward to lunch tomorrow (haven't said that in a while). This is the BEST 5-point lunch in the world.
Off to watch Saturday Night Live, and then to bed.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Brace Yourself
As I come to terms with where I started, I want to share with you the photo that helped start my weight loss journey and made me realize that I was (or am) fat.
Brace yourself - here I am at 233 pounds:
I cringe when I look at this. It is really, really horrible.
When I first saw this photo, I didn't even recognize myself. Needless to say, I will never go back to that weight again. It's all downhill from here (weight-wise that is).
Simply put - this girl is gone.
Brace yourself - here I am at 233 pounds:
I cringe when I look at this. It is really, really horrible.
When I first saw this photo, I didn't even recognize myself. Needless to say, I will never go back to that weight again. It's all downhill from here (weight-wise that is).
Simply put - this girl is gone.
Something Old and Something New...
I am very excited for today's menu. I've got a few things that I eat everyday, sometimes twice a day, like a Starbucks Venti Green Tea (Zen) at 0 points:
And some new items to try out, like an Amy's Burrito (5 points) and one of the new Activia Dessert Yogurts (vanilla) only 2 points per cup:
Update: the Burrito was awesome and the yogurt dessert is about to become my regular dessert! Nom nom nom.
Going to kill myself tonight at the gym again - and looking forward to it! Looking for a movie to download onto my ipod to make me stay at the gym longer too - after all, it is Friday night!
And some new items to try out, like an Amy's Burrito (5 points) and one of the new Activia Dessert Yogurts (vanilla) only 2 points per cup:
Update: the Burrito was awesome and the yogurt dessert is about to become my regular dessert! Nom nom nom.
Going to kill myself tonight at the gym again - and looking forward to it! Looking for a movie to download onto my ipod to make me stay at the gym longer too - after all, it is Friday night!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Putting ME First!
Hey all, I am lovin' my new blog layout - it's got so much more character than the old one.
First, I stepped on the scale tonight at the gym and luckily, i'm still sitting at 213 - phew. I almost didn't go to the gym tonight. I got home from work and I was exhausted! I'm still hung over from yesterdays self-destructing events and my legs are still in pain from my hour and a half workout on Tuesday (see blog post: the Perfect Storm). But I pushed through the exhaustion and put my 1 hour of cardio in!
I am really starting to appreciate this whole "putting me first" mentality. The Biggest Loser as well as the message boards on Weight Watchers often contain conversations around putting yourself first and making your health a priority in order to be successful in losing weight and keeping it off. Thus, I have adopted this idea that I MAKE time for myself because I am important. This new mentality of mine is seriously boosting my confidence and making me love myself even more than I already do! Today, I took the time to appreciate my accomplishments and give myself a good long pat on the back for losing 20 pounds this last month and a half.
A few weeks ago I posted a message on the weight watchers message board and someone responded to my comment saying that "I was lucky to have the luxury to have the time to go to the gym, etc". A LUXURY! No way! This really bothered me. I don't think of this as a luxury! I leave for work at 6:30am every day and don't get home until 6:30pm Monday through Friday. Additionally, I am taking a few graduate level courses on the side and sit on a handful of community city committees. I MAKE time to go to the gym, not because it's a luxury - but because it's a priority and I've made a choice to put my health first. I go to the gym at 8:30 at night - hardly a "luxury". As I thought more and more about this - how in the world can taking care of yourself first and foremost be considered a luxury - isn't it a necessity? Just venting here, but I do feel very stongly about this.
Time to take my "luxurious" arse to bed now - getting up at 5:30am tomorrow morning to get ready for work (as usual)...
First, I stepped on the scale tonight at the gym and luckily, i'm still sitting at 213 - phew. I almost didn't go to the gym tonight. I got home from work and I was exhausted! I'm still hung over from yesterdays self-destructing events and my legs are still in pain from my hour and a half workout on Tuesday (see blog post: the Perfect Storm). But I pushed through the exhaustion and put my 1 hour of cardio in!
I am really starting to appreciate this whole "putting me first" mentality. The Biggest Loser as well as the message boards on Weight Watchers often contain conversations around putting yourself first and making your health a priority in order to be successful in losing weight and keeping it off. Thus, I have adopted this idea that I MAKE time for myself because I am important. This new mentality of mine is seriously boosting my confidence and making me love myself even more than I already do! Today, I took the time to appreciate my accomplishments and give myself a good long pat on the back for losing 20 pounds this last month and a half.
A few weeks ago I posted a message on the weight watchers message board and someone responded to my comment saying that "I was lucky to have the luxury to have the time to go to the gym, etc". A LUXURY! No way! This really bothered me. I don't think of this as a luxury! I leave for work at 6:30am every day and don't get home until 6:30pm Monday through Friday. Additionally, I am taking a few graduate level courses on the side and sit on a handful of community city committees. I MAKE time to go to the gym, not because it's a luxury - but because it's a priority and I've made a choice to put my health first. I go to the gym at 8:30 at night - hardly a "luxury". As I thought more and more about this - how in the world can taking care of yourself first and foremost be considered a luxury - isn't it a necessity? Just venting here, but I do feel very stongly about this.
Time to take my "luxurious" arse to bed now - getting up at 5:30am tomorrow morning to get ready for work (as usual)...
One Crazy Night
As I mentioned, last night I went out with some awesome girlfriends to see a show and it didn't turn out too well.
I was so well prepared going into the evening - I had a subway sandwich for 4 points and a wealth of Activity and Weekly points accumulated to spend on wine and the like. Well, I ended up drinking like the restaurant was running out of wine. In total, I ended up having 10 glasses of wine, 2 beers and a shooter. My alcohol points alone were 40!
Then, after the show, my friends were hungry, so we went back into the restaurant and they were ordering poutine, and burgers with fries and I asked for a salad with dressing on the side! Even though I went nuts on the alcohol, I was able to make a smart food choice at the restaurant while drunk! I was very pleased with myself. This is the first time since I've been on weight watchers that I've caved and fallen victim to over-consuming. Don't get me wrong, I had a blast (although paying for it this morning), but my daily points from yesterday added up to 65! I've used all my Weekly and Activity points and now have to be very strict for the rest of the week.
What's more - I'm terrified that this will affect the scale when I step on it tonight at the gym. I want so badly to get out of the 210's and into the 200's. I was hoping to be at 200 by the end of April (although initially, I wanted to be at 210 by the end of April. So, I would settle for 205 by April 30th.
My legs are still in so much pain from the Perfect Storm on Tuesday, so I am not planning on going overboard tonight - just a simple 60 minute cardio workout. I'll post tonight's weigh in results when I get home from the gym tonight...
I was so well prepared going into the evening - I had a subway sandwich for 4 points and a wealth of Activity and Weekly points accumulated to spend on wine and the like. Well, I ended up drinking like the restaurant was running out of wine. In total, I ended up having 10 glasses of wine, 2 beers and a shooter. My alcohol points alone were 40!
Then, after the show, my friends were hungry, so we went back into the restaurant and they were ordering poutine, and burgers with fries and I asked for a salad with dressing on the side! Even though I went nuts on the alcohol, I was able to make a smart food choice at the restaurant while drunk! I was very pleased with myself. This is the first time since I've been on weight watchers that I've caved and fallen victim to over-consuming. Don't get me wrong, I had a blast (although paying for it this morning), but my daily points from yesterday added up to 65! I've used all my Weekly and Activity points and now have to be very strict for the rest of the week.
What's more - I'm terrified that this will affect the scale when I step on it tonight at the gym. I want so badly to get out of the 210's and into the 200's. I was hoping to be at 200 by the end of April (although initially, I wanted to be at 210 by the end of April. So, I would settle for 205 by April 30th.
My legs are still in so much pain from the Perfect Storm on Tuesday, so I am not planning on going overboard tonight - just a simple 60 minute cardio workout. I'll post tonight's weigh in results when I get home from the gym tonight...
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
The Perfect Storm
After feeling guilty for eating a 30-point salad for lunch (my daily allowance is only 28), and knowing that I'm going out tomorrow night and won't be able to work out AND that the Biggest Loser was on at the gym (AND I had a BL Season 8 episode I had not yet watched on my ipod) all = THE PERFECT STORM.
I was on fire at the gym - 60 minutes on the elliptical and 80 minutes walking at 3.2-3.3 on a 2.0 inclince on the treadmill. My legs are very tired, but I feel as though I got my workout in to compensate tomorrow and that stupid salad I had for lunch. That's 10 Activity Points for those of you on weight watchers. I was in the shower after the gym and I felt as though my legs were about to collapse on me - I had to hold onto the shower wall to prevent myself from falling over.
What's more you ask - well! Stepped on the scale tonight and it said 213... I'm thinking that I need to start having lighter dinners and heavier breakfasts and lunches - even now that I start to think of it - it makes sense to fuel your body earlier in the day and eat light at night. Maybe next week, as an experiment - i'll eat breakfast for dinner and dinner for breakfast - see how that works.
At 213 - that means I am 20 pounds down in total. I'm realy looking forward to being 209 pounds next week. I feel so much better about myself and honestly feel like I can take on the impossible.
I was on fire at the gym - 60 minutes on the elliptical and 80 minutes walking at 3.2-3.3 on a 2.0 inclince on the treadmill. My legs are very tired, but I feel as though I got my workout in to compensate tomorrow and that stupid salad I had for lunch. That's 10 Activity Points for those of you on weight watchers. I was in the shower after the gym and I felt as though my legs were about to collapse on me - I had to hold onto the shower wall to prevent myself from falling over.
What's more you ask - well! Stepped on the scale tonight and it said 213... I'm thinking that I need to start having lighter dinners and heavier breakfasts and lunches - even now that I start to think of it - it makes sense to fuel your body earlier in the day and eat light at night. Maybe next week, as an experiment - i'll eat breakfast for dinner and dinner for breakfast - see how that works.
At 213 - that means I am 20 pounds down in total. I'm realy looking forward to being 209 pounds next week. I feel so much better about myself and honestly feel like I can take on the impossible.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Gotta have Faith!
Now that I am well into my weight loss journey (there's no turning back now!) I'm starting to lose some steam. I'm finally getting that this is a marathon and i've only just past the starting line. It's a little sad because I know that those large weight loss numbers i've been seeing on the scale every week are naturally going to get smaller and smaller and it's only going to be harder and harder to stay on track. I have reached the long-haul phase. At this point it is essential for me to remember that this is a lifestyle change for me and stop checking my watch asking myself, "are we done yet".
Now for the funny part. I go to the gym often and every time I am at the gym I listen to George Michaels 'Faith' - I know it's corny and incredibly funny, but this song just oozes sex and makes me want to feel sexy again. It keeps me motivated. If you ever feel down about youself, look in a full-sized mirror naked and listen to this song as you take a long hard look at yourself - it will put you back on your high horse (well - it works for me anyways). This song is a definite mood booster - try it - I dare you.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lu3VTngm1F0
Now for the funny part. I go to the gym often and every time I am at the gym I listen to George Michaels 'Faith' - I know it's corny and incredibly funny, but this song just oozes sex and makes me want to feel sexy again. It keeps me motivated. If you ever feel down about youself, look in a full-sized mirror naked and listen to this song as you take a long hard look at yourself - it will put you back on your high horse (well - it works for me anyways). This song is a definite mood booster - try it - I dare you.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lu3VTngm1F0
Update
Just to update everyone - I realize that I was totally being a weenie yesterday (every now and again I get into a weird funk). But I'm back now - realizing how blessed I really am.
I guess the pouting gods heard me complain yesterday because today I was accepted into my Master's program and now officially fit comfortably into my size-16 work pants. Today is treating me well - so who cares if I can't afford to buy a house. I've lost almost 20 pounds and am going to run a marathon next year AND complete my Master's degree in the next couple years. I've got so much going for me it is ridiculous!
Thanks to http://1010intwentyten.blogspot.com/ for the encouragement on appreciating all my wonderfulness!
I guess the pouting gods heard me complain yesterday because today I was accepted into my Master's program and now officially fit comfortably into my size-16 work pants. Today is treating me well - so who cares if I can't afford to buy a house. I've lost almost 20 pounds and am going to run a marathon next year AND complete my Master's degree in the next couple years. I've got so much going for me it is ridiculous!
Thanks to http://1010intwentyten.blogspot.com/ for the encouragement on appreciating all my wonderfulness!
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Sometimes I Just Don't Get ME!
Today I have felt rather down about myself. A good friend of mine announced that she is purchasing a house - not a condo or even a townhouse - a real house. Although I am happy for her, I am feeling like I have nothing going for me, that my life is at a standstill. I feel as though I have no goals and am simply just doing the day to day tasks with no real long-term plan.
After a LONG day of thinking, I realized that my friends and I are in different places in life and have been handed different circumstances to deal with and react to than me. This made me feel even worse because I feel like I haven't really been working towards anything, I'm not starting a family, buying a house, and haven't even been officially accepted into the Master's program at my school yet. The only thing I really have going for me is my excellent job.
So, in light of this, I am going to spend the next month or so making a long-term plan for myself. Specifically write down what I want to accomplish and make sure that I do this on a continual basis. When I have no goals I get sad and lonley and this, as I have recently noticed, makes me want to eat. Eating is a comfort for this particlar sadness that litters my brain now and again. So, the positive thing here is that I have recognized that me being a martyr face, sobbing around my apartment feeling sorry for myself makes me sad which makes me crave food (and my binge-eating self emerges). Luckly, I was able to control myself today, but I do need to fix this on a long-term basis.
So far my goals are:
1.) Get Healhy! Lose weight and eventually run a marathon (ha!)
2.) Finish up a Master's Proram
Lastly, tonight at the gym I weighed in at 214! Sunday nights are my standard weigh in times, so I'm sticking to it - but what the heck - yesterday I weighed 212 when I stepped on the scale at the gym. The scale really kicked me in the arse. This just means that this week I have to give it all I got at the gym (except on Wednesday when I have a date with some girlfriends). AND, I am going to return to eating salads again for dinner this week. Next Sunday, my blog post will be titled a number lower than 210... even if it kills me!
After a LONG day of thinking, I realized that my friends and I are in different places in life and have been handed different circumstances to deal with and react to than me. This made me feel even worse because I feel like I haven't really been working towards anything, I'm not starting a family, buying a house, and haven't even been officially accepted into the Master's program at my school yet. The only thing I really have going for me is my excellent job.
So, in light of this, I am going to spend the next month or so making a long-term plan for myself. Specifically write down what I want to accomplish and make sure that I do this on a continual basis. When I have no goals I get sad and lonley and this, as I have recently noticed, makes me want to eat. Eating is a comfort for this particlar sadness that litters my brain now and again. So, the positive thing here is that I have recognized that me being a martyr face, sobbing around my apartment feeling sorry for myself makes me sad which makes me crave food (and my binge-eating self emerges). Luckly, I was able to control myself today, but I do need to fix this on a long-term basis.
So far my goals are:
1.) Get Healhy! Lose weight and eventually run a marathon (ha!)
2.) Finish up a Master's Proram
Lastly, tonight at the gym I weighed in at 214! Sunday nights are my standard weigh in times, so I'm sticking to it - but what the heck - yesterday I weighed 212 when I stepped on the scale at the gym. The scale really kicked me in the arse. This just means that this week I have to give it all I got at the gym (except on Wednesday when I have a date with some girlfriends). AND, I am going to return to eating salads again for dinner this week. Next Sunday, my blog post will be titled a number lower than 210... even if it kills me!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Rests for the Best
I had planned on going to the gym last night after work but as soon as I got home and had dinner I passed out I was so exhausted! So, I skipped the gym and rested. I slept for over 12 hours and woke up Saturday morning feeling awesome!
I felt a little guilty for not going to the gym on Friday - but what the heck - my body told me that I needed a rest and I listeded to my body. It payed off too because when I stepped on the scale at the gym tonight it said 213! I was so thrilled although I am skeptical because I weighed myself at 5pm and I usually do it at around 8 pm. I am hoping I won't step on the scale tomorrow and see more than 213 *fingers crossed*.
I was able to write 12 pages of my thesis paper which is awesome because I think i'll be able to finish it tomorrow just before it's due. I did take a break today though to watch Twilight.
Feeling guilty about sleeping through "gym time" on Friday, I did cardio at the gym tonight for 2 hours! 100 minutes on the elliptical and 20 minutes on the treadmill. I can literally feel the fat cells in my thunder thighs scream "i'm melting!" Ha ha, suckers!
Lastly, when I was on the treadmill tonight, there was woman on the machine in front of me and she had *the perfect* body. I tell ya, every time I feel like over eating, I am going to picture my head on her body. I still have a long way to go, but am happy that I've lost a total of 20 pounds! 83 pounds to go!
I felt a little guilty for not going to the gym on Friday - but what the heck - my body told me that I needed a rest and I listeded to my body. It payed off too because when I stepped on the scale at the gym tonight it said 213! I was so thrilled although I am skeptical because I weighed myself at 5pm and I usually do it at around 8 pm. I am hoping I won't step on the scale tomorrow and see more than 213 *fingers crossed*.
I was able to write 12 pages of my thesis paper which is awesome because I think i'll be able to finish it tomorrow just before it's due. I did take a break today though to watch Twilight.
Feeling guilty about sleeping through "gym time" on Friday, I did cardio at the gym tonight for 2 hours! 100 minutes on the elliptical and 20 minutes on the treadmill. I can literally feel the fat cells in my thunder thighs scream "i'm melting!" Ha ha, suckers!
Lastly, when I was on the treadmill tonight, there was woman on the machine in front of me and she had *the perfect* body. I tell ya, every time I feel like over eating, I am going to picture my head on her body. I still have a long way to go, but am happy that I've lost a total of 20 pounds! 83 pounds to go!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
I'm Bringing Sassy Back!
That's right! I'm bringing sassy back. I got to thinking today about how I felt when I was at 180 pounds, two short years ago when I had initially lost a whole whack of weight. I remember being a more confident, sexy and incredibly sassy person. I want my sass back! Trading in my ass for sass!
I'm still seeing 215 on the scale! I'm really pushing to get to 213 by my next weigh-in. I want to officially lose 20 pounds as of the end of this week. I can do this! However, my goal of getting to 200 by the end of April is getting further and further out of reach. I guess I'll just have to wait and see what happens. Just nervous because we're 1/3 of the way into April and I've only dropped 4 pounds! Boo! Hiss!
On a more positive note: i've been really pushing it at the gym (especially today) - with help of distracting myself by watching the Biggest Loser. I picked an elliptical machine facing the pool tonight to remind myself that I want to get back into swimming very soon. Man I miss being a swimmer. It's really the one sport I am really good at, and unfortunatley can't do it until I feel comfortable in a bathing suit. Again I say Boo! Hiss! I did push it 90 minutes on the elliptical tonight and burned a whopping 1000 calories - go me! I'm the nerd who sweats bullets on the elliptical while watching the BL on my ipod. I must look like such a dork - but luckily I have no pride, so I really could care less what others must assume when they see me on that machine. It's a funny thought though!
Tomorrow I will be 214 - I am banking on it!
I'm still seeing 215 on the scale! I'm really pushing to get to 213 by my next weigh-in. I want to officially lose 20 pounds as of the end of this week. I can do this! However, my goal of getting to 200 by the end of April is getting further and further out of reach. I guess I'll just have to wait and see what happens. Just nervous because we're 1/3 of the way into April and I've only dropped 4 pounds! Boo! Hiss!
On a more positive note: i've been really pushing it at the gym (especially today) - with help of distracting myself by watching the Biggest Loser. I picked an elliptical machine facing the pool tonight to remind myself that I want to get back into swimming very soon. Man I miss being a swimmer. It's really the one sport I am really good at, and unfortunatley can't do it until I feel comfortable in a bathing suit. Again I say Boo! Hiss! I did push it 90 minutes on the elliptical tonight and burned a whopping 1000 calories - go me! I'm the nerd who sweats bullets on the elliptical while watching the BL on my ipod. I must look like such a dork - but luckily I have no pride, so I really could care less what others must assume when they see me on that machine. It's a funny thought though!
Tomorrow I will be 214 - I am banking on it!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Redefining "Spoiling Myself"
I did a lot of thinking today about my eating habits and compared my old eating habits with my new eating habits and noticed one specific difference. I have learned, growing up as a French-Canadian with parents who have instilled very french-like characteristics into my development as a person, to always have a strong value of "work hard, play harder". Everyone in my family is incredibly hard-working and rewards themselves at the end of a long working day or on the weekend with a few glasses of fine wine, french cheese, fancy desserts, fine liquors, and well... I think you get my point here. I have grown up with the notion that I should reward myself by "spoiling myself" after a hard days or weeks work.
See this form of "spoiling" is OK for my family members and most of them are not overweight as a result of this cultural characteristic, however, they have the ability to eat just 1 or 2 pieces of brie and french bread or just 2 or 3 glasses of fine wine. I, on the other hand, consume 10 - 12 pieces of brie and bread, or 6 - 7 glasses of fine wine. I really have no ability to control my portions.
Therefore, I have come to the conclusion that, while I still think it is very, very important to work hard and play harder, I need to re-define my idea of what it means to reward myself. A one-hour yoga class can feel just as good as a glass of red wine and a cup of green tea can be just as soothing as ice cream - can't it? I certainly need to start believing this if I don't want to feel deprived on and after my weight-loss journey.
That is where my food efforts will be for the next little while.
On the workout front: I have to say that I am one brilliant individual. I downloaded the entire Biggest Loser Season 8 (all episodes) and began watching it today on the bus on the way home and at the gym. First off, my commute home after work is 1.5 hours on the bus - and I watched the first episode (and shed some tears) which worked out perfectly because the episodes are each 1 hour and 20 minutes each. After watching episode one on the bus I was totally motivated to get my butt to the gym and when I got there this evening I watched episode 2 while given'r on the elliptical and was able to burn 700 calories in a mere 60 minutes. It was so awesome, watching the BL totaly distracted me and kept me from getting board! I was swimming in sweat and keeping up a pace of 140 - 150. I totally rocked it. This new BL/ ipod/ elliptical system I have going on is going to help me get to 200 pounds, and I'm going to enjoy losing every one of those little buggars!
Lastly, I just wanted to comment that my stress level is quite high right now as this weekend I have to finish a 25-page paper that is due for school (and I've only written about 8 pages. This paper has been hanging over my head all term and I am just dreading it. It my absolute final paper to hand in for the program I am in, and have been in this program for the last 3 years! I just want it over and done with. I want to focus on my exercising this weekend, but am afraid this is going to consume all my time. I really hope this doesn't prevent me from dropping some serious poundage this week - when I weighed in today, I was still at 215... YIKES!
See this form of "spoiling" is OK for my family members and most of them are not overweight as a result of this cultural characteristic, however, they have the ability to eat just 1 or 2 pieces of brie and french bread or just 2 or 3 glasses of fine wine. I, on the other hand, consume 10 - 12 pieces of brie and bread, or 6 - 7 glasses of fine wine. I really have no ability to control my portions.
Therefore, I have come to the conclusion that, while I still think it is very, very important to work hard and play harder, I need to re-define my idea of what it means to reward myself. A one-hour yoga class can feel just as good as a glass of red wine and a cup of green tea can be just as soothing as ice cream - can't it? I certainly need to start believing this if I don't want to feel deprived on and after my weight-loss journey.
That is where my food efforts will be for the next little while.
On the workout front: I have to say that I am one brilliant individual. I downloaded the entire Biggest Loser Season 8 (all episodes) and began watching it today on the bus on the way home and at the gym. First off, my commute home after work is 1.5 hours on the bus - and I watched the first episode (and shed some tears) which worked out perfectly because the episodes are each 1 hour and 20 minutes each. After watching episode one on the bus I was totally motivated to get my butt to the gym and when I got there this evening I watched episode 2 while given'r on the elliptical and was able to burn 700 calories in a mere 60 minutes. It was so awesome, watching the BL totaly distracted me and kept me from getting board! I was swimming in sweat and keeping up a pace of 140 - 150. I totally rocked it. This new BL/ ipod/ elliptical system I have going on is going to help me get to 200 pounds, and I'm going to enjoy losing every one of those little buggars!
Lastly, I just wanted to comment that my stress level is quite high right now as this weekend I have to finish a 25-page paper that is due for school (and I've only written about 8 pages. This paper has been hanging over my head all term and I am just dreading it. It my absolute final paper to hand in for the program I am in, and have been in this program for the last 3 years! I just want it over and done with. I want to focus on my exercising this weekend, but am afraid this is going to consume all my time. I really hope this doesn't prevent me from dropping some serious poundage this week - when I weighed in today, I was still at 215... YIKES!
Taking Frozen Dinners to A Whole New Level
I had the best frozen dinner for lunch today - it was Amy's Organic Tofu Bowl (see photo). At only 5 Weight watchers points a serving, I can see many more of them in my future. Perhaps I will attempt to make a batch of brown rice, tofu and veggies at home and make a homemade Amy's bowl. So inspired!
This is what it looked like in reality:
nom nom nom
Thank you Amy!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Inspiration: BIGGEST LOSER!
Every week - watching the Biggest Loser on TV at the gym, I always have an incredible amount of motivation to keep going on the cardio machines. Today was no exception. I stayed on that elliptical for 100 minutes. At the end of it I was dripping with sweat and my legs felt like rubber. It was awesome. As the contestants did a swimming challange this week, it motivated me to get to that 200 pound mark, which will allow me to step into that bathing suit and get back into swimming.
So, I had a thought in the shower after the gym tonight - if only the BL was on EVERYDAY, I would be inspired to work out like a mother every night. Then it occured to me that I haven't seen the BL seasons 2 - 8. So, my new plan: start with Season 2 and download the episodes onto my ipod so I CAN watch the BL every night while I'm at the gym. I am brilliant. This starts tomorrow, so I'll update you on whether or not it works. I am very excited to test this new plan of action tomorrow.
I want to make some specific goals that I wish to accomplish for the month of April, they are:
1.) Fit comfortably in my size 16 black work pants.
2.) Shrink bra size to a DD (currently at E)
3.) Increase the resistance on the Elliptical machine to 6 by April 30th (just increased the resistance from 4 to 5)
Lastly, I just wanted to update ya'll that today, being busy at work, I didn't get to eat lunch until 2pm! This screwed up my entire day and made me want to binge all night. As I type this it is taking every fibre in my body not go go to the kitchen and make myself a bag of popcorn. It is super important to eat lunch at noon for me otherwise my day becomes a challenge.
So, I had a thought in the shower after the gym tonight - if only the BL was on EVERYDAY, I would be inspired to work out like a mother every night. Then it occured to me that I haven't seen the BL seasons 2 - 8. So, my new plan: start with Season 2 and download the episodes onto my ipod so I CAN watch the BL every night while I'm at the gym. I am brilliant. This starts tomorrow, so I'll update you on whether or not it works. I am very excited to test this new plan of action tomorrow.
I want to make some specific goals that I wish to accomplish for the month of April, they are:
1.) Fit comfortably in my size 16 black work pants.
2.) Shrink bra size to a DD (currently at E)
3.) Increase the resistance on the Elliptical machine to 6 by April 30th (just increased the resistance from 4 to 5)
Lastly, I just wanted to update ya'll that today, being busy at work, I didn't get to eat lunch until 2pm! This screwed up my entire day and made me want to binge all night. As I type this it is taking every fibre in my body not go go to the kitchen and make myself a bag of popcorn. It is super important to eat lunch at noon for me otherwise my day becomes a challenge.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Last Week Must Have Missed the Memo!
I am thinking that last week must have missed the memo - this week I lost another 4 pounds! Last week I only lost 1 pound... 1 POUND! Thank goodness this week I returned to my average and lost 4!
It was a particularily interesting week as my family came to visit me. I love my family very much - but the only reason we get along is because there is lots of distance between us. My mom was very excited that I had lost a whole wack of weight - but was going overboard with the support. Everywhere we went she would be talking about points, when we were shopping in the grocery store - she would point to an item and ask how many points were in it. One night I went to have popcorn and my mom commented, asking how many points I had had that day and "encouraged" me not to eat the popcorn. It was more than annoying. I repetidly told her that my points were under control and that I could handle it (after all - look how far I've come this far). My mom does this because she cares and really wants me to succeed and I love her for that. But, I am a very, very independant person and like to do things (like weight watchers) alone. I found myself biting my tongue many times. What's worse is that her behaviour is rubbing off on my litle sister - who - when I picked up a babybel cheese said, "Lisa - you shouldn't be eating that". I am so sick of everyone monitoring my food consumption - it makes me so angry. My mom would even be commenting on my exercise program - saying things like - "are you doing weights at the gym as well?" or "you should focus on your mid-section when your at the gym, not just your legs". Even when we would pass by a dairy queen I would say something like, "I love blizzards" and she would go off on a rant about how I need to stop idolizing foods like Blizzards.
I am very excited that I was able to lose 4 pounds on this weigh-in, with my family visiting, the stess and all the eating out I did this last week. I did make very good choices this last week though (and not just because I had my mom and sister narking me out). I managed to stay on plan and get most of my exercise in. We went shopping in Seattle on Sunday and I was fitting into XL clothes again - which was awesome. I even bought a pair of jeans from the Gap in a size 14 and was able to get them on AND zip them up (so I bought them). I thought my mom was going to cry, she also said that me fitting into size 14 jeans was the highlight of her trip. It was ridiculous!
On a positive note, I am at 215, but on a negative note, I am at 215. I have a long way to go and am going to have to find a way to tell my family to "butt out". Good thing I have a while until I see them next. Maybe by then I'll be skinny enough that they won't be down my neck so much *sigh*. I am very happy that my life is back to normal - back to reality. I can now continue to focus on myself and my weight loss.
This week - the goal is to lose another 4 pounds, continue to stay on the weight watchers plan and go to the gym 6 days this week. Last week I managed to eat little to none prepackaged foods and will plan to continue on that path this week.
So far - April rocks!
It was a particularily interesting week as my family came to visit me. I love my family very much - but the only reason we get along is because there is lots of distance between us. My mom was very excited that I had lost a whole wack of weight - but was going overboard with the support. Everywhere we went she would be talking about points, when we were shopping in the grocery store - she would point to an item and ask how many points were in it. One night I went to have popcorn and my mom commented, asking how many points I had had that day and "encouraged" me not to eat the popcorn. It was more than annoying. I repetidly told her that my points were under control and that I could handle it (after all - look how far I've come this far). My mom does this because she cares and really wants me to succeed and I love her for that. But, I am a very, very independant person and like to do things (like weight watchers) alone. I found myself biting my tongue many times. What's worse is that her behaviour is rubbing off on my litle sister - who - when I picked up a babybel cheese said, "Lisa - you shouldn't be eating that". I am so sick of everyone monitoring my food consumption - it makes me so angry. My mom would even be commenting on my exercise program - saying things like - "are you doing weights at the gym as well?" or "you should focus on your mid-section when your at the gym, not just your legs". Even when we would pass by a dairy queen I would say something like, "I love blizzards" and she would go off on a rant about how I need to stop idolizing foods like Blizzards.
I am very excited that I was able to lose 4 pounds on this weigh-in, with my family visiting, the stess and all the eating out I did this last week. I did make very good choices this last week though (and not just because I had my mom and sister narking me out). I managed to stay on plan and get most of my exercise in. We went shopping in Seattle on Sunday and I was fitting into XL clothes again - which was awesome. I even bought a pair of jeans from the Gap in a size 14 and was able to get them on AND zip them up (so I bought them). I thought my mom was going to cry, she also said that me fitting into size 14 jeans was the highlight of her trip. It was ridiculous!
On a positive note, I am at 215, but on a negative note, I am at 215. I have a long way to go and am going to have to find a way to tell my family to "butt out". Good thing I have a while until I see them next. Maybe by then I'll be skinny enough that they won't be down my neck so much *sigh*. I am very happy that my life is back to normal - back to reality. I can now continue to focus on myself and my weight loss.
This week - the goal is to lose another 4 pounds, continue to stay on the weight watchers plan and go to the gym 6 days this week. Last week I managed to eat little to none prepackaged foods and will plan to continue on that path this week.
So far - April rocks!
Friday, April 2, 2010
Struggling
Well, I knew it - having my folks in town staying with me is hazardous to my weight loss journey.
Went out for breakfast this morning and had eggs, salsa and hashbrowns and then a spinach salad for dinner. It's hard because I am not tracking my points, for some reason my computer isn't letting me login to the online weight watchers site - and I don't have time with family here to fix it.
I *think* I was able to stay on plan though. I've also been dragging my sister out to the gym for the past two nights too, which is fun because she is incredibly out of shape (but somehow manages to weigh 125 pounds). She ate 6 pieces of bacon pizza beside me while I nibbled on my spinach salad like a rabbit. It's times like those where I just think life isn't fair!
The good news - my mom, who triggered me to start this whole journey in the first place said that I am looking great (she hasn't seen me in about a month) and said that I am "starting to look like myself again". When I told her that I wanted to lose 100 pounds, she was a little shocked. I carry weight on my body very well - so when I am "overweight" - most of the time I don't look it. I don't think she realizes how heavy I actually am.
Scale still says 216 - even though I broke up with that number a couple days ago - *sigh*
Two more days of company, then I can get back to reality!
Went out for breakfast this morning and had eggs, salsa and hashbrowns and then a spinach salad for dinner. It's hard because I am not tracking my points, for some reason my computer isn't letting me login to the online weight watchers site - and I don't have time with family here to fix it.
I *think* I was able to stay on plan though. I've also been dragging my sister out to the gym for the past two nights too, which is fun because she is incredibly out of shape (but somehow manages to weigh 125 pounds). She ate 6 pieces of bacon pizza beside me while I nibbled on my spinach salad like a rabbit. It's times like those where I just think life isn't fair!
The good news - my mom, who triggered me to start this whole journey in the first place said that I am looking great (she hasn't seen me in about a month) and said that I am "starting to look like myself again". When I told her that I wanted to lose 100 pounds, she was a little shocked. I carry weight on my body very well - so when I am "overweight" - most of the time I don't look it. I don't think she realizes how heavy I actually am.
Scale still says 216 - even though I broke up with that number a couple days ago - *sigh*
Two more days of company, then I can get back to reality!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Hello April
I month down, 9 to go.
This April I plan on dropping the remaining 16 pounds currently living on my butt and thighs!
To accomplish this, I will continue my daily gym workouts (cardio) and continue to stay on the Weight Watchers plan.
I'm a little nervous as my family is visiting me this Easter long weekend - but I'm going to stick to it every day and resist the wine, pizza, beer, chocolate and anything else they insist on bringing into my house.
Goal: April 30th - meet 200 pounds
I have found that drinking two large cups of green tea every morning really helps with the weight loss. The one week in March when I didn't stick to drinking green tea every morning, I only lost 1 pound that week. This week I picked up the morning tea ritual again, and found myself at 216 last night - 3 pounds down from my Monday weigh in (and I still have the entire weekend to go before my next weigh in).
God bless Green Tea.
This April I plan on dropping the remaining 16 pounds currently living on my butt and thighs!
To accomplish this, I will continue my daily gym workouts (cardio) and continue to stay on the Weight Watchers plan.
I'm a little nervous as my family is visiting me this Easter long weekend - but I'm going to stick to it every day and resist the wine, pizza, beer, chocolate and anything else they insist on bringing into my house.
Goal: April 30th - meet 200 pounds
I have found that drinking two large cups of green tea every morning really helps with the weight loss. The one week in March when I didn't stick to drinking green tea every morning, I only lost 1 pound that week. This week I picked up the morning tea ritual again, and found myself at 216 last night - 3 pounds down from my Monday weigh in (and I still have the entire weekend to go before my next weigh in).
God bless Green Tea.
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