October Goals & Target Outfit!

OK! October is here!

I have officially been active and watching what I put in my mouth for 7 months now! This is the longest I have ever "stuck" to something health related - which is what makes me believe that this time around - i've actually changed my lifestyle! Yippie!

So, on with the show.

What do I want to do this month? Well, I want to increase my cardio activity and I want to improve my eating.

With that in mind, here are my October Goals:

1.) Get into the 160's

2.) Do 10 hours of swimming in the public pool

3.) Do 15 hours of cardio

4.) Do 15 hours of yoga

5.) Be able to run 5 km in under 30 minutes

6.) Make a big pot of healthiness every weekend, and pack healthy lunches for the week

Reward for completing all tasks: NEW ATHLETIC BATHING SUIT

Now, I want to show you all the bikini (tankini?) top I bought in September - this is my target outfit:





I would like to fit into this thing by mid-November comfortably.

With me luck!

September: A Review

Wow - did September come and go already?

I spent most of this month at 173 lbs, but I am OK with it. I've calmed down since my last post and am happy with my progress so far and reminding myself that I just need to keep at 'er and the weight will come off!

So, let's take a look at how I did this month with my monthly goals:

SEPTEMBER 2010

1.) Get to 170 lbs: CURRENTLY AT 173 LBS - Didn't Quite get there... gawd knows I tried

2.) Go swimming at the indoor pool at least once - wow seriously, I didn't do this. This was the easiest goal on my list. *Sigh*

3.) Do a total of 25 hours of cardio activity this month: 13.5/25 (embarrassed by this one!)

4.) Be able to do 2.5 miles on the treadmill in under 30 minutes: Sept 22nd - I did 2 miles in 30 minutes!... Getting there...

5.) Do 10 Yoga Classes this month:
Class #1: September 2 - 1 hour
Class #2: September 6 - 1 hour
Class #3: September 6 - 1 hour
Class #4: September 9 - 1 hour
Class #5: September 13 - 1 hour
Class #6: September 13 - 1 hour
Class #7: September 17 - 1 hour
Class #8: September 18 - 1 hour
Class #9: September 20 - 1 hour
Class #10: September 23 - 1 hour
Class #11: September 27 - 1 hour
Class #12: September 27 - 1 hour
Class #13: September 30 - 1 hour
CHECK! CHECK and CHECk!

Reward for Completing All Goals: NEW SPEEDO BATHING SUIT (the one I currently own has a big rip in the bum) - In all fairness, I am not going to reward myself because I did not accomplish all my goals.

Also, I found an old bathing suit in a drawer that still fits me. For those of you who don't really know my history - I used to be a lifeguard and swimming instructor about 8 years ago, so for me, swimming is a big deal and used to be a huge part of my life. When I started gaining weight, I stopped swimming because I didn't feel comfortable in a bathing suit. But today, I think I look decent (decent enough to run from the change room into the pool).

This is what I am talking about:







Ugh - it took a lot of courage for me to post these photos - this is where I am today, all 173 lbs of me.

Like I say, swimming is a big deal to me, I feel like I'm missing out on a major component of my life right now by not spending any time in the pool. I NEED to get back there. As I have mentioned before, a balance between the gym, yoga and the pool would be the best for me. I've got the yoga and gym down pat, now it's time to face the pool (in my bathing suit) and just get in there already!

So, there you have it. I've really got to pick my cardio back up - yoga can now come off my goal lists as it is almost religious for me - I wouldn't miss my Monday and Thursday Yoga classes for the world at this point in time. It's the gym attendance (and possibly swimming?) that I need to focus on next month.

October goals to be posted tomorrow!

Damn You 173!

I think the proof is in the pudding here.

I was such a die hard when I stared this back in March, I mean - I was going to the gym everyday, tracking my food consumption and NOT going over my weekly points allowance. Somehow, I stopped the tracking and began going over my weekly points allowance, and let my gym attendance slip.

A week and a half ago I recommitted to tracking - which is awesome: I increased my activity, as well as really aimed at staying within my points. I am motivated now more than ever after jumping on the scale at the gym tonight and finding that I STILL weigh 173 lbs!

I WISH THE SCALE WOULD JUST BUDGE ALREADY!

Check out my chart, notice how steep the slope is at the beginning, and how it's leveled out...



At the gym tonight, I noticed an 18 year old Asian boy (who must have weighed about 80 lbs) checking out his "6-pack" by lifting his shirt and starring at his "muscles" in the mirror.

I was like, "Damn kid, I wish I had your mid section". while I was sweating like a mo fo on the elliptical.

I'm gettin' there folks, it's a work in progress. I'M a work in progress.

Salad What?

Believe it or not, I am not a HUGE fan of salads, especially for lunch at work.

I am more of a chili or sammich girl. Namely because I need food with real substance and frankly, lettuce just doesn't cut it for me at lunch time. PLUS, I don't like leaving my lunch in the communial fridge at work because people steal and even nibble - gross!

BUT, today I took the plunge and I brought a chick pea/ corn/ red pepper/ cucumber / leek salad (which doesn't even need dressing it tastes so good au natural) that I MADE at home!



I had this salad for lunch yesterday and will have it again tomorrow - it's so tasty. I even made the corn from the cob - like I actually cut the corn off the cob (as opposed to canned). Fresh corn is sooo much better than canned or frozen corn.

I have to say - this salad inspiration came from Toni at Stackofpennies, she has posted pictures of the salads (like these) she makes for work lunches, and one day while reading her blog, I decided that I would do the same - thanks Toni!

And then for dessert - a couple strawberries:



All aboard the health train - whooot whooot...

Needless to say, i've been doing pretty good with nutrition/ diet lately! I want to be in those 160's peeps, I want it real bad!

Yoga Bliss

Today was one of the best activity days I have ever had.

I went to yoga, rolled my mat down and this guy comes into the class (Hello David Beckham) and lays his mat down right. in front. of me.

Needless to say, I spent the entire 1 hour class looking at him (namely his arse).

I now know what they are referring to when yogis talk about "yoga bliss".

I'll be having sweet dreams tonight!

Puttin' things In Perspective

Today, I went and did my weekly grocery shopping trip at Trader Joe's, and came home struggling to carry the heavy bags up into my apartment, no doubt because I had stocked up on some lime and lemon flavoured sparkling water:



When I say I "stocked up" I mean - I got 7 of these bad boys:



I thought my grocery bags weighed a million pounds:




So, I stepped on the scale with all bags in hand.... and with me and the bags, the scale only read 210 lbs!

What!

For real?

Yes.

I can't believe (or even imagine) that I used to carry all that around on my body all the time, plus an additional 20 lbs!

Weigh in tonight yielded 173 lbs again! Sayed the same, and I know exactly why - Saturday night.... this week, I've got to buckle down and do some more exercising.

Treats Are Neat

Fridays are my "Treat Day" - so T.G.I.F.!

I have not completely abandoned my love for food. Now that I am on Weight Watchers and have embraced this new "healthy eating" lifestyle - I allow myself every Friday to go buck wild and purchase my breakfast and lunch from the organic cafeteria at my work - thus, I have dubbed Friday's "Treat Day".

For the past month, I've been getting these english muffin- egg sandwiches with tomatoes, green peppers and red onion (and I load it up with hot sauce) for breakfast - YUM!



And, I can hardly wait for lunch (i've shown this before on my blog in a former post) - but it's the Hominy Salad:



My mouth is watering - is it noon yet?

And, of course, my morning would not be complete without my Zen green tea from Starbucks.



Today, so far, has been Bliss...

She Shrinks!

Approx 200 lbs:




Approx 190 lbs:



Approx 180 lbs:



Approx 170 lbs (Today):

Subway

Ok, so remember those subway jared commercials? I remember thinking they were so lame.

Well, as it turns out - Jared was right!

I am not a chef, not a cook, not a dishwasher - in fact, I pretty much HATE being in the kitchen in any capacity or role.

A major problem of mine when I was larger was that I ate out ALL THE TIME - and I'm talking like - eating out everyday.

Those days are long gone - but I still do go out for lunch and dinner about 3 - 4 times a week. Every time I get take-out, I go to Subway - it is my saviour.

I usually get a veggie (6-inch) or a turkey sub with no cheese on Whole Wheat, and a tonne of veggies, with mustard as my sauce. It fills me up nicely.

For me, eating out - or "grabbing" a meal on the go is a big part of my life - Subway has allowed me to keep that theme - but make it a non-fat option for me.

I hate to admit that I rely so much on a fast food joint - but for honesty's sake - I am spilling the beans here people.

Honestly, it's ridiculous to think that someone could work 8 hours / day, commute for 4 hours/ day, do part-time grad studies, go to the gym every night and still pack/ make healthy meals. Subway is my lifeline for when things get too hectic around here.

Thank goodness for Subway!

Don't Be Shy...

Tonight - I lived up to my promise (well - almost).

I went to the gym!

If felt so good to be back - I haven't been there in a week, and none of the regulars were there :( just a bunch of people I didn't recognize. Really? in a week?

First thing I did when I got through the doors - I jumped on that scale.

You're not going to believe this...

Seriously.

The scale flickered.... 168, 173.... 171!

Holy mutha!

This is for reals people - 171.

I am soooo close to the 160's I can almost taste it. This little tease made me work like a dawg in the gym. I want my weight to be in the 160's so badly and I am going to work to make it happen.

Even for dinner - all I had was a simple salad - just a bunch of veggies and a little vinegarette dressing - really, that's all you need anyway.

Remember people, I am eating to live, not living to eat anymore.

160's.... I'm coming to get you!

Cha-cha-cha-changes

It's like puberty all over again folks.

It light of me hitting (and exceeding) my half way point in my weight loss goals - i've noticed some really cool things about my body - namely things I can do now at 173 lbs that I struggled with doing at 233 lbs that I want to share with you all.

First of all, I can cross my arms around my chest (the way arms were meant to be crossed):



Gone are the days where, when I wanted to cross my arms, I would have to cross them uncomfortably above:



Or below my chest:



Speaking of crossing arms, I can now successfully wrap my arms around one another and do the top part of eagle pose in yoga - (I never used to be able to do this):



The yoga teacher is right - it DOES give your upper back a great stretch.

When I was "obese" I was top-heavy (hence me not able to cross my arms over my chest. I have lost a significant amount of weight in my arms and upper-half. So much so that even when I stand or sit upright, my arms now are able to rest nicely on either side of my torso:



Whereas at 233 pounds, my arms would stick out (as if I were a football player):



My arms are much, much leaner:



Even when they are at my side:



And they FIT into my shirt sleeves - I no longer bust at the seams!

I see such a difference in my upper body - it truly blows me away.

Of course I love that I can now cross my legs comfortably:



And I don't even need to use my arms to cross my legs, I am now able to just swing one leg over the other. Don't even get me started about how happy I am that my legs don't rub together when I walk (well they do - but not nearly as bad as before). In the past, I have literally had to throw pants away because my legs rubbed together so much that they created a hole in the fabric due to the rubbing.

I no longer have a fear of wearing tight-fitted shirts as my stomach is no where near the size it used to be:



No more "sucking it in" for me!

There is so much more to discover about what my body can do as I lose more weight - and I am looking forward to it!

Biggest Loser is Back Baby!

It's no secret that I love the Biggest Loser. Some people say the show is sappy, but I like that they highlight that obesity is both an epidemic and a life-threatening illness - this, in my opinion, should be taken seriously.

I was shocked when one of the hopeful contestants stepped on the scale and weighed in at 231 lbs. That's 2 lbs lower than MY starting weight.

I looked at her and thought to myself - "I don't ever remember being that big (let alone bigger)".

I remember at 233 lbs wondering to myself , "I don't ever remember what I looked like when I was 170 lbs"

So right there - it's a complete turn around.

Folks, this has happened to me in a mere 6 months. 60 pounds, done and gone - so incredible.

Watching the Biggest Loser, the man with the dread locks who fell over while running the 1 mile made me sad - when he was lying on the ground on his back and was unable to breath. I remember (very specifically) lying on my back in my bed and not being able to breath because I had so much fat on my upper body. Being unable to breath when you are doing something as "relaxing" as lying down is scary. What's even scarier is knowing that you can't breath because you are obese and that you've done this to yourself!

Being fat sucks and it ruins your life.

I am grateful that the Biggest Loser exists - the world needs inspiration (I needed inspiration!). Even if it is heavily commercialized.

As I watched the show from my couch (yes, I didn't even watch it from the gym *shame*) I am appreciating myself - enjoying the fact that I have lost 60 lbs in 6 months! I did it!

Ok - now onto the next chapter: I need to lose the last 40 lbs. Yes, I've been doing well - but the reality is - I CAN DO BETTER. I've been slacking! It's time to rev up the gears and do this! I've tracked for the last two days, so I've taken the necessary actions to get myself started up again - I just need to follow through (and you know what they say - the first step is the hardest!) - Aint that the truth!

Tomorrow I will meet the face of doom at the gym. Nothing less than 2 hours will be acceptable. Hold me to it bloggies!

Who Has Two Thumbs...

And is a die hard yoga follower?

This girl, right here:



Just back from my 9/10th yoga class this month - I am going to make my 10 times at yoga monthly goal this month no problem - it's the cardio goal that is starting to worry me.

I am FINALLY back on track - on the tracking train. I have tracked everything that has gone in my mouth today (first day in about a month), and even though I did go over my daily points allowance, I feel good that I wrote everything down - I am being accountable!

I even made myself a batch of turkey chili - and thus have dinner pre-made for the next three days. I am in it to win it baby!

Lastly, weigh in tonight: 173 lbs - stayed the same - no surprise there (especially considering I haven't got my arse to the gym since last Wednesday).

Coming out of ruts are the worst - but the reality is, you can either wallow in self-pity (pity party for one please!), or, you can face the music, suck it up and get back to it - no excuses!

What is holding you back in your weight loss regime? Are you making excuses? Why don't you just do it already?

Trader Joe's

This weekend - well, i'll just say it was not great. I did manage to get a yoga class in, but on Friday a good friend of mine was admitted to the hospital - so I spent most of my weekend sitting in the ER eating not the greatest of foods.

*sigh*

However - the highlight of my weekend was going to Trader Joe's in the United States. You see, I practically live on the US - Canada border, and due to the increase in Canadian taxes (i.e. the HST), I've been branching out and made the discovery of the grocery store "Trader Joes" yesterday afternoon.

It was like walking into heaven - a fat-free, organic heaven.

It was awesome not only because everything was cheap - but they had such cool things - such as pom non-fat greek yogurt:



yum.

And babybel light cheese (a staple for me) were only $2.99 for a pack of 6!



In fact, all of my food staples were cheap down in the U. S. of A. - even my fibre one granola bars:



So needless to say - I had a hay day!

Here we are, a new week - Monday morning, I've "re-committed" to tracking, and have logged everything and will be logging everything I eat this week - EVERYTHING.

With my friend in the hospital, I don't think i'll have the time to spend in the gym this week - so I really need to focus on what goes in my mouth - it's a good thing I have all new fancy stuff I got from Trader Joes yesterday!

Not Worth It!

Well folks, this week has been another bad one.

Today - I ate 3 pieces of pizza for breakfast, followed by a yogurt parfait and tea for lunch (which I ate at 10 am), a 190 calorie pack of sour maynard candies (which made me fell sick) and now I am sitting here (still at work) eating two granola bars for dinner.



Can you say poor planning?

I feel horrible - this gross food (i.e. the pizza) has made me feel physically disgusting.

So what am I going to do about it?

I am going to remember how I feel right now the next time I decide - hey - I can have 3 pieces of pizza for breakfast.

Seriously - it was totally not worth it. Now, i'll probably see no movement on that darn scale on Sunday night because of the poor food choices i've made!

Tomorrow - i'll be indulging in a little self punishment with both a fitness yoga class AND a trip to the gym or a very, very long walk.

*sigh* At least it's Friday... right?

Hominy Hominy Hominy

So, I am pretty happy with myself - managed to drag my fat arse to the gym last night and give myself a killer cardio workout.

This morning I went to get an egg breakfast from the cafeteria at work and spotted this:



Hominy Salad

I bought it for lunch and wowza is it ever good.

It's basically just like jumbo corn with tomatoes, a bunch of fresh herbs and lemon - and it's TASTY!

I think that if I ever went vegan - this would be one of my staples.

Looking forward to lunch!

Just Like "Normal" People Do...

It's official - I can now wear "normal" people clothes.

If you work in an office like I do - and have been overweight and even obese, such as I have been - then you know - you know very well that finding something dressy to wear to work is a challenge.

For me - my arch nemesis has always been - The Blazer.

They look so good on other authoritative-type people (something about them just commands respect), and when I was heavier, I could never, ever find one that fit me - sure some would fit around my super-sized torso, but then the arms would be super long and I would just look silly.

Being too lazy to go to a tailor and get things fitted to my obese body (or maybe just too full of shame) I decided to just find a few pieces of dressy clothes I could rotate with (and get away with).

Well - those days are gone! I bought a size 12 blazer from Rickis that actually fits me (no tailoring required) and it looks great on me.

Not only that - but I actually feel like I am a professional now - I deserve to carry with me the title of "Manager".

It's amazing how your physical appearence can really alter how you feel on the inside.

Today I have been walking around the office - beaming with confidence and pride and feeling like a real manager.

See what I mean:



Check out those size-12 pants on me too - guess it's time I get shopping for some sized 10 pants for work... Yippie!

A Letter to Tracking

Dear Tracking,

I miss you.

I don't know what has gotten into me lately - but you never seem to be high on my priority list! I am so sorry for that - I know that the only person I am cheating here is myself.

Today this all stops.

I am back to tracking - including the egg mcmuffin I fell victim to this morning - all of it is going on the tracker and I am re-committing to entering every meal, bite and nibble to my online weight watcher tracker.

I know tracking is the only way for me to continue to lose weight - so I am back at 'er.

Thank you for being so patient with me.

Yours loyally,

Lisa

When Green Tea Attacks

Morning all,

So, I have been doing a little experiment this last month:

I don't have BAD skin, but I don't have great skin either. So, for the last month, I have completely cut coffee out of my diet - which is SUPER hard for me because I wake up at 5am to go to work everyday and the pumpkin spice lattes are out at starbucks now and there is nothing that tastes better in this world than a pumpkin spice latte.

So, i've completely abstained from all things coffee and the result: clear skin!

Unbelievable how much of a difference not drinking coffee can make - I also feel good on the inside - it's a win-win.

So how have I done this you ask? Well - I have replaced my morning coffees with morning green teas. I've learned to love green tea. It's all part of this whole "lifestyle change" thing I've got going on...

Cheers and good morning!

Bad Days...

Bad days... we all have them and they downright suck.

Today, I had a bad day.

Everything about today has royally sucked and I feel like I am being torn to go in 8 million directions.

Really, all I want to do is just go, lock myself in the washroom and cry.

But I am not going to. I just keep reminding myself that tomorrow I will wake up and it will be a new day. Today - I just need to keep wading my fat arse though this pile of shiet life has presented me.

One thing that I have not done and *will* not do is turn to food for comfort. Food won't solve anything, it won't relieve my stress and it certainly wont make me feel batter.

So, here's the plan, tonight after this piece of carp day is over, I am headed to subway to inhale a veggie sub, then I have to solve some personal issues and then go to sleep and never think about this day again.

Boooo to bad days I say! BOOOO!

Yoga me This... Yoga me That

Well, as mentioned, I did two yoga classes tonight - back-to-back and now I feel like a wet noodle - a good wet noodle though.

From here on out, this will be my standard Monday night routine - two yoga classes back to back (1 hour each). I literally feel amazing.

Today was also not a bad eating day (I would classify it as average).

In my neck of the woods, mostly, I am just concerned about the big move into the new apartment and how it is going to all pan out.

ALSO, I have been knee-deep in my studies (I am a part time grad student) and have been making sure that I am keeping up to date with all my studies and my full time job... and my work out regime and me time...

It is a good thing I do yoga - other wise I just might lose my mind!

Sweet Dreams... Literally

You know you are a recovering over-eater / have issues with food when you have dreams at night about eating chocolate chip cookies...

Will I ever have dreams about sugar plums instead of baked goods?

Bye Bye Plateau!

Yes! That's right! I broke out of my 1.5 month plateau this week with a 3 pound loss!!!

This brings my total weight loss to 60 lbs!!!! Can you believe it! I am over the moon right now.

The 160's are just around the corner and honestly, I just can't wait to enter them.

Life is good right about now.

I also managed to get my (less) fat arse to the gym tonight and get my sweat on, literally:



I am a machine:



(note: nike shirt is from my Grade 6 PE class from 1996 - those shirts sure do hold up!)

On the menu for tomorrow, I've got two back-to-back yoga classes. This should be interesting...

Keeping my Cool...

Well, this weekend didn't go as planned, I haven't kicked my arse at the gym yet,

You see, I had a surprise visit from my family who came to stay at my apartment with me last night. We had fun. Normally when my brother and dad come to visit with me (back in the olden' days) we would hang out at my place with a pizza and a lot of beer. Well those days are gone my friends - I had none of that!

First of all, we all had salads from the Salad bar at Thrifty foods - a little pricey, but YUM! My dad (who does need to lose weight) commented that "this salad is actually filling" - holy cow!

After our salads, I dragged dad out for a walk around my city - just a slow-paced 1.5 hour walk (mainly to walk past the new apartment I just purchased) and all the while IN THE RAIN - gotta love living on the west coast. We were equipped with rain boots and umbrellas.

The walk was just what we needed to work off that salad (dad filled his mostly with potato salad!) Silly dad!

This weekend really opened my eyes and showed me that, even when life throws me a curve ball, I am able to run with it and and still be healthy.

My fellow bloggies - I have indeed changed my lifestyle and have incorporated healthy living into it. A mere 6 months ago I was binging on pasta and cookies, lying in front of the TV drinking a bottle of wine.

I am happy and proud to say, that I am not that girl anymore. I am now the girl who chooses salad over pizza and a late night walk in the rain over a bottle of wine.

Now: 43 pounds to go, and we'll be at goal.

New iPod and New Lisa

Even though Saturday is my favourite day of the week - I am happy that Friday is here.

I've got big plans for myself this weekend. I want to get lots of activity in - perhaps another 2.5 hour walk and even a couple yoga classes.

I have to say - I am addicted to activity. I feel as though I have almost replaced my obsessive compulsive behavior for food with activity. I don't think it is necessarily bad to have an "obsessive personality" - so long as you channel that obsessiveness in the right direction.

For the most part, I no longer have the urge to eat and eat and eat some more, either out of routine, habit, or to supress some sort of emotion. Now - when I have a bad day, or am feeling anxious - I get my arse to the gym, and surprisingly I feel much better after kicking my arse on the elliptical than I used to feel after eating an entire bag of chips, ice cream, downing a bottle of wine or eating a family-sized serving of pasta in cream sauce.

So, in celebration of my new found love for activity and, essentially, a NEW ME - I got myself a new ipod, check me out:



I am content with my lifestyle at this moment. I have slowed down on the gym schedule a little bit since I first started this journey - but I still crave activity, so have been mixing it up with different kinds of activity.

Yoga, as you well know is my favorite - by far - it's almost therapeutic for me. As someone who craves balance, how could I not like yoga?

It's like I have been saying all along - it's all about balance, and folks - I am finding my way - I am!

I can't believe how different of a person I am from 6 months ago - I am a more confident person who has a strong sense of self-worth - something I faked having at 233 lbs. Fake no more my friends - I've got it. I am important and I KNOW IT!

A Day Off Work = Lots of Activity

I had today off, so decided to get moving. I went on a 2.5 hour walk (9 miles!) around my city and then did a quick 15 minute game of tennis in the afternoon with a friend. Additionally, I also went for a picnic in the park, with some chicken fajitas and chee cha puffs and carrots. What a great day - both eating-wise and activity-wise. The day ain't over yet too - I've got a yoga class to go to tonight to centre myself.

But I need this - you see last night I went out with a friend and had a few glasses of wine into the early hours of the morning. Thankfully I didn't face plant into a bowl of poutine in the middle of the night - but rather stuck to my white wine and garden salad. Still though... no activity yesterday.... not good. Thankfully I more than made up for that today.

The start of school has brought a whole whack of stress into my life and I am trying to find a way to be comfortable with it all and not eat my anxiety. So far, I haven't been doing too bad, but we are only on week one here.

What do you all do when your schedule changes and leaves you with very little time for you?

Shoot!

Just when I was back and track and doing so well... I had to blow it - today was a total fail in the eating department. I even ate pasta - which I have not had in about 6 months. Now I remember why I stopped eating pasta - it gives me horrible stomach pains.

As I have mentioned in this blog before, life and health balance is something I am looking to develop here, and despite falling of the portion control wagon today, I am confident that I will be able to get myself back to where I need to be tomorow. So, in this sense it really is not falling off the wagon, more like - just a bad eating day.

I managed to get a nice evening walk in with my man - which was lovely and I found myself walking briskly with ease - something I never could have done at 233 pounds. I remember avoiding walking at all costs when I was heavier, simply because I would be short of breath within two or three minutes of activity - now - I am fit and can walk for 4 or 5 hours if I wanted to... it is just nice to have that option - you know.

The big move is coming up next month and I am super excited. The condo I purchased is on the top floor of the building - the corner unit. And I plan to get some serious activity in during the move - BY USING THE STAIRS to carry up all my boxes. That is three flights of stairs with everything I own in my own two hands. Call me crazy - but I am super excited about it, it is going to be one great week - OK well I will use the elevator for the couches, bed and shelves - but all the books and other smaller items I have put in a box I can carry - will be going up the stairs! The move-in weekend is going to be a killer workout!

Shes Baaaack!

That is right! I am back! Back from my mini-vacation visiting my family and back on plan, eating right and exercising! And boy do I feel good.

I woke up today at 4am to catch my flight home. When I got in I set off to the gym, did 30 minutes on the bike - then I headed off to yoga, for an hour and then went back and did another yoga class in the evening!

I had a great vacation - a little too much wine with my mom, but I managed to eat healthy and get a few lakefront walks in, as well as a few walks with the dog. I really feel as though I have changed my lifestyle - it is fantastic!

This evening I weighed in at 176 lbs! I am thrilled with a 2 lb loss this week. I have finally broken free of the 177 curse that I have been sitting at for the past month! Yippie!

In other news, the family and I are discussing going somewhere tropical (beach vacation) in November! Yikes! Let me tell you folks - I have not looked good in a bathing suit since I was 19 - so needless to say - am determined to make this trip my official comeback as hot stuff.

In order to motivate me to do this - I went out and purchaded a rather revealing (but family appropriate) bathing suit - which I will post a photo up of tomorrow.

This means I have got to stay on plan and committed (hard core style) for the next couple months. And to do this I have a plan:

Of course, I will continue to eat right and consume proper portions - but I am going to start altering my exercise regime - 3X gym, 3X swimming and 3X yoga every week! I am going to be one toned mo fo after doing this for a month or two.

I am noticing so many differences in my body! And there will be more to come!

Vacation Update!

Here I am, having a blast with my family and the eating has gone a bit out of control. Although I have gone ape over fruits and veggies, I am still over-consuming food and abusing my portions. Therefore, I have stopped tracking my points on weight watchers.

For now, I am of the mindset that I am on holidays and will micro analyze this whole vacation situation when I come home.

I did manage to get a half hour walk in this morning before everyone woke up - so it hasn't been all that bad.

Good Morning World!

Wow - I certainly woke up on the right side of bed this morning (for once).

Today, so far has been an incredible day - and it's only 9:30 am here - perhaps it is because it is the Friday before a long weekend, or because I got my yoga on last night... I don't know - but whatever it was - I like it.

I am feeling grateful today - grateful for all the things and people I have in my life, for how fortunate I am to have a wonderful job and work with wonderful people, to have recently purchased my very own first condo and to be starting up with my Grad courses on Tuesday (new semester) again.

Life. Is. Good.

But most of all, I am grateful for me. Yesterday in yoga we did a lot of self-awareness stuff and really focused on ourselves with our heart chakra. The instructor kept repeating, "I'm important too" and I was like, "yes I certainly am". This is something I have recently embraced in life - that I matter and I deserve to be healthy and love myself. I am still working on it, but can confirm that I am a much happier person because I am focusing on loving myself though out this whole weight loss journey.

Ok - now onto the before and afters. Yesterday I wrote about how I was disappointed that I hadn't lost any weight in August, and realized after a conversation with my mom that perhaps my body is changing - but those changes are just not reflected on the scale.

Well, look what I found!

This is a photo that I took on July 7th, at approximately 183 lbs:



Now, here I am today, at approximately 177 lbs (6 lbs weight loss from July 7th):



Wow - I can totally see a difference in my body - although I find it hard to believe that it's only a 6 lb loss.... Perhaps that yoga is working wonders after all!

Have a great long weekend all!

September, Day 2

Day two, and so far so good.

My eating could be better - but I did get out for a half hour walk tonight and a yoga class,

The next few days will be tough as I am headed out of town to visit the family. I heard through the grapevine that my dad is wanting to lose some weight. It would be great if I could kick his arse.

I spoke with my mom on the phone tonight, and she was telling me how excited she is to see me. I explained to her that I hadn't, in fact, lost any weight for a whole month (so don't get your hopes up ma).

I saw her two weeks ago.

She told me, "Lisa - you may not have lost any weight, but the last time I say you your body looked completely different"

This is when I realized that I should have been taking measurements all along... but alas, I have not. It would make sense though, what with my increase in yoga activity (strength training).

I am moving now into a new phase of weight loss: toning my body. It's going to take me a while to get used to this...

September What!

Hello September.

I am ready folks, ready to get down to business and get serious! I've created my September monthly goals with this serious attitude in mind, here they are:

SEPTEMBER 2010

1.) Get to 170 lbs: CURRENTLY AT 178 LBS

2.) Go swimming at the indoor pool at least once

3.) Do a total of 25 hours of cardio activity this month:

4.) Be able to do 2.5 miles on the treadmill in under 30 minutes

5.) Do 10 Yoga Classes this month

Reward for Completing All Goals: NEW SPEEDO BATHING SUIT (the one I currently own has a big rip in the bum)

No more excuses here, I WILL lose 8 pounds this month and I WILL accomplish each of my goals.

Another thing to note here - today marks the 6 month mark of me turning a new leaf and committing to losing weight. On March 1st, 2010, I made the decision that I was tired of being obese and ready to get fit and healthy. Here I am - 6 months later - and I am doing pretty darn good. This is the longest I have ever succeeded on a "diet" - I think this time around, it is actually a lifestyle change for me.

So then, what will I do differently this month to ensure I meet my goals?

Thanks for asking, I'm thinking that I really need to concentrate on my eating - portion control and the amount of processed foods I consume.

Today, for instance I have already met my fruits and veggies quota, with 2 plums, a nectarine, carrots, broccoli, and some pineapple and kiwi:



Today, I only fell victim to food once - when I reached for that chocolate chip cookie and inhaled it without even thinking. But, I tracked it and I moved on. In fact, I am getting better because yesterday I accidently ate 2 chocolate chip cookies. That means that tomorrow - I should eat none.

I'm also planning on having turkey chili for dinner (yum!) with plain greek yogurt. And after that I am going to kick my arse at the gym. So far, September has started off good - let's keep this rhythm up!