FAT to PHAT! Weight loss 2009 Journey to becoming acco

The month of March - A TOTAL Flop! Well... almost...

2009-03-25T07:46:00.000-07:00

Will explain more later! I'm in a hurry right now! March has been rough - Nonetheless, I've lost 1.6 lbs. this month! Better than nothin'! And hey, March isn't over yet!

I am sick of being sick!

2009-03-11T12:04:00.001-07:00

Okay, so today was the day I got myself back in gear and off to exercising again! Just finished my 4 mile walk, which took 110 minutes - my max/avg BPM were 160/140. I didn't want to push myself too hard, since I still have a little cough hanging on. Nonetheless, I feel really good. Over the coming weeks my new goal is to cut my time down to 105 minutes for my 4 mile walk, so that I am increasing my endurance. Again, baby steps!

After not feeling so well, and dealing with our garage sale last weekend, I am behind on my emails, facebook updates, dieting log, blog, etc. So, I am trying to play catch up on those things. Right now my daughter is in preschool, so I have the luxury of updating my blog without being interrupted. I often readthrough my older blogs and have to make corrections, as I think to myself, who wrote this? I think it's a combination of being too tired at night and too distracted during the day (i.e. my daughter). She is my little sweetheart, but she does exhaust me! It's almost time to pick her up now, so I need to quickly dry my hair and get my makeup on! Wish I was one of those who could get away with no makeup! Darn blochy freckles/pregnancy mask! Will update more later...

Busy weekend and feeling a weebit better!

2009-03-08T15:33:00.000-07:00

Health wise, I'm not a 100% yet, but feeling much better!

Anywho, we had our BIG annual garage sale yesterday and finally got rid of a bunch of unneeded stuff, and made a little money in the process. I was going to weigh myself today, but since I didn't eat very healthy yesterday, (e.g. a couple muffins, cream in my coffee, a hotdog, and tuna caserole), and I haven't exercised in over a week due to my cold - I'd rather not disappoint myself, knowing that I probably haven't lost much if anything this week - ANND, possibly gained due to the sodium content in the foods I ate.

YES! Another HAPPY DANCE!

2009-02-28T09:55:00.000-08:00

Will update scale pictures later today, BUT as for now! I am down 10 pounds! It's taken 7 weeks and a few days - Nonetheless, I've lost and I’ve done it the healthy way!

I just dont want to hear it! The News Media that is!

2009-02-26T18:22:00.000-08:00

SERIOUSLY PEOPLE! I have been in such a FUNK over the last two-weeks! Partially because my hubby has been working late and then because of the news! I don’t want to disconnect myself from what’s going on in the world, but my goodness! Lately, it’s been so depressing! People are losing their jobs, homes, pets, and so much more and it’s so sad! SCARY SAD! I'm a confirmed optimist, but with the given economic sistuation and the government intervention wild card, we could be next -- no one knows!

How can any of us make this better? I think the answer is giving back! Nothing raises awareness and a sense of salvation as giving does! I know this, yet I've allowed myself to be swallowed up by my own despair! Please pass the chocolate! Handfuls PLEASE! Oh, I am kidding! Back to what I was saying... So, I need to make time to do something! If there was ever a time, now is it! We are Americans – We are fighters – and we learn from our mistakes and move on as we have in the past! We are NOT the things we posses, nor are we a measurement of them! This is the most important lesson from this economical disaster!

On a personal note, I need to work on away to secure our finances, as we are currently living from paycheck to paycheck! Finding away to save is of the utmost importance! Summer is coming, which means our electric, gasoline, and food costs will all be increasing by almost $500 a month – yikes! We struggled through last summer, and my prediction for this coming year, (based on all the media hype) is that even with tax breaks people aren’t going to be spending, they are going to be saving and cutting back like they’ve never done before! This will equal Inflation – inflation – inflation! It’s a scary thought, but a necessary lesson in how to reevaluate what’s REALLY important, how to be more frugal, and how to save!

Moreover, I believe A TON more small business will fold, and powerful ones like Wal-Marts and Targets will flourish, pending banks don't stop lending! (OMG, how aweful would that be! I LOVE my target store!) The flip side to this very negative situation is that once the economy does regain strength, companies will begin hiring again, people will be getting raises, and the opportunity for new business will reemerge! I like to think of it as America is getting a good pruning, so that new growth and prosperity can grow bigger, brighter, and better than before! With patience, hard work, love, and a new sense of appreciation, things will turn around quicker than any of us thought!

Oh, and about my diet! YES, I've been absent from my blog, but I didn't quit! No way! I've been doing some thinking, cleaning, reorganizing, and trying to wrap my mind around this whole economy hype! Despite the depressing news, I'm still eating right - had some slip ups, but overall I am doing well – especially with exercising and recently adding nonfat milk to my diet! Didn’t think I could do it, because nonfat milk is just nasty for me! As I LOVE milk - FULL fat milk that is! This is one of the main reason I put on 25+ pounds during my pregnancy! Ever since I was young, I had a serious aversion to the taste of watered down milk (i.e. nonfat milk). Just couldn’t bring myself to drink it! So, by accident I discovered something GREAT! I bought some fiber stuff called Benefiber, the one that comes with calcium added. It’s tasteless, not grainy, and contrary to the package it does slightly thicken the consistency of liquids. So, AHA! I found the answer! Take this stuff and add it to my nonfat milk and voila, I can withstand drinking it! Now, it doesn’t taste exactly like whole milk, but pretty darn close! This will definitely make a HUGE difference for me! Nonfat milk is low in calories and zero fat, but has 9 grams of protein, and LOTS of calcium – and with the benefiber, I get even more calcium, PLUS fiber! LOVE IT! Moreover, a diet high in calcium is suppose to help you lose weight (confirmed by Dr. Oz, I will try to find the specifics in another blog update). Anyway, my nonfat milk plus benefiber is easy to make, lowfat, high protein, and filling - problem solved!

I fell off the vegetable wagon, and now I am back on!

2009-02-09T16:47:00.000-08:00

Decided to go back to what I ate the first couple weeks, since that worked! Therefore, I went to Trader Joe's today and stocked up! I bought a bunch of small cucumbers, along with some yogurt dip and veggies galore for another soup! This time I will include lentils (high in fiber and protein), cilantro, cabbage, yellow squash, cauliflower, fresh tomatoes, and a little onion and garlic in a vegetable broth. This will be my dinner for the rest of the week! Tonight, I’ll be making a few lean pork loins, along with a sweet potato – Yum!… I already can’t wait!

I also went to Souper Salad for lunch today. I got a salad (naturally), topped with red beets, red kidney beans, purple onions, peas, a little boiled egg, and some green goddess dressing. It was so good and only $5+ dollars - so I bought a to-go-box and packed it up with all the same toppings I put on my salad, and then bought a bag of lettuce from the grocery store. Now I don't have to buy or cut up any veggies, or open any cans – I just need to open my bag of lettuce and throw on my veggie/beans/dressing, all from Souper Salad. Although, I didn't include the boiled eggs so, I'll have to make that part myself- eggs are kinda risky!

Another ++ for the day: I got some exercise in! I went on a 55 minute walk/hike, with an incline and took 3 five minute breaks - so my walking time was really about 40 minutes long. Being that I over did it last week, I decided to work in some short breaks (interval training style). These types of breaks allow my heart rate to go up and back down, which maximizes my fat burning potential!

Here's a link with more information on the idea behind interval training:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interval_training

A long sigh...

2009-02-07T20:36:00.001-08:00

Another week of ZERO weight loss! UGH! I was feeling really negative this morning and my self-talk returned with a vengeance! I began to beat myself up for having 3 glasses of wine last night! This was a lot for me, but I told myself it was a special occasion, and besides its red wine – it has that resveratrol stuff in it, right? The stuff that keeps you looking young! Yes, excuses! Deeply subconscious ones!

It took me awhile to work through my negative thoughts, and after a lot of deep thought, I reminded myself of my determination and my goals. I am going to figure this out! Somehow-Someway! Starting with identifying both my strengths and weaknesses:

***My strengths: I like healthy food, I like exercising, I don’t mind pushing myself physically, and I can manage my calories and fiber intake 90% well.

***My weaknesses: Going to bed early, waking up early, exercising too hard (then I am too sore to do anything for days after), salt, sugar, poor planning, need to keep my protein up!

2009-02-05T17:19:00.000-08:00

Woke up incredibly sore this morning! I could barely walk - I guess yesterday's incline kicked my butt, literally! Doing much better now that I am moving around! Didn't do my Power 90 this morning - I was too sore and too tired, as I went to bed at 11:00 instead of 10:00, and worked out extra hard yesterday. Hoping to work -in my Power 90 DVD sometime during the weekend.

I also need to work on time management! I feel like there's too much to do and too little time. For instance, today, I got up at 7:45 instead of 6:30, and it has been go...go...go until 6:30pm. I have only finished half of my cleaning, and in the process have neglected my daughter. She's craving my attention, but in order to get anything done I can't entertain her all day long. Now it's time to finish dinner and I am Tired with a capital T! Tomorrow, I need to take my daughter to dance class, return a few things, get my hair cut, stop by the grocery store, clean out my fridge, pay my bills, do some laundry, and get ready for my best friend's b-day party! I am ready to go to bed just writing about it! I guess it's all about creating a schedule - my problem is I like spontaneity! So, I need to choose spontaneity or lose weight?

Why fiber is so important!

2009-02-05T07:50:00.000-08:00

Dietitians and Physicians agree that a high fiber diet is the best diet not only for a healthy weight but also for a healthy heart and overall health and general well being. According to the Surgeon General, the American Dietetic Association and the National Cancer Institute, fiber should become an essential part of your daily diet, and adults should consume 20-35 grams of fiber everyday for optimal health. For children the standard rule of 'age plus five' applies, for example a child of six should take eleven grams of fiber every day.

Most of us do not know the harmful effects of prepared and preserved snack foods. If we knew that these foods make our arteries thick with cholesterol and sugars, we probably wouldn't be rushing to restaurants for a tasty bite. It is time to revive the taste for fresh foods such fruits, vegetables and whole grains. These foods contain fiber and we need to introduce fiber in our daily diet. Many of us don't even get half the daily recommended numbers. The reason why doctors and dieticians strongly recommend a high fiber diet is because fiber works effectively and efficiently in the cleansing process. The two types of fiber, soluble and insoluble, play a significant role in eliminating toxins and cholesterol from the body. The water soluble forms of fiber absorb water soluble fats like excess cholesterol, and trap it, and escort it from the body in a healthy bowel movement. Insoluble forms of fiber (known as roughage) work like a broom to sweep the intestine clean of debris. Research has shown that high fiber diets decrease the risk of colon diseases, including Crohn's, Colitis and even cancer. Fiber is very good for a healthy cardiovascular system. It helps to maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Since fiber slows down the conversion of carbohydrate into sugar, it promotes a stable blood sugar in the body. This helps us feel full for longer periods and thus becomes helpful in reducing weight. No wonder, fiber is becoming more and more popular as an aid to weight management .

You can consume larger servings of fruits and vegetables without increasing your caloric intake. Fiber rich foods such as whole grains and produce are also very filling. They are particularly helpful in controlling appetite because they increase CCK, a hormone found in our intestine which promotes satiety by sending a message to your brain that you are full. Thus, you eat less, and feel full longer. Doctors recommend a high fiber diet for all those fighting elevated cholesterol, the battle of the bulge, or digestive irregularity. Indeed, it has almost become a slogan to say, 'Five a Day', that is five servings of fruit and vegetables per day is a must. If you can take more, it's even better. Once you realize the health benefits of high fiber foods, you will be too happy to have switched over to the best diet well in time for you can avoid many problems with just a simple dietary change.

http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/why-high-fiber-diet-is-the-best-diet-169673.html

Disappointment, Successes, and Aggravation!

2009-01-31T09:18:00.000-08:00

Sad the scale went up and not down! Maybe it was all the bread, butter, chocolate, hamburgers, etc. I ate while dreaming – NOT! Being that all my other numbers improved from last week, it has to be water retention in my muscles. It’s known that strength training can cause water retention, while the muscles are trying to heal. And, I am STILL sore so that has to be it!

I did however reduce my body fat and BMI! AND, most importantly I met my first goal! 2 ½” from my waistline! Ohyah! Moreover, my resting metabolism (calories burned at rest) went back up to 1710 and muscle mass increased too - So, not all bad!

Goals for this week’s improvements! Need to keep a close eye on my salt intake, be more diligent in staying on my diet schedule, eat more veggies, and increase my exercise!

Answer I found to why low sodium?

2009-01-30T13:18:00.000-08:00

I found the answer on this website:

http://www.diet.com/g/lowsodium-diet

"When a person eats too much salt, however, and the kidneys are not able to filter enough out, sodium begins to build up in the blood. In the same way that salt pulls water out of foods, sodium in the blood pulls out and holds water from cells in the body. This increases the volume of the blood and puts strain on the heart and circulatory system.

Ways to Reduce Salt Intake
According to a study done by the Mayo Clinic, the average American gets only 6% of their total salt intake from salt that is added at the table. Only 5% comes from salt that is added during cooking, and natural sources in food makeup only another 11 percent. The remaining 77% comes from processed or prepared foods. Many packaged meats, as well as canned and frozen foods, contain a surprising amount of salt. Salt is used so heavily by manufacturers because it acts as a preservative, adds flavor to foods, helps to keep foods from drying out, and can even increase the sweetness in desserts. Soups are often especially high in salt because salt helps to disguise chemical or metallic aftertaste."

NO PAIN - NO GAIN! Nothing Epsom salt can't cure!

2009-01-30T10:16:00.000-08:00

I am so-so sore after doing my Power 90 workout video yesterday! I can’t even lift my daughter today! So, weird because I didn’t feel like I was pushing myself that hard, but I can sure feel it today! Besides, it only took 30 minute! I think I’ll take an Epsom salt bath - maybe that’ll help!

Just reminded myself of the benefits of Epson salt by researching it online – here’s a tidbit I got off line (and there are way more benefits, read about it online): Magnesium sulfate, can be absorbed through the skin, such as in a bath (described below), and draws toxins from the body, soothes the nerves, reduces swelling, relaxes muscles, and is a natural emollient and exfoliater.

Here's the link I found (this one is outlined nicely):

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_does_Epson_salt_work

Questions???

2009-01-28T19:59:00.000-08:00

Here are a few questions that I've been pondering about. I know the answers for the most part, but will be further researching the detailed answers over the next week, along with perfecting my family/me/workout schedule.

1) Why is fiber so important?
2) Why are veggies so important?
3) Why low sodium?

Time Management

2009-01-28T17:49:00.001-08:00

Need to write out a schedule because finding time is becoming increasingly more difficult to exercise, blog, check email, update facebook, chat with family and friends, clean my house, do my bills, grocery shop, plan my meals, log my meals, and the list goes on. Taking care of my family and my daughter is my first priority! However, scheduling time for ME is a TOP priority as well, because the happier I am the better wife, mother, and friend I am!

However, this losing weight thing is taking up A LOT of my time - Nonetheless, my blog is VERY important to me too, and I know it's a key player in my day to day and long term weight loss success. I need to keep in mind that with determination, I know that each day will get easier and less time consuming. Unfortunately, it's currently taking up so much time, that my other responsibilities are suffering. So, I need to create a balance somehow some way!

Okay reality check!

2009-01-24T23:20:00.000-08:00

Updated my exercise goals!

After doing some thinking, I decided to ease into my exercise program. Orginally my plan was to parachute off a plane and the weight would majically fall off! Ya know, if this were possible I'd consdier it, even though I am scared of hights. But really, I was going to attempt to eat ONLY 1200 calories and work out everyday, get 10,000 steps in, and do strength training 5-7 days a week, and become a total exercising super star! Not exactly a realistic goal or start!

So, my new exercise plans are (as of 1/25/09), will be to do strength training 3 days a week and 2/3 days a week 20/30 minutes of cardio (with an average of 145 bmp). I will slowly increase my resistance and duration as I lose more weight. Strength training is vital at this point! For example, I've lost 7 pounds, however my BMI scale already indicates muscle decrease and my % is the same.

GOOD NEWS!

2009-01-21T22:18:00.001-08:00

Well there's LOTS of good news this week! First off, I am feeling way better (besides the sniffles), the Cardinal's WON and are going to Superbowl (am I dreaming?), Obama is now President Obama, and his acceptance speech flawless (naturally), LOST is back (my favorite TV series), I've lost 4 lbs., AAAND... those darn sabotaging thoughts are FINALLY quitting down for once! Considering I've eaten around 1200 calories or so (give or take) over the last three days, and I haven't had any cravings. Well... I could go for a cookie about right now - which is weird considering I am not usually that into cookies - However, the I NEED A COOKIE NOW voice is more like a faint whisper! So, my next step is to add exercising in my routine - wonder how that's going to reawaken that LOUD voice all over again! Onto climbing one mountain at a time!

Feeling icky!

2009-01-20T11:35:00.000-08:00

My ladies days are here (If this is too much information/TMI? Sorry, but it's true!), along with a sore throat, sniffles, and feeling just plain achy all over. Hope this doesn't last long.... Further updates upon feeling better!

This next week's GOALS:

2009-01-14T10:40:00.000-08:00

Focusing on the positives:

1) I didn't eat ANY fast food this week (not that I usually do, however, I do tend to eat the extra fries my daughter doesn't finish or a nugget or two - those tasty little buggers!)
2) I ate a healthy breakfast every morning.
3) I had healthy lunches every afternoon.
4) I packed most of my meals and made healthier choices 80% of the time, with the exception of the night I ate at my in-laws house, and a few other absent minded moments!

Goals to work on this next week:

1) Plan out all meals in advance.
2) Wake up an hour earlier - and go to bed an hour earlier .
3) Stay between 1200 to 1400 calories per day .
4) Include 20-30 minutes of exercise (elevate heart rate up to 140 bpm), 5-7 days a week.
5) Almost forgot this one, drink 80-100 oz. of water per day!

Thoughts about the Atkin's Diet Plan!

2009-01-14T10:25:00.000-08:00

I was going to start off with the Atkin's: high protein, low carbs, because it's suppose to be a good way to kick start the diet process. (Note: Not for a long-term diet process.) However, it's not for me! The thought of eating THAT much protein/meat just grossed me out!

This is just my opinion, but my theory is that if you’re overweight because of too much sugar or sweets in your diet - the Atkin's diet might be right for you, but if you’re overweight like me because of too much saturated fat (i.e. animal fat) then the Atkins probably isn't. Especially, if heart disease runs in your family, like it does mine. Therefore, eating more saturated fat, which is known to cause heart disease, just doesn't seem right, call me crazy? Ketones, or not!

So, I am back to the more balanced diet plan, as my fitday journal suggest!

Troubleshooting!

2009-01-07T08:48:00.000-08:00

Drank a LOT of water this morning before I realized I needed to weigh myself FIRST! Part of me thought, “What a great excuse to keep putting this off!” Then, my rational side argued “No, you need to just do it, and stop hiding from the truth!” So, I weighed myself and OHMY... I thought... this can't be right! So, I weighed myself again and again! I tried to tell myself “Boy, I must have drunk a LOT of water!” Yeaaa… well… we all know that isn’t the case. Sure tried to believe it though!

So, how much do I weigh? Do you really want to know??? Well… I’ll post it tomorrow! Sorry! Why not today! It’s taking me sometime just to register the truth and I’d like to post a picture of the scale – that way it’s TOTALLY out there! Sandra did this on her blog, and I thought what a great idea! So, until tomorrow….

I'm READY!

2009-01-06T22:01:00.000-08:00

Well... I felt fine this morning, thank goodness! Unfortunately, after dusting off my scale I realized, hmmm... it needs batteries. So, no weighing in today. darnit!

I ended up getting batteries later in the day, so I'll weigh myself first thing tomorrow morning - ohjoy!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-05T21:09:00.001-08:00

Gosh, where do I start! Well... let's see... Just before Christmas was the chaos of shopping, wrapping, and visiting here and there! Then it was all about cleaning up - Next, we had an unplanned small New Year's Eve Party with another couple and some family. The following morning, I was off for 5 days to visit my family in California and just got back tonight! Now it's time for bed and I just realized I haven't posted anything for 10 days!!!

Let's just say things have been busy for the most part up until I got to California. Then, it was time to relax and enjoy family that I don't get to see very often! Which I must say.... turned out to be a REALLY nice trip! I am tired right now - feeling a bit sick to my stomach actually and hope that I am not getting sick!

So, back to my diet plan... I admit I indulged a bit over the holidays. I probably could have made better choices, but I am not quitting! I did try to watch my portions, and ate LOTS of blueberries and blackberries, and yogurt. However, I didn't say no to the chocolate that kept calling my name, or the tantalizing smell of bacon & eggs! I did say no to the cake, and ice cream! So, overall I think I didn’t gain! Most of my pants seem to be a ‘bit’ looser than they were a couple months ago.

My original plan was to start on the 1st of 2009, but realized that I should start after returning from California and not before, which is what I am doing now! So, tomorrow is the 6th and that will be my NEW start date!

I am about 3/4 the way through Dr. Oz.'s book and just started Judith Beck's book! I look forward to reading them every chance I get! Will post tomorrow, pending I am feeling okay!

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-27T23:48:00.000-08:00

We’ve had a wonderful Christmas holiday! Spending time with family and friends, and watching my daughter willingly sit on Santa’s lap this year! For the most part, it’s been a great year for us, MUCH better than last year and all the more reason to get myself back on track and thinner by the end of 2009! As for my dieting… well, as I’ve stated in my first post, my actual start date is January-2009! For now it's just about adding in healthy foods, especially for breakfast. The month of December has been all about practicing and preparing. The holidays make it difficult, and therefore, I took a bit of break, as I knew I would. Nonetheless, I am STILL proud that I was able to eat healthy the week prior to Christmas. I'll probably have some more splurges between now and New Year’s Eve! However, as of 2009 I will weigh myself… EEK… and take pictures! And that’s when my adventure will begin!

My plan is to eat sensibly Jan 1-5 (as I will be on vacation visiting my aunt, out of my own territory). Once I return, I will begin the Atkins diet for just 2-3 weeks! Just to kick start my diet and get myself into a ketosis state. This means that my body is burning fat for fuel and ketones will be released and their quantities can be measured with ketone strips that I will purchase at the drug store. Next, step will be to do a body cleanse, to get rid of all the toxins, especially after eating a high protein/animal fat diet! After this, I will slowly add carbs back into my diet, beginning with vegetables, and eventually work myself into a balanced diet, consisting of these ratios: Fat 20-35%, Carbs 45-65%, Protein 10-35%, as my Fitday eating journal suggest!

If you’re curious, here’s a website on the Atkins diet, and what ketones are (Again, this Atkins thing is just for my induction part of my diet, not permanent): http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/atkinsdiet/p/atkins1.htm

Out and about today!

2008-12-22T21:47:00.000-08:00

Busy day! I finished my Christmas cards at Starbucks, and then finished buying the last of my gifts - still just a few more to pick up tomorrow! I didn't have my computer with me and so I didn't log my calories until the end of the day. I thought I did pretty well, and then I just remembered while typing this, (OH CRAPOLA!) I also had a grande chai tea w/soy today. Forgot to add that in! Darn it! I shouldn't have had that Luna bar! Okay, deep breath! So, the lesson learned here is I need to set-up three basic meal plans to follow based on the foods I usually eat/have around. Keep a copy with me, and circle them as I go through the day. This way I won't fool myself into eating more and forgetting later on!

Checkout my eating journal to see the good things I've been eating. In case you missed the link, it's located just above, called "What I am eating". Also, on my journal is something called Kefir, which is like DanActive probitic stuff, but BETTER for you and cost less! I get mine at Trader Joe's! Read about it on line - it's my new thing!

Last night and today!

2008-12-21T18:09:00.000-08:00

Okay... so last night I couldn't take the burning stomach pain anymore so I had 8 raw almonds, and more water. It helped a bit, but it was still hurting. I think it's because I didn't have enough veggies and fruit during the day, which contain the digestive enzymes needed to properly digest food - yes, I watch too much Dr. Oz..

So, today was MUCH better. I had a healthy breakfast, added an apple and some spaghetti squash (looks more like angel hair pasta), which I always wanted to try and it was interesting! I'll have to try a different recipe though... I put spaghetti sauce on it (too much I think) which didn't go with the crunchy texture. The squach doesn't have a lot of flavor so next time, I think I'll sauté mushrooms with a bit of garlic and olive oil, and then toss in the squash and add chicken. I do have to say, after a 1/2 cup of the stuff and I was stuffed! I'd like to eat more chicken, but can't right now!

Also, my stomach hasn't hurt all day! I think the veggies made the difference!

Hungry!

2008-12-20T22:10:00.001-08:00

It's bedtime, and OHMYGOD I am hungry! Hope I can sleep! Water and distractions aren't helping!

Ate ALMOST perfectly healthy today

2008-12-20T18:06:00.000-08:00

Started the day off taking two green tea pills before breakfast (purchased at Costco), along with a glass of water - Instead of my typically coffee with half and half and teaspoon of sugar. Not sure if it's my new mindset yet, placebo effect, or if this green tea stuff really works. Regardless, I did seem to have energy (like a cup of coffee gives) and didn't feel hungry until the afternoon, when I took another two pills with more water before my lunch. I'd prefer actual green tea, but I need alternatives being that I don't always have time to make it. See my diet journal, with Fitday to see exactly what I ate - note, the order of things are a bit off.

Anywho... now it's the evening and time for dinner, and my tummy is BURNING. I recall hearing Oprah's trainer Bob Green say something like, "don't be afraid of hunger pains, this means your body is burning fat. So long as you're sticking to your diet, don't panic and find something to occupy your time like, drink a glass water, take a bath, etc." I also heard of another trainer say "when you feel hunger pains (again, as long as you're eating and sticking to your diet) to grab your fat and ask yourself, "do I want this gone?" Genius idea. So, if you catch me grumpy and grabbing my butt, you now know why! Just telling that FAT where to go!

So, overall the day went well... just NEED to get to the store to buy more veggies, as I didn't have any today! Again, I am still in practice mode, workingout all the kinks.

Last days before eating healthy

2008-12-19T16:26:00.000-08:00

I spent the afternoon with my friend Dana and had fish and chips. Not the healthiest of meals, but it had been a long time since I've had fish and chips, so I figured I'll eat 'em now because it's going to be long while before I eat them again! They were good, but to be honest... they weren't THAT good! Oh, the heartburn I had!

Trying some new foods

2008-12-18T10:59:00.000-08:00

Started buying some healthy foods, but don't intend on being perfect about my portions or choices quite yet (still practicing). For now it's more about experimenting with different food combinations and various options!

What I need to get started: Equipment/Books/etc.

2008-12-18T07:49:00.000-08:00

Here’s a list of what I have and what I still need to buy before getting started:

HAVE....
1) A pedometer (will be using it as soon as I get some new batteries. I want to figure out what my regular activity levels are... this way I can acurately access how much exercise I need to add into my daily life. I've heard 10,000 steps per day, plus getting your heart rate up for at least 20 minutes a day is a standard goal. Still need to research this and will edit this post accordingly)
2) A weight/fat % scale, a BMI scale (measures lean muscle mass)
3) An elliptical (lifefitness x9)
4) Video called Power 90, ( I think.... I hid it from my 3 year old and now I can't remember where I put it... arhhhh...)
5) Polar watch (for women)
6) I-Pod with arm band
7) Measuring Tape
8) Camera
STILL NEED:
9) 'The Beck Diet Solution', by Judith Beck
10) 'YOU on a diet', by Dr. Oz
Looking forward to reading these two books, as recommended by many, but specifically by Sandrelle, her blog is listed under my favorite blogs. She's been amazingly successful and I plan to follow in her footsteps!
11) A Taylor 22-Pound Kitchen Food Scale ($17.00 on amazon)
12) Measuring tape
13) Camera (beginning pictures)

Getting MENTALLY prepared!

2008-12-16T09:35:00.000-08:00

These are some questions from this site called ‘How to get started’ (by The Discovery Health Channel), which is all about how to prepare yourself. The link is located on the right under my links - feel free to read it yourself! There are 18 questions, and I listed 6 of the questions that I answered yes. Here are the questions with my thoughts that I need to change.

1. It's a good idea to save my larger-size clothes just in case I need them again.
….For the most part, I’d say no... accept with the economy the way it is and until after my second child is born, YES, well... some of them anyway... especially the shirts! Guess, I need to change this thought?
***Still under debate!

2. It's not fair that other people eat more than I do and don't have a weight problem.
….I most definitely struggle with this, as my husband can and does eat anything he wants without external consequences, key word is external! Therefore, we BOTH need to start eating healthier!!!
***Need to change this thinking to…. Lots of people are watching what they eat. I'm not alone in choosing healthful, nutritious foods that my body deserves.

3. In order to stay at my goal weight, I need to deprive myself and miss out on life's fun.
….It’s particularly hard when almost every weekend my family celebrates with food, (this is especially true when I am on a diet/trying to be on a diet), wanting to be apart of the family, watching them indulge while I can ONLY enjoy the smell of the yumoliscious tasty food – oh what a challenge!
***Need to change this thinking to…. I make my own fun through friends and activities. Food is only fuel for my body (and I need to worry about what's right for MY body right now).

4. Once I begin exercising, if I miss more than a day or two, I feel I've blown it, so I quit.
…I don’t usually quit, but definitely feel discouraged and angry with myself.
***So, again, I need to think…. If I keep making these small changes, I'll reach my goals.

5. It's impossible for me to deal with life's stresses without turning to food.
….During my period, sometimes I do feel very emotional and isolated even to those closest to me, many times I am aware that my thoughts and feelings are irrational, but these emotions cause me to want to comfort myself with carbs: bread, butter, pizza, and chocolate!
***Here’s what I need to start thinking and feelings …. Weight loss takes skillpower, not willpower. By identifying my habits/triggers, planning ahead, and thinking positively, I can tackle my weight problem.

6. I feel panicky if food is not available when I want it. (similar to question/answer #5)
….Just before my period, if it's a really bad one and I am hyper emotional, then YES, otherwise not usually.
*** To meet this challenge, I need to plan ahead and have healthy snack and water with me all the time. While at home find other ways to relax and destress by taking a bath and asking for special emotional support during this time period in order to jump this 'monthly' hormonal hurdle.

December 2008, getting started!

2008-12-12T18:40:00.000-08:00

I am using this month of December of '08 to gather up all the information I need to begin my journey to finding myself, loving myself, and to STOP eating unconsciously!

********FAT to PHAT!******** *Weight loss 2009* Journey to becoming acco