Oh, my aching head

The boy is grumpy. I am crabby. I have a horrible headache. Blah!

I did make it to the gym this morning. I walked for about a mile on the track, did 2.5 miles on the elliptical, and did close to 1.5 miles on the bike.

Daily Weigh-In: 195.6

Horrible, no good week

Well, that's what it feels like anyway. I've been feeling a bit under the weather lately. I'm sure I have another sinus infection and possibly an ear infection. Blah! My daughter has her well-child check up tomorrow, so I think I'll ask the Dr to give my sinuses and ears a quick check. I haven't made it to the gym since Friday. Eek! Combine not feeling well with staying up way too late last night and it just makes for an awful day today. My goal is to finish up this day with a great healthy dinner and attempt a good night's sleep with hopes of waking at 4:30a.m. tomorrow and getting my body to the gym by 5a.m.

The past couple (maybe 3) days I'm sure I've eaten some not-so-healthy food. Now, I haven't eaten my weight in these unhealthy foods by any means, but I can just tell my body isn't liking the food choices. It's a good sign that I can recognize that, right? I'm assuming that's a YES.

Daily Weigh-In: 196 (I think that's what the scale said. I wasn't seeing too clearly this morning. 4 hrs of sleep surely doesn't cut it.)

I can't help but think I'm going to have a horrible weigh-in this Sunday. I know I should focus on that, that I shouldn't think negative thoughts. I mean, my week isn't over and even if I don't lose a couple pounds, I can learn from my mistakes and move forward with a different approach for the following week. I know that I let a couple people foil my food and exercise plans this past weekend and I will do my best to keep that from happening again. I know I am the one in control. I control what passes my lips and what doesn't, but it sure doesn't help when someone around me isn't being very thoughtful of what I'm trying to achieve--makes me want to thump 'em on their forehead.  

I think I'm going to go drink a cup of decaf tea before I have to pick the boy up from daycare. Never mind the fact that I really, really, really would like a cup of coffee with a couple teaspoons of sugar. Caffeine +sugar would = a lot less tired me. Though, I don't want to restart my count on the whole no caffeine thing since I'm 17 days into it right now. Yeah, I'm just a touch too lazy to restart. ;)

27 Now

27 years ago today, I was born. Yikes! The years seem to be flying by now. Soon, before I know it, my daughter will be 27. Sigh.

Moving on.

Last night, when I went to bed, I felt a bit sick to my stomach. I figured I would feel better once morning came. My alarm went off around 4:30 today and I still wasn't feeling better. After putting my contacts in and my workout clothes on, I decided I probably shouldn't go to the gym feeling the way I did. I'm sure I would have puked. So, instead of going, I crawled back into bed and went back to sleep. I do feel tons better. Tomorrow I will be hitting the gym and getting back on track. For dinner, we went out to Carlos O'Kelley's. Talk about YUM!

Due to me not feeling well this morning, weighing in sort of slipped my mind. I will tomorrow and I will also be hitting the gym.

Sunday Weigh-In--End of Week 2

Before I post my official Sunday weigh-in today, I will make up for not posting since Wednesday.

Thursday, July 22: I had a really great day overall. My daily calorie intake was awesome, I stayed well within my range. I even did a bit more cardio exercises at the gym than what I have been doing, and I loved it!
Daily Weigh-in: 194.0
Exercise: Walked 1 mile on track, strength trained lower body, EFX (think of an elliptical) 1.31 miles, and the bike 3.0 miles.

Friday, July 23: The day was very similar to Thursday's. In fact, it might have been even better. I had plans to go out with the hubby for dinner and a movie (my bday is on Monday, so we were going to have a little one-on-one time), so I wanted to make sure that I did some awesome exercises at the gym and ate really healthy, low calorie foods all day to make up for what I was planning to get for dinner. Now, keep in mind, I wasn't planning to go all-crazy, overboard with the calories. I just wanted to sort of counter what I was possibly going to eat. Didn't really matter anyway. We--hubby and I-- got into an argument and didn't go out (That's another story.). Oh, well. I ended up grilling more boneless, skinless chicken breast and had a healthy dinner at home.
Daily Weigh-In: 193.0
Exercise: EFX 2 miles, AMT 1 mile, bike 3 miles, and walked the track for a .5 mile.

Saturday, July 24: Earlier in the week, I had decided that I would try to go to the gym Monday through Saturday and take Sundays off. Well, that sort of didn't happen. I was way too tired to pull myself out of bed Saturday morning at 6a.m., and I decided to take that day off. I figure, I'll try to have 6 days at the gym next week. I'm pretty sure the reason I am feeling so tired is due to the monthly visitor. Yeah, can't wait for that visitor to leave. Sure makes managing cravings difficult.
Daily Weigh-In: 192.6 (Whoa! Even with the monthly visitor!)

Today, Sunday, July 25: So, did you manage to stay with me? :) Today, I slept in again. I figure I might as well rest up if I'm planning on exercising Monday through Saturday next week. I still feel blah, but I guess that's to be expected. So, let's move on to the official Sunday weigh-in, shall we?

Official Sunday Weigh-in: 193.2

Well, I do have to admit that I am a bit bummed by only being down 1.2lbs, but I have to remind myself that it is that time of the month, so maybe next week will reflect a lower result. I'm sure it will. The good thing is, I haven't felt bloated like I normally would have. I feel fine. In fact, my jeans are still feeling loose! Yay! Also, I pulled out all the jeans that I own. Some sort of fit me, some not so much. I pulled a jean out of each size (14, 12, and 10) and have set them on my night stand. I currently wear a size 16 (most of my 16s fit, though a couple are a bit too tight...hmm...), so I am anxiously waiting to be able to pull on a 14 and be able to button them. Also, I found some shirts of mine that I had out-grown, in the pile of jeans they went. My goal is to be able to wear at least one of the shirts by December. On a positive note, I feel as if my face looks less puffy. Less puffy is always a good thing. Ok, so, I need to update my weigh-in page and sweatin' page as well. Off I go.

Day 11

Even though I felt like staying in my bed this morning when my alarm beeped at me, I still pulled myself out of my warm bed and got ready to head to the gym. Once I was there, I felt energetic and awake. No, I didn't even have any caffeine. :)

Exercise:

Track- Walked 1 mile around track
Eliptical- 1 mile; 15 minutes
Bike Seat- 3.41 miles; 20 minutes
Weights: Upper body includes: Row 60lbs, Chest Press 25lbs, Back Extension 87lbs, Overhead Press 17lbs, Lat Pulldown 37.5, Arm Curl 25lbs, and Arm Extension 25lbs. All upper body exerices were completed in 3 sets with 15 reps for each set.

Daily Weigh-In: 193.2

I've been alternating days with upper body and lower body in regards to weight training. Tomorrow, once I have completed my lower body, I will post what exercises I did and what weight I did.

10 Days Into The 20 Week Challenge

And I'm doing great! I haven't had coffee or a soda since the 10th of July. I haven't even craved any of it over the past couple of days. It sure is getting easier and easier just reaching for water or decaf, sugar-free tea. I have exercised 6 days out of 10 days and it's also getting easier dragging myself out of bed in the wee morning hours to get to the gym. It's odd, but I've noticed that my capris feel loose around my waist, hips, and thighs. I wasn't expecting to notice something like this that quickly, but I'm not complaining. :)

Today, my daughter went with me to the Y. In the end, we ran 1 mile and walked 1 mile (We alternated every lap with walking and jogging.).  Before we left, I let her use the kids' weight machines, and she totally loved it! She asked if we could go back on Thursday. How awesome is that?


Daily Weigh-In: 193.8--> Whoo-hoo! :)
Exercise: 2-miles (1 mile ran, 1 mile walked) at the Y

1st Appointment with Personal Trainer

My first appointment with a personal trainer took place very early this morning. Now, I should say that this appointment was absolutely free since we're considered new members at the Y- a nice perk, if you ask me! I have 3 remaining free appointments to use whenever I see fit. My next second appointment is schedule for 2 weeks from now (The 2nd of August, I believe.). It was incredibly nice to be able to ask a couple of questions and to receive some help in making sure I am setting the workout machines at the correct numbers for me to use.

I'm considering paying for time (it would only be 1hr a month) with a personal trainer through the months of October to January. Why? I'm hoping that in doing so I will stay focused and motivated throughout the holiday months. Though, I'll rethink that decision when October is a bit closer.

Due to my rush in getting out the door and getting to the Y at 5a.m., I forgot to do my daily weigh-in. Oops! Tomorrow I will try to remember.

Official Sunday Weigh-In

My first week has come to an end, and I'm excited to move on to Week 2.

To recap this past week:

• I made it to the gym 4 times (M, W, F, and Sa)
• I haven't had any caffeine (coffee and/or soda) since the 10th of July
• Out of 7 days, 1 day my calorie intake went over 1,900 (2000, but I felt like I was starving!)
• The other 6 days I had managed to keep my daily calorie intake between 1,500 to 1,800

My official Sunday weigh-in: 194.4 :)

I think I'm going to try to start the C25K program this week, again. I'm anxious to see how I'm going to do with it.

6:30a.m. Saturday Workout

Yes, you read that right. I was up and at the gym by 6:30a.m.

I've been home for almost an hour now, and I am considering taking a nap since everyone else is still asleep.

Exercise: I walked for about 1.5 miles on the track (35 mins.) and did an upper body workout.

Daily Weigh-in: 196.2

Caffeine-Free For 6 Days

Tomorrow marks 1 week that I've been caffeine-free. No soda. No coffee (I love me some Dunkin' Donuts coffee!). Nothing except 64-72oz of water, decaf tea, and Crystal Light drink mixes each day. Today, I really, and I mean really, want some Diet Dr. Pepper. Even a huge cup 'ol coffee would be lovely right about now. Something!

I just need to get through this craving and I know I will be all right. I know it will pass, right? 

Almost a Week!

Even though it was tough to pull myself out of bed this morning (remember, I get up around 4:30), I did make it to the gym. Whoo-hoo. I'm itching to start training for the C25K again, but have been having a couple issues with my left foot. The issues aren't hindering my ability to speed-walk, but do hinder my jogging ability. I'm sure, after a bit of time, the soreness will go away. After speed-walking, I focused on lower body strength training. I find it odd, that after only fully committing myself to exercise this week, I am noticing it easier to get through the first 2 sets of my 15 reps. The last set generally takes a bit more, but I am noticing a difference all ready! I can't wait for a couple weeks to pass and see where I'm at then.

I've all ready had breakfast. I've been making oatmeal for myself lately, which I have been including a serving of fresh fruit in the mix. My favorite is 3/4 c. of fresh blueberries added in with 1/2 c. of oats and 1 c. of water while it cooks in the microwave for about 5 minutes. After it's cooked, I add in a bit of sugar and 1/2 c. of skim milk. I also eat 1-2 hard-boiled eggs along with my oatmeal. Today, my total calorie intake for breakfast was 432. I've also taken my vitamins (multi-vitamin, B-12, and vitamin C) for the day.

Exercise

Speed-walked 2.75 miles around the Y's track in 42 minutes
Lower body strength training for about 30 minutes

Daily Weigh-in: 194.0

Week 1 Day 5

Five days into my 20 Week Challenge and I'm doing pretty great. I haven't had any soda or coffee since  Saturday. Wow! I'm a bit amazed at that one. :) I'll be even more amazed if when I make it 30 days. I've also managed to make it to the Y on Monday and Wednesday, which is wonderful because I've pulled myself out of bed at the lovely time of 4:25a.m. in order to make it there right at 5a.m.

Has anyone out there heard of Fat 2 Fit Radio? I've recently downloaded a couple of their podcast and am thoroughly enjoying them. In the afternoon, while the kids are banished to their rooms for quiet time, I tend to listen to a podcast of Fat 2 Fit Radio. I have found them very informative. Since listening to episode #83- Eat More, Weigh Less, I have changed my daily calorie intake goal. Originally I had set mine to 1,500, but have  bumped it up to a min. of 1,700 and a max. of 1,900. Why? Because right now my goal weight is 140, and if I weighed 140, my daily calorie intake to maintain that weight would be roughly 1730 (or some where close to this). Why in the world would I set my daily calories intake below that? I've done it before (had it at 1,500) and I don't last too long. I tend to get headaches and feel famished by the end of the day. Yes, I know I want to lose weight, but I am not going to starve myself to do it. What would that teach me? My kids? It's not healthy, nor is it something that I want to do. I want to instill healthier eating habits in myself as well as my children, not starving techniques.

Yesterday was my first full day of having a higher calorie intake day, and I felt great by bedtime. I wasn't hungry. I wasn't craving anything. I felt great!

Not only have I been tracking what I eat, when I eat it, and the calories are in each food, I've also been tracking how much protein I have been getting. One suggestion that keeps popping up repeatedly in tons of articles I have read, is to make sure to include a protein along with whatever other snack one will eat. I have made a huge effort this entire week to do just that, and I do believe it's helping!

Now, one thing I do—and I know MOST articles say not to—is weigh myself every single morning. I feel as if doing this will help keep me more accountable and more motivated over the course of my weight-loss journey. Yes, I always keep in mind that body weight will fluctuate daily, but if I see a "1lb" weight gain, I'm more likely to be 100% committed that day and not stray, not to say I'll stray if the scale shows somewhat of a weigh loss on any given day, but I want to know if I need to give any extra on any particular day.

With the above being said, I do think I will attempt to blog daily and will try to include my daily weight. Why? I don't know. Maybe for something to do? :)

Daily Weigh-in: 195.2

Ready! Set! GO!

I had decided before we left for our vacation to NC that once we returned, I would challenge myself to lose as much weight as I could in 20 weeks. No, I'm not going to do anything unhealthy! I set my start date to be 07/11 and my ending date is 11/28. I will weigh in every Sunday and will have my hubby take my measurements. I did have him take them (my measurements) yesterday and I am debating whether to post those. Hmm... Maybe in a couple weeks, but just not yet. I don't think I'm too comfortable posting that much info.

I did make an oath to myself and even went so far as to type it up and print it off. Yep, it's currently chilling in my exercise 3-ring binder that contains my food journal and my exercise chart. I think, that in a week or so, I might post that as well. I'm feeling a bit too lazy and tired to go find it on my computer and do the whole copy & paste thing right now.

Why am I feeling so tired? Well, I managed to pull myself out of my bed around 4:25a.m. and was at the YMCA a couple minutes before they opened. *Gasp* Yes, I really was! :) I think I even surprised myself with that one. Anyway, I did 3 miles on the track (about 8-9 laps were spent running while the remaining were speed-walking.) Did you know that it takes 12 laps around the track to equal a mile? I did 36 laps! I also did some strength training. I mainly focused on my lower body today; tomorrow I will focus on my upper body.

I also decided to cut out all caffeine for-- do I dare say-- the next 20 weeks? Gah! Give up my dark, bubbly beverage for that long? My hot, oh-so-yummy Dunkin' Donuts coffee? Sigh. I didn't need them anyway. *pouts* So far, today is Day 2 without either one! Whoa! lol Yeah, I know, 2 whole days isn't very long, but I'm trying here, just give me some time.

Starting Weight (Sunday 7/11): 201.0