In case you haven't noticed.. I've been on hiatus for the past few months. This year has been a year of BIG changes in my life. I've sat down to update my blog a couple of times, but just couldn't. I wasn't feeling very inspired. I haven't felt myself in a really long time. Today, I am inspired and I am happy to report that through some of these huge curve balls and life changes that have come my way, I have maintained my weight! YAY! Considering I'm an emotional eater, I'd say that's pretty good. To be honest it's been almost a year since I've seen any real results on the scale, however I have seen changes in my physique and clothing size. I am beginning to feel like me again. I'm inspired, excited, and have set some goals for myself. I'm in a much better place than I was a year ago. Did I just say a YEAR?!?!?! My MY how time flies!! But have no fear.. I found my groove again. I feel it deep down in my soul! ;-)
You are What You EAT
How many times have we heard this saying? With emotions running amuck (who says "amuck"?) and trying to be Super Mom all at the same time, my eating habits started slipping here and there and before I knew it most days out of the week I'd have at least ONE crappy meal or "snack". I'm not proud of it and honestly HATE telling you about it. But I'm real. It happens. No one is perfect. We all have our moments or seasons. I'm just very grateful for some very wonderful people in my life. I have been able to lean on them instead of food. Junk food makes me feel guilty, nasty, jiggly, lazy, tired, like a slob. The people who have recently come into my life not only have been there for me to lean on, but we share an interest in healthy living. It reminded me of who I am.. it brought me back to what I know makes me feel good in every way. I've found my confidence again. I'm not hiding in my kitchen eating the very crap that I wouldn't feed my children. I feel WONDERFUL! It didn't take 6 weeks of eating rice cakes and bean sprouts to make me feel energized and alert again. It took like 1 stinkin DAY! Heatlhy eating and drinking plenty of water makes you almost euphoric. It gives me a clear mind, wonderful energy, and peace. Is it all these special foods that provide it? Maybe yes.. maybe no. But what I do know is that by making choices that I know are good for me, I not only have the energy to get a GREAT workout.. but I don't have the guilt, and the lazy, and the bloated feelings. I feel light on my feet. Like a butterfly! Watch out Mike Tyson! ;-)
I Like to Move It MOVE IT!
One thing that never changed was my physical activity. I'm still teaching Zumba three times a week and I still go to my trainer. The difference is, my workouts weren't near as productive because of what I was eating. Sure.. I was going through the motions and it wasn't awful. But I didn't get those wonderful cleansing workouts because my body was lacking the energy to do any real output. I can completely tell a difference in myself during my Zumba classes and my independent workouts. My mind is "with it" and I don't feel like I weigh a TON while doing it! Nutrition is 90% of fat loss. Let me just say that again. NUTRITION IS 90% OF FAT LOSS. Why?? Because it's not just something you fill your belly with so that you don't die.. it's FUEL! It fuels your mind and your body! Without that.. why even put forth the effort to exercise? You're not going to get what you need out of it. A very wise man told me "Don't eat $h!t and move your @$$".. the more I learn the more I understand just how equally important those two things are.. one feeds the other.
A new challenge has been presented to me and it is one that I'm very excited to take. I have until Christmas to lose another 15 pounds. I'm pretty flippin excited about this! It really got my motor running! I may not be 100%.. but I'm bringing my "A" game and baby I'm AAAAAALMOST there. ;-) Who's ready to challenge themselves???? GAME ON!
Sep 12, 2011
May 30, 2011
I Once Was Lost, But Now I'm Found
Have you ever gotten so consumed in something or someone that you sort of lose yourself? Forget what it was that made you really happy and feel good? I'm pretty sure most of the population is guilty of that at one time or another. If you've been keeping up with my blog then you already know that I took a running LEAP of Faith and completely changed my career from a 8-5, desk sitting, pencil pushing momma to Zumba Queen and Personal Trainer Extraordinaire! When I made up my mind that I wanted to change my career I was so excited to teach people what I had learned! I felt so wonderful, found a way to work out my stresses, become healthy, and have a balance of healthy mind, body, and soul. Once I became a Licensed Zumba Instructor, I started reaching far and wide so that I could really make a go at making a living doing what I love doing. Same thing when I became Certified as a Personal trainer. I spent so much time trying to get things moving and getting my name out there that I didn't have much time left for my children. I was wrapped up in pleasing this group or that group or this person, that I was seriously wearing myself out. I'd wake up at crazy hours of the morning to work and had to have others hustle my kids to their activities so that I could work until at LEAST 9pm at night. I'd get my kids just in time to bathe them and send them to bed. I LOVE Zumba, but it's not MY workout. I have a WONDERFUL time with the people that take from me.. but it's not what really turns me on and works out my stresses. I love a good independent all out, hard breathing, challenging, meditative workout. I do some of my best thinking and have some of the best conversations with God during those times. I have been missing that for some time now. I've been too exhausted with teaching anywhere from 5 to 8 Zumba classes a week to get my own workout in. After recently taking another certification class, I realized that I completely lost my balance. I was so concerned with hurting someones feelings or putting them in a tight spot that I'd neglected the three people that mean the most to me.. my two children and MYSELF! I've said before.. if you don't take care of yourself.. who will? I mean, if I'm exhausted and running on empty, then how in the heck can I lead by example and teach, not only my children, but my clients a healthy lifestyle. So.. I'm THRILLED to report that I've made some recent changes and I'm well on my way to getting my balance back! ;)
My Kids Have Too Many Happy Meal Toys
After I'd made up my mind that I needed to get my balance back and not over commit myself, especially while building up my new business, I'd come across FOUR Happy Meal toys in my daughter's bag. That's when it REALLY hit me. Over the last 5 or 6 months, my children had spent just about every weeknight at a sitter's house or in a play area while I worked. This meant that either others were enjoying my children's company at dinner or we were pulling through a drive thru on our way home. By the time I'd get home from work it would be too late to cook or warm something. Now, don't get my wrong.. I don't believe that my children have been abused, neglected or traumatized because they were at someones house or eating McDonald's.. but the point is.. this time last year, I was teaching them healthy habits. They were choosing the healthy over the junk most of the time and now here I am shoving it in their face with no other option. I'm not teaching them the very habit that I'm trying to teach my clients. So when I saw these Happy Meal toys tucked away in my daughter's purse, I realized that I had to get my balance back for my entire family. After this week, school and other extra activities will be winding down for all of us. I will now be able to make healthy nutritious meals for my children and be able to spend some time with them AND work. I just had to put me first and then work my schedule around that. Make sense?
Funny This Is..
I have been trying to make the healthier choices and sometimes when things get crazy and I’m running from one thing to another, the healthier choices are not all that healthy. I’ve tried to plan out some good snacks and quick meals so that I can get my nutrition in check while working with such a crazy schedule. In my infinite search for different meals, meal ideas, and my overall thirst for helping people plan out some easy , practical meals for themselves and their families.. I bought a few very good books for research. I have maintained the same weight and clothing size for several months now (THANK GOD), but I haven’t lost anything significant as far as total weight goes. It’s well known that I’d like to lose a little more or drop another size or two. While I was putting together some sample menus and meal ideas for some clients, I evaluated my own “diet” and I realized that I was off balance there too! I wasn’t taking in enough calories on a regular basis and then on some days I’d take in TOO MANY calories. I changed my activity drastically, but not my eating habits.. or even sometimes fell back into a bad habit or two. There are four points to a balanced life.. Physically. Mentally. Emotionally. Spiritually. Though I may have wobbled a little.. I am placing one foot in front of the other on this tight rope and moving forward with ease. I am so thankful for my family and friends for helping me out and supporting my dream. I’d like to thank the “village” for helping me with my kids and those of you who helped me keep my balance no matter how wobbly!
On that note.. take some time out for you today. What will it take for you to find your balance? ;)
My Kids Have Too Many Happy Meal Toys
After I'd made up my mind that I needed to get my balance back and not over commit myself, especially while building up my new business, I'd come across FOUR Happy Meal toys in my daughter's bag. That's when it REALLY hit me. Over the last 5 or 6 months, my children had spent just about every weeknight at a sitter's house or in a play area while I worked. This meant that either others were enjoying my children's company at dinner or we were pulling through a drive thru on our way home. By the time I'd get home from work it would be too late to cook or warm something. Now, don't get my wrong.. I don't believe that my children have been abused, neglected or traumatized because they were at someones house or eating McDonald's.. but the point is.. this time last year, I was teaching them healthy habits. They were choosing the healthy over the junk most of the time and now here I am shoving it in their face with no other option. I'm not teaching them the very habit that I'm trying to teach my clients. So when I saw these Happy Meal toys tucked away in my daughter's purse, I realized that I had to get my balance back for my entire family. After this week, school and other extra activities will be winding down for all of us. I will now be able to make healthy nutritious meals for my children and be able to spend some time with them AND work. I just had to put me first and then work my schedule around that. Make sense?
Funny This Is..
I have been trying to make the healthier choices and sometimes when things get crazy and I’m running from one thing to another, the healthier choices are not all that healthy. I’ve tried to plan out some good snacks and quick meals so that I can get my nutrition in check while working with such a crazy schedule. In my infinite search for different meals, meal ideas, and my overall thirst for helping people plan out some easy , practical meals for themselves and their families.. I bought a few very good books for research. I have maintained the same weight and clothing size for several months now (THANK GOD), but I haven’t lost anything significant as far as total weight goes. It’s well known that I’d like to lose a little more or drop another size or two. While I was putting together some sample menus and meal ideas for some clients, I evaluated my own “diet” and I realized that I was off balance there too! I wasn’t taking in enough calories on a regular basis and then on some days I’d take in TOO MANY calories. I changed my activity drastically, but not my eating habits.. or even sometimes fell back into a bad habit or two. There are four points to a balanced life.. Physically. Mentally. Emotionally. Spiritually. Though I may have wobbled a little.. I am placing one foot in front of the other on this tight rope and moving forward with ease. I am so thankful for my family and friends for helping me out and supporting my dream. I’d like to thank the “village” for helping me with my kids and those of you who helped me keep my balance no matter how wobbly!
On that note.. take some time out for you today. What will it take for you to find your balance? ;)
Apr 5, 2011
I am learning all the time. The tombstone will be my diploma. ~Eartha Kitt
Boy of BOY! I'm surely loving the time change and longer days! I love that the sun goes down later in the evenings giving us plenty of time of daylight to enjoy! For some reason, the spring and summer reminds me of my childhood days. Playing in the pool with friends, cut off shorts, bare feet, walking the neighborhood roads popping the tar balls with our toes, picking honeysuckle off the vine, laying out in the grass basking in the sunshine with not a single worry in the world. Aaahhh.. the good ol' days. My children are around the same age as I was when I was enjoying all of these times. I want my kids to experience the same things.. not always video games and tv. More importantly.. I want to experience it all over again with them! Three years ago I never would've had the energy to go out and do these things with the kids. Now I'm bouncing with energy and can't WAIT to take little mini vacations to the camp and the beach! Last month I ran an AWESOME 5K obstacle course called the Warrior Dash with a friend of mine. It was something neither one of us had done before, but what a GREAT feeling it was!! No we didn't lead the pack, but it was a great sense of accomplishment and a LOT of fun! I'm not QUITE were I want to be as far as my weight goes, but I keep getting a little closer to the mark! Before I wasn't comfortable in my own skin to get out and run around with the kids, but now I'm like a whole different person.. one who is surely enjoying life. I just had to take control of myself and stop letting other things control me.
"Willpower is not some mythical force that we either have or don't have. Willpower is our decision to use higher-mind thinking instead of lazing around in the clutches of our primal mind."~A.B. CURTISS
This is a Battle of Wills
I knew I had a challenge on my hands when I started spending more time at home. My office is currently in my kitchen. It's the only place that is open enough for me to work and have my computer set up. Long ago I broke the habit of buying junk food and keeping it in the house. I've said it time and time again.. if someone in my household wants junk food, then they can go to the store and buy the single serving of cookies or candy or whatever suits their fancy. I plan the meals, I do the grocery shopping, I am fighting a life long battle of bad eating, therefore, I get a say so of what foods come in my home. So.. what is my problem you ask? LOL! Well.. lemme tell YOU. I can find a 'loop hole' in everything. You can't possibly overeat fruits and vegetables.. nah.. that's not my problem. My problem is grabbing a handful of almonds, popping a bag of popcorn or just mindless munching even on the good stuff when it's not 'time' to eat. If I know I'm going to be working out of the house I'll grab my snack needed for snack time and head out.. but what about those times where I'm spending a few hours working at the house on my advertising, planning workouts, or researching something? When I'm deep in thought or contemplating something I feel the need to 'crunch'! Does anyone else have that urge? I sometimes find myself getting up from my desk to stretch my legs or get my creative juices flowing and I wander over to the cabinet! Old habits die hard I guess! GAH! It really seems silly when I think about it. There will always be new obstacles to overcome. This is a life long journey. To overcome this mindless eating that I so easily fall into, I've decided to be a little dramatic. Imagine that. -_- I tend to go all out on things if you haven't noticed. For instance, this very blog. I began blogging because I needed to be accountable to someone other than myself or my family. I needed to be accountable to people who wouldn't just let me sweep it under the rug. So my solution to this problem is to pack my lunch. Yep.. simple as that. Just as before when I'd get ready for my work day, I'd pack my lunch bag full of snacks and lunch for the entire day. I went to work and only had what I packed. So this morning, I started that routine all over again. I packed my lunch with my snacks and headed out to my first appointment this morning. Sure, I had lunch at home, but I already knew EXACTLY what I was having because all I had to do was pull it out of my lunch kit. :D My home office is still in my kitchen, and yeah.. I felt a tiny bit silly pulling out my lunch from my lunch kit in my own kitchen.. but who cares. It's for the greater good. lol! Soon my office won't be in my kitchen tho! So it all really makes sense you see. ;)
Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow." - Mary Anne Radmacher
Time FLIES When You're Having Fun!
Where does the time go? It seems like just yesterday we were talking about New Year's Resolutions and new beginnings. Now we're in the middle of spring! Little League Baseball and Softball is in full swing, fairs and festivals are in town and the days are getting longer. Let's do some calculations.. If beginning January 1st someone started their lifestyle change by making better choices and being more active 2-3 times a week.. it's possible to lose 2 pounds per week. By now more than 25 pounds would be lost! Wow! It really puts things into perspective doesn't it! With 25 pounds gone, you fit a little better in the rides at the fair, sit a little more comfortably in the seats at the movies, and have the energy to frolic in the glorious sunshine! So.. now here's the question.. When does your new beginning start? ;)
Mar 10, 2011
Let the Sun Shine Down on Me
Spring is in the air and the days are starting to look brighter and brighter! Sunshine just gives me such energy! On beautiful days, such a this, I want to be running around the park, roller skating in the school parking lot, jumping on the trampoline.. SOMETHING! I wasn't always this way, but it seems like with every passing season since I first began this journey, I find more and more exciting things in life! The more comfortable I become in my own skin the more things I want to do. Things I've never tried before. Now it's time to put those things into action.. no more cheap talk.. it's time to conquer the world!!! Or at least just my bucket list. =) One thing that I inherited from my dad was tenacity.. that and the inability to carry a tune in a 10 gallon bucket.. but moving on. When I feel strongly about something as I do with my workouts and lifestyle change.. I grab the bull by the horns. A good friend once told me that there are two things that motivate people.. fear and desire. I have no fear. ;)
All Eyes on Me
Since I changed my career, I have told the story of my journey over and over. I've used it in advertising my services.. which could be the very way you found my blog! There is a method to the madness here.. not only does it do a good job at advertising where I've been and how I might be able to help people.. but more importantly.. it KEEPS me accountable. There are more people who know my story now more than ever! My before pictures are out there.. They've seen where I've come from.. I know where I came from. I can't ever forget that. I'd love to tell you that once you lose weight and eat healthy that all those cravings and temptations just vanish.. but unfortunately they don't! It is much like a drug addict.. it's always there. Sure.. I feel WAY better when I eat healthy versus eating junk.. but sometimes my cravings and temptations get the better of me! I can't stand to walk past the cookie place in the mall because I smell all of that sugary goodness! Now.. I KNOW that if I eat one of those cookies I'll feel so funky.. but it's the smell that draws me in. So.. if you see me in the mall and it looks like I'm holding my breath.. it's because I am! I just keep my head down, hold my breath, and walk right on past! It's my tactic! LoL!
With my life getting off of a regular 'work' schedule, there is more of a risk than ever before! I was used to bringing just what I needed to work and eating only that. There were no temptations because I packed only the healthy things. Now that I am out and about most of the day, or doing work in my home.. it is easier to fall back into old habits if I'm not careful. How do I overcome that?? Well.. I'll tell you how.. I continue to plan. I take my snacks with me in my gym bag, I keep healthy things on hand, I plan for everything that goes into my mouth so that I'm not eating on the fly or starving before the end of the day! It has been years since I gave up something for lent.. so this year I decided to give up my beloved sweets. No chocolate, no candy, no cake, no pastries, no cookies, no ice cream, etc.. etc.. etc.. If I'm craving something sweet it will have to be something more natural, like fruit or yogurt. I did this because it is a vice.. it's my weak spot.. it's the guilty pleasure that starts small and gets out of control. I'm letting all of that go and the outcome will be GREAT! We don't have to have a season to start something, but I found the perfect opportunity to take care of another facet of my journey.
READY! SET! GO!!
Just about this time last year I was running everyday and training for the Gusher 5K. This was a challenge for me. I had never run ANYWHERE before! Not even to the mailbox! This was something a friend had challenged me to do and I'm so glad she did! Not only is it something I can cross off of my list, but it really opened the door for me. I never thought I had the confidence to do something like that. I mean.. to RUN a 5k? I never in my wildest dreams believed that I'd be running in a race. Now don't get me wrong.. I wasn't there to cross the finish line first. I wasn't competing against other people.. You see, I was competing against myself. I was competing against the mindset that "I could never do that".. against the "I'm just the fat girl who can't run".. against the "You'll look like a fool if you get out there with all those 'athletic' people". Guess what?! I WON! I won the battle in my mind! I finished that race.. I ran start to finish.. in my own personal best time. It was a wonderful feeling.. a true 'High'. There is nothing like it. Since then I have only run one more 5k and yes, it was AWESOME! Pretty great feeling, I'll tell you! This year I signed up for a Warrior Dash and will be running that next weekend. A Warrior Dash is a fun 5k run/obstacle course. I know it seems a little crazy, but again.. stepping out of my comfort zone and doing something I've never done before. This is a great thrill for me! Wanna know what else excites me?? My kids will be there watching! Yes.. I am leading by example, be healthy, be active, follow your dreams. It may sound so cliche, but I am living proof. Sometimes, you just have to walk on Faith.. step out onto what you feel deep down in your soul. Wish me luck! This Warrior Dash won't be easy.. and I may look a little silly at the end, but I'm betting you won't be able to capture the feeling of accomplishment! ;)
I hope you all enjoyed this blog.. I've enjoyed writing it. New and exciting things seem to be happening EVERYDAY! Don't let life pass you by.. get out there and dance in the sunshine!
All Eyes on Me
Since I changed my career, I have told the story of my journey over and over. I've used it in advertising my services.. which could be the very way you found my blog! There is a method to the madness here.. not only does it do a good job at advertising where I've been and how I might be able to help people.. but more importantly.. it KEEPS me accountable. There are more people who know my story now more than ever! My before pictures are out there.. They've seen where I've come from.. I know where I came from. I can't ever forget that. I'd love to tell you that once you lose weight and eat healthy that all those cravings and temptations just vanish.. but unfortunately they don't! It is much like a drug addict.. it's always there. Sure.. I feel WAY better when I eat healthy versus eating junk.. but sometimes my cravings and temptations get the better of me! I can't stand to walk past the cookie place in the mall because I smell all of that sugary goodness! Now.. I KNOW that if I eat one of those cookies I'll feel so funky.. but it's the smell that draws me in. So.. if you see me in the mall and it looks like I'm holding my breath.. it's because I am! I just keep my head down, hold my breath, and walk right on past! It's my tactic! LoL!
With my life getting off of a regular 'work' schedule, there is more of a risk than ever before! I was used to bringing just what I needed to work and eating only that. There were no temptations because I packed only the healthy things. Now that I am out and about most of the day, or doing work in my home.. it is easier to fall back into old habits if I'm not careful. How do I overcome that?? Well.. I'll tell you how.. I continue to plan. I take my snacks with me in my gym bag, I keep healthy things on hand, I plan for everything that goes into my mouth so that I'm not eating on the fly or starving before the end of the day! It has been years since I gave up something for lent.. so this year I decided to give up my beloved sweets. No chocolate, no candy, no cake, no pastries, no cookies, no ice cream, etc.. etc.. etc.. If I'm craving something sweet it will have to be something more natural, like fruit or yogurt. I did this because it is a vice.. it's my weak spot.. it's the guilty pleasure that starts small and gets out of control. I'm letting all of that go and the outcome will be GREAT! We don't have to have a season to start something, but I found the perfect opportunity to take care of another facet of my journey.
READY! SET! GO!!
Just about this time last year I was running everyday and training for the Gusher 5K. This was a challenge for me. I had never run ANYWHERE before! Not even to the mailbox! This was something a friend had challenged me to do and I'm so glad she did! Not only is it something I can cross off of my list, but it really opened the door for me. I never thought I had the confidence to do something like that. I mean.. to RUN a 5k? I never in my wildest dreams believed that I'd be running in a race. Now don't get me wrong.. I wasn't there to cross the finish line first. I wasn't competing against other people.. You see, I was competing against myself. I was competing against the mindset that "I could never do that".. against the "I'm just the fat girl who can't run".. against the "You'll look like a fool if you get out there with all those 'athletic' people". Guess what?! I WON! I won the battle in my mind! I finished that race.. I ran start to finish.. in my own personal best time. It was a wonderful feeling.. a true 'High'. There is nothing like it. Since then I have only run one more 5k and yes, it was AWESOME! Pretty great feeling, I'll tell you! This year I signed up for a Warrior Dash and will be running that next weekend. A Warrior Dash is a fun 5k run/obstacle course. I know it seems a little crazy, but again.. stepping out of my comfort zone and doing something I've never done before. This is a great thrill for me! Wanna know what else excites me?? My kids will be there watching! Yes.. I am leading by example, be healthy, be active, follow your dreams. It may sound so cliche, but I am living proof. Sometimes, you just have to walk on Faith.. step out onto what you feel deep down in your soul. Wish me luck! This Warrior Dash won't be easy.. and I may look a little silly at the end, but I'm betting you won't be able to capture the feeling of accomplishment! ;)
I hope you all enjoyed this blog.. I've enjoyed writing it. New and exciting things seem to be happening EVERYDAY! Don't let life pass you by.. get out there and dance in the sunshine!
Jan 30, 2011
Planning for Success
What a wonderful year this has been so far! There have been a lot of quick changes in my life and I find myself on the go way more than before! This month has come and gone already and I've barely stopped to take a breath! Let's see a show of hands of people who feel the same way. I have been working hard on my new career path which luckily includes working out, but without any real plan things get crazy! I teach Zumba several days throughout the week so I'm definitely getting good workouts in; but as of late, my meal planning and eating habits leave something to be desired. Nutrition is the backbone of my lifestyle change. It fuels my workouts and my active lifestyle. Without the fuel I am worthless. I have been very fortunate that my weight has not increased, however.. my weight has not decrease either. While I have a lot going on in life, I still must focus on the goal. Thank God I'm not where I used to be, but I'm still not quite where I want to be. I've not gone buck wild and gone back to my old habits, but when you're on the go and trying to grab healthy on the fly it doesn't always workout so good. I have to make a plan for success. The plan that I had a year ago won't work for me now. My lifestyle is more active and my body requires more of the good stuff! So.. time to invest some very important tools. Pencil and paper.
"T" is for TRACKING Boys and Girls
Research shows that people who track their food intake or keep a food diary will lose more weight in the same amount of time than a person who does not track their food intake. WHY?? Because we are accountable for EVERYTHING we put in our mouths. Why are we so afraid to write it down? Does it say keep a food diary and share it with the entire world? Nope. Is it because we think we can lie to ourselves? That one cookie or one bite of your child's peanut butter and jelly sandwich isn't all that bad? That if no one saw me eat it, then I really didn't eat it? Yeeeeeaaaahhhh.. that's probably more like it. LoL! I learned early on through Weight Watchers that tracking equals success. I tracked everything I put in my mouth for a solid year and a half. Then I got into a routine where I was eating the same menu of foods week after week. It was easy for me to see my intake.. it didn't vary much. But like life.. things changed. Sometime between then and now, my daily activities changed, my workouts changed. But I never went back to tracking and make the adjustments. I know that I had the GREATEST success when I tracked not only my intake, but my activity as well. Tracking helps with so much! I am accountable to myself for everything that I eat and do. There is no reason to lie.. I am the only one seeing it. I can remember when I was tracking and I'd have a night out or just let loose and drink myself silly I'd write notes to myself saying things like "LAWD what WERE you thinking??? BAD NITE" or "This was an awful stressful day.. HALP!". This would show me my own eating patterns.. stress eating, happy eating, I don't give a crap eating. It's all there! I was able to learn from my mistakes and make progress. It was also a GREAT tool to help me plan meals when I was tired of the routine I was in. I could go back a few months and see a meal that I had made that I'd really liked that I'd forgotten about! It is a great thing all the way around. It coaches you through your ups and downs. As of this very day, I began tracking again. The good, the bad, and the terribly ugly.
SCREAM it From the Roof Tops!
In 2008, I made a commitment to myself to become healthier and lose weight. I had to make myself accountable to someone.. EVERYONE. If I just told my best friend, husband, or mother that I wanted to lose weight they would just smile and nod and when I failed they'd never mention it again. They would never come back and really hold me accountable. I had to have a greater accountability.. thus.. my blog. :) I really use this as another tool.. a journal. I talk about my ups and downs.. occasionally I go back and read them. I knew that by posting the first blog that someone would read it and hold me accountable. Now.. was I expecting someone to haul me to the town square if I failed? Of course not! But what has happened is that people occasionally follow my blog because they are interested in the progress I've made. Turns out.. I've got some pretty awesome cheerleaders out there! I've never been one to put my business out there but this was different. It turned out to be one the best tools and motivators I'd ever had. I get excited about my progress and OTHERS get excited about my progress! Who knew?! People really DO want you to succeed! ..and for those who don't.. to hell with them. ;) I've never EVER had anyone come up to me and say "Tina.. you don't look like you've lost weight. Have you given up?" But every time I see someone who knows my story or hasn't seen me in a while, they compliment me. Yes.. even on my worst, fat, unsexy feeling days.. someone will compliment me and that will turn my whole day around. It makes me refocus. It is a wonderful tool to have. While blogging may not be for everyone, if you are interested in losing weight, I encourage you to tell people! Tell LOTS of people! They are more supportive than you think!
I am AWESOMELY excited with the direction my life is heading. I wouldn't change a thing! So.. I'm NOT.. I'm getting back to the tried and true, tracking and accountability. I've come a long way and there's NO going back. It's time to progress further through this journey I call my lifestyle revolution. So.. WHO'S WITH ME?!?!?!
"T" is for TRACKING Boys and Girls
Research shows that people who track their food intake or keep a food diary will lose more weight in the same amount of time than a person who does not track their food intake. WHY?? Because we are accountable for EVERYTHING we put in our mouths. Why are we so afraid to write it down? Does it say keep a food diary and share it with the entire world? Nope. Is it because we think we can lie to ourselves? That one cookie or one bite of your child's peanut butter and jelly sandwich isn't all that bad? That if no one saw me eat it, then I really didn't eat it? Yeeeeeaaaahhhh.. that's probably more like it. LoL! I learned early on through Weight Watchers that tracking equals success. I tracked everything I put in my mouth for a solid year and a half. Then I got into a routine where I was eating the same menu of foods week after week. It was easy for me to see my intake.. it didn't vary much. But like life.. things changed. Sometime between then and now, my daily activities changed, my workouts changed. But I never went back to tracking and make the adjustments. I know that I had the GREATEST success when I tracked not only my intake, but my activity as well. Tracking helps with so much! I am accountable to myself for everything that I eat and do. There is no reason to lie.. I am the only one seeing it. I can remember when I was tracking and I'd have a night out or just let loose and drink myself silly I'd write notes to myself saying things like "LAWD what WERE you thinking??? BAD NITE" or "This was an awful stressful day.. HALP!". This would show me my own eating patterns.. stress eating, happy eating, I don't give a crap eating. It's all there! I was able to learn from my mistakes and make progress. It was also a GREAT tool to help me plan meals when I was tired of the routine I was in. I could go back a few months and see a meal that I had made that I'd really liked that I'd forgotten about! It is a great thing all the way around. It coaches you through your ups and downs. As of this very day, I began tracking again. The good, the bad, and the terribly ugly.
SCREAM it From the Roof Tops!
In 2008, I made a commitment to myself to become healthier and lose weight. I had to make myself accountable to someone.. EVERYONE. If I just told my best friend, husband, or mother that I wanted to lose weight they would just smile and nod and when I failed they'd never mention it again. They would never come back and really hold me accountable. I had to have a greater accountability.. thus.. my blog. :) I really use this as another tool.. a journal. I talk about my ups and downs.. occasionally I go back and read them. I knew that by posting the first blog that someone would read it and hold me accountable. Now.. was I expecting someone to haul me to the town square if I failed? Of course not! But what has happened is that people occasionally follow my blog because they are interested in the progress I've made. Turns out.. I've got some pretty awesome cheerleaders out there! I've never been one to put my business out there but this was different. It turned out to be one the best tools and motivators I'd ever had. I get excited about my progress and OTHERS get excited about my progress! Who knew?! People really DO want you to succeed! ..and for those who don't.. to hell with them. ;) I've never EVER had anyone come up to me and say "Tina.. you don't look like you've lost weight. Have you given up?" But every time I see someone who knows my story or hasn't seen me in a while, they compliment me. Yes.. even on my worst, fat, unsexy feeling days.. someone will compliment me and that will turn my whole day around. It makes me refocus. It is a wonderful tool to have. While blogging may not be for everyone, if you are interested in losing weight, I encourage you to tell people! Tell LOTS of people! They are more supportive than you think!
I am AWESOMELY excited with the direction my life is heading. I wouldn't change a thing! So.. I'm NOT.. I'm getting back to the tried and true, tracking and accountability. I've come a long way and there's NO going back. It's time to progress further through this journey I call my lifestyle revolution. So.. WHO'S WITH ME?!?!?!
Jan 2, 2011
A Fresh Start
Happy New Year! Here's to a New Year of New Beginnings! As much as I enjoy the holiday season, I am so glad the festivities are over. It is so challenging to keep on track with everything with all the Christmas parties, special lunches, goodies and what not. Not to mention getting in your regular workouts! Now that all of that is over it's time to refocus on my goal. I have lots of things lined up for the new year to help me and hopefully others do just that!
The Kinda Good, Not So Bad, and the Down Right Ugly
Christmas 2009 was a huge lesson learned. I got a little confident about my weight loss and decided to make all KINDS of goodies for everyone.. mainly meaning me. That year I gained 10 pounds in a two week period. I felt AWFUL! Not only did I feel sluggish and bloated for days because of all of the junk, but I couldn't stop eating it! It was like being on a bad ride! This year I came into it with that lesson learned and vowed to not do anything like that again! I did pretty good with keeping on track as long as working lunches, Christmas parties or emotional eating wasn't involved. L O L! One good side of my former job was that we didn't have a whole lot of person to person interaction.. most of my relationships with work were by phone or email. I didn't have to worry about goodies passing through my office.. THANK YOU BABY JESUS.. nor did I have to attend company Christmas parties. So.. it wasn't a COMPLETE disaster. Many times when I was out I would try for the better choices.. but then there were times when I'd have dinner and think that I'd just go ahead and enjoy the food.. which is fine, but I saw this pattern where it was starting to happen more and more. That's me and my constant battle. If I'm not careful it can sooo easily get out of hand. Yes, my life has changed tremendously.. Yes, I make better choices.. and Yes, it's still something I'll have to deal with forever and ever, Amen. There's no switch. The temptations I had before are still tempting to me now. I've learned tricks and tips on how to control my temptations and how to not give in. I have also learned a hard lesson of how much it takes to get it all off. There's no magic pill.. I'm still me.
I Have This Cake and I Will Eat It, Too
While holiday festivities can be fun, it can also bring on an array of emotions from one end of the spectrum to the other. I've said it before and I'll say it again.. "Hi.. I'm Tina and I'm an emotional eater". When I'm happy, I want something fun and festive.. margarita's even! When I'm sad, I want comfort food.. and chocolate. ;) If I'm stressed, I'll grab anything I can find. When I'm pissed, I want something crunchy. See how I even analyze my food cravings!? LOL! Well.. long, emotional story short.. I was left with a whole German chocolate cake. This just SCREAMS danger! I wish I were like my kids.. I'll cut them a piece of cake.. they'll take like 2 bites and then they're done. Isn't that just special. Me.. I'm like licking the plate to make sure I got every bit of chocolate icing there is to get. Oh.. and then there's the whole "I don't need a plate because I'm just gonna take a bite or 12" thing. Does any of this sound familiar? I finally had to dump half the damn cake in the trash. Isn't it awful that my kids don't get to enjoy these things because I just can't deal with it? Well.. tough. :) I know what works for me and what doesn't. If I'm truly having a craving.. different from temptation.. that is one thing. But the temptation of just seeing it out on the counter or smelling the sweet, sugary, chocolaty, goodness is a whole different story. If I could just muster up the 'courage' to walk away from it and leave it there.. then all would be well. But it is difficult for me. It's best to just not have it in the house. PERIOD. So.. in the trash it went.. upside down.. smashed.. get it. :) Aaaaaaanywho.. moving right along..
On Your Mark.. Get Set.. GOOOOOO!!!!
Well, I'm off and running on my new career. Yay! I'll spare you on how flippin excited I am because I know you all haven't heard it near enough. ;) This new year not only brings on a new career for me, but new challenges, as well! I'm going to be participating in a Warrior Dash and a relay marathon. What is a Warrior Dash you ask? It's kind of like a 5k, but it's more than running.. it's an awesomely muddy and uncomfortable obstacle course! It's gonna be GREAT! I'll admit I was a little intimidated at first.. I mean, these people just look so athletic! But after a little encouraging I decided to just go for it. It doesn't matter if I finish last as long as I finish. I will also be apart of a running group who will be running the relay in The Gusher this year. This is also a new challenge. I can do a 5k.. I've met that goal and feel so accomplished! But by being apart of this team, it means that I have to run 5.25 miles. That's a couple miles longer than a 5K (3.1 miles). I'm a little nervous about it.. but it will be great to be apart of a team! I'm telling you.. never in my WILDEST dreams did I ever think I'd be doing any of this with my life! It is a very, very awesome feeling.
The End of Chapter YR 2010 - Most Frustrating Year EVAR
I've gone back and read my ups and downs over the last year. It's not been easy.. in fact, it was pretty freakin frustrating at times. My weight on the scales doesn't seem to be moving in either direction significantly, but my body is still ever changing. I've ditched the "weight" goal and have gone for more of a fit goal. Meaning.. that HALLELUJAH.. I am FINALLY comfortable in my own skin! Sure.. we can all find things we'd like to fix and work on. And you won't be catching me in a bikini ANYTIME soon.. but I am happy with me. I think for the first time ever, I'm truly ok with what I see in the mirror. Not just ok.. but excited! I love the woman I see before me, no matter what anyone else thinks. Besides.. it was never about them anyway. So.. here's to a happy, healthy, fit new year! I hope you, too can be happy in your own skin. If you're not.. what are ya gonna do about it? ;)
The Kinda Good, Not So Bad, and the Down Right Ugly
Christmas 2009 was a huge lesson learned. I got a little confident about my weight loss and decided to make all KINDS of goodies for everyone.. mainly meaning me. That year I gained 10 pounds in a two week period. I felt AWFUL! Not only did I feel sluggish and bloated for days because of all of the junk, but I couldn't stop eating it! It was like being on a bad ride! This year I came into it with that lesson learned and vowed to not do anything like that again! I did pretty good with keeping on track as long as working lunches, Christmas parties or emotional eating wasn't involved. L O L! One good side of my former job was that we didn't have a whole lot of person to person interaction.. most of my relationships with work were by phone or email. I didn't have to worry about goodies passing through my office.. THANK YOU BABY JESUS.. nor did I have to attend company Christmas parties. So.. it wasn't a COMPLETE disaster. Many times when I was out I would try for the better choices.. but then there were times when I'd have dinner and think that I'd just go ahead and enjoy the food.. which is fine, but I saw this pattern where it was starting to happen more and more. That's me and my constant battle. If I'm not careful it can sooo easily get out of hand. Yes, my life has changed tremendously.. Yes, I make better choices.. and Yes, it's still something I'll have to deal with forever and ever, Amen. There's no switch. The temptations I had before are still tempting to me now. I've learned tricks and tips on how to control my temptations and how to not give in. I have also learned a hard lesson of how much it takes to get it all off. There's no magic pill.. I'm still me.
I Have This Cake and I Will Eat It, Too
While holiday festivities can be fun, it can also bring on an array of emotions from one end of the spectrum to the other. I've said it before and I'll say it again.. "Hi.. I'm Tina and I'm an emotional eater". When I'm happy, I want something fun and festive.. margarita's even! When I'm sad, I want comfort food.. and chocolate. ;) If I'm stressed, I'll grab anything I can find. When I'm pissed, I want something crunchy. See how I even analyze my food cravings!? LOL! Well.. long, emotional story short.. I was left with a whole German chocolate cake. This just SCREAMS danger! I wish I were like my kids.. I'll cut them a piece of cake.. they'll take like 2 bites and then they're done. Isn't that just special. Me.. I'm like licking the plate to make sure I got every bit of chocolate icing there is to get. Oh.. and then there's the whole "I don't need a plate because I'm just gonna take a bite or 12" thing. Does any of this sound familiar? I finally had to dump half the damn cake in the trash. Isn't it awful that my kids don't get to enjoy these things because I just can't deal with it? Well.. tough. :) I know what works for me and what doesn't. If I'm truly having a craving.. different from temptation.. that is one thing. But the temptation of just seeing it out on the counter or smelling the sweet, sugary, chocolaty, goodness is a whole different story. If I could just muster up the 'courage' to walk away from it and leave it there.. then all would be well. But it is difficult for me. It's best to just not have it in the house. PERIOD. So.. in the trash it went.. upside down.. smashed.. get it. :) Aaaaaaanywho.. moving right along..
On Your Mark.. Get Set.. GOOOOOO!!!!
Well, I'm off and running on my new career. Yay! I'll spare you on how flippin excited I am because I know you all haven't heard it near enough. ;) This new year not only brings on a new career for me, but new challenges, as well! I'm going to be participating in a Warrior Dash and a relay marathon. What is a Warrior Dash you ask? It's kind of like a 5k, but it's more than running.. it's an awesomely muddy and uncomfortable obstacle course! It's gonna be GREAT! I'll admit I was a little intimidated at first.. I mean, these people just look so athletic! But after a little encouraging I decided to just go for it. It doesn't matter if I finish last as long as I finish. I will also be apart of a running group who will be running the relay in The Gusher this year. This is also a new challenge. I can do a 5k.. I've met that goal and feel so accomplished! But by being apart of this team, it means that I have to run 5.25 miles. That's a couple miles longer than a 5K (3.1 miles). I'm a little nervous about it.. but it will be great to be apart of a team! I'm telling you.. never in my WILDEST dreams did I ever think I'd be doing any of this with my life! It is a very, very awesome feeling.
The End of Chapter YR 2010 - Most Frustrating Year EVAR
I've gone back and read my ups and downs over the last year. It's not been easy.. in fact, it was pretty freakin frustrating at times. My weight on the scales doesn't seem to be moving in either direction significantly, but my body is still ever changing. I've ditched the "weight" goal and have gone for more of a fit goal. Meaning.. that HALLELUJAH.. I am FINALLY comfortable in my own skin! Sure.. we can all find things we'd like to fix and work on. And you won't be catching me in a bikini ANYTIME soon.. but I am happy with me. I think for the first time ever, I'm truly ok with what I see in the mirror. Not just ok.. but excited! I love the woman I see before me, no matter what anyone else thinks. Besides.. it was never about them anyway. So.. here's to a happy, healthy, fit new year! I hope you, too can be happy in your own skin. If you're not.. what are ya gonna do about it? ;)
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