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?!?!?!
Jan 30, 2011
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? ;)
Dec 22, 2010
A Year of New Beginnings
Don't ya just love the New Year? No matter what you're going through, no matter where you are.. it's a New Year. It's a time to clean out your closet and start fresh. Hell.. we could do just that with every new day, but there just seems to be something about a New Year. It's a target far enough away to prepare ourselves for what's about to happen. Many of you will resolve to be healthier this year, some will resolve to be organized, start and plan to follow a budget; but for some it will be major changes. Well, you can put me in all of those categories! I know it's been a LOOOOONG time since you all have heard from me and I'm positive you're just chompin at the bits wondering what it is that I've been up to. If you know me, you should know by now that I don't give up that easily. ;) Since the last time I blogged, so much has happened and I am soooooo ready and excited to share it with you all! Now.. let's see.. where shall I start......
Dream a Little Dream
In September, I spoke of "A Bright New Tommorow", but I had NO idea just how bright it was gonna be! I had aspirations, once upon a time, to become a nutritionist or something in the health and fitness field, but that quickly dissipated after gaining weight, getting married, gaining more weight, having children, gaining more weight, working a full time job, and oh.. yeah.. I gained more weight. BUT, after two solid years of eating right and working hard to lose everything I had gained over the years and THEN SOME, I realized what I wanted to be when I grew up! Since I graduated from high school, I worked toward a career as a nine to five pencil pushing momma because I thought that that is what I was supposed to do; little did I know that my lifestyle revolution would take me on a journey that I had only ever dreamed about!
WHEN I GROW UP..
I'm 32 years old and FINALLY know what I want to do with my life! In November, I turned in my notice at my job to embark on a new career as a dance teacher, fitness instructor, and personal trainer. I set out to become a certified Zumba instructor; and because of a very generous, kind woman who barely knows me, but has faith in me and what I am doing, I am able to attend a course at Cooper's Clinic in January to become a Certified Personal Trainer! EXCITED does not even BEGIN to describe how I am feeling these days! I feel like I'm walking in the clouds! There have been a couple of personal trials that I've gone through.. I could sit here and tell you how nervous I am about quitting my job and how I hope that I can do this.. but I'm not. ;) I know that this is what I was made to do. I am so unbelievably at peace with quitting my stable job to start a new career. I don't know all the details, I can't tell you exactly what the future holds, and I can't tell you my 5 year plan.. but what I can tell you is that I know deep down in my SOUL that I will be successful. I may not make millions and become Madonna's personal trainer, but I will be HAPPY! Doors have been opening all over the place for me! There is alot of opportunity and I have lots of things in the works for and in my community. I am so excited to see what the New Year will bring in for me. I. Can't. WAIT!!
When One Door Closes..
It is SO true that when one door closes another one opens. I chose to close the door on my career, but all KINDS of doors are flying open!! I am currently teaching Zumba at a couple of locations and still teaching dance, as well. In the New Year, I will be teaching more Zumba classes and will be apart of a gym in my area! I am very excited about the possibilities out there! If the good Lord is willing and the creeks don't rise, after I pass my Personal Trainer Exam I will be training at a gym in Fannett! This just thrills me to NO END! I want a career that I very much enjoy and will allow me to be available for my children whenever I need to be. This has always been very important to me, but I've always been in a job where if I left then I'd be leaving someone hanging or feel guilty for not getting all the work done before I left or blah blah blah. My dream is to one day become a strength training and conditioning coach. Ideally I would LOVE to work at a University training athletes! How AWESOME would THAT be????? But.. baby steps.. baby steps. Who knows what the future holds, but I am UNBELIEVABLY excited to find out! ;)
What will the New Year bring to you?
"The More You Prepare, The Luckier You Appear" ~ Terry Josephson
Dream a Little Dream
In September, I spoke of "A Bright New Tommorow", but I had NO idea just how bright it was gonna be! I had aspirations, once upon a time, to become a nutritionist or something in the health and fitness field, but that quickly dissipated after gaining weight, getting married, gaining more weight, having children, gaining more weight, working a full time job, and oh.. yeah.. I gained more weight. BUT, after two solid years of eating right and working hard to lose everything I had gained over the years and THEN SOME, I realized what I wanted to be when I grew up! Since I graduated from high school, I worked toward a career as a nine to five pencil pushing momma because I thought that that is what I was supposed to do; little did I know that my lifestyle revolution would take me on a journey that I had only ever dreamed about!
"Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today." ~James Dean
WHEN I GROW UP..
I'm 32 years old and FINALLY know what I want to do with my life! In November, I turned in my notice at my job to embark on a new career as a dance teacher, fitness instructor, and personal trainer. I set out to become a certified Zumba instructor; and because of a very generous, kind woman who barely knows me, but has faith in me and what I am doing, I am able to attend a course at Cooper's Clinic in January to become a Certified Personal Trainer! EXCITED does not even BEGIN to describe how I am feeling these days! I feel like I'm walking in the clouds! There have been a couple of personal trials that I've gone through.. I could sit here and tell you how nervous I am about quitting my job and how I hope that I can do this.. but I'm not. ;) I know that this is what I was made to do. I am so unbelievably at peace with quitting my stable job to start a new career. I don't know all the details, I can't tell you exactly what the future holds, and I can't tell you my 5 year plan.. but what I can tell you is that I know deep down in my SOUL that I will be successful. I may not make millions and become Madonna's personal trainer, but I will be HAPPY! Doors have been opening all over the place for me! There is alot of opportunity and I have lots of things in the works for and in my community. I am so excited to see what the New Year will bring in for me. I. Can't. WAIT!!
"Don't be pushed by your problems. Be led by your dreams.”~ Unknown
When One Door Closes..
It is SO true that when one door closes another one opens. I chose to close the door on my career, but all KINDS of doors are flying open!! I am currently teaching Zumba at a couple of locations and still teaching dance, as well. In the New Year, I will be teaching more Zumba classes and will be apart of a gym in my area! I am very excited about the possibilities out there! If the good Lord is willing and the creeks don't rise, after I pass my Personal Trainer Exam I will be training at a gym in Fannett! This just thrills me to NO END! I want a career that I very much enjoy and will allow me to be available for my children whenever I need to be. This has always been very important to me, but I've always been in a job where if I left then I'd be leaving someone hanging or feel guilty for not getting all the work done before I left or blah blah blah. My dream is to one day become a strength training and conditioning coach. Ideally I would LOVE to work at a University training athletes! How AWESOME would THAT be????? But.. baby steps.. baby steps. Who knows what the future holds, but I am UNBELIEVABLY excited to find out! ;)
What will the New Year bring to you?
“Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe" ~Gail Devers
Nov 29, 2010
MISS ME???
I'm still here and have LOTS in the works! I'll update later this week so STAY TUNED!!! EEEEeeeekkk!!
Sep 22, 2010
A Whole New World
As they say in Weight Watchers, "This isn't a race it's a marathon"! I have learned a new meaning to that over the last several months. The first time I heard that statement was close to two years ago. At that time I was losing on average about two pounds a week and I thought, "Hey.. this marathon thing is really working for me! ;) " I carried on with that kind of weight loss for a good year and then I hit a few bumps in my road and it seemed to get harder and harder. Then as you all know I hit this brick wall. I haven't had any real significant weight loss in a few months. My "marathon" wasn't so much fun as it was frustrating! For a long time this motto, to me, meant that a slow weight loss is good and long lasting. No one needs to lose a huge amount of weight fast because it will cause a SLEW of problems. As of late, I have come to realize that this motto isn't just about the speed at which one should lose weight. There is so much more behind this meaning. When I think of a race, I think of something quick.. fast.. in the moment.. and then it's all over with. It's a sprint from the 50 yard line to the goal line. It's the rabbit trying to catch the carrot. Aaaahhh.. but a marathon. A marathon is slow.. paced.. long lasting.. something that you'll remember forever. It's winning the Superbowl. It's a lesson that will make you grow and will forever stick with you. My marathon has changed from my pushing so hard to make the numbers on the scale go down. My marathon will last me a lifetime. Just like a marathon runner, I have trained and trained. I have met new friends on my route. I have become weary and lost focus at times. I have had my cheerleaders cheering me on. I have learned new things about my life, about myself, about my strength, my endurance, my determination, my confidence and on and on. Being in a marathon gives you time to think and reflect on yourself and your life and I gotta say.. it's getting more and more exciting!! Don't get me wrong.. the numbers on the scale still matter and I still look forward to seeing them drop more and more, but I refuse to let it get me down. Instead I look at the big picture and the wonderful road ahead!
Breaking Boundaries
The numbers on the scale have bounced back and forth over a couple of pounds, but my body is ever changing. I have continued to have some pretty exciting breakthroughs! A few weeks ago I was able to fit into a size 6 jeans. I can't even explain to you how weird that is to even type that. It is an unbelievable feeling. Coming from the size 24 jeans that I started in.. just makes it unimaginable. Just this past week by a total accident I discovered that I fit into a SMALL t-shirt! I have such mixed emotions! Every time I step on that scale I am so frustrated that it just hoovers over the same mark week after week after week. But then great things are happening and progress is still being made.. just in a different way. How can I argue with that? Don't answer that.. I'm sure I'll find a way. I will continue to keep pushing forward in my everlasting marathon. Just because I reach my goal doesn't mean I've crossed the finish line. ;)
A Bright New Tomorrow
A couple of months ago, I was approached with an opportunity to teach a dance class. For those of you who don't know me.. I have always loved dance. It's my thing! I've danced since I was a young girl all the way up through high school. I had looked into being on the Lamar University dance team after I graduated, but unfortunately I didn't meet the requirements.. meaning I was too fat. At that point I gave up pursuing anything that had to do with dance. I was too fat and didn't want to hear anymore rejection so I just stopped. I didn't try to lose weight. I just went on with life. Well here I am 15 years later and a few pounds lighter teaching 6 dance classes a week and looking to teach more! But I'm not stopping there! This has opened up something inside of me that I've had buried for a while. I was too scared of rejection to go for it before, but now I am working toward getting a few fitness certifications and a personal trainer certification so that I can do what I love doing. I still want to go back to school, but baby steps.. baby steps. I believe there is a great opportunity for me out there, not only to support my family, but to have a gratifying life! I am very VERY excited about what my future holds. I'm looking forward to what lies ahead for me!
Wish me luck on my marathon! Are you sprinting? Or are you taking it nice and slow? ;)
Breaking Boundaries
The numbers on the scale have bounced back and forth over a couple of pounds, but my body is ever changing. I have continued to have some pretty exciting breakthroughs! A few weeks ago I was able to fit into a size 6 jeans. I can't even explain to you how weird that is to even type that. It is an unbelievable feeling. Coming from the size 24 jeans that I started in.. just makes it unimaginable. Just this past week by a total accident I discovered that I fit into a SMALL t-shirt! I have such mixed emotions! Every time I step on that scale I am so frustrated that it just hoovers over the same mark week after week after week. But then great things are happening and progress is still being made.. just in a different way. How can I argue with that? Don't answer that.. I'm sure I'll find a way. I will continue to keep pushing forward in my everlasting marathon. Just because I reach my goal doesn't mean I've crossed the finish line. ;)
A Bright New Tomorrow
A couple of months ago, I was approached with an opportunity to teach a dance class. For those of you who don't know me.. I have always loved dance. It's my thing! I've danced since I was a young girl all the way up through high school. I had looked into being on the Lamar University dance team after I graduated, but unfortunately I didn't meet the requirements.. meaning I was too fat. At that point I gave up pursuing anything that had to do with dance. I was too fat and didn't want to hear anymore rejection so I just stopped. I didn't try to lose weight. I just went on with life. Well here I am 15 years later and a few pounds lighter teaching 6 dance classes a week and looking to teach more! But I'm not stopping there! This has opened up something inside of me that I've had buried for a while. I was too scared of rejection to go for it before, but now I am working toward getting a few fitness certifications and a personal trainer certification so that I can do what I love doing. I still want to go back to school, but baby steps.. baby steps. I believe there is a great opportunity for me out there, not only to support my family, but to have a gratifying life! I am very VERY excited about what my future holds. I'm looking forward to what lies ahead for me!
Wish me luck on my marathon! Are you sprinting? Or are you taking it nice and slow? ;)
Aug 3, 2010
F-I-R-E UP! That's the Way We Spell FIRE UP!
I think summer time is my favorite time of the year. I have enjoyed the kids being out of school and our schedules are a little less hectic. It's nice to take a weekend getaway on a whim without having to worry about ball practices and dance recitals. It is the laid back life that I've always loved.. with that, comes laid back meal plans. There aren't "school nights" driving the family to eat at a specific hour so we can get homework done and get to bed at an early hour. Instead you're planning vacations! Weight loss, like vacations, takes much preparation and planning. While on your travels there are ups and downs. There are very exciting moments.. like the anticipation of what is to come and all the places you will visit. There are a few lulls.. like the car ride down a long highway with nothing but trees or open land to look at. There will be moments when you take a wrong turn and get lost and have to back track a couple of miles because you zigged when you should've zagged. It's no secret that I have been going through ups and downs.. some really exciting moments, a few lulls, and even a couple of detours. It's enough to make you CRAZY! In my previous posts you have seen where I have been analyzing myself and why I'm not losing like I did in the beginning. I've analyzed such factors like, adding more weight to my workouts, more cardio, changing my eating, plateaus.. you name it! I've given myself excuses as to why I'm not losing, vowing that I'll analyze that and change. I want nothing more than to reach my goal and lead a healthy happy lifestyle forever and ever amen. But it takes WORK! Constant work. Just when I think I have it all under control, I am quickly reminded that I'm not invincible. It's not an obsession, but it is something that HAS to stay at the forefront of your mind. It may not be a HUGE battle every second of the day to stay away from the junk.. but all it takes it a few compliments and a pat on the back for all of your hard work and you start to think that one day of cheating won't hurt you. Then before you know it, one day turns into a day and a half.. turns into Friday evening through Sunday at lunch and maybe dinner if you weren't TOO bad over the weekend. ;) Sound familiar? Yep.. it's the game. We all play the game. Well.. if this is a game.. I want to be the CHEERLEADER!
The Only Way to Not Go Back is to NOT GO BACK!
These are my mother's wise words. I don't ever intend on going back to the way I was before.. overweight, miserable, and unhappy. I have worked very hard and continue to work even harder. Maybe I'm too tough on myself, but I'm afraid to let up. It's not easy mentally or physically and I'm terrified to let it all go to waste. If i have a lax attitude, it'll be too easy get back into old habits. I'm not perfect and I will cheat, have emotional moments, have 'what the hell' moments, etc.. so by setting my expectations so high it gives me a little cushion before I get out of hand. So yeah.. I have my moments of letting loose and splurging (or over splurging in some cases) but I reign it in by being hard on me. Is this making ANY sense? Because it all does in my head. LOL! :D
The Devil Made Me Do It
Along with less hectic schedules and laid back meal plans, summer time brings back yard bbq's, gatherings, parties, and drinks on the patio. In the beginning, I had realized how many empty calories alcohol had and that I was really wasting my "Points" on such crap. I could handle a drink every now and then, but when I would go out and really party it up.. not only was I dealing with the empty calories and tons of sugar in the drinks, but I was also having to deal with the late night drive thru and let's not forget the day after. Who doesn't eat crap when you have a hangover. Jack in the Box has never tasted so good! I was so focused on the effects of one night of drinking that I had quit drinking so much so often (and no.. I don't have a drinking problem). Well.. since my favorite season has rolled back around and I'm gracing my presence at all these different social gatherings, I've let myself slip back into the drinking habit. It doesn't have to be every weekend, but just a night/weekend here, there, and everywhere really starts to add up. Over this past weekend there were two nights where I drank more than I should have and dealt with the day after effects. No fun I tell you. It effects my eating and my workouts. I am sabotaging myself. I'm fooling myself into thinking that just a "night out" won't hurt me. In reality, a night out won't hurt you.. it's the repeated nights out. That continuous accountability that I've talked about before really helps. I may be trying to fool myself.. but once you step on the scale there is no more fooling. Do you really know how fast junk and alcohol for a weekend can pack on the pounds? LOL! I mean.. really .. it's SICKENING! So who was I really fooling? LOL! NO ONE! I am ashamed to report that I packed on about 6 pounds over the weekend. I don't enjoy sharing that information, but it is what it is and I've always said that I would be accountable for my actions. Was this a vacation weekend? No. Was this a super exciting weekend that I'll never forget or regret? Umm.. newp. It was just another weekend with another gathering with some really great people. Was it worth the added weight and added work I'll have to do? Hell to tha NO! Damn you SATAN for putting that alcohol and hot links to my lips! BAH!
I have stepped back, looked at myself, analyzed, re-analysed.. and now I'm just going to humble myself, keep my head down and work hard. It is so hard to keep focus when life gets in the way.. but that's just another excuse.. and I'm FRESH OUT of excuses. I'm still not giving up on my goals. It may not happen in the time frame I've set for myself, but the point is to TRY and get there. So here I go.. one step at a time! ;)
P.S.
This blog and weight loss journey is brought to you by the Good Lord himself, because without Him there would be no weight loss journey. :)
The Only Way to Not Go Back is to NOT GO BACK!
These are my mother's wise words. I don't ever intend on going back to the way I was before.. overweight, miserable, and unhappy. I have worked very hard and continue to work even harder. Maybe I'm too tough on myself, but I'm afraid to let up. It's not easy mentally or physically and I'm terrified to let it all go to waste. If i have a lax attitude, it'll be too easy get back into old habits. I'm not perfect and I will cheat, have emotional moments, have 'what the hell' moments, etc.. so by setting my expectations so high it gives me a little cushion before I get out of hand. So yeah.. I have my moments of letting loose and splurging (or over splurging in some cases) but I reign it in by being hard on me. Is this making ANY sense? Because it all does in my head. LOL! :D
The Devil Made Me Do It
Along with less hectic schedules and laid back meal plans, summer time brings back yard bbq's, gatherings, parties, and drinks on the patio. In the beginning, I had realized how many empty calories alcohol had and that I was really wasting my "Points" on such crap. I could handle a drink every now and then, but when I would go out and really party it up.. not only was I dealing with the empty calories and tons of sugar in the drinks, but I was also having to deal with the late night drive thru and let's not forget the day after. Who doesn't eat crap when you have a hangover. Jack in the Box has never tasted so good! I was so focused on the effects of one night of drinking that I had quit drinking so much so often (and no.. I don't have a drinking problem). Well.. since my favorite season has rolled back around and I'm gracing my presence at all these different social gatherings, I've let myself slip back into the drinking habit. It doesn't have to be every weekend, but just a night/weekend here, there, and everywhere really starts to add up. Over this past weekend there were two nights where I drank more than I should have and dealt with the day after effects. No fun I tell you. It effects my eating and my workouts. I am sabotaging myself. I'm fooling myself into thinking that just a "night out" won't hurt me. In reality, a night out won't hurt you.. it's the repeated nights out. That continuous accountability that I've talked about before really helps. I may be trying to fool myself.. but once you step on the scale there is no more fooling. Do you really know how fast junk and alcohol for a weekend can pack on the pounds? LOL! I mean.. really .. it's SICKENING! So who was I really fooling? LOL! NO ONE! I am ashamed to report that I packed on about 6 pounds over the weekend. I don't enjoy sharing that information, but it is what it is and I've always said that I would be accountable for my actions. Was this a vacation weekend? No. Was this a super exciting weekend that I'll never forget or regret? Umm.. newp. It was just another weekend with another gathering with some really great people. Was it worth the added weight and added work I'll have to do? Hell to tha NO! Damn you SATAN for putting that alcohol and hot links to my lips! BAH!
I have stepped back, looked at myself, analyzed, re-analysed.. and now I'm just going to humble myself, keep my head down and work hard. It is so hard to keep focus when life gets in the way.. but that's just another excuse.. and I'm FRESH OUT of excuses. I'm still not giving up on my goals. It may not happen in the time frame I've set for myself, but the point is to TRY and get there. So here I go.. one step at a time! ;)
P.S.
This blog and weight loss journey is brought to you by the Good Lord himself, because without Him there would be no weight loss journey. :)
Jul 12, 2010
Lighting a Fire
We've just returned from a great weekend getaway in The Big Easy! We had so much fun that I think I might move there! LOL! We parked the truck when we got there and walked everywhere! The next time we saw our vehicle was when we were pulling out of the hotel. It was a great experience and I am already planning the next getaway there! Now.. let's get down to bidness. I'd love nothing more than to tell you how I was well prepared and stayed on target the entire time with only little splurges.. but that's not how it went down. Sure, I tried picking the healthier choices here and there, even split a few meals with my husband, and I'm happy to report that I didn't drink myself to the verge of death as I've done in the past; but the reality of it is that there was some pretty awesome food there! It was also very rich and it didn't take long for me to realize that my appetite isn't the same as it once was. We went to one restaurant where the waitress went on and on about how 'good the food was mainly because of all of the butter that it was cooked in'.. and boy was there some butter! As you can imagine, it was challenging to make healthier choices in a place known for their fine cuisine! I could also tell you how awful I feel and how I hate myself.. but I'm not! ;) Wanna know why? Because I enjoyed myself! I didn't hate it one single bit! I tried to be cautious and not over stuff myself, but I enjoyed my vacation and the food that went along with it. I didn't abandon all that I've learned, but I did live a little.. and that's okay. I don't do this everyday. I don't feel that I "deserved" it either.. food isn't my reward. My reward was having a wonderful vacation and being able to be comfortable in my own skin and loving the new me! That being said.. I am back to reality and it's time to get this mutha back on track!
Complacency is a BEAST!
A few short weeks ago, I had finally broken my plateau. I had a consistent loss for a few weeks in a row. But I see myself becoming complacent again. I know that I'm not yet where I want to be, but the thoughts of "you've come along way" or "you don't need to work SO hard" start to creep in. That is one of the scariest things YET! It's time to shake off those "you deserve a break" thoughts and get to work! I set a goal a looooong time ago to lose 100 pounds.. and even though I'm not there yet, I'm ready to set a new goal. I feel like a new person and should re-evaluate where I am and move forward. No more looking back! I'm gonna drive this baby home! This week I've started a new 'diet' (gawd I despise that word) plan. As I've said before, I thirst for knowledge. To be successful, you have to accept change. What worked for me 9 months ago doesn't work for me now in both my 'diet' and my workouts. If I don't grow how will I ever reach my goal? In this 'diet' I'm learning, not necessarily to change what I'm eating, but more a change in how I eat it. It has a direct effect on the hormones in my body.. a hormone called leptin that sends signals to the brain that there is fat on the body. When your leptin levels are high then your body recognizes that there is fat, but when your leptin levels are low then your body tends to think that there isn't fat to be lost. Needless to say.. after my vacation, my leptin levels are through the ROOF! LOL! But that's okay.. it's all apart of my plan! ;)
Embracing Who I Am
It seems that the closer I get to my goal and the more knowledge I gain, more people have asked me for advice, tips, motivation, etc. While I am far from being an expert on any of this, I do know what's worked for me. I know my own body. I know what my weaknesses are. I know what my strengths are. I know how to motivate myself. I KNOW ME! By being confident in myself, I think it draws people to want that same confidence. Not necessarily to be me.. but they want to know what it takes to know themselves! I'm always ready to give people ideas about what works for me regarding workouts and meal ideas.. but I've honestly always felt silly about it. I felt like "who am I to give anyone advice"... well, I've finally come to accept and embrace who I am. I am a woman who has worked very hard for a long time and over came a huge obstacle that many people find frustrating. I am a woman who works for a living and raises two children who has stopped making excuses for myself. I am a woman who is proud of what's been accomplished and enjoys so much more in life. I am a woman with perseverance and determination to get to the next level. I will no longer be embarrassed about what I've learned along the way. THAT is who I am!
Setting a New Goal
As I've said earlier, it is time to re-evaluate myself and set new goals. This is kinda skeerin' me.. but I have to make it public. I have to be accountable. My new goal is to lose 25 pounds by October 15th. It is a realistic goal.. but rest assured that it will be no easy feat. It will take continued hard work and constant awareness of what I am putting into my body. This will bring me to a 117lb weight loss. That is seriously an entire healthy grown adult. I WILL reach my goal. Wish me luck.. I'm on the road home with a LOAD of knowledge!
Complacency is a BEAST!
A few short weeks ago, I had finally broken my plateau. I had a consistent loss for a few weeks in a row. But I see myself becoming complacent again. I know that I'm not yet where I want to be, but the thoughts of "you've come along way" or "you don't need to work SO hard" start to creep in. That is one of the scariest things YET! It's time to shake off those "you deserve a break" thoughts and get to work! I set a goal a looooong time ago to lose 100 pounds.. and even though I'm not there yet, I'm ready to set a new goal. I feel like a new person and should re-evaluate where I am and move forward. No more looking back! I'm gonna drive this baby home! This week I've started a new 'diet' (gawd I despise that word) plan. As I've said before, I thirst for knowledge. To be successful, you have to accept change. What worked for me 9 months ago doesn't work for me now in both my 'diet' and my workouts. If I don't grow how will I ever reach my goal? In this 'diet' I'm learning, not necessarily to change what I'm eating, but more a change in how I eat it. It has a direct effect on the hormones in my body.. a hormone called leptin that sends signals to the brain that there is fat on the body. When your leptin levels are high then your body recognizes that there is fat, but when your leptin levels are low then your body tends to think that there isn't fat to be lost. Needless to say.. after my vacation, my leptin levels are through the ROOF! LOL! But that's okay.. it's all apart of my plan! ;)
Embracing Who I Am
It seems that the closer I get to my goal and the more knowledge I gain, more people have asked me for advice, tips, motivation, etc. While I am far from being an expert on any of this, I do know what's worked for me. I know my own body. I know what my weaknesses are. I know what my strengths are. I know how to motivate myself. I KNOW ME! By being confident in myself, I think it draws people to want that same confidence. Not necessarily to be me.. but they want to know what it takes to know themselves! I'm always ready to give people ideas about what works for me regarding workouts and meal ideas.. but I've honestly always felt silly about it. I felt like "who am I to give anyone advice"... well, I've finally come to accept and embrace who I am. I am a woman who has worked very hard for a long time and over came a huge obstacle that many people find frustrating. I am a woman who works for a living and raises two children who has stopped making excuses for myself. I am a woman who is proud of what's been accomplished and enjoys so much more in life. I am a woman with perseverance and determination to get to the next level. I will no longer be embarrassed about what I've learned along the way. THAT is who I am!
Setting a New Goal
As I've said earlier, it is time to re-evaluate myself and set new goals. This is kinda skeerin' me.. but I have to make it public. I have to be accountable. My new goal is to lose 25 pounds by October 15th. It is a realistic goal.. but rest assured that it will be no easy feat. It will take continued hard work and constant awareness of what I am putting into my body. This will bring me to a 117lb weight loss. That is seriously an entire healthy grown adult. I WILL reach my goal. Wish me luck.. I'm on the road home with a LOAD of knowledge!
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