New Way to Track

So late last week I ordered a paper diet and exercise tracker. It is the DietMinder Personal Food and Fitness Journal. It can be seen here.

I've never tracked my food and activity by hand. I have always done it on the WW online tracker. My WW subscription is due to expire the beginning of December, and I haven't decided if I will renew it right away. I think I'm going to see how I do actually writing things down the next few weeks while tracking pp's with WW before I decide on my WW subscription.

First page (starting tomorrow). It tracks calories, fat, carbs, fiber and protein, and has a couple spots if you want to track something else.

Page 2 of day one. Has a spot for activity, vitamins and water intake.

Fresh Start

I know I've done this before. You're probably just as tired of hearing it as I am saying it.

I was thinking last night about my WLJ and how it is going nowhere fast. I've been losing and gaining the same 5 pounds since July/August. I've been lazy. I've been complacent. I've not been giving it any effort basically at all. I haven't tried like I should. And I haven't wanted it like I wish.

I'm starting over from scratch. I'm going to pretend this is my first time back at WW. I'm going to track and measure everything. I'm going to make sure I get in the good health guidelines (fruits, veggies, water, healthy oils and dairy). I reset my tracker to start from scratch. I know I can do this. I know how much I really want to succeed. I know that I'm going to have to work my ass off (literally). I'm prepared to give it my all. This will be my last time starting over.

To begin with I'm going to take it one meal at a time. If I keep doing that then I will basically be stringing good, OP days together, which will lead to weeks and months. I will be successful this time. I'm going to focus on why I really want to succeed and remind myself of it everyday.

Source: Pinterest

20 days!

This is the trophy you get on WW when you track your food, activity and good health guidelines for 20 days in one month.  Mine popped up today :)  I honestly can't remember the last time I received one of these. I'm proud. There were days when I thought the workouts would kill me, but I obviously survived. My goal for November is 20 workouts as well and tracking my food and GHGs all 30 days.

June Wrap-Up

Personally, June was a great month for me!  Let's re-cap

The Goals:
1. WO 4-5 times a week. -I hit this one all but the 3rd week in June.
2. Lose 5-10 lbs. -I didn't hit this one, but I did lose 2.2 last month. Doesn't seem like much, but to me, it is success.
3. Track Everything. -Huge success. I have tracked 100% since June 4th!

I was by far more active this month than I have been in a long time. I found Zumba, and love it.  I feel so much better since I'm moving more!  I can tell a difference in how my clothes (some of them) are fitting. I saw a number on the scale this morning (an unofficial weigh in) and it made me super excited and motivated! 

I want to feel like this at the end of every.single.month. That is my goal. To start feeling good about myself!

I'll be back later today, hopefully, with some goals for July!

June Already?

Seriously, where has the time gone?  Time for a May wrap-up and time to set some goals for June.

I didn't really set any goals for May, just to stay mostly on plan and make some progress. 
May Starting: 258.8
May Ending: 255.8
Difference: -3 lbs. 

I'll take it. I had 2 weeks of maintaining in there, so I'm ok with that.  I did count this week as a maintain, because I didn't have my meeting on Monday, due to the holiday.

I finally managed to take my measurements this morning.  I took them when I recommitted on April 16th, so about 6 weeks had passed. I had a few pair of pants that seemed to be fitting slightly better in places, so I was curious where my measurements stood.

Measurements on 4/16		Measurements on 6/1		Change
Arm: 17 inches		Arm: 16.25 inches		-0.25
Hips: 54 inches		Hips: 54 inches		0
Bust: 46 inches		Bust: 45 inches		-1
Waist: 39 inches		Waist: 38 inches		-1
Thigh: 33 inches		Thigh: 30.25 inches		-2.75

Total inches lost: -5.5

I'm thrilled with that number, and it gives me the motivation to make June a great month.  Speaking of June, lets get to some goals

1. Workout 4-5 times a week.
2. Lose 5-10 pounds
3. Track everyday

Anyone else have a good May?  What are your goals for June?

Scale Tales

-0.4 this week.  I was hoping for a little more (but who doesn't).  This was my 5th weight in at meetings, and I'm down 4 total. I've had one week where I gained (pms week), but I have noticed that meetings really are helping me.  I don't like having someone else actually see that I gain.  I've been much more consistent this time around, and that makes me very happy.

My mom got a stationary bike on Sunday, so I'm going to start using it tonight.  I won't have my meeting next week, due to the holiday, but week after next I will surpass 1 pound, and get my first 5 pound star!  I will do this!

Updates

Work has been so crazy, and I haven't even had a chance to think about blogging the last couple days.

But, Monday night I went to my first ever WW meeting.  I really think I'm going to like it.  The leader was very energetic and helpful, so hopefully that is what I need!

I'm going to essentially start over with my weight, as of Monday night.  Its going to take a little time to get used to having to WI at night, and not first thing in the morning, but I'm sure I'll manage.

Weight as of 4/16: 259.8 (up about 3 lbs from my Monday morning weight--I still weighed myself Monday am this week)  But I know we all fluctuate throughout the day, so I'm not worried.

A Bit of a Change

I made the decision yesterday to start going to WW meetings. I've never been to a meeting before, so I'm kinda nervous about it.  But I think I need the accountability that meetings can give me.  Hopefully it goes well and I feel like I can connect with the meeting and leader.  I'm excited!

March Wrap-Up and April Goals

March wasn't a great month for me.  I didn't meet any of the goals.  But I was down a net -0.2, so that is a plus.  I just didn't give March my all like I know I can.  I didn't work out at all. I didn't try new recipes, I ate out more than I should, and I didn't lose what I wanted to.  But...it's ok.  Life will go on.


----

April Goals
1. Lose 6.3 and get out of the 250s for good. A hefty goal, but one I can hit if I really focus.
2. Work out 3-4 times a week.  I ordered a couple new DVD's and they are still in the shrink wrap waiting to be opened. 
3. Track.

I'm going to really keep myself accountable this month.  I want to have a great spring and get ready for summer!

Here's to a great April for everyone! *Cheers*

Scale Tales Monday

Last week: 256.8
This week: 258.6
Difference: +2


I've been really lax the last couple weeks. I didn't renew my WW subscription, thinking I could do it on my own. I rejoined this morning after stepping on the scale.  I have no excuses for gaining 3 lbs the last 2 weeks. I've deserved them.  I think I needed them. I'm going to work hard this week.  I'm going to start working out again.  I'm going to start pre-planning my foods, and not just winging it.  That is killing me more than anything, I think. 

Funk Yesterday

So I was in a ginormous funk yesterday, and I apologize for that really long, sad post yesterday.  Granted it wasn't really sad, just funk-y?  I was horrible yesterday, and so emotional and on the verge of tears all day.  Ya know that lump in your throat you get if you're about to cry, but trying not to?  I had it all.day.long.

But today, I'm better.  I did create a budget last night.  First thing is to pay off my credit card, which I will do with part of my tax refund.  The rest of it will go into savings.  Then everything I've been paying on my credit card (400-500/mo) will go into savings. 

I definitely blew the wedding cost thing out of proportion yesterday (I apologize again, haha).  If I can get $450 (at least) into savings every month, starting in February, then by October (hopeful wedding date is the 13th) I'll have $3,600 (not including what is there now and the tax refund).  The two big purchases on my shoulder will be venue and photographer.  I already knew this wedding wasn't going to be out of the water expensive, and now I've become comfortable splurging a little for my big day.  Whew.  I feel better :)  If anyone in the area has photographer recommendations, send 'em my way!


In other news, Sunday will mark 3 full weeks of tracking!  They say it takes 21 days to make a habit, so hopefully it's a good sign!  This weekend I'll come up with another mini goal to concentrate on for 3 weeks.  Probably exercise related, but I'm not sure yet.

Now to make myself do some work.  It's so hard staying motivated when you don't like your job...

Scale Tales Monday

-0.6 (257.4)
Total since recommitting on 12/27/11: -2.8

I love seeing those negative numbers!! 

After today I will have 2 full weeks of tracking my food and everything completely! Score!

Now I'm off to Farmville to take my sister back to school.

Rainy Day

I hate rainy days, especially in winter. If it is 36 degrees, it should be snowing.

After today, I will have tracked my food, activity and GHG's for 1 whole week! That is huge for me!

Today looks a little like this:

B: 2 eggs, 2 turkey sausage links (6 pp)
S: greek yogurt (4 pp)
L: salad (with some toppings), chili (10 pp)
S: orange and string cheese (1 pp)
D: not sure yet, but I have 19 pp left.
Beverage: lots of water
Activity: DVD at home

Almost the weekend!

This is day three of tracking everything that goes into my mouth!  Last nights dinner wasn't fully accurate, because I didn't cook it, but I guessed and threw in a few extras to cover myself.

Speaking of last nights dinner, it was good. pasta with a chicken/sour cream/cream cheese mixture.  Well it was good until I was up at midnight with the worst stomach ache among other problems I won't mention...My guess is wayyy too much dairy.

Today's menu has looked like this
B: 2 chocolate chip muffins (nutritious, I know) (9pp) (also didn't keep me full at all, and I was ravenous by 10 am)
S: Chex Mix snack bar (3 pp)
L: Grilled Shrimp and Cauliflower w/cheese (7pp)
S: Fiber One brownie (2pp)
D: Ribeye steak (8pp), some veggies (pp unknown), glass of wine (4 pp)
Beverages: lots of water, so far I've had about 64 oz before dinner

That is leaving me 7 pp for the rest of dinner and considering I estimated the steak, I think I'm covered.

My snacks weren't great today, but I left the fruit at home I had planned to bring. I also need to go shopping for produce like crazy. I think I'll do that tomorrow.

Tonight, I'm going to get my workout on. I need to get into a routine again!

Meal Plan

So here is what my day looks like
B: 2 packets of maple and brown sugar oatmeal (8pp) (if I don't have a big enough breakfast I'm ravenous throughout the day, hence the 2 packs)
S: ?
L: 1 can of Progresso Chicken and Dumpling soup (4 pp) and 1 peanut butter sandwich (7pp)
S: ?
D: Unsure as my future brother in law is cooking dinner tonight, but I still have 21 pp's to play with.

I have no idea what I'll want to snack on--so technically after snacks I'll have around 18 pp's for dinner.

In other news, the fire department is now occupying our office building.  This morning all of a sudden, I smelt something burning.  The owner of the office next door came offer and told us they had called the fire department, as they actually had smoke coming out of their heat vents.  Now I'm suffering with nausia and can feel a headache coming on big time. 

New Year, New Goals

I hate resolutions.  So for the first time in my life, I don't have any. I've never kept them anyway.

So this year, I have goals instead.

1. Health first: I'm going to really stick to my WLJ.  I have a number in mind that I'd like to get to by the end of the year, but I'm going to keep it to myself for now.  But I do have it written down.  I've renewed my Weight Watchers membership, and I'm ready to do this.
2. Get in an exercise routine.  My first goal is going to be 3 days a week.  I'll increase as I get into it more.  But I don't want to burn myself out too soon.
3. Plan my wedding. Pretty self explainatory.  We haven't set a date yet, but I'm thinking probably October or November.
4. Pay off my credit card and get a decent amount in savings.
5. Get a new job.  This has been a goal for the last 1.5 years now.  I'm going to up the job search and re-vamp my resume, and I will get a new job this year.

A Look Back

A lot happened in 2011.

I met and am now engaged to this guy

We took a mini vacation to the Smokies and caught a glimpse of this fuzzy guy

We took a camping trip, where it was about 40 degrees at the top of Whitetop, VA in August.  And I had a breakdown.

 

I bred my first Whippet litter, and the puppies are looking promising.

I had to make a very hard decision about Blake.

I had lots of happy times but a fair share amount of sad ones.

Overall, it was a good year.

Accountability

I've been doing some really hard thinking today (scary, I know).  I need new accountability.  I'm attempting this weight loss thing on my own at the moment.  On Mondays, I'm going to start posting my weights, not just loses, but my actual weight.  I'm actually going to start now by posting Mondays WI...

256.6

The highest I've been on a WI day was last weeks 258.2. I don't want to see 260. Hell, I don't want to see anything above were I'm at this week, ever again.  I need to get a handle on this. I have my gyn appt in early Feb, and I really don't want him saying anything about my weight this year, like he did last year (I was 248 at that appointment last year). I'd like to be back down to at least that when I go, so he doesn't see that I gained over the last year.

I'm unhappy with where I've been in the journey the last few months.  I must start working out again. I need to start planning activity and at least breakfast/lunches on the weekends for the following week.  Planning helps me (especially when it comes to lunches).  I'm still not rejoining WW yet, maybe in a few months if I feel like I need it. But after being on WW for a year, I know what I need to do. I still don't want to have to count points and all that.  I just want to be able to put forth the effort that I need to, to get it done.

Earlier this week, I caught myself thinking "New Years is in a few weeks, I'll just start over then."  Luckily I caught myself. Because if I kept going, I would have been 260-something by then, and that would have been worse.  Yes it's only a few lbs, but it's all about perception...260 is a decade more than 250.

I will have a loss this week, and the weeks after.  I will NOT gain through Christmas. I will enjoy the time with my family and friends, but I will stay active and be mindful. By New Years (I'll WI on Jan 2nd) I will be at 250, or damn close to it.  I WILL. 

I'm going to quite letting stress get the best of me, and I will start paying attention to real hunger signals. I will stop binging. I will (and am as I type this) throw out the candy in my desk drawer, and it won't be replaced.

I'm sick of making excuses for myself. They are just holding me back. And it really has taken awhile to come to this point.

I will tackle this, and I will start today.

11/11/11

Happy Veteran's Day to all the past and present people that have and will serve our country!


So, today is 11/11/11, something about that makes me happy.

And for the record, I will have one bad-ass wish today at 11:11 am.  :)



I have been such a bad weight loser lately.  I have lost my mojo, and need to find it.  I mean, I haven't been horrible, as in I haven't gained much.  But considering I have so much to lose, I should be losing.  I did end up canceling my WW membership, for now. I'm tired of counting points and all of that. So I've decided for a couple of weeks, I'm just going to go off of how I feel. I mean, I know what I should and shouldn't eat (thanks to WW the last year), but I really need to learn how to not mindlessly eat or eat my emotions <---totally guilty on that one.  So, for the next 2 weeks, I'm going to really pay attention to hunger signals and how I'm feeling.  I'll still WI on Monday's like usual, but no more counting points or calories (not that I did that anyway).  We'll see how this goes.

Weddings and such

So with all this wedding talk lately, I've slowly become obsessed...

A few posts ago, I posted about possibly doing an elopment ceremony.  You can read about it here.  Well I've changed my mind (big surprise there).

I've decided I have to have my family and close friends there. It will be smallish and intimate, but they will be there. I had told my parents about the elopement thing, and were fine (that is what they did), but last night when I told them I changed my mind, I could see their eyes light up :)

I'm thinking of trying to find a really cute B&B that would also cater for the reception, so there would only be one location. 

Granted, I still don't have a ring, but I know it's coming, so it is ok to think about the future. Right?


Money is tight lately, thanks to Christmas. I may cancel my WW membership until after the holidays. I could definitely use the refund that I would be getting, even if it is only $30. haha. Decisions, decisions. If I do, I'll still WI like normal, etc. And hopefully at least maintain through the holidays.  We will see...