So last week it appears I gained slightly. Nothing too alarming. It was basically because of my lack of healthy eating at dinner, and lack of exercise. I forgive myself though. And will do better this week.
This week, I've decided to start counting calories. Since I joined the pound for pound challenge, I don't want to let the food bank down. So a little bit of discipline is in order. Counting calories is so not hard when you use www.sparkpeople.com nutrition tracker. It makes it easy, and most every food you can eat, good, bad or otherwise are already loaded. My goal is to stay around 1600 calories a day, and burn at least 300 at the gym on the days I actually make it there. I also want to make a better effort to work out at home on the days that I am not. I ordered a new workout dvd that I get to try free for 21 days. I will give that a shot when it arrives next week, but until then. I need to really get to the gym more often. After all, my first 5K on May 29th is just around the corner.
Already this week, I have been reminded of who is in charge. And, it most definitely isn't me. Thank GOD for GOD and JESUS. Because without them, and without faith, I would be nothing. If I have learned anything from this journey, it is that with God, anything is possible. And when I let go and let God, miracles happen. And miracles come in all shapes and sizes. I will be thankful for every single blessing, big or small that I run into.
Alright, family is home which means mommy break is officially over. Time to read books, go for a walk, eat dinner, and rejoice in the rest of this day!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
-1.4 this week!
I'm very happy to announce that after a week of very little exercise, I am down 1.4 lbs. Proof that adjusting your diet does work! So just imagine what will happen when I continue with the healthy diet and get on a exercise routine :)
Last week I signed up for the pound for pound challenge, pledging to lose 50 lbs by June 30th. I know that is a stretch. But it you think about it, it is only about 5lbs a week. I will not be upset if I don't get all 50 lbs. But I will bust my tail trying. There is something easier about chasing my own goals when they will benefit someone else too! Every pound I lose, the challenge will donate the same about in food to the local food bank.
This week, I will begin to do a 30 minute workout in the morning at home and 100 crunches, and then attempt to go to the gym at least 3 days to do my couch to 5K training. I'm walking in my first 5K on May 29th! Kenny will actually be running in it too! I'll probably be pushing the kids, lol. Then the kids will run/walk in the 1 mile fun run. I'm very excited about doing this as a family. It is so motivating when my personal journey is not alone!
Alright, that is all for today. Thank you to all of my cheerleaders!
Lori
Last week I signed up for the pound for pound challenge, pledging to lose 50 lbs by June 30th. I know that is a stretch. But it you think about it, it is only about 5lbs a week. I will not be upset if I don't get all 50 lbs. But I will bust my tail trying. There is something easier about chasing my own goals when they will benefit someone else too! Every pound I lose, the challenge will donate the same about in food to the local food bank.
This week, I will begin to do a 30 minute workout in the morning at home and 100 crunches, and then attempt to go to the gym at least 3 days to do my couch to 5K training. I'm walking in my first 5K on May 29th! Kenny will actually be running in it too! I'll probably be pushing the kids, lol. Then the kids will run/walk in the 1 mile fun run. I'm very excited about doing this as a family. It is so motivating when my personal journey is not alone!
Alright, that is all for today. Thank you to all of my cheerleaders!
Lori
Monday, March 15, 2010
One month mark
Well, today is officially one month since I started this venture, officially on this blog, anyway. I don't think I did too bad, considering all of the challenges I had.
Total loss for the 1st month is 4 lbs!
That is 4 lbs that I will never see again!
This week, I am starting to train for my first 5K which I will walk (or maybe jog ;) ) on May 29th with my hubby! I am very excited, because after that, I will officially start training for my first 1/2 marathon in Chicago, which is August 1st.
I really need to be more dedicated to my activity. So far, I feel like I am all talk and no show. I want to go to the gym, and I want to do stuff at home, but I feel like I'm too worn out, for find reasons why I can't. That needs to stop. I've conquered the cravings, now it's time to conquer the excuses. I was watching the biggest loser this weekend in between cleaning. Last week was work week. They had to work 40 hours, plus work out 1hr in the morning and 1hr on the evening, and still do well in the competition to stay in the game. It was exhausting, and they were not allowed to make excuses. And every one of them lost. Until that show, I kinda thought, well it's all good for them, they get to work out 6 hours a day. It really hit home when they had to do what I do all day and still compete. So, if they can do it I can do it. I can't go to the gym twice a day, with hubby's schedule. But I can workout at home in the morning. It just takes a little motivation, and drive to get my rear out of bed earlier. And I can go to the gym at least once a day, I just need to manage my time a little better. It is important that this mission not cut into my family time. My kids cannot suffer at my expense. So, I have a lot to figure out. And I will. It won't be overnight, maybe not even this week. But it will happen. And I will not only be healthier, my family will be happier and more relaxed in the process.
So, this month, my goal is to get organized. I need to prioritize my goals. I need to realize my priorities and stick to them. And if it means the dishes sit in the sink until tomorrow so I can work out a little harder, so be it. Because, this is my last straw!
On my way to being Fabulous At Forty!
Total loss for the 1st month is 4 lbs!
That is 4 lbs that I will never see again!
This week, I am starting to train for my first 5K which I will walk (or maybe jog ;) ) on May 29th with my hubby! I am very excited, because after that, I will officially start training for my first 1/2 marathon in Chicago, which is August 1st.
I really need to be more dedicated to my activity. So far, I feel like I am all talk and no show. I want to go to the gym, and I want to do stuff at home, but I feel like I'm too worn out, for find reasons why I can't. That needs to stop. I've conquered the cravings, now it's time to conquer the excuses. I was watching the biggest loser this weekend in between cleaning. Last week was work week. They had to work 40 hours, plus work out 1hr in the morning and 1hr on the evening, and still do well in the competition to stay in the game. It was exhausting, and they were not allowed to make excuses. And every one of them lost. Until that show, I kinda thought, well it's all good for them, they get to work out 6 hours a day. It really hit home when they had to do what I do all day and still compete. So, if they can do it I can do it. I can't go to the gym twice a day, with hubby's schedule. But I can workout at home in the morning. It just takes a little motivation, and drive to get my rear out of bed earlier. And I can go to the gym at least once a day, I just need to manage my time a little better. It is important that this mission not cut into my family time. My kids cannot suffer at my expense. So, I have a lot to figure out. And I will. It won't be overnight, maybe not even this week. But it will happen. And I will not only be healthier, my family will be happier and more relaxed in the process.
So, this month, my goal is to get organized. I need to prioritize my goals. I need to realize my priorities and stick to them. And if it means the dishes sit in the sink until tomorrow so I can work out a little harder, so be it. Because, this is my last straw!
On my way to being Fabulous At Forty!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
A bit of inspiration in unlikely places
It's amazing how little comments can make this journey so much easier. And they can also inspire! Last week, two very cool things happened to make me push even harder!
In therapy, I pushed through a bunch of my exercises that many of the folks in the same boat as I, struggle through. When my therapist saw I was done, he said, wow, that was quick, especially since we raised the weight on your leg! I was like, SCORE! 1 pt, Lori. Then, the PTA said, she is really FIT. WHAT???? Lori and the word FIT, in the same sentence? That is the one 3 letter "f" word I'd never thought I'd here describing me. Then they went on to say something about my 1/2 marathon in August, but I was still glowing from FIT :) Awesome!
Then on Sunday, I tried on a couple of my new work shirts. They fit a little snug because they are this different weird material. I asked Kenny what he thought. He said that they looked good. I was like thanks, but they are a little snug. He said they were fine, and besides, at the rate your going, they won't be snug for long. That was soo cool. Kenny is not loose with the compliments. I think I can count on two fingers, how often he has told me I'm beautiful. So, for him to say something like that is HUGE! It also tells me he believes in me. And that is the best feeling ever.
So, with that said, I'm off to exercise. Crunches anyone?
G'nite!
In therapy, I pushed through a bunch of my exercises that many of the folks in the same boat as I, struggle through. When my therapist saw I was done, he said, wow, that was quick, especially since we raised the weight on your leg! I was like, SCORE! 1 pt, Lori. Then, the PTA said, she is really FIT. WHAT???? Lori and the word FIT, in the same sentence? That is the one 3 letter "f" word I'd never thought I'd here describing me. Then they went on to say something about my 1/2 marathon in August, but I was still glowing from FIT :) Awesome!
Then on Sunday, I tried on a couple of my new work shirts. They fit a little snug because they are this different weird material. I asked Kenny what he thought. He said that they looked good. I was like thanks, but they are a little snug. He said they were fine, and besides, at the rate your going, they won't be snug for long. That was soo cool. Kenny is not loose with the compliments. I think I can count on two fingers, how often he has told me I'm beautiful. So, for him to say something like that is HUGE! It also tells me he believes in me. And that is the best feeling ever.
So, with that said, I'm off to exercise. Crunches anyone?
G'nite!
Monday, March 8, 2010
The timely stomach bug
So, last week was pretty rough. I struggled over cravings, lack of activity, and sleepiness. I also ate like crap. Well, not really that bad, but not as good as I would have liked, especially for dinner. I was on track to gain 1 lb. Then it came. The monster that struck my mom, daughter and son. I thought I lucked out, but nope. The stomach bug bit me. And I really can't complain. Cause, I lost 3 lbs this week, probably all today, lol!
I had a plan going in to this week, but it sorta derailed with the arrival of the previously stated. That's alright though, I'll get back on track tomorrow. I feel well rested, and rather empty. A little jump start. Not the kind I would have asked for, but it's not up to me! Prayers are not always answered the way we ask for them!
This week I will concentrate on stretching. I will also attempt to start a regular exercise regimen, at least regular for the next two weeks. I refuse to gain back what my body worked so hard to lose!
Here is to another great loss, and many more to come.
I had a plan going in to this week, but it sorta derailed with the arrival of the previously stated. That's alright though, I'll get back on track tomorrow. I feel well rested, and rather empty. A little jump start. Not the kind I would have asked for, but it's not up to me! Prayers are not always answered the way we ask for them!
This week I will concentrate on stretching. I will also attempt to start a regular exercise regimen, at least regular for the next two weeks. I refuse to gain back what my body worked so hard to lose!
Here is to another great loss, and many more to come.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
rough night
Ugh, don't know why. I'm just letting things get to me, and getting all bothered for no reason. It could be the "end of 2nd shift" syndrome, it could be mother nature, I dunno. But I am eternally grateful that Kenny has helped me in not keeping junk food in the house. And I also realized, no matter how much I deny it, I really do have a problem with food. For years and years and years, I swore up and down that I don't turn to food in my times of need. But tonight, I scoured the cabinets, looking for something to satisfy my void. I stopped for a moment, prayed, but still went back. Not cool. So, I need to work on that. This is the first real moment of weakness of this magnitude that I have realized since I started this adventure last month, and possibly the first time I have EVER admitted it. So, now that it is out there, I can start to work on it. I need to figure out what I am really hungry for. I think I have the answer to that. It lies within my heart, and is controlled by God. I need to work on breathing in the good stuff, and breathing out the bad stuff. I need to pray, read, listen and learn. And sleep would probably help. And exercise definitely wouldn't hurt. So, with all of these things combined, I can climb this mountain, conquer this challenge, and come out a big loser on the other side. Please pray with me, and for me as I battle this demon!
Many blessings!
Many blessings!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Another loss :) -1 lb
Phew. That's about all I can say about last week. It was challenging for many reasons. One, my husband went on 2nd shift. Two, my kids were in rare form, largely because of the shift change. And three, I was flat out tired. Tired = Hungry in Loriland. My biggest challenge was tackling the hunger in the time between when I get home, and when dinner is done. I'm afraid I didn't rise above the challenges all of the time. I fell victim to bread and butter, Doritos and whatever else was in sight. But, I'm proud to say when I did regress, I did in moderation. It may have impacted my total weight loss potential, but I still lost. So, I'm still in control. My weaknesses did not win.
I did cheat on one of my Lenten fasts though. I didn't have time to eat breakfast on Friday before therapy, and I took a pain pill, so in order to make it to work alive, I had to eat. I had an egg Mc Muffin from McDonalds, a hash brown and an orange juice. I didn't order a coke, or anything sweet, so I'm glad that I stuck to that plan. I asked for forgiveness, and moved on. I prayed extra hard that day! I know, and Jesus knows that I'm not perfect. If I was, if we were, he wouldn't have had to make the ultimate sacrifice. So, I find peace in that, and that I can make mistakes, and be forgiven.
Speaking of forgiveness, I have a story to share about my 4 year old daughter this week. She had an especially rough day and night on Wednesday. Who knew being 4 could be so hard! At the end of the night, following a major meltdown, I layed down on her bed and cuddled her. She started sobbing. So I told her, I'm sorry you're having a rough night. But just because your tired, doesn't mean you get to be disrespectful to your family. I asked her if she thought Jesus was disrespectful to his disciples when they were tired, in which she promptly (in between sobs) said no. I told her I know it is hard to always be nice, and we will never be perfect like Jesus, but we have to try very hard. She thought for a minute, took a need breathe and said "Mommy, I want to be just like you when I grow up, and mom-mom (my mom) too". That made me feel like I was on top of the world. And glad that she wants to be like me after a heart to heart like that, rather than when I'm yelling at her brother, or something. Our conversation continued about how we have to forgive people when they hurt our feelings, and be nice, etc. But that was a great mommy moment for me. She went to bed peacefully, and woke up an angel.
Alright, back to the original programming.
My exercise went well, I think. I'd still like to do more, but I have to be careful not to hurt myself again. I cannot afford to be hurt again, and I have to much riding on my health, to overdo it for my self pride. I worked out at the gym for 40 minutes on Sunday, Tuesday and Saturday. I will try to go on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday this week. My schedule with physical therapy is making that difficult, cause in order to go during the week and NOT pay a sitter, I have to be there at 4:30 AM!!! Yikes! But, where there is will there is a way. I can do it, if I go to bed by 9:00. That is where I failed last week.
Some other things I have been working on are maintaining a clean house and car. Trying to do the dishes after dinner every night. Trying to stick to somewhat of a routine with the kids in the evening. And sticking to a menu. I've done pretty well. It's really hard to break old habits. And it is WAY to easy to just give up on goals. I figure if I can't change the giving up part in every aspect of my life, then I will probably fail miserably. I need to be more consistent, have more confidence and more strength in myself to accomplish my goals. And I need to NOT set the bar so high. The changes I am striving for are not huge. They are simple things that will clear the clutter in my life, physically, mentally and emotionally.
During Lent this year, our church is sorta doing just that. We are breathing out the bad and breathing in the good. This has helped me clear the way for the future. Realize what is important, and let go of what is not. And it has helped me open more doors for God to take control in my life. I look forward to seeing the possibilities. With God's help, I will be Fabulous At Thirty.
Many blessings!
I did cheat on one of my Lenten fasts though. I didn't have time to eat breakfast on Friday before therapy, and I took a pain pill, so in order to make it to work alive, I had to eat. I had an egg Mc Muffin from McDonalds, a hash brown and an orange juice. I didn't order a coke, or anything sweet, so I'm glad that I stuck to that plan. I asked for forgiveness, and moved on. I prayed extra hard that day! I know, and Jesus knows that I'm not perfect. If I was, if we were, he wouldn't have had to make the ultimate sacrifice. So, I find peace in that, and that I can make mistakes, and be forgiven.
Speaking of forgiveness, I have a story to share about my 4 year old daughter this week. She had an especially rough day and night on Wednesday. Who knew being 4 could be so hard! At the end of the night, following a major meltdown, I layed down on her bed and cuddled her. She started sobbing. So I told her, I'm sorry you're having a rough night. But just because your tired, doesn't mean you get to be disrespectful to your family. I asked her if she thought Jesus was disrespectful to his disciples when they were tired, in which she promptly (in between sobs) said no. I told her I know it is hard to always be nice, and we will never be perfect like Jesus, but we have to try very hard. She thought for a minute, took a need breathe and said "Mommy, I want to be just like you when I grow up, and mom-mom (my mom) too". That made me feel like I was on top of the world. And glad that she wants to be like me after a heart to heart like that, rather than when I'm yelling at her brother, or something. Our conversation continued about how we have to forgive people when they hurt our feelings, and be nice, etc. But that was a great mommy moment for me. She went to bed peacefully, and woke up an angel.
Alright, back to the original programming.
My exercise went well, I think. I'd still like to do more, but I have to be careful not to hurt myself again. I cannot afford to be hurt again, and I have to much riding on my health, to overdo it for my self pride. I worked out at the gym for 40 minutes on Sunday, Tuesday and Saturday. I will try to go on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday this week. My schedule with physical therapy is making that difficult, cause in order to go during the week and NOT pay a sitter, I have to be there at 4:30 AM!!! Yikes! But, where there is will there is a way. I can do it, if I go to bed by 9:00. That is where I failed last week.
Some other things I have been working on are maintaining a clean house and car. Trying to do the dishes after dinner every night. Trying to stick to somewhat of a routine with the kids in the evening. And sticking to a menu. I've done pretty well. It's really hard to break old habits. And it is WAY to easy to just give up on goals. I figure if I can't change the giving up part in every aspect of my life, then I will probably fail miserably. I need to be more consistent, have more confidence and more strength in myself to accomplish my goals. And I need to NOT set the bar so high. The changes I am striving for are not huge. They are simple things that will clear the clutter in my life, physically, mentally and emotionally.
During Lent this year, our church is sorta doing just that. We are breathing out the bad and breathing in the good. This has helped me clear the way for the future. Realize what is important, and let go of what is not. And it has helped me open more doors for God to take control in my life. I look forward to seeing the possibilities. With God's help, I will be Fabulous At Thirty.
Many blessings!
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