Social media

 Wow! What a throwback. I'm currently taking a social media marketing class in college. I haven't been on here in years. How time has flown. 

   I' m currently going to back ton school. In one of my classes we are learning about what role blogs have in the social media world today. Believe it or not they actually are still really vital to businesses. Think about it. When you click on Pinterest those images connect you to blogs. When you want more information about anything those articles are blogs. Crazy right? They have evolved over time and are no longer a basic journal entry. Add some images and graphs make it more appealing. Insert links for sponsors, even the products you're selling that's a blog. 

You just might find me sharing more here as classes continue and we discover the power of the modern blog. 

Helping others

This past week I had to help this older lady that I work for pack up her apartment to move to an assisted living apartment. It's taken twice as long as I expected, with not drinking enough water throughout the day and eating out while on the run. So now that I have a few days left I'm trying to eat better and drink more water in hopes to end the month on a good note. It's a loss but how much is the question. I can't wait to see where we all land for the journey and hope that everyone keeps it up, so we don't have to use a competition to motivate us along our way. I'm going to keep posting till my journey is through, so I hope to hear from you all too!

slow and steady

I'm not sure what to say, things are slow and steady. I've been getting in my workouts everyday this last week, even if it's at 11pm at night! There has been some weight loss, I hope that it's enough to end this on a high note. I will try to eat better in the next 10 days in hopes that I can shed a bit more. It's going to be interesting to see how the next month is after this is all done. I'm in the middle of the Insanity program, and I really want to finish it out. Especially if it'll tone me up like I'd like to. I'm in the middle of the 3rd week, for those of you who know what that means. Next week is the "recovery" week and then you start the 2nd month with even more high intensity workouts!

on track

I just wanted to say it's nice to be back on track and losing weight again after the struggle I had last month when I allowed myself to over indulge. I've been doing ok on exercising almost everyday. The holiday weekend I didn't get as many in, but i've been doing better since. I put on a pair of my skinny jeans today! It's nice to know I will fit into pants for the winter.

Insanity

So I've had Insanity this whole time. I got the program over a year ago. The first day you do a fit test and that's all I had done before. This time I'm in it! I've made it through the first week and starting my second. I am getting up most mornings and getting in my workout then. Most times if I don't get up before my day starts I end up not begin able to fit it in with the rest of my day. I realize that this is not enough. I need to fit in some other kind of exercise like jogging or biking. I just need to figure out how to do it with the kids in tow. Find a balance is hard. But I need to figure it out so that I will stick with this for the rest of my life. Last month I indulged in sugar, this month I won't let that happen again. Ending the month without a loss was full of regrets. Let's not end this all with any regrets!

Making Priorities

I, like most of us, am lazy. I would rather stay in bed when I don't need to, then get out of bed and exercise. I have come to the realization that if I don't exercise in the morning at the beginning of the day, most days I won't exercise, and the days that I do is less then stellar. I'm hoping that I'll kick it into gear so that I can at least end the month with a loss. I just need to do it. Aggh! I regret letting my self slip at the beginning of the month. I've been putting some effort into exercising this last week. I think I got in 3 days. Then I realize I allow my husband and kids to be excuses of how it makes it easy to put it off.
On my short cruise I was introduced to a detox program that I haven't started yet, due to not wanting to be disqualified. It's a 3 month routine that in based on a algae regiment. I hope that maybe if I can't get a good routine going soon that I might give it a try in October. Seeing how the rest of the gang has struggled along the way and can bounce back lessons the guilt some, but I can do better and I'm off to try a workout. Here's to hoping it won't get interrupted much by my kids.

Releaved

I'm happy to report the 8 lbs that I gained on vacation came off easily. I'm glad to getting back to my regular routine with eating. It is working out for me. I will be working out extra this last week to see if I can end the month with a loss. Anything at this point I will be happy with. But we all know the more the scale says we lost the better we feel. Espically when it comes to this competition.
So I have a two sided feeling about encouraging you all to lose weight, first I would love all of you to meet your goals and win this compatition and over come our battle of the bulge. Getting healthier and happier. Really the other side of me gets kinda excited with the lack of effort I see from others cause then I feel like it increases my chances at winning this thing. So now because I've finally struggled this month it's left the door open for you all to surpass me. I don't know where you're at with you percentages so far, but I'm about 11% over all. Those of you that have maybe been 4% for the last two months have a chance to pass that. So I guess I'm calling you all out to help motivate us all to do better these last months and finish strong! How about it?

Some Statistics are true.

I'm really surprised with how quickly the weight can come back on when your not watching what you eat. I went on a cruise and they say that the average person gains 2 pounds a day! I found out how true it is. I am sad to report that my cruise was 4 days and I did gain those dreaded 8 pounds. I hope that I can work off these quickly so I can be back on track by the end of the month. I just hope that with the new "boot camp" exercises I learned while on the cruise will help me shed those dreaded pounds. Going camping this week and I will do all I can to not gain more. Last time I went camping I was able to lose weight, so it's possible. Let you know how is goes. Guess the final weigh in will be the tell all.

Cruisin'

If one can lose weight while camping do you think one can lose it while on a cruise?! I hope so, or at least to maintain weight. I'm going with my Bestie Angie and her daughter Janessa who graduated from High school to celebrate that with her. It's only a 4 day cruise, I figure that if we make an effort to exercise that I can manage it. Other wise it's gonna be two a days for the rest of the month. When I get back from crusin' then i'm going camping! I love summer vacations and hope am gonna be sure not to let this hard work go down the drain. After all we are in this to change our lives right girls. Not just a yo-yo diet. I'll let you all know how it turns out.

Looking Forward

I thought that I'd post before it forget. This week we are having a retreat with my husbands parents and his siblings. It's most of the week, then there's the weekend...so I figured I'd post now so that I had some time before I had to post again.

Funny thing happened yesterday while I was right in the middle of my workout dvd and I wasn't sure if I just really stretched a muscle or what, but I finished the workout and tried to stretch it out. Now I'm thinking that it may be my siaticka (sp?)nerve. The pain is almost constant and it goes from my butt all the way to my ankle. I was hoping that when I did my workout today that it would fix it. I'm not sure if it helped or not. Although I didn't do the same routine. I think I'll have to stop in at the chiropractor before we head out of town. Yet another thing that I need to do before we leave that will put it off that much longer. Isn't that how it always goes when your looking forward to getting away?
Also I want to say that when you're trying to do a workout that requires an aerobic step and you don't have one is just a bit less effective. Anyone have one they aren't using? I would be willing to give you a pedicure or nails. I do have my license! Anyway. I'm bummed out that one of my motivations to do this was suposssed to be a cruise next month, but I'm begininning to think that it might not happen now. I've cut out sweets until I go on it. So if it doesn't happen will I still cut out sweets or slowly introduce my favorites still?

Can't wait to see how I measure up this month! I think I've done well. I met my goal for the month a week ago, so I was trying to lose 1 more pound to increase my odds. Good luck to you all!

Camping

I went camping last week and was amazed at how much I used to snack all day long on junk food! Espically candy and chips. I made a great effort to take lots of fruit for myself to snack on instead and it worked! I was able to eat those instead of candy and less often then I would have the candy. I only exercised once while I was camping. However because of the other choices I made in food. I was the one preparing it all. Was able to make healthier options, and smaller portions then I would have previously. I will have to continue this in the future and then it will help me maintain what I've worked so hard to get at. I have to say because of this and drinking lots of water I was pleasantly surprised when I stepped on the scale and haddn't gained any weight! I think I'm getting the hang of this and plan to keep it up!

Changing it up!

I read an article that your muscle memory sets in about 3 weeks and to get the most out of a routine you need to change what your doing that often so you don't plateau. I switched to a different workout video and have attempted the jogging thing to. There were a few days this last week where I didn't do as well on the nutrition side of things which coinsided with not exercising either. I've think I've been able to get my water in on most days this week! I also have been trying to eat every 2-3 hours when possible. I'm hoping that by kicking up these things that I will be able to drop some more weight. It seems like I haven't dropped any in over a week. Guess I'm one of those rabbits, but I'm hoping that by the end I will still meet my goal for the month. I have vacation/camping coming up in the next month which as we all know is horrible for what we are trying to accomplish. Lets all find a way to make it work!

Happy 4th (5th)!

I tried yesterday to post from my phone, but that didn't work out.

Beeing BBQ season and camping right around the corner, the thing to keep in mind is that I can enjoy the foods offered, Just change hamburgers and hot dogs to turkey. Instead of ribs try chicken or pork. Then don't season with bbq sauces use spices with no salt added (gotta watch the sodium too) Then if you've never looked before Doritos have fewer calories then potatoe chips. Then only have half serving of things like potatoe salad and baked beans. Load up on Watermelon and other fresh fruits! As someone said before; I've never heard anyone getting fat from eating fruits and veggies! You still get all the flavors you love! This is what I've been trying to do. Or just skipthings all together, you really don't miss them that much.

Here's something else I've been learning. I'd rather eat my calories, then drink them. So even though it's sugar free doesn't mean I can still have it. How many sugar free options of candy are out there now you can still overindulge in them. So just don't eat them!

Then get out there and exercise, I'm still trying to balance cardio with strength. I've found, if I haven't mentioned it before that I like Julian Michaels No more trouble zones. It still gets my heart racing and sweaty with out your standard cardio moves. I've tried jogging a few times, I think my endurance is getting better...but I have truely put it to the test. I've yet to find the runner in me. Good luck to all you ladies that do!

Girls Camp

Girls camp went a lot better then I could have hoped for. The food options were not as fatty as I would have expected, they offered fruits with most meals and salads with a few meals too. I kept to my goal of not eating sugars. On my birthday (Wednesday) I was given 2 sugar free peppermint patties I did eat those. Funny I kinds even felt a bit guilty about it. It's then that I realized that it's not necessarily the sugar, it's the sweets. You can still eat too many sugar free items as you can regular.
My brother said to me just the other day; What are you going to do when you start putting sugar back into your eating? It's then that I realized that I'm not at a point where I could even think about doing that and not gain back the weight that I've lost.
So I know that I will one day add them, but I beginning to understand that it's a lot father off then I'd like it to be. However, when the time comes I will most defiantly eat WAY less then I have.
I did get in a great 2 hour hike and walked lots! I was please that when I weighed my self when I got home that I didn't gain a thing! Matter of fact I think I may have lost some. That made me very pleased and now I will keep to my guns and see this thing through.

Pros and Cons

This week I've got lots of pros and cons to face. On Tuesday I will be heading to girls camp with our local church. I'm looking forward to spending time with these wonderful girls and leaders. However the two things that I'm not looking forward to is the meals that I won't be preparing myself and the lack of sleep and exercise I won't be able to get. The things I have control over is what I put in my mouth! I won't be eating all the candies that I know are going to be up there. I will do my darndest to keep within my caloric intake. To help with this I am bringing apples and oranges for my sweet treats. I don't think drinking will be an issue, I know there will be plenty of water. I was thinking of getting some sugar free hot cocoa to take, But I may just skip that cause of the extra calories it will give me. Yes, I will skip that.

The other night, at dinner with friends, we were celebrating in part my birthday. The waiter brought some fried ice cream...oh man was that a temptation. At first I just pushed it right over to Kenny, my husband, he knows I'm not eating sugars now. I found myself eyeing it intensely, I did get a small spoonful for myself and was really thinking about putting it in my mouth! I over came and didn't! I knew that I needed to show myself and others that even though it's a temptation and you really want it, you don't have to give in! I'm glad I didn't throw all my hard work away. I will continue to over come those temptations this week at girls camp. I think that by maybe others can see that they can put down the spoon too.

I know that when I get back from camp that I will need to double my exercises. Right now I have been getting about 30 min to an hour depending on the day of some sort of workout. I've found that I have really enjoyed Jillian Michaels "No more Trouble Zones" workout. I like it because it works all those trouble areas and it's not major cardio like jumping jacks and jump roping (except for in the warm up). I love feeling the sore muscles in those areas and know that my body is and can change. I just know that with as small as I am and in order to kick some but with this competition I will need to increase my activity. Burning the fat that's there is the only way to achieve my goals. I've also been hiking a few times that's good cause it's cardio with working out the legs. I just don't always have the time to go. I want to take advantage of a special at a local gym where it's only 10$ for the next 3 summer months. However, I find myself too lazy to get out of, or not go back to sleep. This one I blame on my husband, but that's another excuse I need to over come.

So you can see by committing myself to not give in to those sweets and breads that I can overcome all the pros and cons this week and in life. I'll let you know how it went next week!

Pushing through

This week has been ok. I'm still figuring out getting the good calories in which sometimes leads to not eating anything. I was finally able to go to the store and get some fruit and string cheese. Also I went to the bread store and got some Sara Lee Delightful bread. This way I can have a sandwhich for lunch, but only 80 calories for 2 slices instead of 200! Loving it. They have buns and bagles too, but I didn't get any this time. Here's a list of Fast Food items that if you are stuck with that option you can make better choices.

McDonald’s

Hamburger   250

Snack Wrap (grilled)   270 Ranch  

Chicken Nuggets (4pk) 190 –(6 pk) 280 buffalo  60

Southwest salad   320 (11s) w/o ck 140 (6s)

Bacon Ranch Salad 260 (5s) w/o ck 140 (4s)

Side Salad  20  Bal. Vin.  40 (3s) ITL. 60 (1s)

Sausage Burrito  300 (2s)

Egg McMuffin  300 (3s) Sausage patty 170

Sausage McMuffin 370 (2s)

Hash browns 150  

ARBY’S

Reg. Roast Beef   350 (5s)

Jr. Roast Beef   300 (5s)

Arby’s Melt   320 (6s)

Roast Chicken Ranch Sandwich   340 (4s)

Ham & Swiss Melt   300 (6s)

All-American Roast Burger   390 (10s)

Turkey Club Salad  250 (5s) Bal.Vin. Dressing  (5s) 130

Chicken Salad –Grilled or Roasted   260 (5s)  

Side Salad   70 (2s)

Wendy’s

BLT Cobb ½ salad 230

Apple Pecan Chicken ½ salad 180 (no pecans)

Pomegranate Vinaigrette 60

Garden Side Salad 25

5 piece Chicken Nuggets 230 bbq sauce 45

Jr. Hamburger 230

Ultimate Chicken Grill 370     

Burger King

Wopper Jr. 260–mayo 260

Hamburger  260

Chicken Tenders 4-180 5-230 6-270

Value Onion Ring 150

Chicken Garden Salad 300 No dressing

Garden Salad 70

Spicy Chick’n Crisp sandwich 300 –mayo

Tendergrill chicken sandwich 360 –mayo

Side salad 40  no dressing

BBQ 40 Buffalo 80

These are the places I frequent the most. However you can see that their isn't a whole lot you can eat when doing this. Better choices are salads with no, or little dressing. Or Subway!

No More Excuses

This week I felt was off to a great start. I was exercising, trying to make healthier choices in food, drinking all water. One thing  I decided to stop eating was sugars,most breads and sodas. Then I got the nasty sinus head cold that's been going around here. Then the excuses began. My head pounded to much, my body ached enough already. After spending two days on the couch watching movies I made the decision Get up and go! I did! I did a brisk walk for about 2 miles, took an hour break and walked another mile. It's great one of my kids LOVES to go fishing, among other outdoor things. We found a pond that has a paved trail! When he asked to go, even though it was Sunday I said yes and went! I can kill two things at once, he gets out and I get exercise. I can't wait till I'm able to run the whole time! I need to learn how to love cardio. I really struggle with it. However I'm finished making excuses. I can do it, like others have said before mind over matter. I have to tell myself I love this and push on longer.

 One of the things about being sick is that I always drink lots of water and eat less. So that helped even though I was a couch potato for 2 days. Sitting on the couch was hard not to snack on those sweets sitting next to me that I used to, I didn't give in.
Yes, I'm still stick and it's progressed to the point that it's coming out my left eye. Guess it didn't have anywhere else to go. If I expect any kind of results I must overcome. My goal for this week is to get my calories in and more exercise!

Beginning With Me!

Let's start at the Beginning with Me. If you expect change in your life the best place to start is with yourself. About 2 years ago my sister in law began her weight loss experience. She did so well that it inspired me to do it. Also for motivation came from our best friends that wanted us to go on a cruise in September of 2010.
I began in August of 2009 at 174.5 lbs. By December I was 147! Most of it came from eliminating sugar, soda, snacking and portions! Holidays beat me and I gave into the sugars, then followed everything else. I did get down to 138. However, I had lost my momentum. We also were giving invirto a run to see if it would work for us.
Here we are a year later, invitro didn't work 3 times, and I'm now back up to 157 lbs with a nice spare tire that didn't come from any baby weight. Needless to say I have come around to knowing that my poor eating habits have given me high cholesteroll and I  borderline high Thyroid levels.

My wonderful sister in law has helped me find that motivation again by spear heading a weight loss competition. This is my blog for that. I will fight to get the body I deserve and the health I need. By beginning with me I can help those around me. By beginning with me I can find my own happiness and stop putting others before my needs. Thus become a better Wife, Foster Mom, and caregiver to those in my life by being a happier healthier me!