Restarting for Health (take 200) for Lent

Planet Fitness

For the season of Lent we (my husband and I) decided to take on a healthier lifestyle. For us that meant working out Monday through Friday and watching our portions/food choices. We started on March 6th on the Thursday after Ash Wednesday using our existing membership to Planet Fitness. We have worked out every Monday through Friday since then. We've both been watching food choices and portions. 

Here's my typical workout schedule for the week:

Monday - 45 minutes on the Arc Trainer + Strength Training for Lower Back and Abs using weight machines

Tuesday - 30 minutes on the Arc Trainer + Strength Training for Upper Back, Shoulders, and Arms using weight machines

Wednesday - 25-30 minutes on the Arc Trainer on my lunch hour

Thursday - 20 minutes on the Arc Trainer + Strength Training for Legs using weight machines

Friday - 45 minutes on the Arc Trainer + Strength Training for Lower Back and Abs using weight machines

Saturday - Intentional steps (ex. park further away, walk a shopping center, walk puppies)

Sunday - Rest Day

Results to Date:

Me:

Starting weight - (March 6th) - 250 lbs

Current weight - 248 lbs 

J:

Starting weight - (March 6th) - 242 lbs

Current weight - 228 lbs

Side note: I'm pretty sure that another punishment to women in the Garden for eating the apple was that men can and WILL lose weight far easier and faster than we ever will. 

A surprising side effect for me is that although I've only dropped 2 lbs I'm seeing muscle tone develop, I'm feeling better, I have more energy, and I feel like I'm rediscovering my old self. I have a goal to get down to 150 lbs. I do not have a date for this. Slow and steady wins the race. I want to be healthier, feel better, and look better. This will happen all in due time. 

Journey with Jenny: First Weigh-In

So on August 11th I went into the Jenny Craig Center and signed for a year long program under the Premium Success Program. I got my first two weeks of food because the center is about 45 minutes to an hour away I don't plan to go to the center every week. I'll do my alternate week check-ins by phone. So this past Saturday in the middle of a crazy rain storm that rivaled some of the hurricanes we've had I drove to the center to get my food (and my Mom's) and to do my first in person meeting and weigh in. So here it is.

8/11/2012: Starting Weight: 246.6
8/25/2012: 240.2 = 6.4 loss *insert excited squeal here*

My Mom asked me what I thought it was about this program that I was willing to follow it as opposed to some of the other programs that I ignored the advice and did what I wanted. Personally I think it is because they tell me what to eat. I have printed menus that say eat this for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and add fruit, salad, or veges here or there. Which makes it really easy to do. Also their food is really quite tasty, there have only been a few things that I didn't like and those were just my personal taste someone else might love them.

On this program they really encourage you to eat only their food every day for every meal and snack but I will admit sometimes I just want something from a restaurant with company. But I've followed their advice and examples for what to eat and have learned to limit portion sizes, etc.

Journey with Jenny

Ok so I talk about weight loss semi frequently (in all fairness I've struggled with my weight since I was in 4th grade so it's an issue for me) and in the past few years I've tried Weight Watchers, First Place 4 Health, Weight Watchers again, and just cutting my portions none of which were overly successful. In essence I've gained and lost the same 10lbs over and over again. I'm at the highest weight I've ever been and I hate it (the weight, not myself). So I decided to do something I've contemplated a couple different times in the past. I joined Jenny Craig. Part of my problem with J gone is that I often stop and pick up something on the way home (McDonalds, Arbys, Fazolis, you get the picture). And some days I literally eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner from a restaurant mostly out of laziness because it's easier. So I decided that I would sign up for Jenny Craig and let them do the thinking for me food wise.

I signed up on Saturday so I'm on day four of the food. So far most of the food has been quite yummy. One of my favorites was the Turkey Burger for lunch followed closely by the Chicken Fettuccine for dinner. Oh and the Triple Chocolate Cheesecake is downright amazing...if I didn't know it was healthy I wouldn't believe it. As I said I'm just at the beginning but so far I feel the most positive I've felt in a long time on a eating program. Now I just need to get my butt moving literally. But one step at a time.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Weight Watchers...Will you remember me?

So I've decided to go back to Weight Watchers. I admit I went back and forth on it a lot. Because to be honest WW and I have had a love/hate relationship. But when I talked to so many people who had great success on it and then I read Jennifer Hudson's book I decided it was silly to keep avoiding it. When I talked to J about it he felt like I had done the best when I was doing WW so he supports it whole heartedly.

I haven't done the Points Plus system so I look forward to learning about it. I also know that the program only works if you work the program. So I've decided I will give it my full focus and dedication. I haven't decided whether I'll make my weigh-ins part of my blog or not. I'm leaning toward including it on a panel on the side. We'll see.

I admit I'm excited about starting a "new" program. And I'm hoping the enthusiasm will remain. As a side note J has offered to give me money toward new clothes when I reach my goal. I know it may sound vain but this is a pretty darn good incentive for me.

Quick Fix

Source

When it comes to weight loss a quick fix would be nice. But it is unrealistic. I've struggled with my weight for years and I admit with J being gone and my parents divorce I've struggled more with emotional eating than I thought I would.

At some point I honestly believe I've stalled my metabolism. So I decided to try the B-Complex shots and a
"Quick Fix" 2 Week Plan to jump start your weight loss. It consists of a weekly B-Complex shot, a weekly Consultation, and your meals for two weeks are three shakes a day and a regular meal. Seems easy enough right?

Well here's the problem I love the B-Complex shots but I can't drink the shakes. I think the chocolate ones are horrible. The vanilla ones I actually like but they both have aspartame in them and aspartame causes migraines for me. But in addition to not really liking them I've determined I like food and I would rather eat healthy meals than drink my meals.

I guess I should have known better with the name "Quick Fix" it wasn't going to be the best solution to my weight loss. But I think that is the thing about weight loss we're always looking for the next best option.

Currently as I sit at my desk I have the following books next to me...

Choose to Lose by Chris Powell (Extreme Makeover: Weightloss Edition)

Don't Quit Get Fit by Vicki Heath (Assoc. Director, First Place 4 Health)

Our Lady of Weight Loss by Janice Taylor

All is Forgiven, Move On by Janice Taylor

Give God a Year, Change Your Life Forever by Carole Lewis

Notice a trend? To be fair I'm reading these for the Bible study I'm leading on Thursday nights about weight loss but still that is five books about losing weight or getting healthy. It is crazy to me how many resources are out there for losing weight and yet so many of us still struggle with weight loss. I guess that's because there really isn't a "quick fix" for losing weight.

Real Women Have Curves

I have been giving some thought to what weight, size, etc I want to get to in my weight loss journey. And here are some things I believe.

• Every body has a weight that it is comfortable being - now this doesn't mean I stay at 200+ lbs because I don't want to work to lose weight because my body is far from comfortable right now. I am overworking my body right now. But I don't think I would be healthy looking at 108. I'm aiming for 140-150 and then I'll decide from there.
• Thin is only beautiful if you're meant to be thin - I am meant to have curves. I will never be willowy thin. I'm ok with this.
• Being Healthy is more important than being a certain size - I'm losing weight to look better certainly but one of my main goals is to improve my health.
• Realistic Goals are important - refering back to point one I think it is important to set a realistic goal for my age, activity level, etc.
• The scale is not the only measure - there are other milestones to measure including clothing size, being able to go longer on the cross trainer, being able to lift more weight, being able to go for a longer walk, being more flexible, being healthier, and how my close (one should not type when tired) clothes fit.
• Strength and Beauty are in the eye of the beholder - what one person may think of as too big another may think is a perfect size. What I can do and what I can endure may be different from what you can do and endure and that is ok.
• Healthy Role Models are a good thing - Christina Hendricks (of Mad Men), Sara Ramirez (of Grey's Anatomy) and Kelly Osborne (of the Osbornes) are some of mine. 

Christina Hendricks

Sara Ramirez

Kelly Osbourne

Hot Yoga

http://yoga-shorts.net/

I have practiced Yoga on and off since I was about 10 years old. I've always done basic poses in a class or as part of a warm up/cool-down at the gym. It has been a while since I've been in a class and on Tuesday I used my Living Social coupon to try Tidewater Hot Yoga.

I went to an hour long hot yoga class. I thought it was an interesting concept that the heat would allow you to stretch more. I was able to keep up with most of the class and really enjoyed it. I was dripping in sweat when I was done but I felt great! My favorite part was at the end when we were doing the closing she placed a cold peppermint oil cloth on our foreheads. It felt divine and it helped my sinuses greatly. Over all I loved the experience!

I have actually bought a 10 class pass at another studio to try them out. Then I may look to buy a punch card from one of them to do yoga on a regular basis. In the past when Mom did it regularly it helped in her weight loss and her emotional well being so that would be a nice bonus for me too.

Unrealistic Weightloss

There seems to be a trend of extreme weight loss shows of late. The Biggest Loser, Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition and I Used to Be Fat to name a few. I've watched The Biggest Loser and Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition.Yesterday I watched I Used to Be Fat on MTV for the first time. I enjoy watching these shows because usually the stories are inspirational.But I worry about these shows because they have unrealistic weightloss in my opinion.

On I Used to Be Fat they have 110-115 days to lose their goal weight and on the couple of episodes the girls were trying to lose 90 lbs. They succeeded and they looked great at the end. But for one girl she went to the gym from 9-2 then worked from 4-9 and then came home and slept. She had no life outside work and and working out. And from what I can tell Biggest Loser and Extreme Makeover have similar work-out schedules. Now I realize these are people in extreme weight loss situations who are trying to lose large amounts of weight but I think it sets an unrealistic outlook for the average watcher.

Yet as I watch I think wow...90 lbs in 100 days that's pretty sweet. And I get inspired to eat better and exercise more. So maybe the shows serve a purpose to give us a jump-start, realizing that we won't be able to do exactly what they do because we don't have a live-in personal trainer or the flexibility in our schedules to work out for 4-5 hours a day. But that we can make time in our schedule to work out, eat well, and take care of ourselves.

So do you think extreme weight loss shows are a good thing?

Running Along Side the Wagon

 

Oh about a couple months ago I fell off the wagon of eating and exercise... I am currently running along side of the wagon trying to get back on. And frankly that's the most activity I've had in a long time. The kicker is I know what I need to do. I know what foods are healthy and what activities are good for me but I lack motivation and energy. I know I know if I exercise it will help my energy same thing with my eating. I swear I could write my own diet book. I've been on every plan from Weight Watchers to Slim Fast to Prism to First Place 4 Health. 

I admit I wrestle with this a lot because I'm still the leader of First Place 4 Health but I'm not following the plan as far as eating and exercise. I feel like I'm saying do as I do not as I say. I acknowledged from the beginning that I was in it with them. I struggle and I don't have it all figured out. I know I need to do something. There is a history of heart disease in my family along with other health issues. So I'm working on it. As I said I see the wagon I can almost touch it and I will get back on it.

What do you do to lose weight?

Hi there! I'm back...

Howdy...Hello...Hi...Hola...Bon Jour...Aloha...

It's been a while since I've posted a real post. I miss it. I have been reading all my favorite blogs so I still feel connected but I miss the writing...I have excuses some good...some not...but all there.

1. Work has been insane...we are constantly busy and I'm tied to my desk which makes me feel less encouraged to be on a computer when I get home.
2. I came down with a nasty flu bug.
3. I had to get my house ready to welcome home my husband.
4. Oh yeah and that...I welcomed home my husband. {big grins}He's all mine...although I do have to give him back to the Navy before too long.
5. Our hot water heater died. And we were dealing with that.

Some observations....

It amazed me how much time and energy it took to get the house picked-up. It is just me but it gets cluttered quick. Mainly because I walk in...drop my stuff...take care of puppies...fix dinner...relax for the evening. So it gets cluttered and then it takes time to get it uncluttered. Much like weightloss.

Speaking of...the week before he got home my eating was nuts...sometimes I ate...sometimes I didn't...sometimes I ate junk...sometimes I ate healthy. Now that he's home...I have better eating habits. I've lost 2 1/2 pounds since last Thursday.

It is amazing to me how quickly we hit our groove again. It's like he never left. I know we're in a honeymoon period but I"m good with that.

He is the dogs favorite...they miss him when he's gone. They are happy to be home.

It is hard to go to work when you're husband and dogs are relaxing at home.

Life is good.

First Place 4 Health - Weight loss journey

When I was born the doctors were concerned because I was so little. They were worried I was underfed. I was on the low end of the weight chart for most of my early childhood. And then I hit 4th grade...it is weird for some reason that year we had two pictures taken one at the beginning of the year and one at the end. At the beginning I was skinny and slim faced by the end my face was round. Two things happened my 4th grade year. The first I hit puberty but that only brought a little weight. The second we learned we were moving to Maine from Alaska. I'd lived there since I was two I didn't know anywhere else. My mother was very very connected to her church and had a hard time with this move. Because of this there was a lot of emotional eating in our household. Lots of baked goods, high fat foods, and lots of trips to McDonald's and Mister Donut. Our trek from Alaska to Maine included lots of stops at McDonald's and Dairy Queen and very little activity.

Since then I've struggled with my weight. I was always heavier than most of my friends. In high school I had some luck losing weight but I gained it back my senior year. Then in college I lost some weight. But when I got into the relationship with my now ex-husband I gained a lot of weight due to emotional eating and unhealthy meals. I will say this I'm excellent with maintenance. I've remained within about 5-10 pounds of that weight. I've had several 10-15 pound loses but then I have 10-20 pound gains.

This time is different. So far since January 6th I've lost 6 lbs and every week I've had a loss. And here are some of my thoughts on why...

• I'm leading the class so I want to be a good example
• I'm not making drastic changes but I am making changes
• I'm trying to sneak in activity 
• I don't feel deprived
• I've almost completely given up my Coke drinking addiction (I occasionally have a kids Coke at a fast food resturant)
• I'm getting balanced with mind, body, spirit, and heart
• I'm doing Bible study daily
• I'm putting more faith in God and myself
• I'm putting Christ first in my life
• I'm putting myself first

I'm hoping the success continues because J and I are planning on meeting the end of this year and I want to knock his socks and possibly other articles of clothing off. Both of us are getting healthier...he's lost 20 lbs since he left.

First Place 4 Health aka My Weightloss journey

 A Four Sided Approach to Weight Loss
Putting Christ in First Place

Starting January 6th I began leading our First Place 4 Health program at the church where I work. I love this program because it is a four sided approach to weight loss. It focuses on your heart, mind, soul, and strength. It is easy to focus on only one side of this which the physical of eat less and exercise more but the reality is we aren't just a body so we have to focus on all sides of us. It is a great program and I'm looking forward to working with this group of people.

I'll keep you updated about how it is going.

Starting Fresh

So I've been down this road before...I want to lose some weight and work toward a healthier me. I have a family history of heart conditions, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. And frankly I'm not getting any younger. I've tried a lot of different weight loss and lifestyle change programs by haven't found one that I felt fit and therefore I've failed to stick with it. 

A local church is offering a weight loss Bible Study called First Place 4 Health. I like it because it isn't just a diet program or an exercise program it approaches the mental, physical, spiritual and emotional sides of your life. I like the fact that it includes a Bible study portion. It begins at a local church in September and I'm looking forward to it. I've signed up for it and look forward to what I may gain from it.

Book Review: Body Clutter

I've decided to start reading more and I figure if I'm reading something good I'll share it with you guys. So today's book...

Body Clutter by Marla Cilley and Leanne Ely is a must read if you have weight issues or body issues. I have gone to the Fly Lady to learn how to get my house in order using "baby steps" and the wonderful ladies who brought us advice on keeping our house clean now focus on getting our ultimate home in order. Interestingly enough their theory is that they are related. The clutter in your home and the clutter on your body are related to many of the same issues.

Throughout the book they have Body Clutter journal suggestions. I haven't done all the journal stuff but the information in the book is brilliant. They use word associations like FLY (Finally Loving Yourself) and HALT (Don't allow yourself to get too Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired). They tell you that you have control not the potato chips, the cookies, or the cake. They tell you to avoid "Stinking Thinking" the negative thoughts that we can so often fall victim to.

Just because it is low in calories doesn't make it worth it...

I am a person that believes if you're going to do it do it all the way...this is probably what has gotten me into trouble from time to time...maybe.

When it comes to food I can handle light foods...for example

• Light Ranch...(Kraft or Hidden Valley Ranch)
• Light Sour Cream...(Daisy)
• Light Cream Cheese...(Any brand will do)
• 1 % milk...(Any brand will do)
• Lowfat Creamer...(But not sugar free)
• Lean ground beef
• Ground Turkey Breast
• Etc.

But some foods I'm not willing to go light...if I'm going to eat it I'm going to go for the full item...for example

• Cheesecake...why make it light...enjoy a smaller piece
• Peanut Butter...I've found the light doesn't make that much difference if you portion control
• Maple Syrup...I'm a snob on this one...I have to have the real thing
• Coke...if I'm going to drink pop it has to be the real deal 
• Butter...I use less if I use the real stuff

What are some of the foods you are willing to go light on? What are some of the foods you aren't?

And in 2010....

In the past I've always been a resolution girl....

Some of my past resolutions:
(in no particular order)

• lose weight
• lose a husband
• gain a boyfriend
• get closer to God
• get healthier
• get closer to friends
• lose weight
• get a different job
• graduate from college
• go back to school

So this year I've decided no resolutions...but I like the idea of goals so here are my goals for 2010

• Be closer to God by participating at church and reading the Bible
  
• Be healthier by going to the Y more regularly and planning our meals to be healthier
• Be a better housekeeper by doing little things sooner rather than waiting for the big mess
• Be a better wife by listening more and talking less
• Be a better pet mommy by giving them more boundaries and more of my direct time
• Be a business starter by making jewelry and purses to sell
• Be a better friend by initiating contact and not waiting...the phone amazingly works both ways
• I'm sure there's more but this will keep my busy...lol
  

Back to working out

So this morning after a couple weeks of not working out I had one of the best workouts I've had in years. Partially due to some pent up frustration about work (another story for another day) and partially due to hitting my stride. I loved it. It felt great!

Food wise I'm doing better but not great. Due to a four day power outage we ate out a lot the end of last week and all of the weekend. But this week I've been trying to get back on track with food. We need to go to the store to replenish food we threw away during the storm. But life moves forward.

Now we just need to find a good chimney and roof company in our area.

Getting back on the wagon

So I'm no longer running along side the wagon...I'm hanging off the back. It isn't the best place to be but I'm on my way to getting securely in the wagon. This weekend I did OK with eating. Friday night we went out for Italian and it was delicious. But there was way too much of it and I ate it because I was starving. I think J and I need to start sharing orders or I need to box up half of it when the serve it. Because if it is in front of me I keep snacking. And I don't need to.

But Saturday was much better. J had duty at work so we were up at 5:00 AM. I had a meeting with a florist at 8:00 AM. So I decided since the Y was on my way home from the florist I'd go in my workout attire. Which I think through off the florist a bit. But who cares it was 8:00 AM on a Saturday. So I went to the gym and did 30 minutes on the Arc then I did 45 minutes of weights. It was good to be back. I came home showered and laid down to wait for J to get home from duty. Saturday afternoon we went to lunch/dinner at 5 Guys. Which is not the most healthy but I felt OK about it since I'd worked out and I knew that was my main meal for the day.

Sunday we got up sent J to duty. I kept the dogs out of trouble. When he got home we got ready and went to church. After church we went to Michael's to pick up our lamps for our centerpieces. We stopped by Wendy's for lunch. I had a Chicken Club sandwich but I only ate half. I had some french fries. But my worst downfall is Coke. I love Coke. I actually think that sweet stuff to me is like nicotine to J. I have to have it...I get grumpy without it...I feel better with it.

She has the crud...

Last week was a bit of a wash for working out for a number of reasons. This week hasn't been much better due to being under the weather. I stayed home from work sick on Monday and have been napping in the mornings after J leaves to try and catch up on my sleep. Perhaps tomorrow I'll try and get there. We'll see.

We had our pictures taken Friday and although they turned out good I really don't like the way I look. I look dumpy. It is a delusion really...that I've lived under that I look really don't look as big as I do. So when I saw the pictures I was disappointed and shocked at my size. So next week is my restart...

I want to feel better about how I look and feel.

Pumpin' Iron

So today was my first day doing weights on my own. I went in and did 20 minutes on the Cybex Arc Trainer which I love because I burn more calories in less time. Whoo hoo. Then I started my 10 machine workout as assigned by my trainer. I worked my arms, legs, abs, and back. It was good. Right now I'm doing 2 sets of 8 reps. I haven't done weights in a while so I wanted to be nice to myself and start out slow. It felt good.

So my plan is

• Monday=20 minute cardio + 40-45 minute weights
• Tuesday=45-50 minute cardio
• Wednesday=20 minute cardio + 40-45 minute weights
• Thursday=45-50 minute cardio
• Friday=20 minute cardio + 40-45 minute weights
• Saturday=Activity of some sort
• Sunday=rest

This week though I have a 5K on Saturday and I missed Tuesday's workout so I'm thinking those kind of balance each other.

Food wise I'm doing better the past couple of days. But still not getting all the fruits and vegetables I should. But I'm eating better than I have been.