Finding your stride

So, it's been a while, but I'm still here and I think I've found my stride.

I had dinner with a friend the other week, and until that night, I didn't realize that there are really people out there who like reading my blog and miss it when I don't post. It helped me to remember why I started all this 10 months ago...share my journey (good and bad) and inspire others to make little changes in their health.

So, I took a week to get back in touch with my FIT CHICK side and I'm happy to say I've found my stride. Last Thursday I jogged with my Thursday jogging buddy and really felt like I was on to something. We moved to jogging on a track (due to lack of light) and I tried jogging the lengths of the track and walking the caps. Guess what, I could do it. I had to push myself, but I used the advice of another friend (damn...I have a lot of awesome friends) and didn't make giving up an option.

The next night I went for a short run with another friend who really pushed me (sorry for cussing at you the entire run ;) She really helped me realize what I'm capable of and I have been using that as motivation for the entire week.

Finally, Saturday, I ran my fourth 5k and beat my goal time of 40 minutes. I clocked in a time of 38:51!!! I took Sunday off (well, I mowed the yard, but really, it was a day off from exercise), and then I ran after work on Monday. Again, I did awesome! I ran 4.14 miles. The best part, it all finally clicked. I felt like I was finally a runner. I loved the run, I felt great, and I just kept running. I actually ran 1 mile without having to stop and walk! It was the first time I didn't want to stop my run. Then, Tuesday, I ran again. Rookie mistake maybe, but I ran 4.5 miles and this time was really tired and didn't clock my best average, however, I still loved it. Later that night I went to the gym and lifted, so I feel like I made up some ground.

Lesson: if you do a long run one day, do a short run or take the day off from running the next day...go do some other kind of exercise.

Tomorrow, morning is lifting and evening will be my Thursday walk/jog with my jogging buddy. Friday, "push" run with another friend (warning, I'll probably cuss at you again, but know I love ya gal). Then the weekend will be up for grabs...swimming, short run, relaxing, yard work.

So, this week I am happy to report a weight loss.

Last weigh in: 213 (that's two weeks ago...last week was a lot of gain with "that" week so I weighed in at 220)

This week: 211.8

Still trying...

Last weigh in (August): 215.8

This week: 213.6

It's something. There was a lot of fluctuating going on in September, but I'm still here and still trying.

Another loss

This week I'm happy to report another loss! Not as huge as last week, but still on par with the recommended weekly loss rate, so I'm not complaining. It's a few more pounds that I won't be seeing again.

I'm continuing to plan out my weekly meals, and working on getting in some form of excercise daily. Last week I was under the weather for a few days, and didn't stick to my meal plan as closely, but I survived.

Still working on keeping up with a weight lifting regiment, but in time. Next week I'll be at camp (Birch Family Camp), working with 6-8 year old girls. My plan is to walk/jog 3 or 4 times that week, use children as dumbbells when ever possible, and eat as best I can given the camp food menu.

I'll check back in with you all in 2 weeks. As always, thanks for following.

Last week: 215.8 pounds

This week: 213.4 pounds

Loss of: 2.4 pounds

WOO HOO!!!!

So the magic phrase for this week: OMG OMG OMG!!!

As some of you may have noticed, I didn't post last week. For one, I had gone home to Ohio the weekend before and had some major food setbacks so I knew that I had gained, and second, I was preparing for the 5K on saturday so I didn't want to get mentally down on myself before the race. However, I did end up weighing myself last Wednesday and had gained...so, I just didn't post using the upcoming race as my excuse. Grrr....

So, last week's weight was a massive 221 pounds. OUCH! But, I'm happy (very happy) to report that this week is a much different story. As soon as I returned to Pittsburgh last Sunday, I started getting back on track with my food choices. I created a weekly menu chart and sat down that night and wrote out everything I would eat for the rest of the week (this seems to work better for me in comparison to writing down everything I eat after it's been consumed). Then I typed up a list of all the groceries I would need to prepare these meals. Monday after work I went straight to the grocery store and got my supplies and went home and cleaned my veggies, sealed and packed everything into individual servings, and tapped my menu to the front of the fridge. WHAT AN AMAZING DIFFERENCE THAT MAKES!!!!

What I found was that morning routine goes so much smoothier. I'm not awake enough in the mornings to think through what I want to pack for breakfast and lunch, so having the menu printed and posted on the fridge door takes thinking out of the equation. I just grab what my chart says for those two meals that day and go. No forgetting my lunch, no eating out for lunch, and no bad choices. I had one slip up last week...that was it! And, in order to prevent slip ups this week, I've printed an extra copy of my weekly menu and posted it at my desk at work. So, I'm reminded at the end of the day what I'm having for dinner and am less tempted to stop for fast food on the way home. It's great! I'm also working on (and getting better at) planning quick, healthy meals for the evenings when I'm busy so there is no chance for me to say, "I don't have time to make a healthy meal, why not just stop somewhere" (cause we all know I can't be trusted with that just yet).

The only other change I've made to my meals (which is actually a big change I guess), is I'm eating organic whenever possible. I'm also trying to choose meats that are grass fed and organically raised. I can't even begin to tell you the difference. I had the most amazing steak the other night! It was 100% organic and grass fed and the taste was so much cleaner and moist. Try it! Even if it's just for one meal....try it! (Also, check out Jillian Michaels MASTER YOUR METABOLISM book...scary, but insightful and makes a lot of sense.)

As for excercise these last two weeks. I managed to workout for about an hour 5 times both weeks (That includes a 5K this past Saturday). Those workouts include some strength training (however, this week's goal is to be more consistent with strength training), a little jogging/walking, and a lot of swimming!

Anyway, sorry to write your ears off this week, but I'm so excited. I really needed this week as a pat on the back for making great choices and big changes. It paid off and I will contine.

Last week: 221 lbs

This week: 215.8 lbs

Loss of: 5.2 lbs

Check back next week and I'll let you all know what I'm trying this week to improve my workouts!

Another week...

So this week was a little better with the food. I still made mistakes and slipped up a few times, but I feel like I did so less than the previous week...so progress. I made an effort to plan out my meals this week and make sure that I only pack my lunches and that's been going well, so I'm looking forwad to more progress next week.

On the workout front...that's going great! And I'm really really enjoying it. This week I've made sure to go to the gym every day (whether it's in the morning or night). My goal for next week is to up the intensity of my workouts and try to sneak in some short 20 min workouts during my lunch hour at work at least 3 days a week. I've been trying to keep my current workouts to an hour so that I don't get over zealous and do too much too soon (which has been a problem in the past). It seems to be going well and I'm always excited and looking forward to my gym time.

I'll be at my camp in New York (I volunteer at Birch Family Camp) in three and a half weeks and I've already started setting up healthy agendas for that week. I've mapped out a 1.5 mile jogging loop that I can do three days that week, and I've asked a friend to help keep me accountable by jogging with me (Thanks again, Jeff!!). When I'm not jogging, I'll be running around with 6-8 year olds so I'm sure that will substitute for other workouts. :D

Finally, in other news, my next 5K is in a week and half. I won't be running the entire thing, but I'm confident that my time will be much better than my last.

As always, thanks for following. This week I'm happy to report a loss...

Last week: 221 pounds

This week: 219.2 pounds

Just one more cheesburger, please!

When I started this blog, I vowed to be honest...completely honest. I've shared with you my weight-loss failures, set-backs , and my struggles with depression. So, when mulling over whether or not to share this post with everyone, I decided that if you already know that much, you might as well hear it all.

I have food issues. Now, by stating that I don't mean that I get up at night and eat out of the cupboards, consume tons of calories, and then return to bed. I actually don't eat after 9pm unless dinner has been severely delayed, and then I choose only to eat light. I mean, for some reason, I have trouble making good food choices. It's not about time or being hungry, it's just because I want it. I crave something and then I give in WAY TOO MUCH!

The other evening I was coming home from the grocery store with healthy veggies and meat and fruits, and still, after passing Burger King, I decided to turn around and go back to order to Jr. Whopper. Even as I was ordering, I knew it was bad. I knew that I didn't really want it, but something inside me was insisting that I really really wanted it; that I had to have it. After eating it, I felt horrible. Both for the diet and for my stomach. THat type of food makes me sick, for real. So why did I do it? I can't figure it out.

I've watched the shows like Biggest Loser and Losing it with Jillian and I hear them talk about food issues stemming from something missing in your life, or issues with family, or whatever. But I don't see those in myself. I don't think I eat to feel better, I know I don't feel better or proud of myself when I do it. I know what I want is to be healthier and feel great about working out and making strides, but for some reason I still do something that I know is the exact opposite of my goal. I'm not successful with a food journal because when I eat like this, I just don't write it down (kind of like, who besides me is going to know). It feels like I don't thing being accountable to me is enough, but it should be cause I'm doing this for me. What the hell?!

SO, I'm looking for suggestions. I keep telling myself that this is something I can handle on my own, that I just have to choose to make the right choices ... I've even talked to a therapist about this stuff ... and it does work...for like a week. I'm tired of trying to get myself motivated and keeping myself on track...but I'm so fed up at this point, I'm not going to let myself give up. I want to be healthier! I want to be fit by 30! I want to mow the lawn in a pair of shorts and sports bra and feel good about it!

It's almost like a need a monitor on me when I'm faced with a food choice. They make those alcohol monitors, like the one they gave Lohan, why can't they make a food one!!!? Anyone want to come live with me and monitor my every food move? Just kidding. I really want to be able to do this for myself. I want being accountable to me, enough motivation for me. I do notice that when I'm with someone else and faced with a food choice, I make the better choice. But, when I'm by myself I tend not to. I notice that I can "talk myself into" making a bad choice about three or four times a week. It really feels like there are two personalities going on inside this healthy quest; I'm just tired of the unfit one winning more than it should.

Any help? Any suggestions? I need you ladies.


Results: Workout outs are going great. Worked out 4 days last week for over and hour each time. THis week I've managed 3 days already!

Last week's weight: 219.2

This week's weight: 221

It's HOT outside!

Damn! With this heat outside, I'm really glad I decided to take swim lessons and start swimming laps! It's ridiculous out there! However, while mowing the yard this weekend, it did prompt me to make a life fitness goal for myself. This time next year, I want to be mowing the yard in shorts and a sports bra...no shirt...and not be self-conscious about it! That's my new HEAT goal!

So, this past week I've been working out everyday for an hour. Whether it's getting up in the morning and swimming laps, jogging, lifting weights, taking a fitness class, or doing yard work, I've been doing something active every day for at least an hour.

On the "If I Were A Fit Chick" fanpage, we've posted a summer challenge for all to participate (no matter what your fitness level is currently) and I would like to once again encourage you all to go check it out and post your goals (You might win a free t-shirt!). I met my first goal in the first day, which was to swim 20 laps, so I made two new goals for the challenge and posted them there as well. I vow to break the 200 lbs barrier , and to run a 5K without stopping by Labor Day. So, stay tuned to see if I make it. As an incentive, I've posted an unflattering profile picture of myself that will not be removed until I weigh in below 200 lbs....talk about motivation. Yikes!

When I weighed in this week, knowing that I had put in a lot of work, I was a little disappointed to see the exact same weight pop up on the scale. Being that the workouts are going great, it means one thing...food. Last week I started keeping a food journal and did great during the week and found that I was eating a lot healthier. However, with the holiday weekend and all the great food at my reach, I overate and failed to record what I consumed (mental blocking seems to keep me from writing down the bad food...hmmm). Anyway, this week I want to work on what I eat and keeping myself accountable. I don't know if the food journal is for me, but I'm going to keep trying and see what happens. At least for now I feel great about the workouts and love the progress I'm making both on the treadmill and in the water.

Stay tuned folks...let's see what this heat can melt off me!

Last week weigh-in: 219.2
This week weigh-in: 219.2

NO MOVEMENT

It's Summer and that means FITNESS!

Yes, it's me again, the reluctant blogger. So, it's been a while since I posted (seems to be a habit), but I'm still here.

Updates to know about: I quit the gym I belonged to and joined the local (well, newly local since we just moved) YMCA. It's slightly cheaper, but more importantly, offers a ton of cool exercise classes that are included in the monthly cost. AND, you don't sign up for classes, you can just drop in them which means I can switch in and out of classes as I please.

I went through the class schedule and picked out classes I could take (drop into) each night (m, t, w, th, sat)...giving myself 2 evenings off each week. Keep in mind, this will be in addition to my hour workout in the morning monday through friday. The goal is that if I get home after work and find myself bored or in need of some additional excercise, I can look at my schedule and say, "Hey look, there is a spinning class tonight at the Y. I can go do that!" This is by no means my making a stringent workout routine that will quickly leave me burnt out. It's outlining my options.

Second update: I have made a goal for myself this summer (see If I Were A Fit Chick facebook fanpage) or being able to swim 20 laps three times a week by Labor Day. So, the first thing to do was learn to swim! I start my first adult swim lesson tonight and I am so damn nervous. Right now, the extent of my swimming abilities is doggie paddling and it's time that I learned more.

And that, my friends is where I'm at this week. I've got goals, I've got ambition, and I've got all of you! Summer of Fitness here I come!!!

Last weigh in: 221
This week: 219.2
Loss of 1.8 lbs

SHE"S BACK!!!

So, as many of you know, the "If I Were A Fit Chick" group had 8 people participate in the Pittsburgh Half Marathon on May 2nd and I'm happy to report that we all finished. Even given the rainy, cold, and exhausting conditions, we ALL finished.

I forgot to weigh myself that Tuesday and report to you my results (as I had planned), but instead weighed myself on Wednesday afternoon. I was so disappointed in myself, that I chose not to report. I know it wasn't the right thing to do because I know you all are here for me and support me, but I just couldn't do it.

Anyway, I went to the gym during the later part of the week, ate as healthy as possible this past weekend, ran at the gym yesterday, and lifted weights this morning. (Yesterday I failed to get up and go to the gym in the morning, but I forced myself to get in an hour and half workout after work even though I was tired.) Yesterday I also started day 1 of a six week training program so that I can participate in the Father's Day 5K run on June 21st in Pittsburgh. It was tough, but I did the workout without any modifications and felt great about it. Tonight I plan on meeting up with my fellow FIT CHICK Katrina and we're going to walk 3-5 miles in order to complete day 2 of the training. (We try to meet every Tuesday to walk together and catch up.)

My goal right now is to RUN a 5K every month till the end of the year. I have all the races outlines and their due dates for application are posted on my work bulletin board so I can't miss them. I will meet this goal!

So, this week, I'm happy to report a loss.

My weight last week: 224

My weight this week: 221

Loss of 3 lbs. WOOT!

Week 6

Sorry guys...I feel like a disappointment. I need to get control of my stress eating. The house hunting is rough and we're running out of time. So, I've noticed that I'm eating poorly and lacking motivation.

I need a turn-around again. But, I feel like every week is this way. I might have a good emotional week and then the next week it's sucky and I dont' care about the weight loss.

I need something...grrr

Anyway, this week's numbers:

Previous week: 218.2
This week: 219.4

Week 4 (part 2)

So, no stunning numbers for the week, but I'm feeling good about myself and that's a huge accomplishment. I managed to workout Last week Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday for an hour and half each time (more importantly, at 6:30am!)

This week I worked out this morning for an hour and 45 minutes! My goal is to workout every morning for the rest of the week (Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday).

The numbers:

Last week: 218.8

This week: 218.2

Loss: 0.6 pounds

Not stunning, but next week will be better. That's the goal, every week get a little better.

Thanks for following.

The Tides Are Changing

So this week started out a little slow with continued stress from the house hunting. But, I decided to make changes in my life and got a new haircut, updated my highlights, and went grocery shopping for better foods (while throwing out the overtly BAD foods). I also rejoined the University Club gym which I had canceled in order to save more money for the house. My agreement with myself was that the gym is $40 a month which comes out to about $2 a day (since the gym is only open on weekdays). So, for every day I don't go to the gym, I have to hand over $2 out of my pocket for the house. Then, I got sick and was obviously unsuccessfull with the workouts untill...

Monday morning (even with the time change), I woke up at 5:30am with Steve. He gets up at this time every weekday to head off to work. I hopped out of bed (which is impressive because I am SO not a morning person), packed my work clothes and lunch, and headed to the gym. By the time I actually get packed, get awake enough to drive, and commute to the gym (conviently located accross the street from my parking garage AND my office) it's usually 6:20am. But, I put in a solid hour and half before showering and heading to the office. It felt GREAT!!

Today, I did the same thing even though I had stayed up till midnight working on homework (yeah, I'm also finishing up my second masters in the midst of all this chaos). I was especially proud of myself this morning for getting out of bed and going because I was really tired. As I type now, I can feel my body really dragging, but I'm proud of myself and that pride will keep me awake all day!

So, I'm happy to report an weight loss this week for the first time since the beginning weeks in January.

Week 3 (Part 2)

Starting weight: 220

Current weight: 218.8

Weight Loss: 1.2

New Week 2: Surviving

So, this is the new week 2 and sometimes it's just about surviving another week. A wise person told me that sometimes, in those most difficult weeks, it is just about not gaining. This week is just that...surviving. It's been a rough emotional week.

Starting weight from last week: 219.2 pounds

Current weight this week: 220 pounds

Depression and Weight-Loss

So it's Tuesday March 2, 2010 and this is my first time back posting in a long time. I don't know what to say...I don't know how to say it...part of me feels like a failure and the other part keeps screaming from the depths to say "No, you are not going to stop. You must keep going. You must win this battle." It's a difficult fight from within, but then again, you the viewers are not aware of the turmoil that lurks beneath my skin and strikes a hard blow to my psyche every morning. So, here is your information...here is your insight. I do this not for pitty or awe, but for awareness. So that you can see that even those around you who you would not suspect, may be suffering.

...I have a long standing history with depression. While it is not as severe as I have seen, it still impacts me every day. It is very likely that it was a factor with my hidden unhappiness in my high school years, but became more evident during my college days. Finally, about five years ago, I sought treatment. Since then I have been on medication to help stabalize my emotions. I don't seek to have my feelings block by chemical means, rather what I've worked with my doctors on is finding the right medication at the right dosage that allows me to feel like me...to feel like I am capable of making rational decisions and see the world for how it is rather than the darkness that tends to cloud it. It works. It really does.

However, around the end of December / early January, the medication I had been on for the past two and half years finally hit is "leveling-off" point and I was greatly affected by it's inability to work with my body anymore. So, I had to change medications. The only issue, it took a few weeks for the medicine to build up in my system and left me in a vulnerable state. I was doing okay though. I had the support of my boyfriend, family, and friends. Everyday I would remind myself of the positives and keep ahold of those thoughts tightly throughout the day. Finally, as the medicine began to build up, it became easier and easier to be me again. That's when tragedy hit. Per my last post, I lost a very close friend and supporter on January 29th. She was a daily figure in my life as we worked together at the University. She was the only person in my office whom I had shared my history of depression with and she knew of my medication change and helped to keep me upbeat at work during the transition. Her loss hit me hard in the last days of this transition and threw me into a major swirl. As I tried hard to crawl back out of the deep hole depression often digs, the major snow storms hit and once again the hole got bigger. Many people are affected by seasonal depression, but when you suffer with long standing depression, the seasons can have a major affect.

With more snow and winter conditions surrounding my city everyday, and the constant absence of my dear friend which I am reminded of everyday I walk into my office, it's been difficult to think positive. It's been a struggle to think about me and what I need to get better. It's been a struggle to eat right, workout, and update my blog. It's been a struggle to get out of bed every morning, get dressed, and walk into an office that reminds me of a tragedy. It's been a struggle, but I'm still here. I'm trying to do what needs to be done. I started therapy last week and will continue for the next few months. I made a budget to help control my groceries and force me to make GOOD choices at the supermarket. And I'm telling friends that I'm not okay, that I need support, and that with there help and the positive changes I am trying to make, I will get back to taking care of me and meeting this goal. The year is far from over...it's not even a third over yet. I have a half-marathon I am still signed up for and will be walking or jogging or crawling in two months. I have friends who love me and keep asking where my blog is...and I have a great boyfriend who cooks with me every night, supports me every day, and reminds of the positives that are in my life. I'm going to do this.

So, I have no idea what week this would be if I had kept up with my bloggin, but we will call this WEEK 1, Journey 2.

Week 1, Journey 2:

Starting weight: 219.2 pounds

See you next week...promise.

Hearty and Fiber-Full Whole Wheat Bread Recipe

So, since so many have been asking for my bread recipe, here it is:

Whole Wheat (Heavy) Bread

Ingredients:

7.5 cups of whole wheat flour

2.5 cups of water

4 tea spoons of dry yeast

2 tea spoons of salt

4 tea spoons of sugar

And then whatever you want to add to your bread. We use:

-Oatmeal

-Flaxseed

-Sunflower seeds

-Fennel seeds

Pretty much just add these ingredients slowly until it’s evenly mixed in the dough. Use your best judgment.

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 340 degrees.

Use a large bowl that you can use to mix all the ingredients in as you go along.

In this bowl, mix a half cup of water with the yeast, salt and sugar. Set this on top of the oven as it heats up. Let it sit for about ten minutes to help activate the yeast.

Then, add the flour and about one and half cups of water. Mix the dough together with your hands and knead it slowly. Add he last cup of water as you go. The goal is to get a soft dough that is well mixed. (You may need to add a little extra water as you go. Just add it slowly so as not to have a runny dough.)

Finally, add your mix-ins (oatmeal, flaxseed, seeds, etc). Once it is well mixed and kneaded, set it on the warm stove, cover with a cloth, and let the dough rise for about 40 minutes.

Knead the dough again and then form into a loaf shape. Place the loaf in a well greased tall (2” or more high) baking dish or large loaf pan if you have one. We use a large lasagna baking dish. Score the top of the loaf to prevent / limit cracking.

Bake for an hour and 20 minutes.

Weight and the Real World

So, I really debated on whether or not to post this week. It's been a rough week and I know that the week to come will not be any better. This past Friday, one of my co-workers and dear friend, Beth Dudley, tragically died. She went to bed Thursday night and just didn't wake up the next morning...she was only 40 years old. Needless, its been a very rough week and dealing with her passing is not easy for me or any of her friends and co-workers.

Hence the title of this week's posting, "Weight and the Real World." As with many other people, sadness drives some of us to eat more carelessly. I have not been eating well at all since Friday and this week's weigh-in shows that fact. After stepping on the scale this morning, I felt so guilty. Beth was a blog follower and fellow "If I Were A Fit Chick" facebook fan. I know that she would tell me that things happen and next week is a new week (and she'd be right), but it still makes me think about what I've done. Beth was a great inspiration. She was a weight-loss success. Over the past six years, she had managed to lost 40 some pounds and keep it off. She continued to keep track of everything she ate, tally the calories, and balance her healthy eating with nights out and "splurge-worthy" foods. She was my office cheerleader and always encouraged me to continue with my journey.

So, that's what I'm going to do. I'm going to recognize that this week and last week are going to be tough; that I'm not going to make the best decisions, but the long-term goal is still in sight and I will pick it back up and power through. Thank you Beth. Thank you for all your words of kindness and encouragement. While this weight-loss / healthy lifestyle journey is about me and will continue to be driven by me...you will always be in my thoughts and continue to be my cheerleader. This year is for me and you.

Starting weight: 215.2

Previous week weight: 216.6

End of week four: 220.6

Okay, I'm back...

So here goes...the end of week 3. Let us recap the previous three weeks:

Initial weigh-in was 215.2

End of week one saw a 2 pound gain for a total of 217.2

End of week two, I failed to post due to frustration.

End of week three, reporting a weight loss of .6 pounds (total 216.6)

So, this hasn't really been happening the way I wanted it to, but I guess it reflects how some individuals struggle with life and weight. I would like to apologize for not posting last week, but I became frustrated with the happenings of the week. First, I had to deal with a badly infected in-grown toe nail (big toe) and was unable to workout. (No, seriously, it was bad.) I went to the doctor after a few days and was placed on a steroid and antibiotic, which resulted in a slight weight gain. Not being able to workout and watching my weight go up while still maintaining a healthy diet was very frustrating.

Fast forward to this week, I'm happy to report that the toe is much better. The infection is almost gone and I'm done with the medication. I am going to the gym in the morning and eating right so I'm hoping that next week will result in a good loss.

If this is my year, I need to make this happen. Thank you all for supporting me. I need all the support I can get to make this change for the better.

Tuesday, Jan 12, 2010: The good, the bad, and the "needs improvement"

Okay, so a little good and a little bad. First, the good...this morning I FINALLY got up and made it to the gym at 6:30 am and it felt great! I managed 4 miles of brisk walking on the treadmill and it's now noon and I still feel wide awake and proud of my accomplishment. The last week, getting up that early was rough. I'm not a morning person and anyone who has ever lived with me or talked to someone who has lived with me knows what a bear I am in the morning. So, I'd like to publically thank my boyfriend Steve for helping get me out the door this morning.

I did manage to workout two other nights last week. Steve and I did Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred and got our asses kicked. We both felt very sore the following days, but were happy with our short workouts. The plan is to continue to supplement my workouts with 30 Day Shred sessions in the evening (basically on days when I feel my morning workout was lacking, or when I have time and feel like really punishing myself).

Now for the bad...I got on the scale this morning and am sad to report a 2 pound gain. I'm not really sure what happened since I did workout a bit and felt I was a little more attentive to my eating habits (although far from perfect). So, this week I will be focusing more on my eating and trying harder to get up every morning and workout in the gym.

So that's my week in a nutshell. Other than signing up for the Pittsburgh Half-Marathon in May, I have not set any new goals. But, I have expanded my fan base by duel posting both here and on a fan page that my friend Katrina Luther and I created on facebook called, "If I Were A Fit Chick." If you haven't already, go check it out. Until then, I'll be keeping up my end of the deal.

See you next week.

Thursday, Jan 7, 2010

So, I didn't get up this morning to workout like I planned, but I did manage a short workout when I got home tonight. On my way to work I texted Steve (my guy) and asked him if he would workout with me when I got home from work and being the great support that he is, he agreed. First, I had him take 'before' pictures of me which I've posted. Then we worked out for about 30 minutes doing kettle bell and balance ball exercises. We capped off the night with a delicious and healthy dinner. It was so amazing, I decided to post the recipe here...

Vegetarian (almost Vegan) Tacos and Stir-fry

Ingredients

Soyrizo (soy choyrizo)

Chopped Onion (about a quarter of a large onion)

Can of organic black beans

Organic wheat tortillas

Salsa

Greek yogurt

Tablespoon of Olive oil

Tablespoon of chili garlic

(The amounts of the following ingredients will depend on how many people you are feeding)

Onion

Mushrooms

Zucchini

Red pepper

Sugar snapped peas

Mix and cook soyrizo, chopped onion, and beans together until heated in a large skillet pan. Then warm organic wheat tortillas. Spread soyrizo and bean mix on a tortilla, add your favorite salsa, use greek yogurt in place of sour cream

In a separate skillet mix and heat to desired texture/warmth:

Table spoon of olive oil, onion, mushrooms, zucchini, red pepper, sugar snapped peas, tablespoon of chili garlic

Serve the stir-fry as a side dish

I hope you all enjoy.

It's Tuesday, January 5, 2010 and today is the day! I'm starting a weight loss goal and I vow to finish it this time. No more making New Years Resolution about weight-loss and watching the year pass by without success. This will be the year I finish this goal.




My weigh-ins will be every Tuesday morning (which will coincide with the weekly airing of The Biggest Loser show). While I would like meet this goal by August, I am giving myself till December 31, 2010 to reach my final goal weight.


To keep myself accountable for my actions, I will post here at least every week (more if I need to) and list my actual weight and workout success for the previous week. If I don't workout, you all will know.









So here goes:





Initial Weigh-In:

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Weight: 215.2 pounds
Goal: 140 pounds
Need to lose: 75.2 pounds

Week 1: January 5, 2010

Weight: 215.2