Wednesday's Weigh In!!!

Well, no loss, no gain....

It happens to all of us. I am not discouraged, probably more outraged but not angry....outraged in a motivational type of way. I am more determined than ever to have a loss next week. I am getting healthier every week and my body is changing. Every day I wake up feeling a little lighter on my feet. My clothes are feeling a little looser and so I am not discouraged. I am only encouraged to press on a little harder, do a little more, try to get up earlier...so hubby doesn't have to stay up waiting for me to get done with my exercise.

I have a goal to lose all this excess weight by the first of March for my sister's wedding in April.

I don't plan to just lose the weight and the forget about it either, this is a lifestyle change. I cannot go back once I have reached my goal. Exercising every week is a must and eating healthy nutritious foods is a must.

It's funny because I can't even eat potato chips without feeling a little guilty. I think, "Why am I eating THIS?!? What positive effect does it have on my body? ZERO, ZILCH, NADA...It isn't good for me, so just eat your veggies, lots of them and stay away from those....those calorie-laden snacks...except for an ocassional treat...a sweet treat that is!"

Does anyone know the answer to this question..."Do you ever see your abs after having babies?" Is it even possible? I have seen some AMAZING stories on Spark People... One lady lost a ton of weight (don't know how much) and then won a Body Building competition!!! NO KIDDING!!! This lady was ALL muscle!!! Of course, she weight trains 6 days a week, but WOW...I didn't think it was even possible to get your body in that kind of shape without surgery!!! Maybe it is because many give up before they have won the race and just opt for surgery...I don't know, but if I could get those kind of results, trust me I would NEVER give up!!!

Anyway, it's just a couple more weeks to the final weigh in for the Look Great in 2008 Challenge, are you with me?

Need extra help counting calories, and figuring out what you need to do fitness wise? Join me at Spark People! I am KICKBOXINGMOM!!!

Have a Wonderful Christmas!!!

Wednesday's Weigh In!!!

Okay...back again!!! This week I am doing the same challenge...that is 300 minutes of exercise, 28 fruits and veggies, 100 push-ups and 100 crunches. Last week, due to busyness, I was unable to complete my exercise challenge, but I am determined this week...Lord willing!

This week I am ALL SMILES...

WHY, YOU ASK??
I have lost 1.4 pounds this week!!! I am elated, more than a 1 pound loss!!! YIPPEEE!

I am learning that these "baby steps" down the scale are better than nothin'. And this week even if I didn't lose, I would be happy because I am noticing a change in my body. My hips have changed especially. I am definitely seeing visible changed and for that I am thrilled. I am not quite sure what my "ideal" weight should be yet, I am guessing that 20-23 more pounds loss would be my ideal, but I won't know until I get there.

I am really going to try to press on and do my exercise today...although my darling daughter was up half the night!!!

I must remember the end results! If I keep going and don't slack off, I will see end results sooner.

And if you had just a small victory this week, even though it may be small it is a victory (even if you just maintained), it is STILL a victory and all these little victories ADD UP! They add up to one great BIG VICTORY.

Don't be discouraged. REMEMBER reach for the goal, reach for the prize!!! Good health is worth it!!!

Now, my goal is to lose about 23 more pounds, but if I lose just 20 pounds by the end of the year I will be thrilled!!! I am a little more than 6 pounds away from losing those 20 pounds!!! I don't know how fast it will come off, but I KNOW it will come off with persistence! So, persist, I must!

Join me won't you? Look Great in 2008!!! And if you need a little more assistance, join me at Spark People...I am KICKBOXINGMOM!!! I think I will be a lifetime member at Spark People!

Wednesday's Weigh In!!!

This week, I didn't do as well as I thought, BUT a loss is a loss any way you look at it! I lost .8 pounds this week bringing my total up to 13.4 pounds lost total.

Do you remember that challenge I took last week? Well, I completed it...that is more than 28 fruits and veggies, AND 300 exercise minutes!!! I felt so accomplished by the successful completion of the challenge that I took the challenge AGAIN this week!!! Am I crazy or what?!!!

Yep!!! I thought so, I have gone loopy!!! I REALLY don't have the time to complete that many minutes...you know, I am up till 10 or 11p.m. exercising, but my clothes are continually getting bigger on me AND I am getting closer and closer to being able to wear my wedding rings again. I am reaching for the prize and I won't rest until I get it.

Well, I must be off again...my Tae-Bo video is calling my name!!!

If you would like to join us at Tales From the Scales Look Great in 2008, it's coming to a close...

AND if you need a little help with reaching your weight loss goals, try Spark People, you'll be glad you did! BTW...at Spark People I am KICKBOXINGMOM!!!

Wednesday's Weigh In!!!

Well...this week with Spark People has been successful!!! I have lost 2 pounds this week!!!

And can I just say


WOOHOO!!!!

I am completely and totally ectastic!!!! This week I joined a challenge that pushes me to my limits!!! The challenge is to eat 28 servings of fruits and veggies (that's the easy part) and to do 300 minutes of exercise...that is the clincher!!! Although it includes all exercise...cardio, stretching, and strength training.

So far I am keeping up, believe or not!!! I have exercised every day, of course I will only do strength training Monday, Wednesday, and Friday...then cardio every day. This challenges figures that you are working out for an hour every day or more on some days, less on others.

My ellipitical is getting its use and soon I will be using my good ole' treadmill, that is, once my hubby helps me bring it downstairs...with seven children, you can't exercise in another part of the house!

What I like best about Spark People is that I am no longer "counting" my calories...it is doing it for me! I am also eating better balanced meals and not so many protein bars. You know, REAL food fills you up better than protein bars!!! I never knew that!

Anyway, if you need a little help with motivation and dieting, I encourage you to join Spark People! If you DO decide to join, I am KICKBOXINGMOM!

Have a great day!!!

BTW, If you made a comment on my blog and I didn't visit you last week...forgive me! I have been overloaded with busyness lately...I am barely keeping up with the everyday!!! I didn't forget you dear friends!

Wednesday's Weigh In!!!

So I lost another .8 pounds. I should be jumping for joy since I lost and didn't gain, but I'm not...

I have never lost weight this slow before, but it has been about three years since I have been at my target weight. This weight WAS gained during this last year with my pregnancy, so I shouldn't be surprised that it is taking me longer than I would expect. And I am 34 this time and not 30. Age DOES make a difference.

I DID exercise on Sunday, Monday & Tuesday so I am doing all the right things. I know I haven't kept a food diary lately, but I have been keeping up on my caloric intake.

However, I found this awesome website that helps with nutrition and exercise. It is called Spark People . The best thing is that it is FREE to join!!!

Have a great Thanksgiving!

Oh and before I forget, I earned this sticker this week:

Exercise Diary AND Food Diary

Tonight I did Billy Blanks 8-minute Tae-Bo workout. I am sweaty and feel pretty good after it!

Last evening, I also did a Billy Blanks Tae-Bo workout...that is, Basic Boot Camp. Although I can't do the sit-ups yet--that is too painful for my neck--I was able to do my push-ups, which I am thrilled about. I have always had weak wrists and push-ups usually aggravate the problem, but so far they don't hurt. With the sit-ups, I almost was able to hold myself up with my abdominal muscles, but not quite. There is a certain way you have to do crunches in order to not hurt your neck, and I am physically unable to do that right now. I hope to work up to it, but if not, I will continue to do my standing crunches...they basically do the same thing!

As for my Food Diary...
I have been keeping one for the week in a notebook because I just haven't had much computer time, but I will post it for today.

Breakfast
Coffee with creamer (95)
Protein Bar (270)
Total: 365

Lunch (snack)
1 cup Skim Milk (90)

Actual Lunch
Instant Breakfast (250)
Total: 340 (705)

Dinner
Chicken (125)
Tator Tots (170)
Salad with Ranch dressing (55)
Carrots (35)
1/4 of 6 inch pizza (100?)
Hot Apple Cider (120)
Total: 605 (1310)

Snack
Strawberry Banana Smoothie (made with fat free yogurt) (275)
Total: 275 (1585)

Wednesday's Weigh In!!!

Today I am only down .6 pounds. That is not really a surprise to me since I didn't exercise this last week (except last night). I am realizing more and more that if I don't exercise, I don't lose weight.

Now that hasn't been true so far, until today. However, things are soon to change.

This is why...

• For one, I no longer will have to wait to do my exercise until 10 p.m. when I am really way too exhausted to do it anyway...Why? you say? Well, my husband works from home AND we have had an "employee" working with him lately. Unfortunately, my husband's kind of work (woodworking) wasn't suited to this gentleman's ability so just last week he gave his notice...today is his last day. For me, that is somewhat of a blessing because I can now workout whenever I like because I don't have to worry about having someone (other than a family member) "walking in" on me while I am exercising. I wouldn't do well if I went to a gym, because I don't like having people "watch" me workout.

Now if you are like me--stubborn, that is--you are going to change this week!!! I AM GOING TO FIGHT FOR MY SUCCESS!!!Whatever it takes!!! I know that I need to work out 5-6 times a week...I WILL be stubborn and do this!!! Even if I just do Billy Blanks 8-minute workout every other day and a normal workout in between!

I know, I know...Thanksgiving is coming up, BUT we don't have any plans. No, I am actually okay with it since I am trying to lose weight. The good thing is that I don't have to worry about eating too much since we are not having guests and are not going to be guests anywhere.

We don't live near family, not even remotely close to family, so holidays are always this way. Sometimes we get together with other families, and sometimes we don't. I often will make dozens and dozens of cookies for friends at Christmas time and we go and deliver them.

If you didn't do as well as you would have liked this week either, here are a few things that I have learned...

• 1. When I eat sugary foods, I don't lose as much weight...even if I have been good to not overeat.
• 2. When I don't exercise, I don't lose weight.
• 3. You must, must, must avoid sugar because when you eat sugar you produce insulin, which in turn deposits fatty acids into fat cells. Fruit sugars are better because they don't cause you to produce insulin, fruit sugars are actually digested in your colon. Stevia is even better because it is calorie free and helps lower blood pressure. I have some stevia that I use ocassionally, but I don't like it in my coffee so I don't use it much.
• 4. I need my sleep!!! My baby girl has been keeping me up this week, so getting as much rest as I need is IMPORTANT!!! I think my lack of sleep this last week has affected the weight that I have NOT lost!

Another thing...DON'T GIVE UP!!!

GET MAD AT YOUR SCALE and tell it, I WILL BE SUCCESSFUL!!! I WILL WIN THIS BATTLE!!! GGRRRRRR!!!!! MY HEALTH IS IMPORTANT!!! MY WEIGHT WILL NOT GET ME DOWN!!! MY SUCCESS IS WORTH MORE THAN THE FOOD I EAT!!!

No more BAH HUMBUGGING about the scale!!! GET MAD!!! And spring into action!

It's not too late to join us at Tales From the Scales!

Food Diary

Breakfast

• Coffee (80)
• 1 slice Breakfast toast, dry (90)
• Pria Bar (110)
• Total: 280

Lunch

• Meatloaf sandwich on Rye & Pump Swirl bread
• ~Meatloaf, 1/2 slice (135)
• ~Rye & Pump Swirl bread, 1 slice (80)
• ~mustard, (free)
• Salad with dressing & flax seeds (35)
• Total: 250 (530)

Snack

Dinner

Food Diary

Breakfast

• Coffee with creamer (80)
• Protein bar (180)
• Total: 260

Lunch

• Deli Chicken 4 oz. (100)
• Salad with dressing & flax seeds (35)
• Carrots, 1/2 serving (18)
• 2 chips with dip (30)
• Total: 183 (443)

Snack

• Kashi Go Lean Bar (170)
• Hot Cinnamon Spice tea (free)
• Total: 170 (613)

Dinner

• 1 slice Meatloaf, 4 oz. (270)
• Roll (130)
• Salad with dressing (35)
• Tator Tots, 12 (170)
• 1 Slice Whole Grain Apple Yogurt bread (90)
• Total: 695 (1308)

Snack

• French Vanilla Coffee (70)
• Pria Bar (110)
• Skim Milk, 1 cup (90)
• 1/2 cup Lowfat cottage cheese (80)
• Total: 350 (1658)

Food Diary

To read my weigh in post, scroll down!
Breakfast

• Coffee with creamer (80)
• Protein Bar (180)
• Total: 260

Lunch

• Beef Veggie Soup (150)
• 1 T Peanut butter on 1 slice bread (170)
• Chai Tea with Skim Milk & Sugar (10)
• Total: 330 (590)

Snack

• Banana (105)
• Total: 105 (695)

Dinner

• Spaghetti with meatballs, 1 serving (210 + 200)
• Salad with dressing (35)
• Apple Crisp (200)
• Total: 645 (1340)

Snack

• Fat Free Plain Yogurt, 1 cup (130)
• 1 Medium Banana (105)
• 1/4 cup Low Fat Organic Granola (90)
• Skim Milk, 1 cup (90)
• Total: 415 (1755)

Wednesday's Weigh In!!!

Let me just say right now, I am beginning to believe my scales!!! I lost another 2.2 pounds this week!!!

A few things that I am doing right, (for me anyway) are:

• 1. Keeping my food diary ONLINE!!!
• 2. Counting my calories and sticking to it.
• 3. Decreasing my caloric intake each week after my weigh in.
• 4. Exercising when I can...not often enough, but maybe I will find the time.

My results so far...

• 1. A total weight loss of 9.2 pounds...after 4 1/2 weeks of counting calories.
• 2. Inches lost all around...totalling 6 inches.
• 3. I seem to have more energy.
• 4. I have a better attitude about my figure.
• 5. My clothes are fitting looser.

If you are wanting to lose weight and need a little support and motivation, join us at Tales from the Scales!

Food Diary

Breakfast

• Coffee with creamer (80)...weaker coffee, less creamer!
• Protein Bar (190)
• Total: 270

Lunch

• Deli Chicken, 3 oz. (75)
• Protein Bar--another busy day of homeschooling! (270)
• 2 cups Chai tea with 1 T skim milk & 1/4 t raw sugar (20)
• Total: 365 (635)

Dinner

• Beef Vegetable Soup, 2 cups (250)
• Croissant w/1 slice American Cheese (330 + 70)
• 1 slice bread with 1 T crunchy peanut butter (160)
• 1 cup hot spiced apple cider (120)
• Total: 930 (1565)

Snack? My tummy is so satisfied I don't know if I need one!

Food Diary

Breakfast

• Coffee with creamer (100)
• Protein bar (190)
• Total: 290

Lunch

• Kentucky Fried Chicken, thigh (330)
• Salad with dressing (35)
• Total: 365 (655)

Dinner

• Roast, 4 oz. (150)
• Carrots, 1 cup (70)
• Potato, small with peel (110)
• Green beans (25)
• 1/2 garlic toast bagel (150)
• Hot Spiced Apple Cider, 1 cup (120)
• Total: 625 (1280)

Snack

Yogurt & bran cereal (130 + 80)

Food Diary

Breakfast

• Coffee w/creamer (130)
• Protein bar (190)
• Total: 320

Lunch (Fellowship meal @ church)

• Chicken (150)
• Squash casserole, 1/2 cup (160)
• Salad with dressing (35)
• Grated cheese, 1 T (22)
• Fruit Salad (150)
• Angel Food Cake (161)
• Total: 677 (997)

Dinner

• Kentucky Fried Chicken (360)
• KFC Mashed potatoes & gravy, 1 serving (140)
• Salad w/salad dressing (35)
• Skim Milk, 2 cups (180)
• Total: 715 (1712)

And may I say that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the site dietfacts.com!!! It gave me the calorie amounts for the Kentucky Fried Chicken & mashed potatoes!!! AWESOME!!!

Food Diary

Breakfast

• 1 cup of coffee with cream (70)
• Protein Bar (190)
• Total: 260

Lunch

• Chicken Wrap
• ~1 chicken tender, not breaded (103)
• ~lettuce (free)
• ~plain yogurt, 2 T (16)
• ~salsa (free)
• ~tortilla (120)
• 2 bites of pizza crust (25)
• Total: 264 (524)

Snack

• Apple Crisp (300)
• Chai Tea, 2 cups (20)
• Total: 320 (844)

Dinner

• Pizza, 2 slices (600)
• Total: 600 (1444)

Snack

Food Diary

Yesterday was a good day for my calorie counting, however I didn't bother to write anything down. We went to another family's house for dinner, so we got back quite late and I didn't bother writing it up on my blog.

Breakfast

• Coffee with Creamer (130)
• Protein Bar (190)
• Total: 320

Lunch

• Chicken wrap
• ~chicken (103)
• ~tortilla (120)
• ~lettuce (free)
• ~plain yogurt (15)
• Chai Tea (10)
• Total: 248 (568)

Dinner

• Supreme Pizza (600)
• Salad w/salad dressing (35)
• Carrots (35)
• Total: 670 (1238)

Snack/Dessert

• Apple Crumb Pie, large slice (500)
• Chai Tea, 2 cups (20)
• Total: 520 (1758)

Food Diary

To view Wednesday's Weigh In, scroll down!


Breakfast

• Coffee with Creamer (120)
• Protein Bar (210)
• Total: 330

Lunch (Life has been very busy lately, no time to really eat much.)

• Protein Bar (160)
• Skim Milk, 2 cups (180)
• Total: 340 (670)

Snack

• Chai Tea with skim milk & sugar (17)
• 1/2 Snack Bar (90)
• Total: 107 (777)

Dinner

• Shake & Bake Chicken (350)
• Raw Carrots (35)
• Salad with light Italian dressing (35)
• Total: 420 ( 1197)

Dessert

• Chai Tea (17)
• Little Debbie Snack (270)
• Total: 287 (1484)

Snack

• Plain Yogurt, 1 cup (130)
• Organic Strawberry Granola, 1/4 cup (90)
• Total: 220 (1704)

Wednesday's Weigh In!!!

Another two pounds GONE!!! And again I am in disbelief. I have desperately tried to fit in exercise and sometimes I get it in, sometimes I don't. I have been completely exhausted this week with late nights with my baby and sick children with fevers.

However, I stayed on my strict caloric diet and it proved itself successful again this week! WOOHOOO!

One thing I learned this week while reading one of my books on weight loss is that it takes 3500 calories (missing from your diet) to lose 1 pound of fat! 3500 CALORIES!!! I also realized that I eat 2100 calories less each week than what my body needs to maintain my weight, SOOO every 12 days (11.6) I am ridding my body of one pound of fat!

Another thing I learned while reading is this, and this may shock you!!!

"Artificial sweeteners do not promote weight loss. Saccharin saves calories, but causes weight gain because it stimulates the secretion of insulin, which encourages the deposit of fatty acids into fat cells. In one trial against controls who drank sugar-sweetened drinks with a low calorie lunch, consumers of saccharin-sweetened drinks who at the same lunch were more motivated to eat and more preoccupied with food for the rest of the day. Using aspartame decreases appetite, but also causes weight gain. Aspartame hinders protein digestion. If less protein enters the bloodstream from the digestive system, the body tends to store glucose as fat. The net result is that eating less food can result in storing more fat."

~Prescription for Herbal Healing

Needless to say, I was totally and completely shocked when I read that in my book. It makes me think twice before I eat artificially sweetened foods!

Well, that's all I have time for now! If you would like to join us go HERE!

Food Diary

Breakfast

• Coffee with Cream (130)
• Protein Bar (210)
• Total: 340

Snack

• 1/2 Go Lean Bar
• 1 oz. deli chicken (25)
• small slice cheese (30)
• Total: 55 (395)

Lunch

• Salad w/tomatoes (free)
• Salad dressing (35)
• 3 oz. deli Chicken (75)
• Roll (125)
• Carrots (15)
• Total: 250 (645)

Snack

• Coffee (65)
• Snack Bar (120)
• Total: 185 (830)

Dinner

• Chicken Tacos
• ~Chicken, 5 oz. (230)
• ~Tortillas, 2 (240)
• ~Cheese, 1 T (22)
• Chips, 6 (75)
• Corn Muffins, 2 (264)
• Total: 831 (1661)

Snack

• Chai Tea (10)
• Kashi TLC Granola Bar (140)
• Total: 150 (1811)

EXERCISE: Billy Blank's 8-minute Tae-Bo Workout.

Food Diary

54Breakfast

• Coffee (210)
• Protein Bar (190)
• Total: 400

Lunch

• 1/4 of 6 inch cheese pizza (120)
• Carrots (25)
• Total: 145 (545)

Snack

• 1/2 banana (50)
• 1/2 Go Lean Bar (85)
• Chai tea w/1 T skim milk & 1/4 t raw sugar (10)
• Total: 145 (690)

Dinner

• Potato soup, 1 1/2 cups (375)
• Homemade Whole Grain roll (150)
• Deli Chicken Breast, 4 oz. (100)
• 3 Woven Wheat Crackers (49)
• Total: 674 (1364)

Snack

• Skim Milk (200--a little over 2 cups)
• Kashi TLC Granola Bar (140)
• Total: 340 (1704)

Food Diary

Breakfast

• 3 cups coffee with creamer (210)
• Special K Protein Meal Bar (190)
• Total: 400

Lunch

• Enchilada Chicken Salad (approx. 350)
• Total: 350 (750)

Calories Left: 1056

Snack

• Apple (80)
• Total: 80 (830)

Dinner

• Grilled Chicken (150)
• Green Beans (30)
• Cauliflower w/cheese sauce (60)
• Homemade Whole Grain roll (150)
• Tator Tots, 6 (90)
• Dessert: Apples with Caramel (315)
• Total: 795 (1625)

Snack

• 1/2 Tashi Go Lean bar (for my chocolate fix)(85)
• Chai Tea (20)
• Total: 95 (1730)

Food Diary

Breakfast

• Coffee with creamer, 2 cups (150)
• Special K Protein Meal bar (190)
• Total: 340

Lunch (another VERY busy day)

• 2 cups Tazo Chai Tea with sugar (1/4 t) and 1 T skim milk (20)
• Protein Bar (145)
• Total: 155 (495)

Snack

• 1 Slice Chicken Quesadilla (95)
• Total: 95 (590)

I spent all afternoon in my kitchen cooking with my dear sister in Christ...I didn't have much time to eat.

Dinner

• Ham & Cheese sandwich
• ~5 oz. lean ham (320)
• ~1 slice American Cheese (70)
• ~Lettuce (free)
• ~1 slice tomato (free)
• ~Whole grain roll (150)
• potato soup, 1 cup (250)
• 2 cups Tazo Chai Tea--fixed as above with raw whole milk--(28)
• Pecan cookie (75)
• Total: 804 (1483)

Snack

• Kashi Granola Bar (140)
• Milk, 1 1/3 cups (120)...changed brands again (90 calories/cup)
• Banana, tiny in size (50)
• Herbal tea (free)
• Total: 310 (1783)

Food Diary

Breakfast

• Coffee with cream (140)
• Protein Bar (205)
• Breakfast Total: 345

Snack Lunch (busy day!)

• Protein bar (135)
• Total: 135 (480)

Lunch Snack (@ 3 p.m.)

• Chicken, 6 oz. (150)
• & Cheese, 2T (44)
• Wrapped in lettuce (free)
• Carrots (approx. 35)
• Total: 229 (709)

Remaining Calories: 1097*
*NOTE: I have once again dropped my caloric intake (to 1806) to accomodate my weight loss goal for this next week!

Snack

• Skim Milk, 1 cup (80)
• Total: 80 (789)

Dinner

• Beef and Noodles, 1 1/2 servings (555)
• Whole Grain Bread (60)
• Carrots & Tomatoes (50)---I am counting these mainly because carrots have sugar.
• Total: 665 (1454)

Snack

• Skim Milk, 2 cups (160)
• Slim Fast Snack Bar (120)
• Bite of another bar (36)
• Total: 316 (1770)

Exercise Diary

Today I did Billy Blanks Tae-Bo Flex. I wasn't quite as sore as I thought I would be and my muscles remembered what I did when I lost weight (by exercising with Tae-Bo) before.

I forgot how much I really enjoy doing Tae-Bo. I am not extremely coordinated when it comes to aerobic dancing, or stepping, so I opted to do Tae-Bo and I really, REALLY like it! I think I like the Tae-Bo Cardio and Tae-Bo Flex DVDs the best of all the workouts that I have done with Billy Blanks. He seems to explain how to do the exercises better than on his other videos. AND the results are usually better because you are doing the exercise properly!

However, it seems that I cannot get in my exercise until really late at night. Tonight I started around 10 p.m. and finished about the same time as Monday night. But, I guess it is better that I do my exercise so I can lose this annoying extra weight than it is to just give up for the day! You can't lose weight thinking about exercise, now can you?!

My goal is to press on toward the prize! Not to give up! And to feel comfortable with my size again!

Happy Losing!

Food Diary

To see my blurb on Wednesday's Weigh, scroll down!


Breakfast

• Coffee with cream, 1 1/2 cups (100)
• Protein Bar (205)
• Breakfast Total: 305

Lunch

• Sweet & Spicy Chicken Salad
• ~Chicken (250)
• ~dressing (35)
• ~Cheese, 2 T (44)
• ~Carrots (35)
• 1 Potato wedge (28)
• Slim Fast Snack Bar (120)
• Lunch Total: 477 (782)

Snack

• Green Tea, 1 cup (free)
• 1/2 Protein Bar (95)
• Skim Milk, slightly more than 1 cup (90)
• Snack Total: 185 (967)

Dinner

• Pizza, 2 slices (approx. 600)
• Carrots & Tomato (50)
• Salad (free)
• Salad Dressing (35)
• Dinner Total: 685 (1652)

Snack

• Skim Milk, 1 1/4 cups (100)
• 1/2 Kashi TLC bar (70)
• Snack Total: 170 (1822)

Grand Total: 1822 & I exercised!

Wednesday's Weigh In!!!

I should be excited, for my scale told me this morning that I was 2 pounds lighter, but I am doubtful. However,I did weigh myself more than I should, that is, every other day or so and sometimes my scale told me I was up two pounds, then down one, then up one....Maybe I did lose the weight, I'm not really sure. What I DO know is that I stayed on my weight reducing diet and didn't overeat (or not that I am aware of).

The numbers tell me that I lost two more pounds, at least today. So if that is correct and I total all the weight lost so far, then I have lost 5 pounds altogether which means that I have earned my 5 pounds lost sticker.

Let's just hope I can keep it off. I do plan to continue exercising this week as time allows.

This next week however, I am going to continue to watch my sugar intake...only allowing myself the sugar in protein bars, coffee, and an occassional iced tea. And if you are wondering, there are goodies in my house like Little Debbie Snack Cakes, candy bars, and Quaker Oat granola bars, BUT I made sure to get myself my own little goodies...that is protein bars, that usually tames the beast! Those other goodies just aren't worth the calories that they use if you know what I mean. I always say that I can't "afford" them. No matter how good they taste, I think I want to be skinny more than I want to eat the wrong foods.

I am just totally disgusted with my body right now, physically that is. The only time I have ever weighed this much is when I am pregnant and this time I am not. Just the other day I looked in the mirror and thought I looked as if I were 3-4 months pregnant...the last thing I need is someone asking me if I am! I don't like what I see in the mirror and that is what pushes me on. I MUST lose this extra baggage! I just hope that my stubbornness to not accept my size and my determination to lose the weight will get me where I need to be!

If you would like to join us, go to Tales from the Scales!

Food Diary

Breakfast

• Coffee with creamer (180)
• Oatmeal (210)
• ~with cinnamon, coconut oil (125), sugar (30), flax seeds (?), oat bran (?)
• Breakfast total: approx. 600

Lunch

• Enchilada Chicken Salad
• ~cheese, 2 T (60)
• ~chicken, 4 oz. (195)
• ~sour cream, 1 T (30)
• ~Salsa & enchilada sauce (30)
• Lunch Total: 315 (915)

Dinner

• Chicken (200)
• Pizza (300)
• Salad with dressing (35)
• 1/3 Kashi Go Lean Bar (57)
• Peach/Mango Tea (80)
• Dinner Total: 592 (1587)

Exercise Diary

Yes, another diary...tonight I did Billy Blank's Cardio Workout, but it wasn't easy. I had a fussy baby the entire time I was working out. I stopped probably 15 times to put her pacifier back into her mouth. I finished at 10:40 p.m. this evening! We will see how I sleep tonight!

How do I feel after REALLY working out for the first time in 1 1/2 years? A bit winded, sweaty, and my tummy aches & feels like it is hollow inside, BUT overall, I feel pretty good! I can guarantee that I will be sore, but sore muscles are a good thing when you are starting a new exercise regimen! It means that you did your body some good!

I only got on my elliptical for one minute today and that was just too easy! I will have to try for 2 minutes each time and remember to set my timer so that I remember to do my elliptical training! OH WELL, at least I did my Tae-Bo workout...it is 40 minutes from beginning to end.

I am really going to try to get up earlier! My baby girl has been fussy every night until about 12-1 a.m. so it is really hard to get up before 7:30 a.m.!!! I am not normally a late sleeper, but when I am nursing I get really fatigued. When I was pregnant, I was getting up every day at 6:30 a.m. or earlier. I wish I could do that now!!! If I can get myself to doing that then I will workout in the morning instead of the evening...we'll see!

Food Diary

Breakfast

• Coffee with creamer, 2 cups (140)
• Balance Bare Bar (210)
• Breakfast Total: 350
  

Lunch

• Egg Drop Soup, 2 cups (180)
• Sesame Chicken (250)
• Lunch Total: 430 (780)

Snack

• 1/2 large apple (75)

Dinner

• Enchilada Style Chicken salad (salad: free, 5 oz. chicken: 233)
• Corn Tortilla Chips, 1 1/2 servings (210)
• Sour Cream, 2T (60)
• Grated Cheese, 2T (44)
• Enchilada Sauce & salsa, 1/3 cup (30)
• Dinner Total: 577 (1357)

Snack

• Skim Milk, 2 cups (160)
• Protein bar (250)

Grand Total: 1767

A Reasonable Plan...

Well, I have a confession to make...I have been checking my weight every other day or so AND it doesn't seem like any weight is coming off this week. I am not cheating on my diet...meaning that I am not exceeding my dieting caloric intake so....

A few things it may mean are:

1. I am eating too many sugars.
2. I am not exercising.
3. Since I am older* than I was the last time I lost all of my weight, it may just be harder to lose this time.

• *NOTE: I am 34-years-old this time, not 28 or 30.

However, I have a plan, a reasonable one.

• As many of you know, I have seven children and I homeschool, so exercise is NOT the easiest thing for me to do. My day is literally filled to the top with busyness, that's why I haven't started exercising yet...I just can't "find" the time to.

Here is my plan:

• 1. Set the timer for an hour at a time.
• 2. At the top of every hour (when the timer beeps), I am going to get on my elliptical for 1 minute and work as hard as I can. This may be too easy, so I may have to go for 2-3 minutes.
• 3. If I have time in the evenings, I will do one of Billy Blank's workouts.
• 4. I will try to cut out sugars (with the exception of 1/4 t in my coffee & my morning protein bar).

Food Diary

Breakfast

• Coffee with lots of cream, 3 cups (210)
• Homemade Strawberry & Cream Oatmeal (355)
• Breakfast Total: 565

Lunch

• Sesame chicken (250)
• Broccoli (free)
• Egg Drop Soup, 1 cup (90)
• Cranberry Apple Hot Tea (free)
• Lunch Total: 340 (905)

Remaining Calories to use: 923

Snack

• Pop Corn, 2 cups (60)

Dinner

• Veggie Pizza (450)
• Salad (35)
• Dinner Total: 485 (1450)

Snack

• String Cheese Stick, (66)
• Oatmeal Cream Pie (170)
• Hot Vanilla Creme Drink made with Skim Milk (140)
• Snack Total: 376 (1826)

Food Diary

Breakfast

• Coffee with cream, 3 cups (180)
• Zone Perfect Bar, Chocolate Caramel Cluster (210)
• Breakfast Total: 390

Lunch

• Sesame Chicken (250)
• Broccoli & Carrots (free)
• Star Crunch (150)
• Skim Milk, 1 cup (80)
• Lunch Total: 480 (870)

Snack

• Vanilla Creme Hot Drink (60) I have a sore throat today.

Dinner

• Pancakes, 3 (240)
• Eggs, 3 (300)
• Homemade Light Strawberry Jam, 3 T (66)
• Whipped Topping, 3T (37)
• Echinacea/Elderberry Hot Tea, 1 cup (free)
• Dinner Total: 643 (1573)

Snack

• String Cheese Stick, .83 oz (66)
• Oatmeal Cream Pie, (170)
• I Love Lemon Hot Tea (Free)

Total: 1809 calories

Food Diary

Breakfast

• Coffee, 2 cups (120)
• 2 Fried Eggs, (200)
• Dry Toast, (60)
• Breakfast Total: 380
  

Lunch

• Salad (free)
• Turkey Ham (225)
• Carrots (20)
• Cucumbers (free)
• Light Italian Salad Dressing, 1 T (20)
• Skim Milk*, 1 cup (80)
• Fudge Round (150)
• Lunch Total: 495 (875)

*Skim milk is a different brand this time so it is only 80 calories a cup.

Dinner

• Hot & Sour soup, 1/2 cup (40)
• Egg Drop soup, 1/2 cup (47)
• Crab Rangoon, 3 (200)
• Fried Rice, 1/2 cup (150)
• Sesame Chicken with Broccoli (250)
• Sesame Balls (132)
• Dinner Total: 822 calories (1697)

I am just guessing at some of the calorie amounts for dinner, so I opted to not have a snack afterwards. I also was not hungry, a good indication that I may have miscalculated and overate!

Food Diary

Breakfast

• Balance Bare Bar (210)
• Coffee with lots of creamer (140)
• Breakfast Total: 350

Lunch

• Salad with tomatoes & cucumbers (free)
• Turkey Ham, 3 oz. (225)
• Salad Dressing, 2 T (35)
• All Bran Cereal, 1/3 cup(80)
• Skim milk, 1/2 cup (45)
• Lunch Total: 385

Dinner

• Hot Dog (280)
• Chili, 1 cup (340)
• Skim Milk, 2 cups (180)
• tomato (free)
• Apple, 1/2 (65)
• Dinner Total: 865

Total, so far: 1600 calories. I still get a snack later. I probably will have a glass of milk and a granola bar.

Snack

• Skim Milk, 1 1/2 cups (150)
• Granola Bar (100)

Grand Total: 1850

Food Diary

Who's counting days? I kind of got lost for a while, lost in busyness & company so I not going to count days anymore, but I will continue to post my food diary as often as possible.

Breakfast

• Coffee with lots of cream, 3 cups (180)
• Balance Bare Bar (210)
• Pumpkin Streusel Cake, very small piece, (100)

Lunch

• Turkey Ham, 3 oz. (225)
• Large salad (free)
• Light Italian Salad dressing, 2T (35)
• Small piece of a protein bar (37)

Dinner

• Sloppy Joe on Rye & Pump Swirl (300)
• Tator Tots, 12 pieces (170)
• Salad (free)
• Light Italian Salad Dressing (35)

Snack

• Pumpkin Pie (280)
• 3 cups Skim Milk (270)

Total: 1842, Just RIGHT! I have had to recalculate my required food intake for weight loss which is now 1850 calories per day, so just a little under is OK!

The plan is still to incorporate exercise into my weight loss regimen, hopefully I will have time in the next few days! Today I did a little Kid Lifting...or in other words, I used my 2-year-old as a weight and did some bicep curls...boy, I really felt it in my arms when I was done!

Wednesday's Weigh In!!!

I have lost another 2 pounds!!! I have had company since Saturday (they left today), so I haven't had time to post my food diary, but I kept track of what I ate and made sure to not eat too much!

And I did get a new scale this week, my old scale was weighing me right but this scale is digital and much easier to see for us blind folks!

So, with this weeks weight loss, I have lost a total of 3 lbs!!! That is exciting for me. Maybe next week will be better because I plan to add exercise now. Now that my company is gone!

If you are reading this for the first time and have not joined the LOOK GREAT IN 2008 Challenge and would like to, go to TALES FROM THE SCALES!

YIKES!!!!

I just realized that I may not hit my goal by January 8! The only way is if I lose 3 lbs. a week! I just don't see that happening. I currently have 37 pounds to lose in 13 weeks, that is approximately 3 lbs. per week. Although I can't predict the future, I certainly don't see myself getting it ALL off in time. Maybe I am just panicking too soon, I don't know. But what I do know is that I have not lost it that fast before, except right after I had my fifth child. She nursed so much that I was back to size by the time she was two months! My newest DD doesn't nurse THAT much and she is already two-months-old.

I know, I know...I mustn't get discouraged! I just need to go for it! And you better believe I will!

I just need someone to kick me once in a while and tell me to get off my duff and exercise! Or to tell me to make time for it...I don't necessarily sit on my duff all day long either.

I MUST WIN THE BATTLE!
I MUST WEAR MY WEDDING RINGS AGAIN!
I MUST WEAR MY FAVORITE DRESS AGAIN!

I am not giving myself any choice. I WILL do it! I WILL! Whether or not it is by the deadline, what difference does it make? As long as I press on toward the goal!

Food Diary...Day 7

Breakfast

• Coffee with lots of creamer, more than usual (150)
• Balance Bare Bar (210)
  

Lunch

• Meatloaf on 1 slice of pump & rye swirl bread (355)
  Tomatoes & Cucumbers (free)
  

Snack

• Granola bar(100)
• Skim milk, 1 cup (90)

Dinner

• Spaghetti, 1 cup (200)
• With Meatballs & Sauce, 4 (180, sauce free)
• parmesan cheese 1 1/2 T (30)
• Salad (free)
• With Light dressing, 2 T (35)
• 1 slice French bread (75)

Total: 1425 Wow! No wonder I am hungry! I will definitely be rewarding myself with a snack later!

Snack

• Skim milk, 2 cups (180)
• Protein Bar (250)

Grand Total: 1855...Yeah! And I was running all over the house today trying to clean it up!

So, I did it!

I finally did a little exercise! I thought that I would start out on the elliptical and BOY DID I FEEL IT!!! I could only do 5 minutes! I think it is going to work, but I am going to have to work into it. Within the first minute, my thigh muscles were burning! Then I kind of added a twist and felt it in my ribs! I know if I would have done it longer I would have felt it in my backside as well!

Oh well! There's always tomorrow!

Food Diary...Day 6

I am finding hunger to be a normal thing...I am not starving myself, but I have certainly cut back on all of the "goodies" that I used to treat myself to. I would think to myself, "What yummy thing do I have stashed back that I can munch on?"

However, I do have my reasons for wanting to do this and here they are:

1. I want to be able to wear my wedding ring and engagement ring again.
2. I want to be able to fit into my favorite clothes again.
3. I want to be VERY attractive to my husband again.
4. I want to be healthy.
5. I don't want my thighs to rub together anymore (sorry so graphic, but the truth isn't always pleasant).
6. I want to have more energy.
7. I want to feel good about myself again.
8. I want to have one less thing to be stressed about.
9. I want to win this battle before I go through menopause.
10. I want to change my lifestyle forever.

Here is my food diary for the day:

Breakfast:

• Coffee with lots of cream, 2 cups (120)
• Balance Bare Bar (210)

Lunch:

• Homemade Beef and Veggie Soup, 1 cup or so (250)
• 1 slice rye & pump swirl bread with 1 t margarine (100)
• Tapioca pudding, 3/4 cup (230)

Dinner:

• 3 fried eggs (300)
• 3 milk-free pancakes (240)
• Strawberries (75)
• Whipped topping (75)
• cucumbers (while making pancakes...free)

There needs to be a snack in the very near future, I am not trying to eat under my calorie goal, so I will add a snack later.

Snack

• Granola bar (100)
• 2 cups skim milk (180)

Total: 1880, goal 1872...not BAD!!!

Food Diary...Day 5

Breakfast

• Coffee, 2 cups (120)
  Balance Bare Bar (210)
• Tapioca pudding, 1/4 cup (65)

Lunch

• Meatloaf on 1 slice rye & pump swirl bread w/mustard (355)
• cucumbers (free)
• 1 whole tomato (free)

Snack

• Tapioca pudding, 1/2 cup (130)

Dinner

• Oriental rice casserole, 2 cups (785)
• Cucumbers & tomatoes (free)

Snack

• Tapioca pudding, 2/3 cup (215)

Total: 1881

I was afraid I overdid it with the pudding this evening! But my tummy still felt hungry, so I went for it! I am not eating as healthy as I have in the past, but such is life! My actual caloric intake should be 1872, that is if I am sitting around all day, 9 extra calories isn't going to kill me. In fact, I probably should be eating slightly more, but I don't want to assume either. Since I am NOT presently involved in an exercise regimen, I will eat according to the sedentary lifestyle.

Wednesday's Weigh In...I got the Wrong day...I think!

So I did Wednesday's Weigh-In on Tuesday! Anyway...It looks like I might have lost 1 pound and a total of 2 1/2 inches on my body! I measured my hips, thighs, and waist.

I have not fully started an exercise regimen yet, but I plan to. I have a treadmill, an elliptical, and several of Billy Blank's Tae-Bo videos and DVDs.

I have used his Tae-Bo Cardio and Tae-Bo Flex in the past, I have also used the 8-minute workout, and the Tae-Bo Advanced 1 & 2. Just before I found out I was pregnant, I got Billy's Boot Camp so I have yet to try that. Anywho, hopefully time will allow me to workout again...with seven children (one being a newborn baby) and homeschooling, I find time to be a thing of the past. But I will keep pressing on!

I AM DETERMINED TO LOSE THIS EXTRA BAGGAGE!!! All 35 pounds of it!!! Actually 37 pounds.

To join us go to Tales from the Scales Look Great in 2008 Challenge!

Food Diary...Day 4

Breakfast

• Balance Bare Bar (210)
• 2 1/2 cups coffee with lots of creamer (150)

Lunch

• Crunchy chicken (250)
• cucumbers & tomatoes (free)
• green beans (free)

Snack

• Granola Bar (100)
• Green tea with lemon & stevia (free)

Dinner

• Meatloaf, 1 serving (275)
• Mashed potatoes, 1 1/2 servings (350)
• Gravy, 1/4 cup (120)
• Raw milk, 1 1/4 cup (190)
• green beans (free)

Total Calories (so far): 1645

*Since I think I may have lost one pound, my refigured caloric intake should be 1872 total calories. I am going to have to let my stomach empty before I stick anything else in it, but I have to get those extra 227 calories before bed due to the fact that I am a nursing mother. So I will post my evening snack later.

Snack:

• Homemade Tapioca Pudding, 1 cup (260)

Grand Total: 1905 (about 33 more calories than my goal, but still below the amount that I need to maintain the weight I am now...which I don't want to maintain my weight, but lose it!)

Tuesdays "Weigh In"

Well, I can't tell much from the scales because mine aren't working quite right. You see, a while back someone dropped something on them and broke the plastic piece over the numbers and put a hole in the number thingy so I think that I may have lost 1 pound, but I am not positive on that.

HOWEVER, I just happened to measure my waist, hips and thighs the other day AND...GUESS WHAT!!!! I have lost an inch around my waist, 3/4 of an inch around my hips, and 3/4 of an inch around each of my thighs!!! WOOOOHOOOO! My calorie counting is working!!!! YIPPEEEEE!!

I thought my clothes were beginning to feel looser!!! I guess that explains why!!!

For all those out there that are reading this...DON'T GIVE UP!!! PRESS ON TOWARD THE GOAL! PRESS ON!!!

Food Diary...Day 3 (Monday)

Breakfast

• Balance Bare Bar (210)


• Coffee (225)

Lunch

• Ham, Cheese & Tomato Panini on Rye & Pump swirl (550)

Dinner

• Crunchy Chicken, lettuce, tomato & ranch dressing wrap (450)
• Birthday Cake ..very small piece (200)
• Vanilla Ice Cream 3/4 cup (225)

Total: 1860 (Again, right in my goal range!!!)

I attempted to do a little Tae-Bo Monday evening, but I was not able to do the entire session due to a crying baby. I will try again Tuesday.

Here is a FANTASTIC Weight Loss article!!!

Here is an article that I think everyone should read if they are trying to lose weight to no avail. Jana at The Joy Box, posted this article called Weight Loss That Lasts.

Friday's Fiasco & Saturday's Struggles

Friday was a very busy day and we had an evening Fall Party. They were cooking hot dogs over an open fire and marshmellows for s'mores...I am not a hot dog eater, but I LOVE s'mores, but I was good.

I ate a cup of chicken corn chowder with homemade noodles, about 1/2 cup white and black grapes, a couple crackers with cheese ball spread, a bite of my daughter's hot dog, and ONE s'more.

Here is my guess on Friday's calorie intake:

Breakfast

• Oatmeal fixed THIS way (450)
• 2 cups coffee (150)

Lunch

• BBQ chicken leg Quarter, no skin (250)

No Snack

Dinner

• Chicken Corn Chowder with Homemade noodles, 1 cup (220) Normal chicken and homemade noodles is about 365 calories a cup, however this particular soup had mostly corn and carrots meaning I only got about 3 noodles total and mostly veggies & chicken.
• 1/3 hot dog on bun (90)
• Grapes, about 20 (70)
• 5 Crackers (75)
• 2 T cheese ball (200)
• S'more with 2 marshmellows (graham cracker-65; 1/4 chocolate bar-60; 2 marshmellows-50)
• pudding (200)

TOTAL = 1880 (YES! right in my goal calorie range)

To maintain my weight, I need to eat 2183 calories a day (I add 500 calories for my nursing needs). However, to lose weight I must eat 300 calories less each day. This has worked for me before and knowing that I have to write everything down, I am more careful about what goes into my mouth.If I exercise, then I can eat MORE, because I hour of kickboxing (I like to do Tae-Bo) can burn 400+ calories! If I don't increase the amount I eat, I lose the weight even faster and exercise makes you less hungry. I plan to add exercise in the next week or two, when things settle down around here.

Saturday's stuggles are now at hand...What I mean to say is that I woke up with a horrible migraine today at about 5:30 a.m. and I am still fighting the migraine, although with lots of pain killers it is just a shadow of a headache now, but still throbbing pain. That's to say I am coping. My diet hasn't been the best so far today, but I may just skip today, who knows? I will know more later...bye for now!

Food Diary...Day 1

Breakfast

• 3 Cups Coffee with lots of creamer & little sugar (210)
• Rolled Oats with coconut, EV Organic Coconut oil, lots of cinnamon, 3/4 t sugar & salt (450)
• 1 small pecan shortbread cookie (50)

Lunch

• Crunchy chicken wrap with fresh tomatoes, lettuce** & ranch dressing (300+120+80)
• Tomatoes slices**
• 3 small pecan shortbread cookies (150)

Snack

• granola bar (150)

Dinner

• BBQ Chicken leg Quarter (250)
• green beans**
• whole grain corn cake (150)

Total Calories: approx. 1910 (my recommended caloric intake is 1883 calories, I only went over by 27 calories)

Recommended caloric intake for a sedentary person= weight x 11, +500 nursing mother*, -300 weight loss.

*If not nursing mother, do NOT add 500 calories.

**I consider these vegetables freebies.

First Post

My journey to weight loss starts here.

I am a mother to seven, and I am 35 pounds over what I should be. I have lost the weight before and I can do it again. As the years have passed it has been tougher to lose weight, but I am determined.

Determined to look like myself again. Determined to be physically attractive to my husband. Determined to be healthy for my children.

With God's help, I will lose the weight. I will win the fight. I will become myself once again.

I will keep a food journal online and I will be accountable to all who read.

May God Bless You All.