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)