"I look so good without you"

Yup, that's the truth. Out with the bad in with the good. I see so much clearer now it's awesome. For the past three days I've been in a fog and I couldn't shake why this was. Then tonight I decided to get off of my lazy ass and exercise. I spent 45 minutes lifting 5 and 10 lb weights inter mixed with moves from power workout- lunges, squats, planks, the wall,etc. I was on fire! I was sweating and I loved it! So, tomorrow morning I'm going to go back to the gym (the weather was just scary enough to keep me away the past two days) and I'm going to do a full blown kick ass workout. I'm going to run, I'm going to do a circuit and I'm going to kick a little ass.

I'm done eating Christmas cookies and Christmas fudge (even though they are WW recipes) and I'm done sitting around like I have nothing to do! I'm on top of this once again, and no one is going to stand in my way! NO ONE! :)

"At Christmas"

Well it's official, I am done. I am done baking, I am done decorating cookies, I'm done making fudge and I'm officially done WRAPPING presents! Now all I have to do is make some muffins tomorrow and I'm ready to relax for two days!!

Yesterday I had a killer workout day! I went to the gym at 10am and went on the treadmill for 15 minutes and ran the entire 15! Then I did strength training, focusing on my arms and then finished my workout there with another 15 minutes of straight running on the treadmill! Yup, I ran 2.5 miles! I'm totally on my way to being a 10k runner! Then in the evening I went back into town for power workout at Curves. :) Love it! Tonight is my last Curves workout ever. They are shutting down the Whitehall Curves and I'm not transferring to North Muskegon. I was going to end my time with Curves at the end of the month anyway, since I am a member at the gym.

My eating has been better lately although I do tend to snack a little more, but I don't have work food to contend with and I don't feel hungry all the time like I do when I'm at work. I love vacation!

Oh and my baking- all from Weight Watchers recipes- WW fudge, WW sugar cookies and WW gingerbread cookies! The muffins I'm making are Fiber One muffins. :) So excited to put them in Christmas tree and Snowman shaped muffin pans!

It's supposed to snow like crazy tomorrow and Friday- I hope I can get out to the gym in the morning tomorrow! :)

I'll try to be better about updating over break by the way...

"Mellelehamaka"

I wish I knew how to spell that song... I still have yet to hear it this holiday season... *sigh*

Yesterday was a snack-rific day and I did not do very well. I ate au gratan potatoes and corn muffins with the kids. I failed yesterday. I feel horrible about it! However, I had a great workout!
Treadmill #1:
2 min @4.2
6 min @ 5.5
3 min @ 4.2
5 min @5.5
2 min @ 4.2
6 min @ 5.0
4 min @ 4.2
2 min cooldown @ 2.5
385 calories burned and 2.33 miles

Then I did my strength training and focused on my whole body. It was a great!

Treadmill #2:
3 min @ 4.2
17 min (STRAIGHT) @ 5.0
3 min @ 4.2
5 min @ 5.0
2 min cooldown @ 2.5
379 calories burned and 2.31 miles

Total Treadmill stats:
39 minutes RUNNING
4.64 miles
764 calories burned!

Today is the last day of preschool before break. We are having a pajama family day! It's been a great week so far and I'm excited to have everyone here with their families in their pajamas! What a great way to end the season!

Here is my food plan for today:

Breakfast:
Coffee
Orange Juice
Egg White Ommelette with mushrooms
English Muffin with Raspberry jam

Snack:
Orange
Granola bar

Lunch:
Yogurt
Tomato soup
Grilled Cheese

Dinner:
Burritos
WW fudge

Have a wonderful day!

Feliz Navidad!

I'm in a great mood this week! I don't know if it's because I'm relieved that it's the last week of preschool before a two week break or because I'm enjoying my week so much or because I had such a great weekend last weekend. I'm just a lot happier this week. (No complaining about Frosty this week!) The only way this week could get better would be if I heard that Hawaiian Christmas song that I love and haven't heard this year yet...

Yesterday I had a long day at work- I worked until 4pm and then came back for two hours for a parent meeting. I ate dinner at school and when I went home I had my salad. It was actually pretty nice to break it up like that. I also had an intense power workout last night in between school and the meeting. Tanya kicked my butt at Curves. My legs were a little sore and I got a great sweat going!

Today is a normal day. I am at work until 4pm and then I'm at the gym until 5:30pm. It's going to be a great day!

Here is what my food intake looks like for today:

Breakfast:
Coffee
Orange Juice
Corn bran cereal
granola
skim milk

Snack:
Corn bran cereal (dry)

Lunch:
Soup
granola bar
Orange
100 cal strawberry cupcakes
Yogurt

Dinner:
Salmon
salad
asperagus
Christmas cookie

I am going to do 25 minutes on the treadmill- 10 minutes running, 15 minutes walking before my strength training which will focus on my whole body. I'll end with another 25 minutes on the treadmill- 10 min running 15 min walking. I should burn over 750 calories at the gym tonight.

I hope all who read this have a great day!

On my way...

Yesterday I had a great workout! I burned over 500 calories on the treadmill alone and did a lot of strength training for my arms. I did pretty well on eating, except I felt that I needed more protein last night so I had a snack. *sigh* Today is going to be a long day for me. I work until 4pm and then I'm going to go right to Curves to workout so I can be back at school for a 5:30pm meeting until 7:00pm or later. I'm going to have to eat fast before the meeting here at school.

I refuse to weigh myself this week. I am not weighing myself until Saturday morning. I do not want to watch my weight go up and down during the week. I refuse. Not weighing in is actually keeping me in a good, upbeat mood. Maybe I should only weigh myself once a month!

Here is the food plan for today:

Breakfast:
Orange Juice
Coffee
Fried Egg sandwich on english muffin

Snack:
1 cup corn bran cereal

Lunch:
Cheese uncrustable
orange
100 cal strawberry cupcakes
granola bar

Dinner:
Smart Ones Lasagna
salad

Snack:
Pretzals

Should be another great day!! I'm definitely feeling good this week!

Cotton Headed Ninnymuggans

If you read my blogs you were probably asking yourself "Where in the world did Mel go?" Well last week Wednesday and Thursday we had snow days so there was no school and so I've been at home for five days- wrapping presents, making weight watchers fudge to give as gifts, decorating,etc. This past weekend I was out and about- saw two movies, went Christmas shopping, ate sushi, etc. It was a good time. On Friday I weighed in at 207.0, which is still my plateau but not on the highest end of it so that's ok- for now. I worked out on Tuesday but then didn't work out again until Saturday! Ugh! I'm ready for a full week of exercise for sure! Today I am going to the gym at 4pm and I'll do 25 minutes treadmill, 30 minutes strength training and 25 more minutes on the treadmill.
This is the last week of work before Christmas break and so I only have four days to say no to the food served to the kids as I sit with them at lunch- can I do it?
I had my yearly physical on Friday and everything checked out great! I'll see the ultimate results on January 8th, 2010 when I go in for the follow up but I feel great about it! I asked my doctor about supplements for appetite suppression and he asked me if I was truly hungry or if I had heartburn. I said I never get hearburn, and he said that a lot of people mistake hunger for heartburn. He challenged me to take Prilosec for one month and see if that helps. So I started that today. I just take one every morning with breakfast and we'll see if it helps...

Here is what my food intake looks like for today:
Breakfast:
Corn Bran cereal
Granola
Skim milk
Orange Juice
Coffee

Lunch:
Chicken and cheese sandwich
Fiber One yogurt
Orange
100 cal strawberry cupcakes

Dinner:
Beef Roast
Potato
Salad

Snack:
1 cup dry Corn Bran cereal
Orange

Looks like a great day! Hope everyone enjoys their Monday!

"Son of a Nutcracker!"

I'm in a slightly better mood today. Slightly. I watched the last half of Elf last night and that restored some of my holiday cheer... I really need to wrap some presents and then I know I'll feel much better! I can't start tonight though because it's Biggest Loser finale night!! I love that show! It inspires me every week!

Yesterday I did much better with my eating. I didn't eat anything with preschool at lunch and we had yogurt for snack so I was ok! I am down 2 lbs from yesterday!

As for exercise:
I went to the gym yesterday and started out on the treadmill for 24 minutes: 2 minutes at a 4.2 walk, 11 minutes at a 5.6 run, 4 minutes walking at a 4.2, 5 min running at a 5.5 and a 2 minute cool down at 2.5. I went 1.97 miles and burned 320 calories :)
After the treadmill I did strength training for 30 minutes, focusing on my legs and thighs.
My last treadmill round was 25 minutes. I walked at a 4.2 for 3 minutes and then ran at a 5.5 for 11 minutes and then walked at a 4.2 for 8-9 minutes and did a 2 minute cooldown. I went 1.91 miles and burned 314 calories.
My total treadmill stats for yesterday was: 3.88 miles and 634 calories burned!

Today's plan:
30-45 minutes treadmill at gym
30 min power workout at Curves

Food:
Breakfast:
2 egg white omelette with mushroom
2 slices whole wheat toast with jam
1 cup trop 50 orange juice
coffee

Snack:
Carrots
Orange

Lunch:
1 slice leftover pizza
jello
yogurt

Dinner:
Hormel entre
potato
salad
100 calorie treat


Today we are going to be taking the kids on a field trip to the bakery. Big temptation. I can do it though! No cookies or baked goods for me!

Have a great day!

"Oh the weather outside is frightful..."

Seriously... We don't have snow for forever and then all of a sudden *BAM* we get hit with so much snow this morning it's starting to scare me to think of the preschool kids getting picked up today! I for sure am glad I'm not a bus driver!

I'm in a funk. Plain and simple. I'm in a funk. I need to find my holiday cheer and I need to find it fast. I was irritated decorating the Christmas tree on Saturday. Why was I irritated? Because I heard Sleigh Ride and Frosty The Snowman a few too many times. Those are the two Christmas carols that I can not stand. Why? Because we had to play sleigh ride way too many times in high school and Frosty is dumb and sad. I hate that he goes purposefully into the sun and then lies to children saying he'll be back and then melts. What a dumb snowman. He should just go into a freezer and stay whole... See! I'm in a funk! I'm never like this at Christmas! I sing "winter wonderland" and "let it snow" and the hawaiian christmas song until people tell me to stop. This year I just can't shake this funk.

I think part of it is that my money is tighter this year. It's hard to buy presents and pay bills and have money for my new years plans. It's just hard. The other part is my struggle with this HORRIBLE plateau. I don't have money to hire a trainer or a nutritionist, but apparently I need one. Ugh! I just can't shake this!

Well today I am going to the gym (After I find and scrape off five feet of snow) for 30 min of treadmill and 30 minutes of strength training.

Here is my food plan for today:

Breakfast:
1 cup special K cinnamon pecan cereal
1 handfull delicious granola mmmmm
1 cup skim milk
coffee

Snack
Orange
carrots

Lunch:
Low sodium clam chowder
special K crackers
100 calorie strawberry cupcakes

Dinner
BLT salad
honey maid 100 calorie bar

**Let's see if I can follow that today- It's my short term goal!**

Hopefully I can kick this funk soon. Maybe a snow day or wrapping a few gifts will help, I sure hope so! :)

8 more days of preschool (counting today) and 9 more days of work until break!

Too much?

First of all I can not do the Special K challenge. It's too many bad carbs and not enough protein. AND I'm hungry all the time so I'm snacking all the time. I feel like I've eaten more in the past two weeks than I have in a long, long time. Today I am going back to points and I'm going to calculate my calories as well.

Ok first of all- yesterday's exercise:
32 minutes treadmill: ran 13 minutes at 5.5 or higher and walked 14 min at 4.2. Burned 440 calories and went 2.68 miles
30 min strength training
30 minutes treadmill- walked at 4.2- burned 362 calories and went 2.17 miles
Total treadmill: 4.85 miles and 802 calories burned!

I posted my workout on facebook and many people are saying that I'm burning more calories than what I'm eating and that I'm overdoing it. I feel like I'm eating all the time. Also I'm not losing any weight at all. I'm still stuck in this horrible plateau! So that's why I'm going to calculate my points/calories a lot more carefully. When I post my eating plan for the day- I stick to it but I usually add in snacks and eat more than what I say I will. That's why it might look like I'm not taking in enough calories.

Here is my food plan for today:

Breakfast:
2 egg white omelette with mushrooms and onion (1 pt)
2 slices toast (1 pt) (80 cal)
Raspberry jam (1 pt)
Coffee (1 pt)

Lunch:
WW Dragon shrimp lo mein (5 pts)
WW yogurt (1 pt)

Dinner:
WW Lasagna (6 pts)
Salad (3 pts)

Snack:
Granola bar (3 pts)
Apple (1 pt)

Hopefully I won't get the urge to snack on anything else today. The good thing is that I am not teaching today, so I won't be tempted with school lunch with the kids today. Another downfall of mine...

Today's workout:
30 min treadmill
30 min power workout at Curves

Best laid plans...

The special K challenge is interesting. I did not stick to it yesterday and I'm changing it up somewhat today.

First of all, let's start with the good news- I had an amazing workout yesterday!
30 minutes treadmill: 15 minutes walk at 4.2, 5 minutes running at 6.0 and 10 minutes running at 5.5 for a total of 2.53 miles and 415 calories burned

Then 30 minutes of strength training

Then 30 more minutes on the treadmill walking at a 4.2 in which I burned 361 calories and went 2.16 miles

Total for treadmill: 776 calories burned and 4.69 miles! :)

Today my exercise will be 45 minutes treadmill and then 30 minutes power workout at Curves. :)

Food for today:
Breakfast: 1 cup fruit/yogurt Special K cereal, Protein and coffee
Snack: Special K crackers
Lunch: Chicken sandwich, yogurt, apple
Snack: Special K granola bar
Dinner: Pork, potato, salad, water

Hopefully this menu works for me today and I'm not hungry enough to snack or have too much dessert tonight...

BIGGEST LOSER is on tonight! Love it! It motivates me every week!!

"CHALLENGE"

Thanksgiving was brutal. A nice break and a great trip to Iowa but brutal. It's time to get back in gear and move forward. I decided a few things over break. First, I am going to run my first 10k on May 8, 2010. The Riverbank run in Grand Rapids. I know I can do it, and I am going to build my endurance and start training. I'm nervous and excited and a little scared but it's a great goal for 2010 and I do know, deep inside that I can do it!

I've also decided that for the next two weeks I am going to change it up and do the "Special K challenge". I think it's a great way for my body to detox from Thanksgiving and I know I can do it!

Here is what it looks like:

Breakfast:
Coffee
Protein shake
1 cup special K fruit and yogurt cereal
2/3 cup skim milk

Snack:
Special K crackers

Lunch:
1 cup special K fruit and yogurt cereal
2/3 cup skim milk
Apple

Snack:
Special K granola bar

Dinner:
Salmon
Green Beans
Salad
water

Exercise for today: 1.5 hours at gym- 1 hour treadmill, 1/2 hour strength training

Starting weight for challenge: 208.4 lbs (Yes I did gain quite a bit over break, but it's going to be gone before we know it!)

My breakfast, lunch and snacks will stay the same for the two weeks of the challenge but my dinner will always change.

Let's get this!

Sleep?

I am so tired today! I just want to sleep, even for ten minutes! It might be because I worked out so hard yesterday or maybe I just need some sleep. In any case, I'll be in Iowa tonight and enjoying a five day mini-vacation with family. Maybe I'll be able to sleep in until 9am tomorrow... I can only hope...

Yesterday I had to work until 5pm. *sigh* I arrived at the gym and went 35 minutes at 4.2 and burned 421 calories and went 2.52 miles. Then I did my strength training for about a half hour. Afterward I went back on the treadmill for another 35 minutes at 4.2 and burned 421 calories and went 2.52 miles again! So my total treadmill stats from yesterday were: 842 calories burned and 5.04 miles!

My food for today:
Breakfast:
2 egg white omelette with mushrooms: (1 pt)
Orange Juice (2 pts)
English Muffin with jam (2 pts)
Coffee (1 pt)

Lunch:
Salad (2 pts)
Granola bar (3 pts)

Snack:
Mini bagels with cream cheese (4 pts)

Dinner:
Subway? (7 pts)

Total points for today: 22 pts (Below target by 2 pts)

I am not working out today other than the walking I will have to do at the Detroit Airport to make it to my connecting flight.


I don't know how often I'll be able to blog while I'm in Iowa. Hopefully I'll have the chance...

So much to do...

I'm tired today. Just tired. I had a super weekend- Dinner/drinks and then New Moon on Friday, Lansing for drinks/sushi overnight on Saturday. Yesterday I worked on some laundry and I am 75% done with my Christmas shopping! I slept well, but I just wasn't able to sleep enough. I need to catch up this week and I am hoping that I can!

Saturday I had the toughest workout of my life. I pushed right through though. I did a 30 minute power workout at Curves and then I went to the gym to do 30 min of strength training and 30 minutes on the treadmill. Then Saturday night I was showing Sara a few awesome moves from power workout and Sunday when I woke up my legs were super sore! I had a rough eating weekend which actually ended a rough eating week.

This week is different, another new start. I can do this- even this week of Thanksgiving! I can do it!

Breakfast:
1 cup Special K fruit and yogurt cereal (3 pts)
1/2 cup skim milk (2 pts)
Blueberries (1 pt)
coffee (1 pt)
Protein (2 pts)

Lunch:
Tuna sandwich (4 pts)
yogurt (1 pt)
apple (1 pt)
Granola bar (3 pts)

Dinner:
Chicken burrito (6 pts)
Honey Maid 100 cal bar (3 pts)

Total points for today: 27 **Right on Target with workout**

Exercise for today:
30 min treadmill
30 min strength training
30 minutes treadmill
total calories burned today at workout- 800 or so

Tomorrow afternoon I leave for Iowa! I can't wait to see my brother and my sister-in-law! :)

New Moon

Tonight is NEW MOON night! I'm going to see New Moon at midnight with Allison!! Whoo hoo! Then tomorrow night I'm going to see it again with work people! :) Hooray!

Yesterday I was weak at lunch again- I ate some turkey and mashed potatoes with the kids! What is my problem this week??
I did work really hard at the gym though. I ran 16 minutes at 5.5 and then walked 14 minutes at 4.2 and did a cool down for 2 minutes before I went to do strength training. I ended my workout with 17 minutes on the treadmill- running for 5 minutes at 5.5 and walking for 12 minutes at 4.2. I burned over 600 calories on the treadmill alone!

Here is what my day looks like today:

Breakfast
1 cup Fiber One Shredded wheat cereal (3 pts)
1 cup skim milk (2 pts)
coffee (1 pt)
Protein (2 pts)

Snack:
English muffin (1 pt)
1 tablespoon Peanut Butter (2.5 pts)

Lunch:
Orange (1 pt)
Yogurt (2 pts)
Chicken sandwich (4 pts)
100 cal Honey Maid bar (2 pts)

Snack:
Apple
Wasa cracker

Dinner:
Qdoba chicken naked burrito (5 pts)
Chips (3 pts)

Total points for today: 30 *Ok with workout*

Exercise for today:
45 minutes on treadmill
30 minute power workout at Curves
**Should burn close to 1000 calories at workout!**

It looks to be a great day!

"It's a great day at Curves"

Yesterday I enjoyed a 30 minute power workout at Curves. I was sweating normal (not as much as I do at the gym, but pretty good) and my heart rate was up so that was good. The thing I love most about power workouts is that it gives me a chance to workout with people I genuinely like working out with. I can talk about stuff with them and I can enjoy my workout. At the gym I'm pretty much alone and talking to myself as I run/walk/strength train. I know I can correct this by going to the gym with a friend, and I think I need to start doing that. I have a couple friends that are members at the gym, I just need to coordinate schedules.

Yesterday I failed miserably at my food choices. I stuck to my menu but I ate Macaroni and cheese with the kids at lunch. I'm so disappointed in myself for that! Today is another day and I vow to not eat anything other than fresh fruit/veggies at school today! I can do it!!

Here is what my day of food/exercise looks like today:

Breakfast:
Coffee (1 pt)
Protein shake (2 pt)
1/2 cup skim milk (2 pts)
1 cup Fiber One shredded wheat cereal (3 pts)
Blueberries (1 pt)

Lunch:
Healthy choice pasta (7 pts)
Orange (1 pt)
100 cal cupcakes (1 pt)

Dinner:
Salmon (5 pts)
Green beans (0 pts)
Salad (2 pts)

Total points:25 plus dessert and a snack **On Target with workout**

Exercise for today:
30 minutes treadmill
30 minutes strength training
30 minutes treadmill

I am working today 7:30am-4:00pm and then I'll be at the gym until 5:30pm. After the gym I shower, eat dinner and then I'm packing for my Thanksgiving trip to visit my brother and sister in law in Iowa. I'm also making WW fudge which is one point per square!! (My sister in law LOVES it, even though she could eat regular fudge and doesn't need to worry about points).

It's going to be an amazing day!

Abs! Abs! Abs!

Yesterday was an amazing gym day! When I arrived at the gym I went right to the treadmill. I had the intention of doing 30 minutes but I ended up starting with 45 minutes. I walked at 4.1 for five minutes, ran at 5.5 for 5 minutes, walked at 4.1 for 5 minutes, ran at 5.5 for TEN minutes, and walked at a 4.1 for 20 minutes. I moved to strength training and did a ton of work on my abs. I finished my workout with 15 minutes on the treadmill. I walked at 4.1 for that entire 15 minutes. On the treadmill alone I burned 742 calories and I went 4.6 miles! I felt amazing, even though I was a sweaty, sweaty mess!
As for food yesterday, I didn't have as great of a day as I wanted to. The only thing I allow myself to eat at school other than fruit/veggies is when we have corn muffins. I found out yesterday that every corn muffin is 180. I had one with the kids at their lunchtime yesterday. I also ate so much at dinner last night that it hurt. That was not a good idea! Sunday I made a batch of "poopy chow" and I had that after dinner last night too- so tons of extra fiber! (I am going to stop eating the extra fiber after today so I am sure it gets out of my system for my weigh in this weekend).

Here is my food plan for today:
Breakfast:
2 egg white omelette (2 pts)
English muffin with jam (2 pts)
coffee (1 pt)
Protein (2 pts)

Lunch:
Tuna sandwich (4 pts)
yogurt (1 pt)
orange (1 pt)
string cheese (1 pt)
100 cal strawberry cupcakes (1 pt)

Dinner:
Hormel entre (5 pts)
salad (1 pt)
potato (3 pt)
Dessert (1-5 pts)

Total Points for today: 24-28 depending on dessert

Workout for today: 30 minutes Power Workout with Tanya at Curves 5:30pm

Oh and just so everyone has it:

"Poopy" Chow:
1/2 bag chocolate chips
1/2 bag peanut butter chips
1 bag (half box) Original Fiber One cereal
1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
**Almonds or granola if wanted**

Put chocolate and peanut butter chips in microwave safe bowl and cook on high 2 minutes. Stir. When melted and creamy, stir in Fiber One Cereal and almonds/granola. When that is all coated pour mixture into ziplock back with powdered sugar. Close bag and mix. Enjoy!


***If anyone knows the calories or WW points for this or could figure it out, that would be awesome! I count it as 4-6 pts per cup. One serving is one cup of poopy chow***

Today is going to be an amazing, busy day! I can't wait!

"Let's Get This"

Another week. After an absolutely amazing weekend it's time to get back to my day to day reality. It's time to concentrate on my food plan and my exercise. I had a really rough eating day yesterday. All morning I was off/on planes and in airports so it was hard to get a really good healthy meal and then for lunch my dad took us out to Steak and Shake. My stomach felt gross all afternoon until I had some ginger ale to settle it. I *heart* V8 soup by the way. Pure veggies in a yummy soup that has more flavor than any other soup I've tried-- other than the Hearthstone.

Yesterday I had my dress fitting for Betty's wedding. I ordered my dress and I'm pretty sure it will be too big by the time I have to go for my next fitting but regardless, that's ok. I'm happy to pay a little more for alterations if it means I've gone down in size. Also if I go down a lot, they can reorder my dress in another size. The dress will be in before Christmas day. :) It was a really quick experience- I tried on the dress in three sizes, had the lady size me and then I paid for my dress. All in all, it took about 15-20 minutes! I didn't even have time to take a picture of it!

I am not weighing myself every day this week. I am not weighing myself until Friday morning (or Saturday morning at the latest). I don't want to watch my weight go up and down. As much as I want to see the numbers change to under 200, I am going to weigh myself once a week and stick to it. I feel that this week is going to be amazing!

Here is my food for today:
1 cup Fiber One shredded wheat cereal (3 pts)
1/2 cup skim milk (2 pts)
Protein shake (2 pts)
blueberries (1 pt)
coffee (1 pt)

Lunch:
Turkey sandwich (4 pts)
Orange (1 pt)
String Cheese (1 pt)
Yogurt (1 pt)
100 cal strawberry cupcakes (1 pt)

Snack:
Yogurt (1 pt)

Dinner:
Pork (5 pts)
Baked potato (4 pt-- sour cream and salsa added)
salad (1 pt)

Total points for today: 28 (On target with workout)

Exercise for today:
30 minutes treadmill
30-45 minutes strength training
30 minutes treadmill

**30 minutes running, 30 minutes walking in 5 or 10 minute intervals**

It's going to be a great day!

Almost forgot...

Today was a long, busy day. I had conferences today and I had a bunch of emails that I needed to send. I worked from 8:30am-3:00pm, took a break and worked from 4-6:30pm. I went to the gym at 6:30pm. I started with 30 minutes on the treadmill. I walked for five minutes at 4.0 and then ran for TWELVE MINUTES straight at 5.5 and then walked for five and finished up the 30 minutes running at 5.5. I then completed my strength training which focused mainly on my abs and legs. After I finished that, I went back to the treadmill for 15 minutes. I walked 5 minutes for 4.2 and ran for 5 minutes at 5.5 and then walked for 2 minutes at 4.2 and completed with a run at 6.0! I was on fire! :) I feel really good about my workout tonight and happy to say that I stayed on track with my food:

Breakfast
2 egg omelette with mushrooms (1 pt)
English Muffin (1 pt)
Jam (1 pt)
Coffee (1 pt)
Protein (2 pts)

Lunch:
Turkey sandwich (4 pts)
Yogurt (2 pts)
Orange (1 pt)
Strawberry 100 cal cupcakes (1 pt)

Snack:
String Cheese (1 pt)
Yogurt (1 pt)

Dinner:
WW Smart Ones Pizza (7 pts)
Yogurt (1 pt)
1/4 cup Kashi cereal (1 pt)
Granola bar (3 pts)

Total points for today: 28 *Right on target with my workout!*

I may not be able to blog tomorrow, Saturday or Sunday as I am going out of town for the weekend, so if you are loyally following this blog, please don't cry. I'll be back to blog soon enough! :)

I'm hard-core

Yesterday I went to the gym and walked 40 minutes at a 4.0 and ran for the last 5 minutes at a 5.5. I burned over 500 calories and went over 3 miles. Then I went to Curves where I rested for a half hour before starting power workout. I made the "mistake" of saying to Tanya "I dare you to make me sweat the way that I sweat at the gym" and she did. Instead of 30 seconds of alternating lunges, we did 60. Instead of 30 seconds of planks, we did 60. Instead of 30 seconds of wall sit, we did 60. My legs felt like they were going to fall off and by the end of the night my whole body ached. I also have a blister on the toe next to my big toe. After getting a lot of feedback about it on Facebook, I decided to pop it. I also put a blister bandaid on it. It tingles today but it's healing and doesn't hurt as bad as I thought it would.

I figure I burned over 1000 calories in my workouts yesterday. I only ate about 24-26 points yesterday and did not eat extra. I did everything right. I thought for sure that today would be my big day. I got my camera ready and.... 201.8 *sigh* Well maybe I didn't eat enough calories for my workouts yesterday. Today is another day and tomorrow is another chance and I'm still below my lowest plateau weight. It's ok, I'll get there. I know I can do this!

Today I have a long day. I am working 7:30am-6:00pm, going home for dinner and then coming back to the gym at 7:00pm. It's conferences and that means that today and tomorrow will be long, long days!

Here is my food plan for today:
Breakfast:
Fiber One shredded wheat cereal (2 pts)
raspberries (1 pt)
1/2 cup skim milk (2 pts)
coffee (1 pt)
Protein (2 pts)

Lunch:
Turkey sandwich (4 pts)
yogurt (1 pt)
Orange (1 pt)
100 cal strawberry cupcakes (1 pt)

Snack:
String cheese (1 pt)

Dinner:
Spaghetti squash (1 pt)
Spaghetti sauce (6 pts)
Salad (1 pt)
Decaf coffee (0 pts)
Granola bar (3 pts)

Total points for today: 27 points (Right on target with a workout)

Workout for today: Gym- 15 min treadmill, 30 minutes strength training, 45 minutes treadmill

It's going to be a great day! I just know it!

REALLY??!!

I know that it's not such a good idea to weigh yourself every day. Usually I stick to the "weigh yourself once a week" rule and I usually weigh in on Friday or Saturday mornings. This week is different. This is the week I go below 200 lbs! I stepped on the scale this morning and it said I weigh 200.1 lbs! Seriously???!!! That's awesome!

Yesterday I went to the gym after work and walked 10 minutes at 4.0 and then ran for 5 minutes at a 5.5. After the treadmill, I did strength training for 30 minutes and then I went back on the treadmill where I walked at a 4.0 for 40 minutes and ran at a 5.7 for 5 minutes. So I did an hour of cardio and burned over 700 calories and walked/ran five miles. Awesome!

Well I'm definitely going to work hard today! Here is what my food for today looks like:

Breakfast:
2 egg white omelette with mushroom and onion (1 pt)
Protein (2 pts)
English muffin with jam (2 pts)
coffee (1 pt)

Lunch:
WW quesadilla (4 pts)
Blueberry yogurt (1 pt)
100 cal strawberry cupcakes (1 pt)
Orange (1 pt)

Snack:
Grapes (1 pt)

Dinner:
Salmon (5 pts)
salad (1 pt)
Asparagus (0 pts)
Decaf coffee (0 pts)
Muffin (2 pts)

Total points for the day: 22 points! :)

The workouts that I'm intending to do today: 30-45 min treadmill at the gym at 4:00pm and then power workout at Curves at 5:30pm.

This week is just going to get crazier and crazier from here on out...

"It's Just Another Manic Monday"....

Seriously, what happened to the Bangles? I *heart* "Manic Monday" and haven't heard it in forever. I think I might need to look for it on itunes...

Well today I was awake at 6:30am in an INSTANT good mood, ready for the day! I went into the bathroom and stepped on the scale and it read 201.8 lbs! WHAT??!! OMG! I'm getting even lower! At this rate I may be able to make it under 200 by the weekend! I can't believe it!

I am going to stay on my amazing eating track today. I'm ready for it!

Breakfast
Fiber One Shredded Wheat Cereal (3 pts)
Raspberries (1 pt)
1/2 cup skim milk (2 pts)
Coffee (1 pt)
Protein (2 pts)

Lunch
Soup (1 pt)
WASA cracker (1 pt)
Peanut Butter (2.5 pts)
Orange (1 pt)
Yogurt (1 pt)
100 cal strawberry cupcakes (1 pt)

Dinner
Salad (2 pts)
Chicken (5 pts)
pudding (1 pt)
Decaf coffee (0 pts)

Total points for today: 24.5! *Right on target with allowance for a snack!*

I am working today 7:30-4:00pm and then I'm going to the gym. I am planning on doing 15 minutes on the treadmill to warm up, then strength training for 30-40 minutes and then back to the treadmill for 45 minutes to finish up. I am going to drink 80 oz of water today and I am going to remember to stretch after my workout!

What a great, beautiful day!

What a beautiful day!

Seriously, it is November right? It's 72 degrees right now. AND BEAUTIFUL! I can't believe it! Seriously, am I dreaming? This is Michigan right? It feels like Thanksgiving in FLORIDA not Michigan! I'm definitely not complaining- I LOVE IT!

Well yesterday I went to the gym and spent 50 minutes on the treadmill. 35 minutes walking at a 4.0 and 15 minutes running between a 5.5 and a 7.0! Yes I am that amazing! Today I went out to Kohls, Target and Meijer with my mamasita and did walking that way. My lower back is hurting a little bit so I'm not planning on going to the gym but I will be taking a walk/job later on today. Perhaps right after dinner...

Here is my food intake for today:

Breakfast
Special K fruit and yogurt cereal (3 pts)
1/2 cup skim milk (2 pts)
Coffee (1 pt)

Lunch:
Turkey sandwich on slimwich bun (4 pts)
Yogurt (1 pt)
String cheese (1 pt)

Snack:
Orange (1 pt)

Dinner:
Burger from the grill (6 pts)
Steamed veggies (0 pts)
Kashi cookie (3 pts)

Total points for today: 22 points *under target*

I weighed myself this morning and I weigh 203.4 lbs! That's lower than the lowest end of this nasty plateau I have been in!!! I'm stoked for this week! :)

I am going out of town this coming Friday-Sunday so I've been preoccupied with that. I spent a lot of time today getting my toiletries together to carry on to the plane. I don't want to have to spend $15 to check a bag. **Seriously that is just stupid** I even bought a smaller flat iron to put in my carry on bag. Flat irons are allowed in your carry on! :) I'm not publicly talking about where I'm going or why but just know I'll be out of town this coming weekend. :)

Tomorrow it's back to work. I'm feeling much, much better. We have three days with kids and then Thursday is conferences all day. It will be a great week to catch up on classroom stuff and housekeeping. I have a lot to do in the office in the morning!

I'm doing pretty good at blogging! I hope people are actually reading this, but if not it's helping me organize my eating and exercise a lot better than the way I was doing it!

*sigh* Weigh in

I have not worked out since Tuesday night. My body is still healing. Last night I had a rough time sleeping and when I was going to wake up to go to power workout at Curves this morning, I couldn't do it. I weighed in today though. This morning I weigh 204.8 lbs. That's really good since I haven't been able to workout. :)
I am going to go to the gym today. I am going to either do an hour of cardio or I'm going to do my Activetrax workout. It all depends on how I truly feel. I may even go during the MSU game or maybe I'll go right after. That is yet to be decided but I am going to workout today. I need to get back and my chest is clear and I've been fever free for over 24 hours and I'm taking a prescription.

I'm getting frustrated and confused with a part of my life that I really have no control over. I have decided to start writing in a journal about it, hoping it will help. I started that last night. Hopefully, eventually that will help.

Well here is my food plan for today:
Breakfast:
Quaker Corn Bran cereal (1 pt)
1/2 cup skim milk (2 pt)
1/4 cup Kashi cereal (1 pt)
coffee (1 pt)
Orange Juice (2 pts)

Lunch:
Tuna sandwich (3 pts)
Yogurt (1 pt)
Orange (1 pt)
granola (1 pt)
carrots (0 pts)

Snack:
Hummus (1 pt)
Pita chips (3 pts)

Dinner:
salad (1 pt)
Chicken (4 pts)
green beans (0 pts)
100 cal chocolate (3 pts)
P.butter (2.5 pts)

Total points for today: 27 points (On target as long as I exercise!)

I'm ready to kick a little ass today- are you?

In with the old...

I'm still sick. *sigh* So I'm home. I went through three Rubermaid bins of my old clothes. Everything in the bins was way too big for me now. This is happy, but sad because a lot of those things used to be my favorites. I put photos of some of the things I'm going to put on Ebay on my Facebook with prices of what I want for them. If you are interested or know anyone that might be, make sure you check it out and message me if you are serious about purchasing.

My friend Betty asked me to be a bridesmaid in her wedding in May! The dress I have to wear is on this post. I love it! I'm going for my fitting a week from tomorrow! I can wear the silver shoes I already have! The wedding is May 1st!

So on a personal note- have you ever been in that beginning stage of a friendship that could turn into a relationship and as you make future plans, you think about how that person might or might not fit into those plans? Yeah, me too.

So there will be no workouts AGAIN today but I'm going to attempt a Curves workout tomorrow morning. So I have to be super careful about what I eat. Here is what that looks like for today:

Breakfast:
Orange Juice (1 pt)
Egg white omelette (2 pts)
English muffin with jam (2 pts)
coffee (1 pt)

Lunch:
Grilled Cheese sandwich (3 pts)
Tomato soup (1 pt)
yogurt (1 pt)
granola bar (1.5 pts)
Orange (1 pt)

Snack
Orange (1 pt)
Fruit snacks (1 pt)

Dinner
Salad (1 pt)
Pizza (5 pts)
100 cal chocolate (2 pts)

Total points for today: 23.5 points- BELOW TARGET! :)

It feels good to blog about my points and eating. I think it's keeping me on track. :) If anyone has any suggestions for other meals,etc please let me know!

*sigh*

I woke up this morning with a fever. I'm exhausted but I can't sleep. Ugh. I still have a fever and I've been awake for 3.5 hours. I called in to work for today and I probably won't work tomorrow either. I canceled on my college roommates for the weekend. (Most of them have kids and I really don't want to spread my germs to anyone, especially not their cute babies!) What a bummer! And to add to it all, I can't go to the gym or Curves to work out today because of my fever/germs. I don't care how much hand sanitizer I can use, it just wouldn't be right to spread germs. I called my doctor's office and made an appointment to go in at 4:30pm. I think that my nasal congestion is moving to my chest and since I have asthma, it's a good idea to get in to the doctor ASAP to get on some prescription meds to kick it before it kicks me! The good thing is that we don't have preschool today- it's a professional development day- but the bad news is that I have to miss two days of Education Through Music training which I love!

I was cheered up at 9:30am when I found out that my MAC pallette came in the mail yesterday! I opened it and put it together. *sigh* I really *heart* MAC (I'm such a girl) so much!

I can't seem to sleep so I decided to get online and I thought to myself "I bet it will be cheaper to book new years eve plans now". So I logged onto Amtrak and booked a round trip ticket to Chicago and then I shopped for hotels. I had an offer from my favorite Chicago hotel-- hotel Sax-- in my saved mail so I checked that out and booked two nights there (December 30-January 1) for $392.59! If four people stay there it works out to $100 per person or $50 per night! What a deal! I bet I can find three people to ring in the New Year with me in Chicago!! I refuse for New Years Eve to suck! REFUSE! So that has kept my mind somewhere other than my sickness too. *sigh*

So another day, another day to have to skip the workout :( Not happy about that. I'll have to really watch my points again today. Here is the plan:

Breakfast:
Quaker Corn Bran Cereal (1 pt)
1/2 cup skim milk (2 pts) ***Am I right about those points?***
WW muffin (2 pts)
Coffee (1 pt)
Protein (2 pts)

Lunch:
Soup (1 pt)
WASA cracker (1 pt)
Peanut butter (1.5 pts)
yogurt (1 pt)
Orange (1 pt)

Snack:
Orange (1 pt)
Granola bar (1.5 pt)

Dinner:
Cheeseburger (6 pts)
Portabella Mushroom (0 pts)
Potato (3 pts)
Pudding (1 pt)

Total Points for today: 26 points! RIGHT ON TARGET!

I'm really trying to change up some of my lunches, because I'm getting bored with the same old thing. I asked for some different ideas on facebook. That was a good call.

Well, I'm going to go get started on my 80 oz of water. Hopefully resting for the next four days will kick whatever sickness I have out of my system!!

SO BUSY!

What a day! I have been on the go since 7:30 this morning! I had Education Through Music training from 8-11am at the MAISD and then I taught preschool until 4pm. I am now home until 5:30pm when I have to leave to go back to work for a parent night.

Today is the day I have to take as my "off" day and not workout. This kills me but I'm doing it! I did a lot of movement with the kids today and with my training so I hope that will count for something.

As for eating, I've been doing amazing! I haven't over eaten this week!

Here is what my day looks like today:
Breakfast:
Quaker Corn bran cereal (1 pt)
Granola (1 pt)
Skim milk (2 pts)
Coffee (1 pt)
Protein (2 pts)

**No snack this morning**

Lunch:
Tuna sandwich (3 pts)
orange (1 pt)
Yogurt with Kashi cereal (2 pts)
100 cal strawberry cupcakes (1 pt)

Snack
Mini bagel with strawberry cream cheese (2 pts)

Dinner
WW Lasagna (6 pts)
Salad (2 pts)
Pudding (1 pt)

Total points for the day: 25!

I have 26 daily points to eat and I usually eat my exercise points as well but I don't have exercise points to eat today, so I'm all set! :)

Tomorrow I am working in the office in the morning, I have ETM training 1-4pm and then I am doing a power workout at Curves at 5:30pm. I think I'll go on the treadmill at the gym after work as well. :)

I can't wait for this week's weigh in! :)

Terrific Tuesday!

It's going to be a great day! I just know it! I woke up feeling really tired and stuffy. I woke up at 3am this morning and felt so terrible I almost called in to work but I went back to bed and when I woke up I felt a little better. I'm taking Tylenol Sinus every four hours and that should help a lot. It's still going to be a great day, even if I am getting a sinus infection! (I hope it doesn't come to that though).

I am doing great with points for my day and I'm ready to make it through without extra eating! Here is what my food looks like for today:

Breakfast:
2 egg whites with mushroom and onion made into an omelette (1 point)
Wheat English Muffin with jam (2 pts)
Protein (2 pts)
Coffee (1 pt)
Orange Juice (2 pts)

Snack:
English Muffin (1 pt)
1 tablespoon peanut butter (1.5 pts)

Lunch:
WW Quesadilla (4 pts)
Yogurt (1 pt)
Kashi cereal to put in yogurt (1 pt)
100 cal strawberry cupcakes (1 pt)
Orange (1 pt) *Although I think I may have forgotten to pack it*

Snack:
Florida's Natural Fruit snacks (2 points)

Dinner:
Fat free refried beans (2 pts)
Chicken (4 points)
Salad (0 points)
Sour cream (1 pt)
Salsa (0 pts)
Pudding (1 point)

Total points for today: 28.5

The biggest obsticles that I face today are tacos at lunch with the kids, and pizza rollups for snack this afternoon with the kids. Ugh!

Exercise for today:
30 minute "Power Workout" with Tanya at Curves at 5:30pm

Motivation for today: BIGGEST LOSER on TV 8-10pm plus random text messages and emails ;)

I'm ready to tackle today and I'm ready to make today count. I will not eat tacos. I will not eat pizza rollups. I will eat only the food I have brought with me to school today. And if I do not feel hungry this morning for my snack, I will not eat it!

I'm AMAZING!

Well I just had to update, I couldn't wait until tomorrow! I did so good today! I ate exactly what I said I was going to today! I didn't eat any junk at school and even at afternoon snack when we had apples with peanut butter (GASP!) I just ate the apples!
After school I headed over to the gym and worked out:
10 minutes on treadmill (7 min walking at 4.0 and 3 min running at 7.0)
40 minutes of strength training and ab work
40 minutes on treadmill ( 18 minutes running at a 5.5 or above and 22 minutes walking at a 4.0)

I was shaky when I finished working out. It felt really good and I love the fact that I sweat more than ever before when I go to the gym. I'm so thankful for what I know this is doing to my body and I am so blessed to be able to do this.

Tomorrow is another day and I'll post in the morning what my plan for Tuesday is.
As for tonight, I think I'll take some sinus meds and relax! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!

Why is it that when you are working out, your nose doesn't run and it's like you aren't even stuffy anymore? It makes me want to work out all day and not stop! (Kinda)

*sniff* *sniff*

I don't feel so well today. I didn't feel well on Friday and didn't work out on Friday or Saturday! Yesterday I went to the gym with my dad and I walked/ran on the treadmill for 35 minutes. 24 minutes was walking at a 4.0 and the other 11 minutes was running at about a 6.7, which I think is pretty darn good! I've been tired and achey and it all started with a sore throat. Today I am stuffy and feeling tired. Ugh. I don't like getting sick- not one little bit!

I think I solved my peanut butter problem. I brought a 100 cal bagel (1 pt) and one tablespoon of my fave peanut butter (1.5 pts) and had that about a half hour ago when I got hungry. Whew! That calmed my craving!

So here are my points/eating for the day:

Breakfast:
1 cup Quaker corn bran cereal (1 pt)
1/2 cup skim milk (1.5 pts)
1/4 cup granola (1.5 pts)
1 protein shake (2 pts)
coffee (2 pts- creamer)

Snack:
100 cal bagel (1 pt)
1 tablespoon peanut butter (1.5 pts)

Lunch:
Pizza (Leftover homemade) 5 pts
yogurt (1 pt)
granola (1.5 pts)
100 cal strawberry cupcakes (1 pt)
apple (1 pt)

Snack:
Apple (1 pt)

Dinner:
Salmon (6 pts)
Salad (1 pt)
Baked potato (3 pts)
salsa (0 pts)

TOTAL POINTS FOR THE DAY: 30 points

Exercise today:
10 minutes on Elliptical
30 minutes Strength training
35 minutes run/walk treadmill
Total: 1 hour and 15 minutes give or take

I'm starting to get over my frustration over the numbers on the scale. When I weighed in on Saturday I weighed 205.7 lbs which is much better than on Thursday when I weighed in at Curves at 210 lbs.

I'm ready to tackle this week. I'm ready to be back on track and I'm ready to achieve my next goal- getting through this HORRIBLE plateau! I can do it, I know I can!

10/29/09

Yesterday was a crazy day! It was beautiful outside and it was so nice to bring the kids outside! We took them out for over an hour and just let them run and play. There was only one child that wanted to go inside at the end of the hour.

I was much better at school with food. I didn't eat any of the chicken fries that were served at lunch and ate a spoonful of applesauce and some green beans. A vast improvement!

I seriously had my ass kicked at the gym yesterday! I did 10 minutes on the elliptical and then spent 45 minutes on my ActiveTrax strength training workout. I used the treadmill for 35 minutes at the end of my workout and about 6 of those minutes were spent running at either a 6.0 or a 6.5! I was drenched in sweat and ready for some dinner! I ate baked mahi mahi and a baked potato with salsa with steamed vegetables for dinner. Yum! When I weighed myself this morning I was at 208.0 so I'm getting back down.

Today I have my Halloween party otherwise known as "Harvest Family Day". I made sugar free jello jigglers in the shape of pumpkins and I am dressed as Little Red Riding Hood. *See photo at top* I think these boots are going to shape my calves for sure while I wear them all day! After work I'm going to head over to the gym to walk/run on the treadmill for 35 minutes before going to power workout at Curves at 5:30pm. This is the last week of "Curves Boot Camp" and I'm supposed to weigh out Saturday morning. If I haven't maintained or lost any weight in the past month, I won't win any prizes! I'm trying not to be sad about it but I feel like a failure this month! Hopefully I can pull through!

Have a great day! Happy Harvest Day!

Here we go!

Well here goes nothin! I already put up notes on Facebook on my weight loss progress, and there are notes up there from day one until now. So check me out on facebook for those back posts. I'll catch you up in this first blog and then tell you where I am now.

If you are using this blog to motivate you, it won't happen. I won't solely motivate you. No one can fully motivate you like you can motivate you. If you aren't ready for this change and if you aren't ready to be active and healthy you never will be. Ever. If you want to be healthy and you want to be active and you really are ready to make a change, you can do it!

I woke up one morning feeling huge, miserable and in pain. It was January, 2008. I decided to start my weight loss journey. Back then I decided to just cut my portions. It worked but it was slow. Two weeks later I joined Weight Watchers online. That worked like a charm! They started me out on 41 points a day! I didn't think I could eat that much but then I learned that I needed to so that I would have success. Two months or so later I started working out at home. I started workout videos like "Dance It Off" by Prevention fitness. I loved it! I also added some 2 lb and 5 lb hand weights and I'd run in place. Over that summer I worked at a summer camp and walked everywhere I could. When I returned home it was hard for me to get back to my home exercise so I joined Curves. I had a full tummy tuck and double arm lift on July 8, 2009 and since surgery I have hit the hugest plateau in the history of the world. I started to run/walk three days a week and go to Curves four days a week. That wasn't doing much but I felt my legs start to tone more and more. Last week I joined the 24 hour gym and I now go to the gym most every day and do power workouts at Curves Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. On power workout days I just go over to the gym first and do 31-35 min on the treadmill. On Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday I do the ActiveTrax workout with weights at the gym in addition to working on the treadmill or elliptical.
I keep on weighing between 204-209 and it's killing me! I want to be under 200 so bad and I've come so far! I started at 340 lbs and I'm so ready to be under 200! I drink 80 oz of water a day and I don't eat junk ever. However lately I have been craving peanut butter like crazy. On Monday I ate a GFS bagel with GFS peanut butter but I stayed away from it yesterday and so far I'm doing good today.
I teach preschool and love it! My program serves lunch and snack to my students. I have to sit at the table and eat with the kids or pretend to eat. My problem this week is I convinced myself that I could eat lunch with the kids on Monday- Chicken patty on a bun. Yesterday I convinced myself that I could eat a few chips with cheese, lettuce, meat, etc. UGH! I refuse and will not eat anything with the kids at lunch today. I can't and I won't. This is my downfall and I know it. I will not eat anything at preschool!

Can I do it? Yes I can!

Today I work until 4pm and then I will head over to the gym. 30 min on the treadmill, 45 minutes strength training with an ab workout at the end and 10 min on the elliptical. I'm ready to kick some ass today!