Sick Week

I have been sick this entire week.  Sore throat, cough, no energy, massive headache, and no sleep.  It's been rough.  I haven't even managed to track my eating every day.  Which is bad, especially since I didn't eat particularly well.  Due to my lack of energy, I didn't go grocery shopping.  I tried to make due with what I had, but I ended up eating out quite a bit.  I tried to make good choices, but I know it still wasn't the best thing to do to kick week 3 in the butt.  However, it's a new day, a new week is about to start.  I'm highly anticipating having a better week.  Although I haven't worked out since Monday, I think I should be okay to start this Monday.

Being sick is rough on every aspect of life.  I'm happy to be feeling a little bit better.  And I'm excited to get back at it.  I didn't do my "plank" challenge this week...I could barely breath.  I will do it this week instead.

Here's to new beginnings!

Rough Weekend

This weekend was not the best in the world, we had parties and get-togethers galore.  Friday night we went to pizza with some friends.  Didn't do too bad though.  Got a 6" veggie pizza and a giant salad with no meat.  Just some beans for a little protein.

Saturday, a baby shower.  I indulged in a cinnamon roll.  I didn't really feel bad about it though.  It was delicious. 

Saturday night, a birthday party.  I had a hamburger, but stayed away from chips, jello, Swedish Fish, cookies, and ice cream.  Chose to munch on baby carrots instead.  I think at that point I realized how much I WOULD have eaten had I not been so conscious about it.  Eye Opening!

Sunday, birthday gathering for the hubs at the in-laws.  Eating at their house is never gonna be good.  Everything is marinaded, had loads of butter, and they love their desserts!  But, I think I did okay.  Chose a small chicken breast, one scoop of delicious mashed potatoes, and some of the grilled veggies.  They were covered in olive oil, so I couldn't even go crazy with those, unfortunately.  I only had 1 coconut shrimp, which is basically a miracle.  A small slice of cake and scoop of ice cream to finish it off.  I went 16 points over yesterday, just because of all the extra things they added, plus my hubby made me yummy whole wheat pancakes for breakfast, my fav!  I still think of it as a success though, because like I said, I would have been FAR worse!  

I weighed myself at the gym today 180.5.  WOW, that's a lot.  But, it's 6 lbs down from the last time I weighed myself, which was back in October.  And who knows if I gained weight since then.  I'm going to work hard so I can see the number drop even more.

Tonights dinner....Veggie Omelets!  I'm feeling a bit under the weather, so I don't know how exercise is gonna go this week.  Which means it's even more important that I eat well.  Had a minor set-back with a Snickers bar (just a mini) a few minutes ago, but it wasn't worth it, and won't be happening again anytime soon.  

I am not sure I look any better, but I am definitely feeling better.  I feel like I'm not as puffy.  I know that sounds weird, but it's true.  It's probably not noticeable to anyone else, but I'm not doing it for them. I'm doing it ME, remember??

P.S.  Finished my Burpee Challenge last week.  This week, I'm gonna do planks!  One 1-minute plank every day.  Also very doable.  I gotta get this core tight again!  

One Week Down

After the end of today, I have officially been doing WW for a 7 days straight! Man, it feels like longer, already. I haven't weighed myself yet. Kind of forgot at the gym this morning. But that's not really important to me anyways. Here's what I have learned this week.

1. You need to EAT your points! I think at first, the points are kind of scary. I prepare a snack, track it, and "Oh No! 7 points!" It seems like a lot, but your points are there for you too eat. I am convinced you cannot lose weight without eating. At least not healthily. I have been running low on energy these past few days, and low and behold, I haven't even met my points value for the past 3 days. So, today, I'm committing to eating!

2. Grains. I eat a lot of them. I love bread. I'm a total sandwich girl, always have been. My first go-to snack...anything on a piece of bread. I do eat 100% whole wheat, so I feel okay about it, but eventually I would like to decrease the amount of bread I eat. Maybe try some other grains.

3. There are options! The thing I love most about WW is that you have options. You can eat anything, really. Obviously you get the most out of your points when you choose healthy options. I swear sometimes I feel like I'm eating all day just because I have made good choices, and I can!

4. Color is GOOD! I have been eating fruits and veggies like crazy this week! It's so important to have them as a part of your diet. Plus they make your plate look pretty. I have had loads of spinach, apples, berries, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, etc, etc. It's been awesome. I have felt so much better each day as I have replaced sugar cravings with an apple.

5. Exercise is a must...still. I know that eating well is 80% of my problem. But, that last 20% is incredibly important. Exercising is something I will always have to do. Good thing I enjoy it... most of the time. I have tried a few new things this week, a spin class, and a TRX class. LOVED both of them and hope to continue to keep going.

I feel like it has been a good week. I am sure I will learn lots more over the next months. And, I hope I start seeing some results!

Burpee Challange

Today I signed up for a WW challenge. The challenge is easy, very doable. It is to do 10 burpees every single day for 7 straight days. I can do that, right??

I'm going to have to make me a reminder sign because I'm forgetful like that.

If you don't know what a burpee is, here is a little visual aide.

Looks easy?? Ha. Try it. Since I am so advanced (cough) I am going to add a pushup once I am in plank position. Wish me luck!

Side Note: Told the hubby about WW this weekend. Figured it was time since he was going to take me out to ice cream, and I NEVER turn down ice cream. Until now. He was incredibly supportive and proud. He also promised not to have his eyes glued on my every move and every meal. And to not always ask me about it. Which is what I need for him to not do. So, it's good. Still not telling anyone else though. I'm sure my mom will be next...in a few weeks, or months.

Healthy Meal

Tonight I made a delicious and healthy meal that I wanted to share. First, it's Pork. I have only made pork one other time in all my life, and it was in the crock-pot. I was nervous, but it turned out great.

Here is the recipe:

Breaded Pork

1 1/2 lbs Lean Pork Tenderloins (6-1/4 oz tenderloins)

1/2 cup Breadcrumbs

1 Tbsp Paprika

2 tsp Garlic Salt

1 tsp Onion Powder

Cooking Spray

1. In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic salt, and onion powder.

2. Coat each tenderloin, front and back, with the cooking spray.

3. Place coated tenderloins in breadcrumb mixture. Cover each side, evenly.

4. Place on a greased cookie sheet (or use a parchment paper, which I did).

5. Bake @ 400 degrees for 20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked all the way through.

Um, I made this recipe up. I tried baking it at a higher temp for 15 minutes, but I think it was a little too tough. So, I recommend doing it at a lower temp for longer.

Green Beans

1 1/2 cups String Beans

1 Tbsp Canola Oil

1/8 tsp minced garlic

Black Pepper to taste

1. String the Beans.

2. Heat oil and garlic in a fry pan over medium heat.

3. Add beans and pepper.

4. Cook beans until tender.

I steamed the red potatoes in my rice cooker and added 1 Tbsp of light sour cream, salt and pepper.

The entire meal was only 11 points, and I was stuffed. The red potatoes were a lot more points than I had thought they would be. Oh well, it's still great for an entire, very filling, meal. T loved helping string and snap the beans, and he even ate some pork.

Overall, it was quite successful!

Parental Support

Today, while I was at the gym pumping iron and dripping sweat (or something like that) I noticed something really awesome. As I looked around the room I saw many different kinds of people: "Meat Heads" over on the free weights grunting and eyeing the "pretties" that look way too cute to be there. There were people who knew what they were doing, some who looked clueless, others working out with trainers, and more in the classes. How cool that all of those people are there to feel good and get healthy.

None of these people are out of the norm. Those same people are always there. But, then, I noticed something that isn't quite so frequent. I saw a mom walk in with her daughter and head to the treadmills. Later, I saw a mom and daughter walk into the cardio class together. I saw a dad and son, lifting weights on the machines, and another mom and daughter lunging and running across the gym.

It was kind of an emotional experience for me. I hope that those kids know how lucky they are to have the support of their parents. Most of the kids were overweight and looked like they hadn't frequented the gym lately. I felt for them. Been there, done that. But, at least they decided to go today.

I, too, have incredibly supportive parents. Parents who have been awesome examples to me of what it means to be active and healthy. They are not perfect in their health, but I think that's what makes them able to "walk-in-my-shoes".

My sweet mom has been a "gym rat" since I can remember. When we were little she would get up early early before we woke up for school and head to the gym. She runs, plays tennis, lifts weights, and does the stair climber like no one I've ever seen.

She has always tried to have healthy eating habits as well. She eats whole grains, and veggies, and hasn't had chocolate for 12 years!!! Can you believe that???

What an example she is to me. And a support. She goes to the gym with me, running with me, and plays tennis with me. Last year, we ran our half marathon together. There is no one else in the world I would have rather crossed the finish line with. (Although, she crossed WAY before me!)

My dad. I love him. I feel like we have more "alike" habits than my mom and me. But, as long as I can remember, he has been a hard worker. He is always doing manual labor, being active outdoors, golfing, running, and playing sports with the boys. He goes to the gym, too.

He has always been supportive of his girls being healthy, offering new wardrobes for met goals, and always forking over cash for new gear and equipment, lessons or gym memberships. Literally couldn't have done it without him.

I hope as T grows up, and our future kids, that they will look to me as an example of being active and healthy like I have done my parents. I don't think that this is something that can be done on your own. I feel like you need support, and love, and encouragement. I'm so lucky to have so many people around me that do this every single day.

P.S. Didn't end up going to ice cream last night. Had a Raspberry Jello instead. 2 points!!

Weight Watchers

Today I started my Weight Watchers tracking. It's not too difficult. Minus the fact that I have a hard time measuring everything. It has made me realize how many times I grab something "here and there" walking past the kitchen, preparing T's meals, or while I'm working. I think stopping this habit will be key for me.

After just breakfast and lunch I have realized that CHEESE is no-bueno. Lots of points for cheese, and for grains, like lasagna noodles. But, I know that it's okay to still have those things as long as the rest of the day I try to eat really well.

I have 8 points left (my daily goal is 29) and I have dinner to eat still. Also, I'm going out with some friends tonight for ice cream. EEKS! But, I think I am going to try some sorbet. Which is so not me. But, obviously "me" isn't working so well on this bod. Sorbet is only 4 pts for a 1/2 cup, where premium ice cream is 8. So, I guess it's worth it.

I feel good about today. I think I did well. But, the real test is over the weekend and in the next few weeks. A big key for me will be planning my meals and making sure I have "good" food in our house all the times.

I think I am going to do before and after pics. My weight watchers is 4 months long, so maybe I will do pics every month. It kind of makes me nervous, but I think it will be cool to see if I actually am able to make some progress. Decisions, decisions.

For the Normal

Here we go. It's Wendesday, April 11, 2012, and I am starting. I just signed up for Weight Watchers Online. No one knows this. Not even my husband, or my best friend, or my mom. I'm not doing it for them, though. I'm doing it for me.

I have constantly struggled with my weight. It has gone up and down and back up all throughout my life. I have tried to stay active, tried to eat well, and tried to be healthy. It's been hard. It's been overwhelming. But, it's been life.

I'm just normal. I don't think that I am the only one in life with these struggles. I know I'm not. But for me, I don't let them defeat me. I know it is going to take effort to get myself to where I want to be. I'm not even really sure where that is to be honest. I just want to be healthy. And happy. And I would love to fit into single-digit jeans at some point in my life.

I had my little boy almost two years ago. He is my life. And if for nothing else, I want to be healthy for him. I want him to have parents who love to play with him, and are able to. I never want to get to the point where my weight and body inhibits me from experiencing life with him. Because that wouldn't be living to me.

Since he is almost 2, we have contemplated trying for baby #2 in the near future. But, I know that if I do not focus on myself for these next few months, I will be emotionally unable to bring another little one into this world. I need to be healthy for my family.

I, probably like all of you, have many excuses. I'm too tired, I don't feel good, I don't have time, I have kids, my husband is never home, etc., etc., etc. The thing about it, is all of these excuses are REAL! They aren't going to stop tomorrow, or the next day. So, how do I work around these things? I have put in my head lately that "now isn't my time". I am so busy, that I cannot focus on weight loss right now. I will have to wait till my kids are in school, or my husband has a better schedule. WHAT?! Waiting? I realized I will be waiting forever.

So instead, I start now.

I know that it seems weird I haven't told anyone about this journey yet. I have my own reasons. Mostly I need to prove to myself I can do it. I struggle with eating, far more than exercise. I love to exercise, mostly. But my eating, well, I love to do that too. And I like the not-so-good things. So, I'm hoping weight watchers will enable me to focus more on what and how much I eat as I consciously write it down each day. It was a lot of money to sign up...especially for someone who isn't exactly "rollin' in the dough". But, I knew if I sacrificed that money, I would actually do it.

I am planning on keeping this blog as more of a "journal for the journey". Who knows if I will ever tell anyone about it or if anyone will read it. We shall see. But for now, it's just for me. As it should be.