Still Going Strong

School's back in session.  I'm swamped with life--in all good ways.  But I'm still running strong.  My friend and I ran 3 miles in 30 minutes today.  That's huge for me.  I'm down 16 pounds.  That's 64 sticks of butter.  That's two gallons of milk.  That's two balls I would bowl with.  I'm now half way to my goal.  I can do this!

Update

Just thought I'd share a quick update. I'm now 5 weeks into my workout program and I'm down 12 pounds! The weight is coming off more quickly and steadily than with The Shred program. However, I think that's actually attributed to my eating habits now. Little to no refined sugar. Why little to no? I'm not about to go all sugar nazi on anyone and refuse to eat food that's given to me (with the exception of desserts). I told my husband the other day this is the best "diet" I've ever been on. We can go out to eat and I can have what I want and I'm still losing weight. It's those darn desserts that were getting me. And, the best part, I don't even miss those sweets. I'm addicted to my fruits now. And so is the mister! Today's lunch features kiwi and peach slices and raspberries. Oh my yummy!

Need some inspiration on kicking the sugar habit?

Have a GREAT Wednesday everyone.

It's a New Dawn, A New Day

That, that right there. It IS a new day. I've come out of my hole. I have to. I have a presentation to give tomorrow and work to finish today.

Despite all the heartache and frustrations I've still been working out. Actually I worked out sans partner for over a week.

It was weigh-in Wednesday today. I've now lost 10 pounds. It's been just over a month...like a month and two days. Awesome. Twenty more to go. I can do this.

Did I Mention...

That I've now lost seven pounds.

In two weeks.

That rocks.

I've seen two more cranes.

One more possibly today-but I couldn't tell for sure, so I'm not counting it.

My running buddy is on vacation but I got up anyway and ran by myself.

Dear 'ol Aunt Flo arrived today and this was the first time I haven't cried about it in months, years.

Seven pounds. That means 23 more to go.

17 Days In

We've now weighed in three times. FIrst week was the initial weigh in. Last week I was bummed when E lost 5 pounds and I only lost about 2 1/2. Don't get me wrong, I know that it's "healthy" to lose one pound a week and that losing 2 1/2 pounds is great! So I kept my chin up knowing I'm doing great things for my body, such as:

Lots of fiber
No refined sugar
No eating 2 hours before bed time
Lots of water
And generally making smart decisions

This week...I'm now down 7 pounds overall! So 4 1/2 this week. Woo Woo!

I also like to think of it this way--only 23 pounds until my goal!

If I follow the pound per week guideline from here on out, that's only 5 1/2 months until the goal. If I lose two per week, that's about three months. I think I'm getting ahead of myself. But I'm keeping it up!

In Which I Talk About Numbers

E and I ran to and through on of our local parks today. On the other side of the park is a trail that leads back to town, but along the river on a small dirt trail.

(Photo Courtesy of Google Images)

(Photo Courtesy of Google Images)

(Photo Courtesy of Google Images)

Not too shabby on the eye. This last photo is actually the other side of the trail, if you walk under the bridge, to where the hubs and I were married. Quaint.

Before we headed out this morning we hopped on the scale. I'm down 2 1/2 pounds. Not really as drastic as I thought it may have been...but there seemed to be some scale error. The first

time I got on the scale it told me I was down eight pounds (E too). Then we moved the scale to a more level part of the sidewalk, then I was down 4. We finally propped it up on her porch where I was down 2 1/2.

So I suppose if there was a lot of error, next week might be really good.

After our run then hike through the trail we headed over to the island for a moment.

(Photo Courtesy of Google Images)

Also very quaint and beautiful. Off to the right side of the bridge all the ducks and geese were preening on the water's edge, getting ready for their day. On the other side of the bridge,

I found my number 12.

Progress

Well, I'm now officially a week and a day into my new routine. How's it going? Great! Better than expected actually. Although, we're weighing in tomorrow so we'll see. I typically either stay the same or even gain for the first couple of weeks but this time, I've done things differently so I have more hope.

So, what's different?

1. No refined sugar added to anything. And really, so far I haven't eaten much that even is made with it. I've eaten one slice of whole wheat bread, taken one bite of cinnamon bread, oh-and there was that half a donut (there's a whole guilted-into-eating-it story that I should share here). But that's about it. A DRASTIC reduction from what I used to be eating.
2. More fruits and vegetables. I'm eating fruits and veggies all the time.
3. Raw, not processed. I've really veered us away from pre-prepared foods. This also means no preservatives.
4. Lots of water.
5. No eating after 7:00 pm.
6. Think about what I'm putting in my mouth-energy giver or taker?
7. No guilt. If I really want something, have it. This alone I think has been a game changer. It's not NO, it's sure go ahead, but will it make your body feel good?

I had a thought yesterday. What if I went all "Biggest Loser" style and worked out a couple of times a day until I went back to school? It would help me take off extra pounds a bit quicker and then I could work on maintaining. Even though I don't look like it-my body could easily lose 30 pounds and I'd still be considered overweight, I'm sure. I'm tinkering with the idea...

Happy Tuesday!

Waiting

It's Saturday, a snowy Saturday. The hubs and I made our way to a local shoe store for their Sidewalk Sale--a momentous event. After trying on what seemed like 15 pairs of shoes...oh wait, it felt like 15 because it was!--I finally settled on a new pair of Sauconys at a very reasonable price. They were $45 dollars off their normal price, the price they will be again on Monday. Thanks to a Visa giftcard for Christmas I spent nothing out-of-pocket. One of the perks of this store is their 30 guarantee. You can wear them inside and out and if they don't work for you, you can take them back for an exchange.

I had my eyes on a very cute pink and paisley (on the tongue) pair of Sauconys but they did not fit me. The ankle was too high and the arch the same. I was this close to sacrificing comfort for looks. Instead, I purchased what I consider to be a very unattractive pair. Ho hum. They have a white mesh thing on top that almost made me say no. But they're comfy and very light.

Now on to the waiting. I'm waiting for all of this hard work to start showing itself. Granted, my pants a fitting less snugly but there is nothing drastic. I should probably take some time this evening to reread my own blog posts from last year at this time, I know I should be more grateful but gosh, I'm working my tail off to stay pudgy!

I've now completed 15 days of Jillian Michael's Six Week Six Pack, still going strong with my Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday yoga, and have only just begun my 5k training with Podrunner-successfully completed 2 days.

But when will it start paying off? Last year I just had so much excess fat that it took forever to turn to muscle and begin to tone. I'm 20+ pounds lighter and smaller but it doesn't look like I've done a darn thing.

I know there is a big phase of frustration but I don't like it. I am, of course, going to keep going. But I just wish I had more--or less!--to show for my work. Stupid thighs and still pudgy belly, c'mon!

I'm done complaining now. I should be thankful I'm able to do all of this and I am doing it. I know it's only a matter of time before things catch up. Persistence.

Five Months In

Well, I'm five months in and 28 pounds lighter..errrrr, scratch that, as of Monday morning I'm now 30 pounds lighter! I'm not at my final goal. Actually I'm about half way to my final goal. If I could, I would love to lose another 20-30 pounds. Summer is right around the corner too...will I be more energized to work harder? Will I fall to the free time I will have? Please don't let that happen, I beg of myself!
I'm now officially down one pant size and on my way to being down two. Some of my pants, after a few minutes of wearing them, slide down and are a bit uncomfortable. My shirts I'm wearing mostly larges and some mediums. That definitely feels nice.

I think soon I will need to evaluate my summer vacation workout plan. I would love to find a yoga class to go to. I can only do so many videos, sorry Bob and Jillian.
That's all for now. Have a great week!

Squidgy

That's my word. Squidgy. To me it means soft and pudgy around the edges. Like my body.

It seems no matter how much weight I lose, I still feel squidgy.

I was SURE today as I got on the scale there was going to be a 2 pound uppage in weight. I was SHOCKED when the scale was down three more pounds. That's right-I'm now officially 195.6 which is down 28.2 pounds. That's really close to thirty. So close I can almost taste it.

It seems as though I'm a long-term gal. The more I keep going the better it gets. I definitely think the yogging is helping. And tonight, despite my miserable allergies, I will be yogging again.

I will take pictures soon because I'm having a hard time believing it too.

Quarter

Quarter of one hundred, that is. Yes, today the scale was in my favor. I'm officially down 25 1/2 pounds. That's one quarter of one hundred. That's a toddler. That's disgusting. I'm so happy to see it go and I look forward to keeping this up.

I've been yogging every other day for at least twenty minutes, ahem, I think I've yogged five times. But still! I'm getting incredibly painful shin splints-but this only happens right near the twenty minutes and for about a half hour after I stretch. Ouch! I'm hoping this fades with repetition.

There are so many other things to write about-
How I feel about the days being light later
Hubby's recent epiphany
Ice cream
The fricassee incident
Dancing with the Stars
(no, not really)
House paint
The new comforter that died
Michigan's smoking ban in 5 days
(woot woot)

Just to name a few. But I'm exhausted and my comfy, dead comforter, bed is calling me.

Yogging

Yes, I said yogging. Because you certainly cannot qualify what I do as running, let alone jogging...so I yog. And yog I did tonight. I put in the Last Chance Workout tonight. I got through the warm up and the first circuit and the dvd froze. So I turned it off, turned the tunes up, and took it outside. Again it was only a 7 or 8 minute yog but I have to think that's not too shabby for the second time out.

I'm learning to pay attention to my heart rate and I'm hoping this pays off. Also, I'm hoping to start yogging every other day. This will keep my workout more varied and hopefully keep my body guessing.

In other news, I co-led my final after school professional development session today. I'm certainly glad to cross this off my to-do list. Surveys were handed out, which always worries me. You know there are always some people who are never happy, no matter what you do. But I'm pleased to report the feedback was very encouraging and mostly positive. Doesn't make me want to rush into doing it again but it was a nice end to the sessions.

That's really all I had to say. How was your Tuesday?

Doubley Good

I'm not sure if that's even a word, doubley, but I'm using it anyway. I dragged myself onto the scale this morning knowing it was not going to be pretty. While on vacation the food choices were very limited (really, I'm not even exaggerating). So upon returning from vacation, I didn't even get near the scale. And really, it's not that big of a deal to me. I'm not trying to be a certain number by a certain date. I think I just didn't want the disappointment.

But today I went into it knowing it would be okay if I had gained 4 or 5 pounds from vacation. But heck! I had to weigh myself twice just to believe the number I was seeing. I'm guessing to most people this may seems waaaay heavy still but to me (and that's what matters ya know) it was amazing.

199.8

Yes, that's right. I no longer weigh 200 pounds. Yes, I do realize how close to 200 that number is but I don't care. I'm in the 100s again! That's a huge happy feeling for me. And seeing as though the last time I weighed, before vacation, I was down 19 pounds--to now be down 24 is amazing! AMAZING! One more pound and I'm at a quarter of a hundred. That's a toddler! That seems unreal.

Anyway, thanks for reading and have a happy week everyone!

So Close...

Yet not to the goal. I just had to share that this week I weighed in 2 pounds less than last week. This puts me 4.6 away from my initial goal but sitting at a 19 pound loss. How can I be upset with that?
We're headed on vacation soon and I was going to not work out during that time (lots of walking anyway) but I think I may bring the yoga video anyway.

Happy Monday everyone!

Around the World in 80 Days

Or at least around my front room on my mat, all over the floor, and up in the air a bit working out for 80 days. Yes, I'm at day 80. Un-be-liev-able.
And really, I shouldn't post this just yet as I haven't worked out yet but I'm planning to. I stayed home from work today because of the stomach crud. I'll spare you details but I'd have spent more time running to and being in the bathroom than actually teaching today. Blech.

In the midst of this all-me lying on the couch, running to the toilet, the poor dog ripped off part of her nail on her front paw. So, guess who got to take her to the vet today?! That even became a fiasco. They glued it off so it wouldn't get infected and she's on a pain killer and an antibiotic but I think they're making her feel not well. She's not acting like her normal self. )o:

At some point during the day today I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and almost didn't believe it was really me. This is paying off. I just have to keep at it. I know I said I'd post pictures and I haven't yet...but I will!

No Takers

Surprisingly, no one felt like taking some pounds from me. Hmph. And well, the scale read at about what I would have guessed. I knew after starting a new program I may not lose weight but instead gain that muscle tone and I surmise that's what happened today. However, I am happy to report that I did lose 1 pound. So, I'm only 6.4 away from that goal now. If I keep all of this up, maybe next Monday will bring me more of a loss.

During my shopping extravaganza this weekend I did manage to purchase some new shirts. There's nothing like new clothing (even new-to-you) that helps with your self-confidence. I'm sporting a new shirt/blouse from Banana Republic that's navy. Before my penny-pinching naysayers get their panties in a tizzy you must know what a deal I got! Not only were all the clothes I bought on sale but I also got an extra 30% off thanks to a coupon I snagged from Coupon Mommie on Friday afternoon. Awesome! So, each shirt I bought averaged around $15.
But the bum deal is the pants! Now, even right from the dryer they're too loose.

Why am I complaining? Because I'm in between sizes and nothing is fitting! I hate looking frumpy! So c'mon next size down-get here already!

I will take some pictures soon, I promise, and post them for a results showing. I'm always nervous that the pictures will look like they did the first day. Yikes! Hopefully never again!

Have a great week everyone.

Closer To...

Lots of things. One being my first goal weight. Two being able to wear clothes purchased from the average-sized person store. Three being more comfortable with myself. I could go on but I'll spare you.

This morning I got on the scale for a surprise -2 1/2 pounds. Bringing it to a total of -16.2 pounds. Wow. That's great. But I have so much more to go.

It's Monday and it's pitch black outside right now. But I'm so going to love the light out tonight!

Monday Monday, So Good To Me

Yes, that's right. I said Monday was good to me. I believe, if my calculations are correct, this is the fourth week in a row of a now four day work week. Hello third snow day, nice to meet your acquaintance.
This one I was not planning on at all. As a matter of fact, I had snoozed the alarm once and on my way back to bed I had noticed the opalescent glow from behind the curtains and thought, it looks snowy, but not snowy enough. Often times the snow will glow orange when it's a snow day kind of day.

But not today, that gleaming glow was good enough. I had just, and I mean just, laid back in bed for those extra ten minutes of sleep when I heard the soft tones of my phone jingling and vibrating its way across the kitchen counter downstairs. With Christmas morning delight I hopped up and ran downstairs just in time to catch that magical phone call. "Enjoy your day off."

It took me a good hour to come down from that high to where I could finally fall back asleep. Why is it that snow days send that much excitement through you?

Well, when I finally dragged myself out of bed I remembered it was Monday-weigh in day. There's something about getting the scale out that just makes me feel heavy. But that was not to be today. I was really hoping for two pounds although any loss would be better than nothing. So when it read 4 pounds lighter than last week I was ecstatic but in slight disbelief. So much so that I got back on the scale to make sure. Same. Yippee.

Now that's a total of 12.8 pounds (12 1/2...) so far! I just have to keep this up and I'll be down below that 200 (awful awful) mark.

Here's to a productive week! Happy Snowy Monday!

The Shred Part Two-Day 10

Had hubby not come home so quickly I was going to bust out the LCW. Since he showed up (it's all dinner pending) I put in the Shred. I never thought I'd see the day when I thought the Shred was 'easy'. I say that very lightly, especially since it was Level 1, but what I really mean is I can do the entire thing and I'm looking for ways to make it tougher. I need to get myself some 8 lb weights. I'm still adding the pelvic thrust at the end (with a glut squeeze!). Next, heavier weights. And I'm now all Natalie-with the exception of the lunges. No way. After I started taking it easier on myself with the lunges my knees felt infinitely better.

But on to the most important thing today, dinner. YUM. It was a salad, but not just any salad.
Baby greens, romaine, spinach with grilled chicken with barbecue sauce, toasted cashews, sliced hard boiled egg, topped with ranch dressing. Hrm...is that really healthy? YES! The chicken was light on sauce, I used less than one serving of cashews on each salad. Only one hard boiled egg. Then there's the dressing-how can that be good for you?

So, have you seen those yogurt dressings? It got me to thinking...yogurt, like my Greek yogurt...100 calories and no fat....hrm....What if I mixed one of those ranch packets into the yogurt? Holy shamoley, it was great. I told hubs I could eat the entire thing of dressing and not feel guilty. But I wouldn't do that, because that's disgusting.

I'm no longer a dressing ON the salad kind of gal. Instead, it's on the side and I use it to dip in. I'm using waaaay less. So, anyway, try the dressing, even the hubs liked it!

What else did I eat?

Green tea with mixed berry
Fat free Greek yogurt with honey and granola (next week--err this weekend--I might try to find a lower cal replacement for this granola)

Leftover skirt steak sandwich (3 strips of steak) packed with spinach and topped with mustard.
Green grapes and mandarin oranges

Banana

Tomorrow I've packed the salad for lunch!

Happy Shredding!

The Shred Part Two-Day 8

It's Monday and I'm feeling much better. My nose may disagree with that statement but at least I've been cushioning the blow with lotion tissues.

I even felt up to Level 2 today and did quite well. I can remember when the plank push-ups and plank jacks scared the crud out of me. Not any more. Anyone who's doing level 2 for the first time, my advice on the push-ups is don't bend your legs and really push through and it will get easier. The first couple of times I did them I let my legs bend and that was that...I couldn't do them. But now I love doing them.

So, today was supposed to be weights and measures. With my dad visiting, jockeying bathroom time was tricky so I only got to weigh myself. Speaking of measures...I may only keep measuring my waist, chest, and add in hips. The calves, thighs, and biceps aren't really that exciting to me anyway.

And I forgot to mention last night with my menu...I ate cheesecake. And it was good. And completely worth having to watch what I ate the rest of the day. My dad's cheesecake is amazing-truly.

What did I eat today?

Green chai tea (ehh, not my favorite)
2 egg tacos-low fat flour tortilla, egg, cheese, leftover steak (one slice each), Red Hot

Bowl of Corn Flakes with Honey

Roasted chicken
Boiled potatoes
Steamed asparagus
A couple tears of bread
I made a recipe from March's issue of Martha-the roasted chicken. It was good but could have used a bit more flavor.
I added no butter to my foods and they were still good (I think I'm in withdrawals and I'm trying to compensate). I used the white balsamic vinegar again tonight. Originally it was for the asparagus but it ended up being quite nice on the chicken too.

I picked up some QD Butter Pecan ice cream last night for the boys and they'd like to have it tonight. I may very well steal one bite.

So, how did the scale treat me this week? 215.0 And that means I lost 5 pounds last week! That's incredible to me. I'm so excited.

Here's to a four day week!