Week 3 results for Slimmer This Summer

My goals:

-Journal my meals

-Be under 165g of Carbohydrates/day

-Exercise 5 times a week for 45-60 minutes

-10 glasses of water a day

-Run/walk a 5K in under 40 minutes

-Build a support network

-lose an average of 2 lbs/week, 24lbs total

Beginning Weight: 201.3

Week 1: 198.6 (-2.7)

Week 2: 198.6 (0) No change

Week 3: 196.9 (-1.7) Total loss -4.4 lbs

Daily Carb Count (out of 165g carbs)

Monday: 138 (27 under)

Tuesday: 203 (38 over)

Wednesday: 162 (3 under)

Thursday: 189 (24 over)

Friday: 184 (19 over)

Saturday: didn’t track, but wasn’t bad day

Sunday: (28 under)

Measurements: Loss a ½ inch off my ribs. Other measurements remained the same.

What a week!  It is true, as the summer is coming in full swing, it is getting harder to stay on top of my goals and to keep motivated.  It is like I start out the week alright and by the time the weekend hits I am struggling.

I am getting in my exercise and I am drinking enough water, so I am accomplishing some of my goals.  But changing my eating habits is hard.  This truly is a challenge for me.

I am trying not to get down on myself about not reaching my food goals, because I am not giving up.  My focus really has been on working out and getting a burn.  The past couple of weeks I have worked hard and have gotten a good burn.

I got another run in this week.  I have improved my 40 minute run by a tenth of a mile, technically I hit 3 miles before I hit 41 minutes, so I am getting closer to my goal of running a 5k in under 40 minutes.  I am going to try to get in two runs next week. 

**Update: I ran this morning and I have even greater improvement.  In 40 minutes I made it 3.05 miles**

When I run I get a lot of pain in my shoulders and neck.  I have been working with a chiropractor for a month and a half to “fix” an old problem.  It is helping, but the pain is still is great when I run.  There are many exercises I can do that don’t hurt my neck and shoulders as much.  I just don’t feel like I burn the same amount of calories.  I may have to resort to those other things to keep from popping the Tylenol.

Because I need to, here are my weekly goals in addition to my challenge goals above.

-Get in two 40 minute runs

-quit thinking about caloric intake, and focus on carb intake instead.  Counting calories is messing me up and I end up eating more.  I know backwards, but I am going to try it this week and see where it gets me.

-Start taking my vitamins and minerals again.  Many of these I quit taking when I was pregnant (as I was advised to), and it is time to get back into the swing of things for the sake of my mood, energy and blood sugar.

Cheers and here is to a great Week four!  My oh my where has the time gone.

6/23/11 40 minutes 2.98 miles

6/27/11 40 minutes 3.05 miles

Week 2 Results: Slimmer This Summer

My goals:

-Journal my meals

-Be under 165g of Carbohydrates/day

-Exercise 5 times a week for 45-60 minutes

-10 glasses of water a day

-Run/walk a 5K in under 40 minutes

-Build a support network

-lose an average of 2 lbs/week, 24lbs total

Beginning Weight: 201.3

Week 1: 198.6 (-2.7)

Week 2: 198.6 (0) No change L Bummer

I took my weekly measurements and since last Monday I lost one inch from my waist, ½ inch from both my belly and my hips.  I also lost ¼ inch from my arms.

Sorry no pictures this week. I pretty much look the same as last week. :)

Let’s start with the good news. I rocked it on working out.  I got in some really challenging work outs including: weight training, bike riding, the elliptical, a few walks and the stationary bike.  My goal is 5 work outs and I got in 6, and of those 6, 3 were really challenging!!!  I really pushed myself this week.  I didn’t run at all this week since I was focusing on getting in my weights/circuit training.  Hopefully I will get a run or two in this week.

The not so good news, the food!  I Saturday I busted my butt at the gym.  No matter what I ate, I was still hungry.  I could not get my blood sugar to even out.  I even passed out and took a nap in the evening.  Since I was so frustrated with my blood sugar I pigged out on four cookies.  Not little cookies either.  The large Peppridge Farm cookies.  And it was good.  Sugar doesn’t make me hyper or give me energy, and man did I sleep deep that night.

Sunday part of our Father’s Day celebration I made brownies for my husband and our guests.  I didn’t track my carbs knowing I was going to be over.  I planned on this and made a very clear decision about enjoying the rich treat I had made.

Don’t worry, I paid for it this morning when I was working out. I usually try to get in an hour of cardio and today 45 minutes was about to push me over the edge.  That is the price I get to pay when I eat sweets.

Daily Carb Count:

Monday: 162 (3 under)

Tuesday: 147 (18 under)

Wednesday: 208 (43 over)

Thursday: 143 (22 under)

Friday: 167 (2 over)

Saturday: 200+ carbs (35+ over)

Sunday: Didn’t count today.  I had brownies so I know I went way over! (35+ over)

I have shown improvement in the water department.  I got in the 10 glasses of water all but two days.

I have read several blogs and am loving all the support and comments.

I have a question for all of you readers who have been on the weight loss journey for a while.  When I have a really challenging work out and get a great burn, how do I keep from starvation mode?  How much should I adjust in my eating for the really good work outs?  There have been some days where I am soo hungry!  Any tips or suggestions.  I am getting in plenty of protein, but for some reason it just isn’t cutting it!

I know I haven’t lost a lot of weight yet, but I can already feel my pants getting looser and my measurements are showing that as well.

On to week three!

What A Way To Start Week 2....

Summer is in full swing, and so are the moods of my kids.

To put it in the simplest terms, today was exhausting.  I didn’t make the best choice for breakfast, and my bad choice left me exhausted and moody the remainder of the day. 

I ate one graham cracker, 2Tbs of peanut butter and a banana.  I knew it wasn’t the best choice, but I didn’t think it was a terrible choice.  After I plugged the food into my log on myfitnesspal.com, I had already exceeded the daily recommended amount of sugar with those three items.  I was shocked.

Today and yesterday I have had a terrible time getting my blood sugar in a normal range.  It has been dipping low and I am tired and hungry.  It has made it more difficult to ward off the sweets.  I have resisted for the most part, but not with out a challenge.

My seven month old boy is cutting four teeth right now.  He has pretty much been miserable all day too.  And my two year old has been her normal, energetic two year old self.  Her normal wears me out.  She is a sweet girl, but she has tantrums many times through the day and eventually it takes its toll on me, which today took place about 8am.

Despite my challenges with cranky kids.  I have gotten my exercise in.  Yesterday I got in an hour at the gym, doing strength training and cardio.  Today I didn’t make it to the gym, but I did get in a 45 minute brisk walk with the kids in the stroller.

Reward Yourself!

With every ten pounds of weight loss, I have decided to give myself a reward. When I made this goal sheet I was 209lbs.  I have met my first benchmark! 

I have this little reminder posted on my fridge and in my bedroom.  I also have another copy for my bathroom, it just got misplaced.  I need to get it up still.

Here is my mini goal reward break down:

209: Start Weight

199: hair trim

189: pedicure

179: Weekend Road Trip

169: Bedroom makeover

159: family Pictures

149: New outfit

139: hair cut

129: special vacation

I promised I would grow my hair out for my husband.  Right now it is the longest it hs been in the past 12 years.  Long hair isn’t my thing, but he likes it.  But the catcher is when I reach 139lbs, I get to chop it off.  Now that is a motivator for me!

Since I can’t stand my shaggy fine hair, I knew a hair trim would be a motivating goal.  And it worked.  I got moving and now I can get my hair trimmed.  I can’t wait!

Pedicure here I come!

What kind of rewards are you giving yourself in your weight loss goals??

Please comment, I would love to hear!

Week 1 Results: Slimmer This Summer

My goals:

-Journal my meals

-Be under 165g of Carbohydrates/day

-Exercise 5 times a week for 45-60 minutes

-10 glasses of water a day

-Run/walk a 5K in under 40 minutes

-Build a support network

-lose an average of 2 lbs/week, 24lbs total

Beginning Weight: 201.3

Week 1: 198.6 (-2.7) only 21.3 lbs to go!

I lost a 1 ½ inches off my rib cage and a 1/2 inch on my belly. :-)

6/6/2011	6/13/2011
201.3	198.6	Weight
13.5	13.5	Neck
43.5	43.5	Chest
39	37.5	Ribs
41	41	Waist
46	45.5	Belly
45.5	45.5	Hips
16	16	Calf
15	15	Arm

I got in 6 work outs last week, all but one were 45-60+ minutes each.  Exceeded my goal of 5 work outs!

I need to continue working on the 10 glasses of water.  I didn’t make that goal each day.  I got at least 8 glasses though which is more than I usually drink.

I increased my 40 minute run walk from 2.6 miles to 2.88 miles. Yeah!

I commented on many blogs this week and am grateful for all the support and comments I have received.

I have kept track of all of my food by journaling on myfitnesspal.com

Daily Carb Count:

Monday: 144 (21 under)

Tuesday: 157 (8 under)

Wednesday: 176 (11 over)

Thursday: 104 (61 under)

Friday: 145 (20 under)

Saturday: 138 carbs (27 under)

Sunday: 144 carbs (21 under)

Overall a great first week.  I am thrilled with the changes I am seeing.  I feel like my face it a little thinner already!

I have ready many of your blogs and I must say great work!!!  Very impressive. Keep it up!  Here we go onto Week 2!

What Are Your Weaknesses?

Here we are the first week is wrapping up for the Slimmer This Summer Challenge.  It has been a good week.  I am looking forward to my first weigh in tomorrow and I decided I am going to measure again and take progression pictures, so those will be posted tomorrow.

I have done a lot of reflecting this week. With each meal I have been thinking about portion sizes, protein content and carbs.  Keeping track of things by measuring on my little scale and carefully counting out quantities has been rewarding.  It has kept me on track.  Because I am counting carbs, I am able to curb my sugar cravings.  Sugar is my weakness.

The more sugar I eat, the more I want and the less control I have.  For me it is not realistic to swear off sweet things.

I have done it.  More than once.  I can do it, but when I stop doing it, I binge.  Not right away, but eventually it leads to binging.  So this week I allowed some sweets.  I just made sure I counted it and recorded it on my online food log. Having sweets here and there keeps me from snarffing down a whole large bag of M&M’s at a weak moment.

Even though I am allowing small amount of sugar here and there, it still affects my blood sugar.  Not nearly as much as when a binge occurs, but it still affects me.

When I eat sugar, if not balanced out with a good amount of protein I get lethargic, groggy and some times very cranky.  Today I treated myself to 20 peanut M&M’s.  I was already worn from a long day at church and sure enough the sweet morsels had their effect on me.  Since I was already worn, I ended up passing out on the couch for an hour and a half and taking a deep Sunday nap.  Yes, I was tired to begin with, but the sugar rush sent me over the edge and knocked me out.

So what are your weaknesses?  Where do you splurge and how does it affect how you feel?  Please share!

Happy Week two, here we come!

STS Mid-Week Report

Re-cap of the week thus far.  Things are going good.  Not perfect, but good.  My goal is to be under 165g of Carbohydrates/day, exercise 5 times a week for 45-60 minutes, and to have 10 glasses of water a day. Oh yes.... and to run/walk a 5K in under 40 minutes.  I do not have a caloric goal, but I am keeping track anyhow.

When I am able to work out on the treadmill I am going for 40 minutes and seeing how far I can go.  My goal is to increase my distance each time.  Saturday I went 2.6 miles and Tuesday I went 2.88 miles.  I know I will accomplish my goal of a 5K I under 40 minutes before the challenge is over.  In that case, I will set a new time goal.

Monday: Carbs:144 (21 under) Calories: 1514 Water: 10 glasses

Exercise: 45 minutes Elliptical and Bike

Tuesday: Carbs:157 (8 carbs under)Calories: 1840 Water: 8 glasses

Exercise: 40 minutes walk/jog 2.88 miles 20 minutes strength training

Wednesday: Carbs:176 (11 carbs over) Calories: 1974 Water: 9 glasses

Exercise: 50 minutes elliptical and bike

70 minutes ice skating

Wednesday my husband: The Chocolate Lover and I celebrated our wedding anniversary so I splurged on a super rich Magnum ice cream bar, and a late night trip to Taco Bell following our Ice Skating date.  I did go over on my carbs, but not ridiculously high.  Had I not splurged I would have been wayyy under.

Getting the water in is challenging for me.  I have to remind myself to keep drinking.  I imagine as the weather warms up I will be drinking more.  Today it is a balmy 57 degrees here in Boise, Idaho.  I also should bring two water bottles when I am working out.  I could easily drink another bottle when I am working out.  I always run out of water and I am beet-red in the face for an hour or two after running.  Maybe if I get in more water my body will learn to cool itself down more efficiently.

I haven’t been posting my food journal on my blog, but if you are curious or interested in seeing what I am eating here is the link to my food journal@ Myfitnesspal.com

Have a great day!  It is fast approaching the weekend. Yeah!!

Comment Troubles.......

Anyone else out there having troubles commenting on blogs.  I know Blogger was having issues last week too.  I am able to comment with my other blog account, but for the life of me, I am not able to comment with this account.  I could a couple days ago and now it is not letting me from this account.  I am not sure what it up.

Kelly @ Confessions of a Compulsive Dieter and Emotional Eater. This post is dedicated to you, since I am not able to comment of other blogs at this time.  If I was able to reply to your comment, this is what I would have said….

 

Hi Kelly—

Thanks for commenting on my blog.  You asked what I have been eating.  I really focus on protein rich foods at my meals and when I snack. Examples: cheese, cottage cheese, hamburger, tuna fish, eggs, nuts, peanut butter, etc.  Many of these things are not low calorie, but it is what I need to do to survive.  I have not been hitting the 1200 calorie range.  I was around 1600 yesterday.  If you are getting in a good work out, the calorie count isn’t as crucial.  I am aiming to work out 5 days a week for 40-60 minutes.  In hopes that it will balance my “extra calories” for eating protein rich foods.  I recently worked with a trainer who said my caloric intake should be between 1500-1700, for the work outs we have been engaging in.

I am also trying to really limit my complex carbohydrates.  I am moderating my fruit intake 1-2 servings a day (eating a ½ serving at a time). When I do have carb rich foods I try to make sure it is fiber rich as well.  Examples: whole grain bread/tortilla/crackers, beans, brown rice, etc.

I try to eat as many low calorie veggies I can handle, but try to steer clear of the high carb ones.

I have had a lot of friends use weight watcher and have success, awesome.

I will eventually get around to posting more details of what I am eating.  Hope that is helpful.  If you have any other questions feel free to email.

Overcomingmysugaraddiction @ gmail .com

Numbers Girl: Three years!

I hated math growing up.  I despised it.  In fact, in college all of my schooling was delayed because I held off taking any math classes as long as possible.  I decided enough was enough and I needed to learn to overcome my fear of algebra, functions and all things numbers. 

As I rode my bike to school one day I started running numbers in my head: If I go this fast, so many miles to school I will get there in this time.  It became my own game and I would try to out beat myself each day.

Until I got pregnant with #1 I was an avid bike rider.  I loved the wind in my face and challenging myself to go faster or further.  So many years ago, on my 13 mile rides to the University I learned to like math and gain a greater appreciation for numbers and number patterns.  It took a few years and seven math classes later, and one very faithful, patient tutor (some of those repeated classes) before I got the groove down.  I learned to love math!  I am still amazed by the fact.

Last night as I was logging in my foods and watching the numbers add up and appear like all wonderful math problems, that little spark started coming back.  If I make this caloric/carbohydrate counting number game work for me, I can have some fun with it. 

As I read many of the other challenger’s blog posts with their caloric intake (sorry for not commenting, Blogger is really out for me today and I am not able to comment for what ever reason) I was impressed and amazed with all the awesomeness in everyone and how you are all doing.  I am so grateful to have stumbled across this challenge and all of you blogs, to keep me going!

So in celebration of numbers!  On 06-07-08, three year ago I was married to my sweet husband, the Chocolate Lover.  Happy anniversary Chocolate Lover, may our union by uncountable.

Todays Intake and Exercise

I have been using MyFitnessPal.com to track my carbs and calories.  Carb count is most important to me.  I am allowing myself 165 grams/carbs max per day.

Today my carb count was 122 grams (43 grams under my allotted 165, yay!). Calories I was at: 1324, which to me seems good considering I am eating more protein to keep my blood sugar balanced.

I got in my 80 oz off water, which is a lot more than I usually drink.  I have visited the bathroom many times today!

I went to the gym this morning and did 30 minutes on the elliptical and 15 on the exercise bike.

Off to a good start!

Post Script:   Oops, I missed an entry in my food journal.  I actually consumed 144 grams of Carb (which still falls within my goal range!) and a total of 1514 calories. 

Day One: Weigh In and Measurements

Here we are the first day of the challenge.  As I promised here are my stats.  I am excited for the new transformation in my life!

                                   

Weight

Neck

Chest

Ribs

Waist

Belly

Hips

Calf

Arm

201.3
13.5
43.5
39
41
46
45.5
16
15

I also took some before pictures.  I haven’t decided yet if I will be posting measurements and pictures each week.  I may do it on a monthly basis.

I started my weight loss journey in January.  I started at 210 lbs.  Since I have began I have lost ½ inch from my chest, ½ inch from my rib cage, 3 inches from my waist, 3 inches from my belly at it’s widest point, 1 ½ from my hips, and ½ inch from my arms.  A total weight loss of 8.7 lbs. 

Slow progress, but it is progress. 

Happy Day, here we go!

Work Out update and Sunday Rest Report

I am getting excited for the Summer Slim Down!! I am going to do a weigh in, in the morning and do my monthly measurements.

Yesterday I took a solo trip to the gym.  I have been working out with a neighbor and it has been fun.  Usually we do the elliptical or the bikes.  I am working on improving my running so I prefer the treadmill when I go solo.

So one of my goals is to run a 5k in 40 minutes.  I have run several 5K’s pre-pregnancy and marriage.  My pregnancies are rough on my body and I have a difficult time even getting by.  I suppose that is one reason I have gained so much weight post-partum.  When you spend 9 months sick as a dog sitting still and then the baby comes out and you feel wonderful again, it is hard not to eat.

Anyhow…. Back to the 5K.  I get off track way to easily!  Usually when I do a treadmill workout.  I walk at an incline for the first 30 minutes, then spend the last 30 minutes doing walk/jog intervals. I usually do around 3.5miles.  I am changing it up to get back into running more.

My new plan is to spend 40 minutes on the treadmill and see how far I can make it in the 40 minutes.  Yesterdays distance: 2.6 miles.  I am pleased with it.  I think my goal is very reachable.  If I end up reaching it sooner than 12 weeks, I will work on decreasing my time.

Sunday Rest Day Report:  Today was a wonderful day at church.  It was fast and testimony meeting.  I always love hearing how others hearts are touched by living the gospel.  In Sunday school we talked about fasting.  A scripture from the Old Testament gave me an ‘aha” moment.  I wish I could remember the reference!!  It basically talks of fasting with a purpose.  In the footnote, it goes into a little more detail expounding that if you don’t fast with a purpose, you are basically just starving yourself and will be cranky for doing so.  If I find the reference I will re-post it!

I have always known we should be fasting with a purpose, but it is nice to see the background teachings on that.  I am grateful for Sunday’s and taking the day off to rest!

I will be back tomorrow to begin posting about my new journey!!

Slimmer This Summer

In my plea to be healthier I have stumbled across some weight loss blogs and I came across this challenge from Debbi Does Dieting.  It couldn’t have come at a better time for me! 

I am looking forward to being healthier and in the works of it all, losing some weight.  I miss my old self: energetic, happy, optimistic and strong.  I look forward to regaining my lost self.

My goals for this 12 week challenge:

-I want to lose an average of 2 lbs a week (so 24 lbs over all).  Committing by writing this down, scares me to death.  I don’t want to fail!

-I will drink 80 oz of water a day.

-I am going to work out 5 times a week for 45-60 minutes each session: including strength training and cardio. By the end of the 12 weeks I would like to be able to jog/walk a 5k again under 40 minutes. I am working with a chiropractor to overcome some neck and back issues that have kept me from running.  I am hoping to be able to pick it back up.  40 minutes seems like an appropriate goal at this time.

-I will keep a food journal and log what I am eating.  I will follow the diet I was given when I was diagnosed with hypoglycemia.  It is a restricted carb diet, that I hate to call low-carb because you can have carbs, you just have to count them.  It worked for me 12 years ago, let’s see if I can get it to work for me again.

It is a point system diet. 

For every 15 grams of carbohydrates= 1point. 

Every 8 grams of fiber= -1point. 

Each meal or snack has its allotment as follows:

Breakfast: 2 points

Snack: 1 point

Lunch: 2-3 points

Snack: 1 point

Dinner: 3 points

Snack: 1point

I lose weight when I count calories, but I walk around like a zombie, because I can’t keep my blood sugar level.  When I count my carbs and focus on eating protein several times a day I live a more balanced life and actually can lose weight in the process.  I really want to focus on laying off the sugar and white starches and getting enough protein to keep my blood sugar from plummeting.

-My last goal is to build an on-line support network.  I have blogged for the past several years, but not about my weight issues.  I feel vulnerable getting on the internet asking for support from others.  At the moment I am anonymous with my blog, just to dip my toes in the water.  I am hoping I can grow and learn from others out there who have been successful in their weight loss by blogging and sharing on the web.

The Challenge begins Monday!!! 
Here we go! 
I can do it!