THREE LBS LOST!!!!!!!
To say I'm excited about this is an understatement. I'm jumping out of my skin, I'm so happy! I want to kick and karate chop all over the place.
I shouldn't be that excited though. I've seen this number on the scale before. I just can't maintain it or even go below it. Next week's weigh in will be my make it or break it weigh in. I'm hopeful though....going to eat well and work out hard.
I'm on Day 19 of the Whole30 Challenge. I'm pretty in love with it except the amount of time I spend each weekend cooking. It takes me away from the kids too much. My goal is to continue on after the 30 days are up with an 85/15 paleo diet. I definitely do NOT want to eat as much sugar as I was anymore. I was traveling for work yesterday and I was so nervous about what I would eat. I think I ate about four hard boiled eggs! It wasn't so bad though- I found a salad place that I could pick everything that went into it and I opted for a little EVOO as my dressing. I brought almonds and one of the four hard-boiled eggs with me in case of an emergency.
I have a lot of pictures of the foods/meals I've been eating that are sitting on my phone. I don't get reception in my office so I can't grab them right now. So frustrating! I had a cooking frenzy this weekend that I'm very proud of, so pictures and links to recipes will be coming soon!
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Friday, February 1, 2013
I Won the Battle
I started making a video yesterday to post on here. It was a very long, emotional day and I wanted to capture my thoughts for the day, but I was too drained to write them down. Every time I'd start the video though, I would get interrupted.
Now, it's a day later and everyone in my house is asleep, so I have some time to write. I do not look presentable right now, so you'll have to wait for a video.
Yesterday was a very rough and emotional day. I found out some disturbing news while at work; all while working on a large project for clients. Part of the project included sending gifts out that includes gourmet chocolates.
So, all day long, I had three medium size boxes of these chocolates staring me in the face.
I was sad- my heart literally hurt. It would have been so easy to just have one, teeny, tiny chocolate. I would feel better, said a voice inside my head.
Then the other voice inside my head (yes, I have a few!) said "Stay away from that chocolate!"
I managed all day to refrain, but I was getting more upset as the day wore on. As I was leaving for the night, I took one piece with me to my car.
I sat in the parking lot and told myself I would have half of it. Just half.
I unwrapped the gold foil and took one small bite. Immediately, I knew. It hit me like a ton of bricks. I did NOT want this chocolate. It would NOT make me feel better. I was only hurting my goals by eating it.
I wrapped the piece back up and put it in the bottom of my bag. It was such an "a-ha" moment for me. My entire life I have taken solace in food. It's the one constant that my brain always thought was what I needed when I was sad or upset.
I don't think if I was doing this challenge, I would have put that chocolate down. Being off almost all sugar (minus fruit) has helped me kick my emotional eating and freed me from a mind set I always hated. I hate using food as a crutch. I felt so empowered that I could wrap it up and put it aside. I don't think that has ever happened to me in my life!
On one hand I was so proud of myself, and on the other, I was mad at myself for having that bite at all. It was a great lesson for me to learn. I fought, and won, a battle I never thought I would!
Now, it's a day later and everyone in my house is asleep, so I have some time to write. I do not look presentable right now, so you'll have to wait for a video.
Yesterday was a very rough and emotional day. I found out some disturbing news while at work; all while working on a large project for clients. Part of the project included sending gifts out that includes gourmet chocolates.
So, all day long, I had three medium size boxes of these chocolates staring me in the face.
I was sad- my heart literally hurt. It would have been so easy to just have one, teeny, tiny chocolate. I would feel better, said a voice inside my head.
Then the other voice inside my head (yes, I have a few!) said "Stay away from that chocolate!"
I managed all day to refrain, but I was getting more upset as the day wore on. As I was leaving for the night, I took one piece with me to my car.
I sat in the parking lot and told myself I would have half of it. Just half.
I unwrapped the gold foil and took one small bite. Immediately, I knew. It hit me like a ton of bricks. I did NOT want this chocolate. It would NOT make me feel better. I was only hurting my goals by eating it.
I wrapped the piece back up and put it in the bottom of my bag. It was such an "a-ha" moment for me. My entire life I have taken solace in food. It's the one constant that my brain always thought was what I needed when I was sad or upset.
I don't think if I was doing this challenge, I would have put that chocolate down. Being off almost all sugar (minus fruit) has helped me kick my emotional eating and freed me from a mind set I always hated. I hate using food as a crutch. I felt so empowered that I could wrap it up and put it aside. I don't think that has ever happened to me in my life!
On one hand I was so proud of myself, and on the other, I was mad at myself for having that bite at all. It was a great lesson for me to learn. I fought, and won, a battle I never thought I would!
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
January Numbers & Deep Thoughts
I started this post originally with a negative tone.
I didn't lose any weight this week.
I read it a few times and deleted it. It insinuates that I'm unhappy with my weigh in today. Did I love seeing the same exact number as last week? No, but it didn't depress me as it normally would.
Could it be I'm getting over my obsession with the scale? An interesting thought, but not sure I can answer that since I'm sure, in an obsessive fit, I'll weight myself again. Tomorrow.
It's the end of the month though and that means I take measurements too. In my rational mind (not the one I always use!), I know inches are more important. After all, muscle weighs more than fat. I had already decided I would be lucky if I lost an inch this month when I got out my trusty measuring tape.
To my complete delight, I lost a total of 2.5 inches and 2.5 lbs this month! One inch was from my "upper" belly alone!
I feel great this morning. I was stagnant for so long that these 2.5 inches mean a lot to me. It's incredible motivation to keep going in the right direction and not give up.
My wish is for every person struggling with their weight is to not give up. It's so easy to get discouraged, I know.
I didn't lose any weight this week.
I read it a few times and deleted it. It insinuates that I'm unhappy with my weigh in today. Did I love seeing the same exact number as last week? No, but it didn't depress me as it normally would.
Could it be I'm getting over my obsession with the scale? An interesting thought, but not sure I can answer that since I'm sure, in an obsessive fit, I'll weight myself again. Tomorrow.
It's the end of the month though and that means I take measurements too. In my rational mind (not the one I always use!), I know inches are more important. After all, muscle weighs more than fat. I had already decided I would be lucky if I lost an inch this month when I got out my trusty measuring tape.
To my complete delight, I lost a total of 2.5 inches and 2.5 lbs this month! One inch was from my "upper" belly alone!
I feel great this morning. I was stagnant for so long that these 2.5 inches mean a lot to me. It's incredible motivation to keep going in the right direction and not give up.
My wish is for every person struggling with their weight is to not give up. It's so easy to get discouraged, I know.
Monday, January 28, 2013
It's What's on the Inside that Matters
I was at a baby shower yesterday. It was hell- only because I had almost NO food choices. I ate fruit, scallops (I peeled the bacon off), and meatballs. I actually stopped eating the meatballs after two because I highly doubt they were prepared without BBQ sauce. Temptation was everywhere- pasta salad, deviled eggs, thanksgiving rolls, tomato pie, and don't even ask me about the dessert table. I'm pretty sure a tear rolled down my cheek when they cut the cake.
Oh and there was a keg and a wine bar.
Anyway, I saw family members I haven't seen in awhile, which is nice but I had the same conversation with a few of them. How much have I lost now? How did I do it?
I get the feeling they mostly want me to say "I woke up one day, decided not to be unhealthy anymore, and now I'm not."
Ok, maybe not those words exactly, but they want to hear I took a pill or some other quick fix to lose 80 lbs. I wish!
It's nice to hear from others how good I look (although it really makes me think I looked like complete CRAP before). I always make a point thought to share the HEALTH affects of losing the weigh. I no longer have high cholesterol and don't need medication for it. My blood pressure is awesome. For someone who's had TWO high risk pregnancies because of it, that's a relief. My triglycerides are in the ideal range and I'm not pre-diabetic anymore.
If I hadn't made the choice to not be unhealthy anymore, I don't know what I'd be dealing with now. The outside benefits are nice too; I know my husband appreciates them too! I'm just thankful I'm being proactive about my health and reactive.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Whole30 Challenge Day 9
I am nine days into the Whole30 Challenge. It's a paleo based challenge created by a company called Whole9, who've created a community focused on real food and healthy habits.
Basically it means I can't eat any sugar, grains, legumes, or processed food.
If you had asked me 10 days ago if I could do this, I would have said "Hell NO!!!" The first few days were really hard and I kept dragging my feet before I would commit to doing it. It takes a lot of will and preparation. With two little kids and a full time job, when was I going to dedicate the time needed for prep?
I managed to find it and it hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be.
So what am I eating?
My main staples are sweet potatoes, lean meat (chicken and turkey- sometimes ground, sometimes not), fish like tilapia and salmon, veggies like asparagus, squash, carrots, zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, and kale. I'm snacking on almonds, cashews, pistachios, almond butter and fruits like apples, clementines, strawberries, and raspberries. I've occasionally pineapple and bananas.
Here are some of the recipes I've made so far. I'm not the best cook, but these have all been good. My husband is even some of them! I spend the afternoons on Saturdays or Sundays cooking for the week ahead.
I also have quicker meals of just fish or chicken and veggies in coconut aminos sauteed in a pan. I can make that quickly at night while preparing dinner for the kids. I will add a salad of mixed greens, cucumbers, carrots, and guacamole or avocado. No dressing, but I might sprinkle some olive oil if it is ever too dry. The guac/avocado usually is enough for me though.
I feel amazing! I'm full at night now and don't have the hunger pains I would usually get around 9-10 pm EVERY.SINGLE. NIGHT. I wake up in the morning and don't feel tired, which is great because I wake up around 5:15 AM almost every morning.
I can make the kids' breakfast and not graze on their leftovers- like pop tarts, toaster strudels, or Greek yogurt and granola. I don't pick at their peanut butter sandwiches or pirate's booty or crackers when cleaning up lunch. No more sneaking bites of pizza when putting dinner on the table. Even Tim has noticed I'm not picking at dinner as we clean up!
You're not supposed to weigh yourself on this challenge, but I'm not that self disciplined! I'm done two lbs so far in nine days! I measure myself at the end of each month and I'm actually excited to do it this week! Wednesdays are my weigh in day, so stay tuned for an update!
Basically it means I can't eat any sugar, grains, legumes, or processed food.
If you had asked me 10 days ago if I could do this, I would have said "Hell NO!!!" The first few days were really hard and I kept dragging my feet before I would commit to doing it. It takes a lot of will and preparation. With two little kids and a full time job, when was I going to dedicate the time needed for prep?
I managed to find it and it hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be.
So what am I eating?
My main staples are sweet potatoes, lean meat (chicken and turkey- sometimes ground, sometimes not), fish like tilapia and salmon, veggies like asparagus, squash, carrots, zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, and kale. I'm snacking on almonds, cashews, pistachios, almond butter and fruits like apples, clementines, strawberries, and raspberries. I've occasionally pineapple and bananas.
Here are some of the recipes I've made so far. I'm not the best cook, but these have all been good. My husband is even some of them! I spend the afternoons on Saturdays or Sundays cooking for the week ahead.
- Coconut Chicken Soup
- Paleo Pumpkin Chili
- Zucchini Cakes
- Sagey Spiced Butternut Squash
- Steak and Veggies
I also have quicker meals of just fish or chicken and veggies in coconut aminos sauteed in a pan. I can make that quickly at night while preparing dinner for the kids. I will add a salad of mixed greens, cucumbers, carrots, and guacamole or avocado. No dressing, but I might sprinkle some olive oil if it is ever too dry. The guac/avocado usually is enough for me though.
I feel amazing! I'm full at night now and don't have the hunger pains I would usually get around 9-10 pm EVERY.SINGLE. NIGHT. I wake up in the morning and don't feel tired, which is great because I wake up around 5:15 AM almost every morning.
I can make the kids' breakfast and not graze on their leftovers- like pop tarts, toaster strudels, or Greek yogurt and granola. I don't pick at their peanut butter sandwiches or pirate's booty or crackers when cleaning up lunch. No more sneaking bites of pizza when putting dinner on the table. Even Tim has noticed I'm not picking at dinner as we clean up!
You're not supposed to weigh yourself on this challenge, but I'm not that self disciplined! I'm done two lbs so far in nine days! I measure myself at the end of each month and I'm actually excited to do it this week! Wednesdays are my weigh in day, so stay tuned for an update!
Monday, January 21, 2013
Squash
My newest food obsession is squash. Yellow, zucchini, butternut, and spaghetti. I'm slowly educating myself on all the different kinds and how you can cook them. Since I'm trying the Whole30 Challenge, I have been scouring the internet for quick, easy recipes. I'm learning that the words "quick" and "easy" don't exist in the Whole30 world. Sigh.
I spent a lot of time this weekend cooking. I enjoy cooking, surprisingly enough, but spending my weekend days in the kitchen takes me away from the kids. My time with them is so limited since I work full time, so I have a hard time not being with them as much as I can on the weekends. A bit strange, I know, since we're in the same house, but I want to be engaging with them, making them smile, hearing them laugh. I'm getting off track here- sorry!
I carved out some time today to make a few recipes using the squash I bought over the weekend. I did major grocery shopping for this healthy eating challenge. It actually took me three trips to get what I needed for the recipes I saved.
They were pretty easy, prep time was not very long, and from what I sampled, they tasted pretty good. My new favorite web site Chow Stalker has a lot of recipes and I found some easier ones for my squash. I cooked up a storm and my fridge is now packed full!
I'm really excited for this one
And this one:
I spent a lot of time this weekend cooking. I enjoy cooking, surprisingly enough, but spending my weekend days in the kitchen takes me away from the kids. My time with them is so limited since I work full time, so I have a hard time not being with them as much as I can on the weekends. A bit strange, I know, since we're in the same house, but I want to be engaging with them, making them smile, hearing them laugh. I'm getting off track here- sorry!
I carved out some time today to make a few recipes using the squash I bought over the weekend. I did major grocery shopping for this healthy eating challenge. It actually took me three trips to get what I needed for the recipes I saved.
They were pretty easy, prep time was not very long, and from what I sampled, they tasted pretty good. My new favorite web site Chow Stalker has a lot of recipes and I found some easier ones for my squash. I cooked up a storm and my fridge is now packed full!
I'm really excited for this one
And this one:
Still Stings
I'm not obsessed with working out, I'm serious about my health. If people knew the genetics I've inherited, they'd understand. Diabetes, heart attacks, strokes- not fun stuff! I don't want to put my family through the emotional turmoil nor do I want to go through it myself.
It's sad that people can be negative towards someone trying to get and stay healthy. It's even worse that I let it bug me (still). People ask me a lot about my weight loss and I'm always glad to share my experience, but I've gotten to the point that I'm wary of how much or what I share. Weight and health are sensitive subjects and I never know how people will interpret my story. I've encountered a few people who get negative and even a little nasty. They imply that I'm crazy for getting up around 5 AM to work out or that I don't give enough attention to my kids because I "exercise all the time." That's just not fair and I don't normally let it bother me. I know that response is usually based in an unhappiness with themselves, it just still bothers me and is just unnecessary.
I've been bad about posting the last few days, but I've started the Whole30 Challenge. I have lots to post on that! Coming soon!
It's sad that people can be negative towards someone trying to get and stay healthy. It's even worse that I let it bug me (still). People ask me a lot about my weight loss and I'm always glad to share my experience, but I've gotten to the point that I'm wary of how much or what I share. Weight and health are sensitive subjects and I never know how people will interpret my story. I've encountered a few people who get negative and even a little nasty. They imply that I'm crazy for getting up around 5 AM to work out or that I don't give enough attention to my kids because I "exercise all the time." That's just not fair and I don't normally let it bother me. I know that response is usually based in an unhappiness with themselves, it just still bothers me and is just unnecessary.
I've been bad about posting the last few days, but I've started the Whole30 Challenge. I have lots to post on that! Coming soon!
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