Whittling My Middle

Final Weigh In

2009-12-31T12:55:00.001-08:00

I am happy to report that I have finished the contest (even with the holiday season looming over our heads) at 129.8.

This has been a great opportunity to stay focused throughout the craziness of everything. I WILL at least maintain this weight, but I would still like to get down to a size 6. I was very motivated by Karilynn's happy surprise at getting into a 3/4. Since I'm training for the Wasatch Back Relay this summer, I won't be surprised if this happens for me, too.

Thank you, ladies, for your support and fun comments on your updates. It's so great to get to know people who are working towards attaining the same goals I am. You are all lovely, wonderful people, inside and out. Good luck to everyone!

Whoa!

2009-12-30T18:19:00.000-08:00

I didn't realize how long it had been since my last post. This has been a good month. I've found it fairly easy to cut back on MOST of the yummy holiday food. Cutting my calories hasn't been extremely hard, and I will continue to do so into the new year. Can't wait to see how the weigh in goes. Good luck, everyone!

SWEET! Into a new weight decade...finally!

2009-12-10T20:37:00.000-08:00

It has taken since last May, I think, to get out of the 130's. This is probably an even better feeling than getting those jeans, which felt pretty dang good.

Tuesday night, I ran 3.4 miles in about 45 minutes, burning 500 calories. I've been tracking my food on livestrong.com as well, so I've been able to "budget" what i eat each day. As long as I keep going through Christmas, I think I'll be good. YAY!

New package came today...

2009-12-03T00:22:00.000-08:00

Brian decided to order a treadmill. The nice things about this is that I can start pushing my running to new levels, especially now that it's getting cold outside. We're taking it out of the box tomorrow when we're both home and can get it moved inside. I can't wait! I've set a goal to run:

1. a 5K
2. a 10K AND
3. the Wasatch Back Relay

My new weight is 131.4. I didn't get into the 120's like I wanted, but at least the scale was headed to the left instead of to the right this time (yay). I can't wait to see how many calories I can burn with the treadmill now, especially with what a fun month December can be.Pics will have to come tomorrow. My computer is not letting me upload them.

livestrong.com

2009-11-19T22:40:00.000-08:00

So, I'm totally addicted to this website. What a great asset to people who are losing weight and just generally want to be healthier! You can input everything you've eaten for the day as well as what you've done to work out and it gives you a breakdown of calories, sugars, fat, fiber, protein, etc. You can also put in your weight goal and it tells you how many calories to consume in a day. When you add items to your "plate" that you've eaten that day, it gives you healthier alternatives. Check it out. It's awesome!

I Caved.

2009-11-14T11:24:00.000-08:00

And you thought this was going to be bad news. *wink*

I got a 30% off coupon for the Gap, so I went and bought those pants in my pic a couple weeks back. Yay! They look really good on, and make me feel really good that I can wear them. I bought two other pairs of pants, too, because I have completely SHRUNK out of my old ones. Shoot. ;)

I love, love, love them!

Also, I am headed in the right direction again for my weight. I hit 132 today. Yay. Getting closer.

Eating Better

2009-11-05T23:43:00.000-08:00

I made a goal this week starting on Monday to be better about eating fruits and veggies, and limiting myself to one treat. I'm happy to report that I have been able to look at all the Halloween candy and just walk away from it. I'm hitting my goal with the good stuff, too. I have been stuck in the 130's since May. It's time to say goodbye to that weight decade and get into the 120's. I WILL accomplish this by the next weigh-in.

Also, I have finally started watching Biggest Loser, and can see why you all love it so much. Tonight, I'm watching Week 3. Great show! I didn't realize how much they teach about weight and nutrition. I'm hooked.

And, have any of you tried Zumba? Such a fun workout! It's line dancing (basically) set to Latin music. I hit a power yoga class this morning, then went to Zumba during dinner. I got so into it that I lost myself. It was totally great. If you like to dance, you oughtta give it a try.

Elation!

2009-10-17T09:15:00.000-07:00

So, I bought some new pants this week. They were a size eight!!!!!! This means that I am officially half way to my goal of a size six. Even though the scale is not agreeing with the size, the pants certainly do. I bought a pair of work pants, but I figured that the REAL test would be a
pair of jeans.

I want you to get a visual of the change I've gone through this year first. This picture was taken on the last day of December last year. The pants I have on are a size 14. I'm in the back on the left in the green shirt.

Now, for the picture last night.

I can't even begin to describe the feeling. Alas, they were sixty bucks, so I chose to pass on them at this point. But it sure feels good to know I can fit into and look good in a pair of size eights. :)

Good...and good for ya!

2009-10-06T23:20:00.000-07:00

Has anyone tried the "La Tortilla Factory" Smart and Delicious SoftWraps? Listen to the ingredient list:

Whole wheat & whole grain brown rice flour
Extra virgin olive oil
Wheat gluten and
Oat flour

It's got five grams of fiber and six grams of protein, and is 180 calories.

I spread some peanut butter and sliced a banana over it, then wrapped it and ate it. I was FULL for about four hours. This was a great lunch!

October Weigh-In

2009-10-01T09:55:00.000-07:00

So, I officially am up 1.9 pounds from September 1st...much better than my weigh-in three days ago. :) My goals for October are:

1. smaller portion sizes/less snacking: I will keep a food journal to keep myself accountable.

2. more cardio: I'd like to start running more. Last night before I weighed in, I was able to run a mile without stopping on speed level 5. I completed the mile in 12:30. By the end of the month, I'd like to be able to complete a mile in 10 minutes flat.

Here are my pics for the month...I'll have to use them as my "before" shots for our contest from this point forward.

UGH!

2009-09-29T15:43:00.000-07:00

I was thinking that we were weighing in on the fifth, and that I still had time to improve my weight. As of today, I'm UP three and a half pounds from the beginning of our contest. I really need to focus on my portion control and sweets intake.

At work, we're having a fitness challenge...just to track how many days we work out in the month of October. I think that both of these challenges together will help me get back on the right track. Karilynn said on a blog today that we need to learn from our mistakes and move on. That's exactly what I'm doing. Right now. This WILL be a better month for me!

I couldn't do THIS 25 pounds ago!

2009-09-24T23:19:00.000-07:00

I've been practicing yoga for almost eight years now. I absolutely love how strong and beautiful it makes me feel, and I love that it works every muscle group every time I do it. It's definitely important to do the cardio (I need to do MORE of that), but if you really want to do some toning and strengthening, power yoga is the way to go. Recently, I've been so excited about being able to hit these cool poses that I've asked our instructor to take some pics. I'll post them as I get new pictures.

On the down side, I really have had a hard time letting go of my sweet tooth. I feel like I'll do so well all day, then give in at night or on the weekends. I need to start brushing my teeth right after I eat, then wear two elastics on each side of my mouth (I wear braces) to keep it closed the rest of the night! LOL! So far, I've gone UP a pound since our starting day, but am determined to be UNDER 134.4 by October 5th.

It Was So Beautiful This Morning That...

2009-09-18T11:20:00.001-07:00

Cameron and I headed to Murray Park for the farmer's market after my weight training class this morning.

Before I talk about that, I just have to say how excited I am that I was able to buy size medium workout shorts, and I think they actually look pretty good on me. The extra large shorts that I bought in January won't stay up and actually are not very flattering at all. The shorts that I have show how much smaller my legs have gotten. I absolutely love it! Also, my instructor bought 30 lb handweights, which I was able to use for our back training. It felt so good! This week, I've done yoga, turbojam, running, step class, and weight training classes for my workouts.

Now for Murray Park. We found great looking corn on the cob and peaches to buy, then we decided to go for a run around the park. Each time we found some stairs, Cameron and I'd run them. It felt great to get a cardio boost after my strenth workout. It is so beautiful out there, we couldn't help but take advantage of it all.

Did great all day UNTIL...

2009-09-03T22:06:00.000-07:00

So I ate REALLY well today:

*protein shake for breakfast
*celery and peanut butter for a snack
*tomato, cucumber, and mozzarella salad and slice of whole wheat bread for lunch
*garlic salmon and salad with raspberry vinaigrette dressing...

I had dinner while I was at work and forgot my toothpaste! First of all, it's salmon, but when it's topped with garlic, that's not a pretty picture, breath-wise (LOL!). So I opted to buy a snickers to help sweeten things up.

My workout today was an hour of power yoga (it's intense!). To help balance out the candy bar, I ran on the treadmill before I left work.

That ought to help things, right? :)

Tomorrow is a new day. Who's excited for the weekend?

Biggest Loser 2009, Take 2

2009-09-01T09:28:00.000-07:00

Wow, I am so excited to have another go at this! Happy day.

So, my goal for this time around is to fit into a size 6, which I've never been able to do. The smallest I ever remember being is a size 8, which happened BEFORE I had my three kids. Last time around, I went from a 14 to a 10, which is fantastic.

I'm looking forward to achieving new goals and getting to know everyone as we embark upon this journey together. Good luck, everyone!

Vacations

2009-07-11T00:10:00.000-07:00

Have you ever noticed how much more you eat when you're on vacation? I think that's all I did the whole time we were up north. It's so nice to be home and back on the mostly regimented healthy eating plan. Now, if I could just find the time to work out!

136.6 at the doctor's office

2009-06-04T23:14:00.000-07:00

We'll have to see what it is tomorrow. I didn't get to work out today. One of my employee's parents was laid to rest today. I was involved with the funeral. So sad. It really makes me appreciate having my family so close to me. I did eat less today to make up for the lack of movement.

Yesterday I had a great cardio workout. It felt good to really push it. Good luck to everyone in the morning!

GREAT workout today.

2009-06-01T23:18:00.000-07:00

I love yoga. We did a TON of strength moves today, and I love how great it makes me feel. My quads were already sore by 7:00 tonight! I decided today that when this is all over, I'm going to Victoria's Secret to buy a new bra. I've shrunk out of my before size. Not that it's a bad thing. I don't mind being smaller, but if I'm gonna be smaller, at least I want to look perky!

Sweet! Another pound

2009-05-28T21:54:00.000-07:00

I have to admit that I haven't been eating the way I should have, especially with days to go in the competition. But, I am happy to report that I am one pound lighter than my last weigh-in. I had a nice workout tonight at Zumba (so much fun), and will continue to push it to the end.

UGH! Sick again!

2009-05-27T21:12:00.000-07:00

So, I got all excited about being in the 130's and was ready to kick it into high gear when I ended up FLAT on my back with this dumb cold again! It is so frustrating! My lungs have been the most affected by it, so it's been hard to work out because they've been so aggravated. We'll have to see how the last ten days go. Good luck ladies!

Sweet!

2009-05-17T15:02:00.000-07:00

So, I finally hit the next decade down. 139.4 is my new official weight! I'm moving a lot more, so I'm ready to kick it into high gear for the last couple of weeks. Weigh-in day, here I come!

Yay! Another pound.

2009-05-12T22:22:00.000-07:00

So, my weight at weigh-in was 142.2 Today I weighed in at 141.0. Pretty depressing. I have finally been able to attend two yoga classes and did a turbo jam workout. It's nice to move again (I feel like I've been sitting too much!). I'll do another Turbo Jam workout tomorrow. I'd still like to see myself in the 130's by month's end. Luckily, I've been pretty good about eating well. We'll see how it goes. :)

At least I'm eating well...

2009-04-30T22:57:00.000-07:00

Obviously, the cardio portion hasn't really been happening. Except for when I was coaching our soccer game last night. I hobbled all over the field (probably shouldn't have...I was so tired and sore last night!) to keep up with the kiddos. Also, on Tuesday night I was finally able to watch Biggest Loser. Wow! That was an amazing show. I was able to do three sets of pushups and squats and planks while watching. I didn't really get any kind of workout in today, but I AM watching what I've been eating as I know I'm not doing anything extra to burn off calories. I just finished an egg white and spinach omelet with apples on the side. Yumm. It's been a good day.

Fracture

2009-04-28T09:14:00.000-07:00

So, Sunday night I fractured my little toe. I've got a boot and a buddy splint going on. BUT. That will not keep me from eating clean and doing pilates and upperbody workouts. I hope the recovery goes quickly so that I can get back to actually MOVING my body. Wish me luck!

Down 2 Sizes

2009-04-12T22:36:00.000-07:00

On Monday last week, I decided it was finally time to hit the store to buy some pants. I have hrunk out of the nice ones and it was interview day at work, so I headed to Old Navy to grab some new work pants. Since I've really only lost just over an inch on my hips and two inches on my waist, I was expecting to just have gone down one size. It was so cool, though, when the one size down was too big! I went from a size 14 to a 10. And the 10 looked pretty darn good! I tried on a pair of jeans, too, but the waist was too low on them, and even though I was able to zip them all the way up, it WASN'T a pretty sight. I grabbed a size 12 pair and bought those. And honestly, now that I've worn them a couple of times, I really think I should have gone down to the 10 in the style that I chose. That's all right. I'll wait until I hit size 8 to do this. Think I can make it there by the end of the month? We'll have to see...

Happy Easter, everyone!

143!

2009-04-05T08:49:00.000-07:00

So, yesterday was the 5k. I got there late because I overslept, and started about 15 minutes late, but luckily, they calculated the time with a chip that we wore around our ankle. My goal was to get anything UNDER 37 minutes. I came in at 36:02. Now I wish that I would have run a little more so I could have been under the 36 minute mark, but I'm really happy with where I ended. I looked everywhere for Melissa, Nicholette and Karilynn, but we didn't find each other until much later. It was so great to see them! I have to say that the weather was actually pretty nice DURING the run, but after, the wind picked up and cooled everyone down! We went inside and got our free massages, then headed home. I was shivering and my teeth were chattering as I was walking back to my car, but had a great feeling of accomplishment for the day. It was a great day!

One Full Week

2009-03-29T21:30:00.000-07:00

This week has been so wonderful. I attended an aerobics class every day, and on Saturday, took my kids for a long walk in the sunshine. Ahhhh, the bliss! It sure feels good to be active again!

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone at the 5k on Saturday!

I'm back!

2009-03-19T20:27:00.000-07:00

So, the beginning of this week found me in St. George at a conference for work. The theme of our conference was, "More Green, Less Screen". For Parks and Rec professionals, this was the chance to talk about how important it is to get outside and be active. One of the days we did a mile walk after playing different games in the park (pickleball, bocce ball, disc golf). It was so NICE to be outside in the beautiful sunshine. We also went for two hikes on Tuesday. Have YOU been outside enjoying our beautiful weather this week?

And by the way, I lost another pound and a half. This is so much fun! 5 more pounds and I'll be in the 130's. It's gonna happen by the weigh in...I'll be pushing it super hard!

Knocked Flat

2009-03-13T11:17:00.001-07:00

So, this week, I have been hit by the bug...knocked flat on my back for about three days. Besides barely eating, working out has been on the last priority on my list. Things are looking up. My body has more energy, it's just this darn cough that won't go away. Tomorrow, I'll work on easing the workouts back in!

Anecdote

2009-03-08T16:39:00.001-07:00

So, when Brian was helping me with my measurements the other night, I said, "Brian, can you believe it? I've lost an inch and a half off my chest!"

To which Brian quickly replied, "I KNOW!!! grrrrrr..."

He's so funny. He said that was the first thing that he could tell went. Poor guy.

It would sure be nice if I could lose it off my bum first.

Better Late Than Never

2009-03-05T19:40:00.000-08:00

Well, nine hours late, but with three sick boys and my scale at work, what do you do? I honestly don't know what I did to lose 4 pounds in the last 2 days, but I'm happy with my results. I am officially 12 pounds closer to my goal, and that's great!

Some pics

2009-03-04T21:22:00.001-08:00

So, to get ready for the weigh in tomorrow, I decided to do my official "before" pics, even though this is our second report day. Brian was so cute as my photographer that I had to add a picture of him in with mine. Maybe he'll be my good luck charm and all will go well with the weigh in the morning. We'll see...

Kind of Frustrating...

2009-03-03T14:16:00.001-08:00

Lately, it seems like life keeps getting in the way of my planned workouts. Plus, my budget has been spent until tomorrow when I get paid again, so the food in the house is what Brian has bought (not exactly the most healthful). I was so excited to go under 150 a couple of weeks ago, and now I'm back at 150.4 as of last night when I weighed in. I'm waiting for a miracle to happen between now and Thursday. We'll have to see!

So much fun!

2009-02-22T23:09:00.000-08:00

I had a truly wonderful time getting to know some of my new friends. We laughed a lot, shared stories, planned our 5k run in April, and ate great food! Thank you ladies for the fabulous night! And enjoy the pics!

8.6!

2009-02-09T20:33:00.000-08:00

So, I weighed in today and found out that I have lost 8.6 pounds since we started! And another cool thing I'm excited about is that I finally broke 150. Okay, so it's 149.8, but it's still on the right side of 150 for me! I love that things are moving along in the right direction. I have had my good days and my bad days, as we ALL have, and haven't been perfect in my workouts and eating, but at least I'm moving in a positive direction. LOVE IT!

I have to confess...

2009-01-23T10:31:00.000-08:00

So, we had my little Cameron's birthday this weekend. Anyone see where I'm going with this? We had a surprise at grandma's on Sunday (she made cake) and I had a piece, which is fine. I allowed myself to have a treat each day as part of my goals. And then we had Cameron's party on Monday. I made the mistake of making a "skor" cake. I was good on Monday and only had my one portion. It's the REST of the week that I didn't stick to my plan. So, there it was, in my fridge. Staring at me every time I opened the door. Wednesday night, I finally gave in and decided to *gasp* finish off the rest of the cake in one sitting...probably three or four pieces worth! And I didn't even feel bad about it, either! To add to the fact that I devoured the cake, I wasn't feeling well this week. The inversion made my sinuses very painful, so working out was the last thing I wanted to do. There might be some justification in adding all those extra, wonderfully yummy calories if I knew I was working harder to burn them. So, the cake is gone and I'm ready to start afresh. Crazy times.

I DO have to mention that I have still been slowly losing ounce after ounce, but I'm sure the ounces would be pounds if I showed a little more restraint. Out, out, damn cake!

I am feeling SEXIER!

2009-01-17T09:33:00.000-08:00

I know that it has only been a couple of weeks and only 3 1/2 -ish pounds, but I have to say that I feel more comfortable. I think it's a mental thing, as my clothes still aren't really feeling any different on me, but it's a good feeling. Here's to change!

I LOVE TurboJam!

2009-01-13T20:22:00.000-08:00

So, I got my dvd's in the mail last week and have been able to do a few workouts, and I LOVE THEM! The instructor makes the workouts so fun, plus being able to do it at home, I feel like I can really just JAM out. The music is fun, the moves are fun, and I just want to keep going!

I've also been following her 10-day meal plan, which includes protein, whole grains, and LOTS of VEGETABLES! I feel really great.

My weight this week is 156.6. I know that I'm not losing as much as a lot of you, but that's okay. The most important thing to me is how I feel. I'm looking forward to the continued success.

OH! And the BEST news today...we had a birthday party at work today and there was a GIANT ice cream cake. Chocolate cake with chocolate chip ice cream. MMMMM...it looked so good, BUT I was able to withstand my cravings, eat more broccoli, and walk AWAY from the table! Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels, right? YAY!

Over The Weekend

2009-01-11T21:54:00.000-08:00

So, this weekend, I took my "rest" day on Saturday. I DID meet all my goals with food and water except for the fact that I had TWO pieces of cake yesterday. That's okay. Having said that, I have been very excited for the fact that I've been able to not be tempted by the little things, like the candy I would normally give in to, or eating out of boredom. My motto lately has been that if I feel hungry, I'll drink a glass of water. If I'm still hungry, I'll drink another glass. If I'm STILL hungry, then I'll have something to eat. It's a LOT harder to want to eat when you have a stomach full of water. I was also able to pick up more fruits, veggies, protein powder, and flaxseed on a grocery run last night. We had smoothies after church today, and they were GREAT!

I received Turbo Jam in the mail last week, but have also had my class commitments at the gym, so I haven't had the chance to really get in a good workout with the new DVD's. That is my next item of business! I'll fill you in tomorrow how the workout goes!

TTFN!

Day 4, Tired, but still going!

2009-01-09T09:20:00.000-08:00

So, I told you that I did some cardio work in the morning on Wednesday, then tried some TurboJam that night. I could sure feel it on Thursday morning when I went to cycling! My legs didn't want to move and the abs portion afterward was hard as I already burned them out the night before.

Goals:Water (about 80 ounces)
Fruits & Veggies (3 servings)
Dairy (3 servings)
Fiber (about 10 grams)
Workout: 50 minutes cycling and abs
I had two treats instead of just one. :(

I did weigh in and found that I was down .4 pounds, but that could just be water, I'm not sure. We'll see how Friday goes!

Day 3, GREAT DAY!

2009-01-07T22:24:00.000-08:00

Today was awesome. I met my fruits and veggies goal (6 servings), my dairy (3 servings), had NO treats (YAY!), and met my fiber intake goal (25 grams) and drank all 64 ounces of my water. I feel great!

For my workout today, I did 35 minutes on the elliptical, then another 15 on the bike. Then when I got home, a wonderful surprise was waiting for me at the door...the Turbo Jam package I ordered! They included a measuring tape, so I have my starting measurements. I also have some shopping to do to get my menu for the week ready. I couldn't resist doing their tutorial workout (about 15 minutes) tonight as I was so excited!

My starting measurements are:

Chest: 36
Upper Arm: 12
Waist: 36 3/4
Hips 42 3/4
Thighs: 25 1/2
Calves: 15 1/8

Can't wait for tomorrow!

Day 2, Goals and Workout Summary

2009-01-06T21:34:00.000-08:00

The way that I would like to get to my goal weight is this:

Each day:

consume 6 half-cup servings of fruits and vegetables
drink 64 ounces of water
consume 25 grams of fiber
consume 3 servings of dairy
limit myself to one small treat (or avoid it altogether :) )

Five days during the week:

45 minutes of continuous exercise, with two rest days in between.

Now that the goals portion is out of the way, I'll talk about today AND yesterday.

Today for my workout, I attended a 45 minute cycling class at work (I work at a fitness center in Kearns, Utah - southwest of Salt Lake City). The best part about tonight's class is that I tried a new technique that our aerobics coordinator told me about: when I'm cycling, be soft in the shoes. This means that you use your legs to pull UP on the pedals in the cycle, which in turn, works your hamstrings and calves a LOT more. I could totally feel the difference in my legs as I worked. It felt GREAT!

I reached my goal of drinking 64 ounces of water, plus I had 32 ounces of Powerade during the ride.

As far as fruits and veggies, I had THREE servings. Not quite what I wanted, but tomorrow is another day, right?

I had one serving of milk for dairy.

YESTERDAY, I attended a 50 minute yoga class and stayed for 30 minutes of the step class that followed.

FOUR servings of fruits and veggies.
TWO servings of dairy.
64 ounces of water.

The best part of yoga was that we did a lot of hip openers, which is a big stress and emotion reliever. It felt so good to push my body. I always feel so STRONG when I practice yoga!

Here's to a better day tomorrow. Hope you are all having lots of luck in your endeavors!

Biggest Loser, Day 1!

2009-01-05T23:20:00.000-08:00

So, today is THE DAY!

I will post my "before" pics when I get back to work tomorrow.

My current weight is 157.4, and my GOAL weight is 130. I would LOVE to have a beautiful body by summertime.

I am very excited to have a bunch of new friends to encourage and from which to receive the encouragement. Good luck, ladies! We are OFF!