My Endeavor

Not a bad day

2008-09-09T19:37:00.002-04:00

For breakfast I had bagel with cream cheese(total 420 calories). For lunch I had a tiny bit of leftover chicken salad and some water melon(total 350 calories). I also had some coffee this afternoon(100). I had some potato chips this afternoon for snack(300). For dinner I had a very small portion of whole wheat pasta, meatballs, tomatoes with mozzarella cheese and green beans(470). So today's total was 1640.

I managed to get a 35 minute walk in this morning. I slept like crap so I didn't have much energy to walk, hence the reason for the shorter walk than usual. Tonight I am going to bed early and get to sleep a half hour later than usual, so I should be good and rested tomorrow.

Monday success

2008-09-08T20:18:00.002-04:00

Well, I think I did well today. I didn't count calories perfectly, but I did okay. For breakfast I had a mini bagel with cream cheese. For lunch I had some wheat crackers and chicken salad. I had a Tootsie pop for snack. At dinner, I grilled some drumsticks and also had some salad and a baked potato with light sour cream.

My exercise today was an hour and a half of mowing the lawn and edging--what a pain!!

Tonight I had a cup of coffee with some fat free half and half so i could solve my sweet tooth.

Not a bad day after all!

The weekend

2008-09-08T11:15:00.002-04:00

Well, Saturday and Sunday I managed to walk for about 30 minutes each day. I have mpicked up my speed again and need to add time to my route to make it 40 minutes. I like a 40 minute walk in the morning before work because I don't have to get up much earlier than about 5:15, which is all I can handle. Today I'll mow the lawn and do yardwork for my exercise. I intend to walk tomorrow and Wednesday. Thursday might be my skip day.

The diet has a bit to be desired, but I didn't do that badly. On Saturday, I had cereal for breakfast, leftover steak for lunch and roasted chicken with macaroni salad and fruit cup for dinner. That was fine, but I had some chips later on for snack. Sunday I had a mini bagel with cream cheese for breakfast, a cold cut sandwich for lunch and a grilled hamburger with macaroni salad for dinner.

I need to get better at counting the calories again. I hope to be able to say that I was successful with the counting again this week. I have already planed out the meals for today, tomorrow and Friday. Tomorrow I will plan out Wednesday and Thursday's meals.

Here's to getting back into the swing of things again.

A moderately successful week

2008-09-05T10:12:00.003-04:00

Well, even with the start of school for my kids and returning to a third day of work a week for me, I think I had a decent week. Tuesday was tough because there was a breakfast and luncheon at work. I ate decently at both so I think I did alright. Of course I also got bloated from my period that day. That is finally gone and I feel normal again. I walked twice this week, on Tuesday and Thursday. I was going to try today, but I am not up to it at all. I feel a bit run down from dealing with all of the school, after school activities and getting up at 5:30 again. So I am taking the day off. I already ran to Target and will do some house cleaning, so it won't be like I am a bump on a log.

This weekend should be a good one because we aren't running around and can eat at home. Next week I intend to exercise at least 4 times. I will weigh in next week as well.

A busy summer!

2008-08-31T22:01:00.002-04:00

Well, I have not been a model eater/exerciser this summer. I haven't gone overboard, but I have gained some weight back. I am not going to weigh in until next week so that I can lose some water weight and then see how many pounds I have regained. I think it is probably about 10-15 based on how my clothes fit.

It was so hard for me to watch what I ate this summer because I was so busy with the kids. I did do my exercising until the last couple of weeks. I had some major ear issues and pain that didn't allow me to exercise. I am not even sure how I functioned during the day the pain was so bad sometimes. Now that is getting better but I have gotten a nasty blister from when I was away on vacation. I intend to get back into the exercise mode on Tuesday morning.

I also intend to drop down to about 1500 calories a day. I am going to aim for between 1500-1600 calories a day. I am just too busy these days to plan out the exact amount for each day, but if I keep it that low and then go a bit higher on one day of the weekend I should be alright. I also intend to have one day during the week where I have about 1900 calories. That way I can fit in work luncheons that are bound to happen and I can zig zag my calories a little bit. If I don't meet with success, I will change the plan, but since it is the beginning of the school year and things are hectic, I will go with this idea for now.

Wish me luck!!

I have returned

2008-05-19T09:03:00.002-04:00

So I have not been off the wagon, just not really doing super. I have been exercising and eating moderately well. I have not been diligent with counting the calories, just estimating. I am going back to that this week because of a couple of reasons. I have noticed that some of my newer clothes are a bit tighter in the abdomen. I have gained back a few pounds--but I know if I just drink my water I will lose a couple of those pounds. I have also been sick the last 2 weeks and today is the first day that I feel better. I had horrible congestion and I was only able to exercise about every other day last week.

My plan is this--keep mostly low calorie days with one moderately higher one and one splurge day. I hope to be able to shed the weight I have gained back and then lose 5 more pounds by the time I go away on June 20th. I will take my measurements before I go away since I do not want to this month. This has been a rough month for some reason. I have not wanted to weigh or measure myself for fear of seeing the backslide.

I know this will take a long time, but I am determined not to backslide completely and be upset with myself. Today will be filled with activity so I am hoping the first 1500 calorie day won't be that hard to get through!

Hello Again!

2008-04-25T07:43:00.002-04:00

Well, I have had a decent week with the calories. I have done really well with exercise. I have been walking outside in the morning for about 40 minutes. I am also walking at lunch for about 30 minutes. It is a slower speed because I am walking with someone else and we are talking, but I am walking at least at a decent speed.

So this weekend I am going away and I intend to eat decent during the day. I will allow myself a bit of a splurge at dinner. I am not going to go crazy. I will be walking a lot so that will help keep the calories off a bit. I am also going to exercise in the hotel gym. I should be fine this weekend.

After the weekend--on Tuesday--I am going to try a new method to the diet. I am going to increase my water again and try eating a lot more fibrous fruits and veggies. Since I am at a stall with my weight loss I want to try to do something. My clothes continue to look good on my changing body. This tells me that I am "shrinking" in size, but not weight.

I did go shopping Wednesday to pick up a few summer things since it has been so hot. I bought some shirts in the Misses department which makes me happier than buying them from the Women's department. I intend to buy some more clothes on my weekend trip. I am desperately looking for a dress to wear to a wedding in July. I know I have some time, but I thought I would start early since I am not certain what I will look good in these days. I found a great dress but it sat funny right under my bust line--this time it was the material and not my body. Some of the dresses are like Sassy said--too retro and maternity like. For me, I can't wear anything maternity like because I have a large chest which makes me look pregnant.

So I am excited about going on a bit of a shopping spree this weekend. I need to catch up on some "me" time. Have a great weekend!

Hello Again!

2008-04-21T17:53:00.002-04:00

I know it has been quite a while since I dropped a line on the blog, but I have been running around like nuts. The weather really allows me to play outside a lot and I love that. I have also been catching up on some house work that needed my attention.

I have been doing moderately well. I have stuck to the stay below 1800 calories a day plan for the last week. On Sunday I did well with about 1600 calories. Today I am on track for a 1500 calorie day. I food shopped today which always gives me motivation to eat healthy. I bought a lot of fruit this time. I hadn't gone to the supermarket in about a month so I was able to stock up on some pantry snacks like granola bars as well.

My exercise has been right on target. I have been walking most days for about 40 minutes. Today I rode the bike for only 30 because my foot is hurting again. I think it was the change in weather. So when it hurts I don't take the day off I usually just try to work through it. Last week I got to walk at lunch one day as well for my second exercise. I hope to do that at
least twice this week.

So overall, I am doing well. I have not lost any weight, but I see definite body changes and so do people around me. At least they must because I am getting compliments. I would really love to lose some more weight and keep that going. I am going to try to boost the exercise this week and see what happens.

A new week

2008-04-15T06:47:00.002-04:00

So Monday was supposed to be the start of 1500 calories--didn't happen! I hit about 1850 so I will have to make that my higher calorie day. I did ride the bike for about 30 minutes. My foot is killing me the last couple of days. I am hoping that it is because I need a new pair of sneakers or that it is because of the pressure change. Either way, it has caused me to delay exercising today until lunch to see if I can walk then. The pain hasn't been this bad in a long time!

Either way, I intend to play with my kids outside today so I can at least be a bit active that way. Breakfast is oatmeal today(150). Lunch is 400 calories today and dinner will be 600. I have an apple(70), granola bar(100) and celery sticks(30) packed for snack. That totals 1350 and allows me to have one more snack if needed this afternoon. I hope to be too busy to need a snack, but it is always nice to have the calories left if needed. Since my goal is 1500 for the rest of the week, I seem to be on track!

A change of plan

2008-04-13T16:23:00.002-04:00

Sorry to have neglected the blog for so long, but I get really busy in the spring and find it hard to find time for writing. I have been keeping up with my exercise and even increasing my exercise intensity. I have only been able to exercise once most days but I do at least a 40 minute workout. My diet has been pretty good, but not great. I have been staying at around 1700 calories most days with a splurge day once in the week.

This week I am going to change the plan a bit in hopes to see some weight loss. I think I am going to try the 1500 calorie a day plan like my doctor recommended. I think that is a fair number, especially on the days when I am busy. I am going to have one higher day-probably Wednesday this week where I allow myself to have 1800 calories. This weekend my splurge day will probably be Saturday.

So that is the story. I feel pretty good and my clothes are fitting great...even some of the new hand me downs that I have gotten from Sassy. Here's to a good week!

Spring is super!

2008-04-10T20:21:00.002-04:00

I love the spring time and I have been spending a lot of time outside playing with the kids. I have been sticking to the diet and exercise. I think that being active with the kids--even though it isn't cardio--is great for burning a few extra calories as well.

This weekend should be a good weekend because we have no activities planned that interfere with meals. I am looking forward to grilling more often as the weather gets warmer. That is such a healthy way to eat!

Well, time to put the kids to bed and catch up on a show or two before I crash. I hope to be more faithful with the blogging but I hope you understand if I neglect the writing every now and then!

Splurging is great!

2008-04-06T11:37:00.002-04:00

I have been doing well with the diet and exercise alike. I had a rest day on Friday since I hadnt rested in a week. It felt good!! Saturday was my higher calorie day--2500. I stayed within that even though I had one of my favorite dinners--bagel and lox(1500)!! For lunch I had leftover meatloaf and coleslaw(550). I walked for 40 minutes.

Usually after I eat on my splurge day, I feel really stuffed and uncomfortable. This time, I did not. I felt really full but not stuffed to the point of feeling sick or anything.

I tried some capri pants on yesterday and was amused at how big they were. I am going to donate them this week. I have kept 2 pants that fit okay, but they are still a bit big. I was lucky enough to get some clothes from my friend Sassy and there are some cute summer/spring shirts that I fit into now. I hope with all of the size difference I am seeing this week that it will translate into weight loss by the end of the month!

Since I haven't lost weightin a while, I am gging to have to re-vamp my goal for June. I wanted to lose 25 pounds, but I am going to be changing that to 15 pounds. I am going to work hard towards that goal!

A busy day

2008-04-03T20:26:00.003-04:00

I intended to exercise this morning and afternoon, but I wasn't able to get to exercising this morning. Instead, I spent the morning organizing my kids' clothes for the spring/summer season. I feel accomplished but there was no strength or cardio involved. I did manage to take a walk this evening and I took the dogs with me. I walked for about 40 minutes at a decent pace.

As for the calorie allowance, I arranged for 1700 today. For breakfast, I had one pancake(74), one sausage(40) and a bit of syrup(40). I broke down for lunch and had an individual frozen vegetable pizza(350). For snack today, I was craving an ice cream soda(500) so I had it. I used mint chocolate chip ice cream. For dinner I had meatloaf(400) and homemade coleslaw(150). That was the first time I made the coleslaw and I think it was pretty good. My snack was popcorn(75). My total for the day is 1629 calories. Tomorrow is a 1400 calorie day and I hate those. I have a morning meeting though so hopefully that will help.

Catching up

2008-04-03T08:44:00.002-04:00

Well, it is the time of year when I start to be so busy with the kids because we go outside a lot. So I am going to apologize now for not having the time, sometimes energy, to post everyday. I totally intend to write, but then I sit down on the couch and fall asleep around 10:30.

Anyway, I have been doing okay. I did fine with exercise on Tuesday. I rode the bike for 40 minutes before dinner. I just didn't have the energy to get up early because I had done 2 good workouts the day before and it was my first day back to work and getting up so early. Tuesday wasn't the best food day, but it wasn't that bad. It was supposed to be a 1400 day, but it wound up being an 1800 day. So I switched some days around to make up for the calories. Also, my splurge day this week won't be that bad so It will be about 2400, which is doable.

Yesterday I had a tough day, but made it through. The morning was oatmeal(150) and yogurt(100) because I was still hungry about 9:30. For lunch I had a frozen meal(300) and a candy bar(150). Around 2pm I got hungry again and I had my banana(70). Unfortunately, I also had candy(150). When I got home from work I had some cheese crackers(250). So that left me only 230 cals for dinner. I did it...I had ham(3oz) and grapes. So my total is 1380 after all that--and I didn't eat too poorly.

I do notice that I feel a bit swollen in my fingers from the salt of the cheese crackers and the frozen lunch. So I will have to stay away from those things for a few days. I hope to be able to exercise twice today, but it may not be possible. I have to wait for a service man for the sprinkler system today. So I will try to exercise this morning and tonight with the hubby. I hate it when companies tell you that the window of time to wait for the service is for 5 hours. I know they have a tough job to do sometimes, but 5 hours seems excessive. Well, it is what it is and at least I may have time to do some odd jobs around the house.

Another manic Monday

2008-03-31T20:41:00.002-04:00

For some reason, I am usually running around on Monday's. I had assigned today as a 1500 calorie day. Here's how it broke down: Breakfast-brownie=150; lunch-pizza=580;
snack--coolatta=190; dinner--grilled chicken=150, bean salad=170, slice of beer bread=150. My dessert was 3 mini peppermint patties=120. So I went over by 10 calories today but that is fine. With all of my running around I am sure I worked it off.

I also exercised a lot today. This morning I did a 45 minute cardio/strength training workout. This evening before dinner I did a walking and kickboxing workout. It was only a 33 minute video, but it got my heart rate up and I burned some extra calories. That video is great because my kids like to try to do it with me so it gets them moving on rainy days.

Overall, a good day back on the plan in a more strict way.

Sunday, Sunday

2008-03-30T19:33:00.002-04:00

Well, it is that time of the month again when I weigh and measure. I didn't have any success with the weighing. I have not lost any weight this month, I am still at a total of 41 pounds lost since September. My measurements prove that I am still progressing though so I am happy. I was not as strict this month with the low calorie days or the exact counting as I have been in the past. I intend to get much stricter this week and continue with the good exercising. So to date, here are my losses in inches for the month and the last three months that I have been measuring.

March losses(inches)
Bust: 0
Band: 1 inch
Waist: 1.25
Thigh: 0
Hips: .25
Arm: 0.5
Neck: 0

Total losses since December(inches)
Bust: 1.75
Band: 1.75
Waist: 8.25
Thigh: 2
Hips: 2.50
Arm: 1.75
Neck: 1.0

Total inches lost in March: 3.0
Total inches lost since December: 19 inches

Today was a successful day. I had my calories set for 1500 and I had designated it as a possible rest day. I was busy with yard work, playing outside with the kids and running some errands. So I didn't sit still, but I didn't do any particular assigned exercise. Part of the reason I decided to not do formal exercise is because my foot has been in major pain the last couple of nights. I thought that maybe a day off from formal cardio would be nice. Tomorrow morning I will do a cardio/strength workout and see how it feels at night.

I didn't have much breakfast today--just a few pieces of candy(170). For lunch I had a small salad and a ham sandwich on wheat bread(310). For snack I had popcorn(60). Dinner was a nice treat. We had duck that was cooked on the smoker, some butternut squash that hubby roasted in the oven with some nutmeg and a cabbage-pineapple-soy sauce salad that was lightly sauteed. Overall a great dinner of experimentation(662). For dessert, I was able to treat myself to a doughnut(300). My total intake today was 1502.

The plan for this week is this:
Monday: 1500; cardio/strength 45 minutes
Tuesday: 1700; cardio 2x
Wednesday: 1400; strength and cardio
Thursday: 1700; cardio 2x
Friday: 1500; strength and cardio
Saturday: Splurge day; cardio
Sunday: 1500; cardio

Here's to a good and successful week!

What a week

2008-03-28T10:36:00.002-04:00

So I have been busy with the kids this week since we are all on spring break. I have been having fun, but I am beat. I have been keeping my calories between 1600 and 2000 everyday, but I haven't been really strict. I don't feel like I have lost any weight, but I don't think I have gained any either. I can't wait to see my measurements next week because I noticed a change in the way clothes are fitting again.

I have been exercising between 30 and 45 minutes everyday. I haven't had a rest day in a while so I will have one in the next couple of days.

So overall, I have been doing alright, but I will return to being strict on Sunday.

I'm Back!

2008-03-24T21:52:00.002-04:00

So today I decided to make it an 1800 calorie day because I knew that I was going to be at a friend's house for lunch. I was close with 1820. Breakfast was a bite here and a bite there. I had to estimate lunch because I wasn't quite comfortable looking at the items as she made them. We had canned chicken mixed with celery and a bit of mayo. She served it on wheat bread and I brought some lettuce to have on the side. Dinner was a small amount of ham, scalloped potatoes and some spinach dip with crackers.

I exercised today for 40 minutes on the treadmill. I couldn't drag myself out of bed in time to workout this morning, but I was able to tonight before dinner. I think I was exhausted from the cooking/cleaning from Easter.

I am probably going to skip tomorrow morning since I have to be out with the kids early again tomorrow. I am going to try a new workout tomorrow night before dinner. I am going to try to keep a 1400 calorie day tomorrow since I will be out most of the day and that distracts me from eating. I will be fine if I hit 1500, but I need to have a low day.

Fair Friday

2008-03-21T23:24:00.002-04:00

My intentions were to have a low calorie day. I didn't do that badly, but it certainly wasn't low calorie. Breakfast was a piece of pizza(300). Lunch was a burrito(260) and chips(400). I had chocolate for snack(300). For dinner I had chicken drumsticks(225) with some fries(150) and a salad(200). So I had a total of 1835 calories today. That isn't horrible, but is not great since I haven't been all that wonderful this week. Can you tell by my food choices that I have my period and weird cravings!

I did manage to exercise for about 40 minutes this morning. I walked on the treadmill and got caught up on a couple of shows while I walked. That always makes the time go faster when I am exercising by myself.

I ran around doing all kinds of chores today so I was very active. I am hoping that the activity helped combat the higher amount of calories I used today.

A little side tracked....

2008-03-20T16:34:00.003-04:00

So now it has officially happened. I have not followed the program the last 2 days. Between sick kids and hubby, I am beat and needed to make various foods for everyone's individual stomach needs. I have not gone crazy, but I am not keeping track of what I eat. I am going to finish today and then begin again tomorrow. I will be good for 2 days and then I will splurge as intended on Easter. I have a busy week so I think lo cal days will be easy to follow since I won't be home much.

As for exercise, Wednesday night I did a 45 minute cardio-strength workout. Today was a rest day. I tried to wake up but I am just tired. My period will come in the next day or so and I am just tired from being the nurse around here. Today marks the beginning of spring vacation so I will get to sleep a bit later this week. That always helps refresh me.

So hopefully I will be able to get back on track tomorrow!

Tired, but still going

2008-03-19T05:48:00.002-04:00

I have been just wiped out from the kids and tired myself, but I have been following the plan. Monday was a lo cal day and I stuck to it. I didn't exercise in the morning, but I did walk for 45 minutes at night. My breakfast was a snack, my lunch was a burrito and some snacking and dinner was corned beef and cabbage in honor of St. Patrick's day.

Tuesday was an 1800 cal day so that was easy. For breakfast I needed a pick me up so I had a Coffee Coolatta. For morning snack I had a granola bar. I had a lunch meeting to attend where I had a turkey wrap and half a cup of pasta salad. I also had 2 cookies. For snack I had a burrito. Dinner was a small salad. I wasn't that hungry, but I needed to eat a bit. I figured since it was about 8 until I go to eat dinner I should eat light. I managed to exercise for 45 minutes last night with a cardio-strength workout.

So overall, I am following my plan. I am just too tired to write by the time I am done with the day's jobs. I wanted to let you know that I am still around!!

Sunday

2008-03-17T09:48:00.002-04:00

Well, Sunday was not a success, but not a complete failure either. I wound up caring for 2 kids with fevers so I wasn't able to keep track of my calories as easily as possible. I did well with breakfast and dinner but I didn't keep track of the food I munched on during the day. I never did eat lunch. I managed to exercise for about 35 minutes on the bike.

I am going to leave my plan open for this week because I am not certain about the status of the sick kids. When I don't get enough sleep I sometimes need to up my calories. And since last night was a night with very little sleep(thanks to a vomiting child), I am not sure how I will do. My original plan was to make today a 1400 calorie day and exercise twice. I can still exercise twice, and I think I should be fine with the calories. We shall see how my energy level is by tonight though for the exercise.

Saturday's Splurge

2008-03-16T14:38:00.002-04:00

I did alright on Friday, but was just too tired to post. I have been so busy the last couple of days, but I managed to have a great weekend anyway. Saturday was a yummy splurge day. I didn't eat breakfast, I wasn't hungry at all for some reason. For lunch, I had some chips with some hoagie dip, which is a specialty my neighbor makes. In essence, it is a hoagie without the roll. It was leftover and I got to eat it with the girls. For snack, I treated myself to some soda. For dinner, I went to Brio. Wow!! I had Penne Mediterranean, which was sun dried tomatoes, mushrooms, roasted garlic and spinach. I also had a Caesar salad and a chocolate creme brulee. What a great dinner! My exercise yesterday was Leslie Sansone's 3 mile walk. It was about a 45 minute workout. I liked it, but my calves hurt a bit today.

A low calorie success

2008-03-13T21:26:00.002-04:00

Today was a 1400 calorie day and I almost did it. I started the day with a cookie bar(100) and grapes(70). For lunch I had a frozen meal called sesame chicken(300). I also had some Hershey kisses with it(230). For snack I had a burrito with a bit of sour cream(280). For dinner I had a veggie burger(90) on a roll(120) with fries(150) and some sauteed peppers and onions(40) and mayo(90). My total for the day is 1470.

I did The Firm's Cardio Sculpt workout. My calves are feeling it a bit tonight. I like the workout but some of the aerobic moves are a bit tricky. My foot gets slightly aggravated by the evening on the day that I do that kind of workout, but I can get past that because I know the benefits of it outweigh the pain.

Wacky Wednesday

2008-03-12T21:12:00.002-04:00

Well, I stayed within my calorie allotment, but I ate weirdly today. For breakfast I had a bagel with cream cheese(510). I have been craving this for about 2 weeks so I worked it in today and it was delicious. For a morning snack I was tempted with hot chocolate and broke down(300). For lunch I had a small salad(125) to try to combat the morning's indulgences and because I was really full. For afternoon snack I had a soft pretzel with mustard(400). For dinner I had ham(150) and broccoli(40) and some cheese its(100). I had a bit of popcorn for snack(75). Today's total was exactly 1700.

I did my Biggest Loser strength workout this morning. I also rode the recumbent bike tonight for 30 minutes. I had a migraine most of the day, but I still managed to function. I took some Advil this morning to take the edge off of it, but my vision was blurred at times today and I was just overall tired. I wish I could have taken a sick day, but I try to save those for when the kids are sick. I also am so busy at work this week I really needed to be there. I am in charge of the state testing in my district and that is going on for 2 of the grades this week. I am sure a little extra sleep tonight will help and I will be better tomorrow.

Overall a good day!

Terrible Tuesday

2008-03-11T21:43:00.003-04:00

So I had a crappy food day. I ate well until I got home from work. Then I nibbled on so many things. I think I probably ate about 1800 calories today but I am not sure. it wasn't that mush of a fall, but still not within my planned allotment. I am not going to change my allowances for the rest of the week much. I am going to make tomorrow a 1700 calorie day and adjust a bit the rest of the week as well--Thursday will be a 1400 calorie day and Friday will stay the same at 1600 because we are having friends over for dinner. Saturday can't be changed either because we have dinner plans. I am going to keep it as a splurge day, but try to keep the calories low during the day since dinner will be high. I really do believe that I am getting a bit off track because I am a bit tired lately. I am going to try to go to bed earlier tomorrow night. About once a week I try to go to bed right after the kids so that I can catch up on some sleep. Unfortunately I am stuck tonight because I am doing some report writing for consulting work--actually I am procrastinating now instead!!

I did well with exercise today, although it was all I could do to get up at 5:15 this morning. I usually do fine and I went to bed the same time I usually do(about 11). I think it is because it is darker in the morning now. Well I walked the treadmill for 30 minutes this morning and for 35 minutes this evening. Tomorrow is strength training and cardio in the evening.

Tomorrow is a new day!

A new workout

2008-03-10T18:53:00.003-04:00

Well, today I tried a new workout by the Firm called Cardio Sculpt. It is a 55 minute workout that combines strength training with aerobic workout intervals. Since it was almost an hour workout and it was for strength and cardio, I decided to skip the exercise tonight. Thanks Sassy for giving me the Firm as a gift!! I can see that it will help with the variety in my workout routine.

As for the calorie allotment for the day, I did well with my 1700 calorie allotment. For breakfast I had some homemade banana bread(250). For lunch I ate a very small salad with balsamic dressing(125) and a piece of leftover Chicken Parmesan(220). I even treated myself to a bag of Oreo crisps for dessert(100). For snack I indulged in some chocolate(360). For dinner I had an individual veggie pizza(350) with some chips(200). For an after dinner treat I had popcorn(100) with the kids. So today's total is 1705.

Saturday and Sunday

2008-03-09T19:37:00.002-04:00

Saturday was a nice splurge day. I did exercise for about 35 minutes on the treadmill. For breakfast, I stuck with my oatmeal. For lunch I had a burger and fries. I even had pickles on the burger--I love pickles, but they are a bit salty for me to have too often. For dinner, we had lamb chops and homemade butternut squash soup. We also had some brownies. We managed to cook everything in a blackout too! Our lights were out from 6:30 PM until 7AM Sunday morning. It was annoying, but fun. We got to have some real quality time with the kids after dinner by playing the board game Trouble.

On Sunday I decided to take a rest day because my knee has been giving me some trouble. I hadn't taken a rest day since last Saturday so I figured I needed one. I never really plan for a rest day, I just see when I need one. I actually got to sleep in a bit today, so I didn't have any breakfast. For lunch, hubby made me a cheese and salsa quesadilla. I put a tiny bit of sour cream on it too. I also cut up a tomato for a total of 485. For snack a had brownies(300). For dinner I had pork(300), honey/orange juice baby carrots(150) and ice cream for dessert(275). My total for the day is 1510. I did do a lot of cleaning and ran to the supermarket so I didn't sit on my behind all day--although I can never really sit still with 3 kids!

Here is the plan for the week:
Monday: 1700 strength and cardio
Tuesday: 1500 cardio 2x
Wednesday: 1800 strength and cardio
Thursday: 1500 cardio 2x
Friday: 1600 strength w/cardio
Saturday: SPLURGE cardio
Sunday: 1600 cardio

This week I have changed my calorie intake regimen again. I was only giving myself about 1400 or 1500 calories a day. That isn't working. So I am going to go back to more zig-zagging. I know the doctor suggested otherwise, but it isn't working and in essence my body is storing the calories instead of burning them. Hopefully this will make me more successful in losing weight. I still have another 3.5 pounds to lose by March 20th as my short term goal. I hope to make it.

Here's to a great week!

Frantic Friday

2008-03-07T21:01:00.002-05:00

Today was a crazy day but I managed to stay within my program for the day. I began the day with a Leslie Sansone Walk Away the Pounds for Abs workout. I hadn't done it for a couple of weeks so it was a nice change. My whole plan of exercise has been changed this week, but at least I am exercising twice a day most days. After I exercised I had a bowl of oatmeal(100) with blueberries(40). For lunch I had some chicken and vegetable mini egg rolls(360) and chips(150). For snack I had a bean and rice burrito. For dinner I had leftover roast(150) on a roll(180). I also had a cauliflower and mushroom mix that I baked with a tiny bit of cheese(150). I also had some fries(150). So my total for the day was 1540. I need to eat a bit healthier and I think that might help me lose some weight. I also exercised tonight. I rode the bike for 10 minutes and then I walked on the treadmill for 35 minutes. Overall a good day and I hope to have another one tomorrow because I will be busy.

Thursday treat

2008-03-06T19:38:00.002-05:00

Today was a tough 1400 calorie day, but I did it!! For breakfast I had a coffee coolatta(200). I snacked on some Twizzlers this morning as well(150). For lunch I had a frozen meal of chicken and ginger(270). For snack I had an oreo cookie 100 calorie snack pack. For dinner, we went to dinner--surprise! We went to Applebees and I had a Weight Watchers dish called Cajun Lime Tilapia dish with bean and corn salsa and rice(310). I like when restaurants give nutrition information on their menus. So that left 370 calories of tasting the hubby's chocolate cake and having a few fries. I can't be exact with those calories, but I am pretty positive that I stayed within my allowance for the day.

I exercised this morning with my Biggest Loser strength training workout. I will walk the treadmill tonight for about 40 minutes. First I have to digest so I will wait until the kids go to bed to exercise. I might skip one of the planned exercise times tomorrow and just do it once....depends on if I can fit two times in since I have so many errands to do.

Overall, great diet and exercise day!

Half way through

2008-03-05T20:25:00.002-05:00

Well, today was a 1600 calorie day and I did well. My breakfast was cereal with milk(240). Lunch was a hot chocolate, a turkey and cheese sandwich from Subway, baked chips(total=650). For dinner, we had chicken parmesan with a little bit of pasta(total=750). I was at 1640 and that is okay. My stomach has been upset most of the ealry afternoon and I am wondering if that is from the milk in the cereal. Sometimes it affects me and sometimes doesn't it. There is no predicting it and I really wanted it so I just had it. I was better by dinner, but now my belly is grumbling again.

This morning I did a Leslie Sansone workout that involved walking and boxing/kicking intervals. Tonight I walked on the treadmill for 15 minutes and rode the bike for 20 minutes.

I am not looking forward to tomorrow because it is a 1400 calorie day, it is a crazy day at work and a busy afternoon when I get home. Hopefully the day will fly by because I am so busy.

Not a bad day

2008-03-04T21:22:00.002-05:00

I am not sitting near my list of calories today, but I did well. I stayed under my 1400 calorie allotment. Breakfast was oatmeal. Lunch was a small salad and a yogurt. Snack was a burrito. Dinner was a small amount of pork and some broccoli. I also had a few fries that I made for everyone else.

I did a new strength workout this morning and really enjoyed it(35 minutes). Tonight I walked on the treadmill for 30 minutes at a faster speed for a longer amount of time.

Overall a good day.

I'm tired, and it's only Monday

2008-03-03T20:14:00.002-05:00

Well, today started with a wake up pain from my bicep muscles. They were in a lot of pain from moving the furniture yesterday. So I skipped the morning strength workout and just had breakfast(oatmeal=120). As soon as the kids were ready, we went to Shoprite(about 9am) to buy the next couple of months worth of meat(chicken, pork, ground turkey and a minimal amount of red meat) and some random produce and frozen products that were on sale. That was a bit of a chore with the kids, but they were pretty good because I gave them jobs to do. Then when we got home, the kids played outside for a while and I had to sort and wrap the meat. That is a job!! The morning passed quickly.

As soon as the kids got on the bus, I had my lunch(510), which was a weird combo. I had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, 2 mini egg rolls and some chips. After lunch I did some errands and wound up at Kohl's to spend the rest of my gift cert. I found 2 short sleeve shirts that look really cute and a 3/4 length sleeve shirt that is adorable. It was in the Misses section and it is really in style. I can't wait to wear it!!

When I got home, I had my favorite snack--a burrito(280). For dinner I made a roast beef in the crock pot with a great home made sauce of ketchup, brown sugar, pepper, steak sauce, lemon juice, beef broth. Once it was done cooking, I shredded it and put it on a kaiser roll(525). I really enjoyed the change for dinner because I sometimes get bored with all the chicken and pork that we eat. So my total for today is 1435 and I will have a serving of popcorn in a few minutes to make the total 1500.

Tonight before dinner I did manage to do my 30 minutes of cardio workout. The muscles in my arms still hurt, but I hope they are better tomorrow morning because I intend to do a strength work out--my new one. Tomorrow is a 1400 calorie day and I am a bit worried. I intend to keep it light through lunch so that I can have a potato of some kind with dinner if I want to.

Sunday's success and the week's plan

2008-03-02T19:43:00.002-05:00

Today I was allotted 1500 calories. I stayed within them even with some snacking. For breakfast I had oatmeal(100) with raisins(100). For snack I had an Oreo bar(100). For lunch I had a burrito(260). For afternoon snack I had a few pieces of London broil(200) from last night and cheese its(130). For dinner, I made a new recipe called Chickpea cakes. It was pretty easy and yummy and they are only 137 calories each. I also made leeks and some corn for total dinner intake of 520. My total for the day is 1410.

I am going to exercise when my kids go to sleep at 8:30. I have been so busy today that I haven't had a chance to exercise. Since I woke up I have been doing laundry and cleaning and playing with the kids. I also went to Costco to stock up on the next couple of months staples. Then in the late afternoon, the kids and I went outside to play and I cleaned up the yard for a while. We did some basement re-organizing and now my arms hurt from some of the furniture lifting.

The plan for the week is as follows:
Monday: 1500 exercise 2 times - 1 strength, 1 cardio
Tuesday: 1400 exercise 2 times - 2xcardio
Wednesday: 1600 exercise 2 times - 1 strength, 1 cardio
Thursday: 1400 exercise 2 times- 1 strength, 1 cardio
Friday: 1500 exercise 2 times - 1 strength, 1 cardio
Saturday: 3000 rest
Sunday: 1500 exercise 1 time - cardio

Today was the day

2008-02-29T12:38:00.004-05:00

I looked at my measurements from the last 2 months and realized that I do them on the last day of the month and that is today. So here goes.

FEBRUARY
bust: 0
band(bra strap) .5 inches
waist: 1 inch
thigh: 1 inch
hips: .75 inches
arm: .5 inches
neck: .5 inch
TOTAL 4.25

Since December 21, 2007
bust: 1.75 inches
band: 1 inch
waist: 7 inches
thigh: 2 inches
hips: 2 inches
arm: 1.25 inches
neck: 1 inch
TOTAL: 16 inches

I only lost 3.5 pounds this month, but it is still a loss. My total weight loss to date is 41 pounds. That makes me very happy. I still have short and long term goals in mind. I would like to lose another 3.5 pounds by March 20 and a total of 25 pounds by June 20th(only 21.5 to go). I think both goals are attainable and I am happy with how I am progressing.

I am 35.3% of my way to my goal weight. My body looks toner and I am overall happier with myself so that is very pleasing to me.

A busy day, but productive

2008-02-28T18:57:00.002-05:00

Today was a 1500 calorie day and I was so busy doing all kinds of errands and chores that the day flew by. I started my day with 2 slices of low fat, low sodium Swiss cheese(200) while I was preparing lunches, snacks, breakfasts and many other items for the kids and hubby. I exercised a total of 40 minutes this morning. I walked for 20 minutes on the treadmill and rode the bike for another 20 minutes. For lunch I had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with some chips(530). For snack I had a 100 calorie pack of chocolate chip wafers. For dinner, I had an Asian mix in a pre-packaged bag of noodles, sauce and some veggies. We added broccoli and chicken to make a complete dinner(530). The sauce was great and the dinner was filling because we also had some leftover bean salad(100). I had some popcorn tonight also(70). My total for the day was 1530. Not that bad overall, and I had a good variety of food so I don't mind that I went over by 30 calories. I hope to keep tomorrow a 1400 calorie day so that I can have a good weigh in on Saturday.

What a Wednesday!

2008-02-28T09:30:00.003-05:00

Well, my day started with exercising to a new strength video using my on-demand portion of the cable system. I like doing new videos and if I don't like one, I never have to feel bad about having bought it since I really didn't. I did a combo strength and pilates workout. I didn't like it too much but I didn't hate it. It was only 20 minutes long, but that was all the time I had yesterday AM. I also walked for 40 minutes on the treadmill last night for my cardio.

As for the diet, I did well. Breakfast was oatmeal(120) and a banana(70). I had 2 small candy bars(200) as a pick me up in the morning. Lunch was a small salad(200) and sushi(300). Dinner was roasted pork(170) and another small salad(175). For snack after dinner I had popcorn(75). My total for the day was 1310. I am pleased with that considering I didn't feel like I had to watch myself too much with the snacking, which is my downfall.

Tuesday's Tale

2008-02-27T06:11:00.002-05:00

I started my day with oatmeal(100). At work I had a hot chocolate(200) and some pretzel fish(100). Then I went to a lunch meeting where I had a great salad called grilled bruschetta chicken salad. I ate it with balsamic vinaigrette dressing so I think the total for the salad was 250 calories. I also had a half a cup of navy bean soup which I estimate to be 100 calories(which is probably a high estimate). When I came home I had some leftover nachos from dinner the other night which were 300. For dinner, we surprisingly went to Applebees. I had a chili-lime grilled chicken salad, which the restaurant labeled as having 250 calories. When we got home, I had a piece of chocolate cake(a tiny piece) for 200 calories. So my total for yesterday was right on target with 1500 calories. I only exercised one time--I rode the bike--because my foot hurt more than usual so I didn't want to stress it out.

Back to the grind

2008-02-25T21:11:00.003-05:00

Well, after a not so great weekend of calorie intake, I was much more strict today. I didn't go overboard on Sunday, but I did eat a bit salty and had a piece of cake which was about 300 calories too many for the day.

Here is today's list of food:
Breakfast: oatmeal=200
snack: apple=70
Lunch: salad=150
snack: leftover chili on chips=500
Dinner: chicken stir fry=400
Dessert: 100 calorie cookie bar

Today I was allowed 1400 and I went over a bit with 1490. I am not that bothered because it is under 1500, which is what the doctor told me I should be in taking every day. So tomorrow I will try to keep it closer to 1400 instead of 1500, but I may have a bit of difficulty with that. I have to attend a lunch meeting tomorrow, but I am sure there will be a salad I can have. The tough part will be the salad dressing. I will ask for balsamic vinaigrette or a light dressing on the side.

I used a little extra lemon today--two glasses with it--so that I can cleanse my body and pee out some of the extra salt weight. I feel a difference in my ring already so I know I must have lost some of the salt weight that I took in on chili night.

I was supposed to do cardio two times today. I did a strength and cardio workout this morning. Tonight I walked on the treadmill. My body hurts a bit today because I have been working a bit harder to push my workouts to the next level. It feels good to know that even on the days when I may have a higher calorie content or if I go over my limit that I am exercising to combat that.

Goals for the Week

2008-02-24T14:16:00.002-05:00

Monday: 1400; cardio AM and PM
Tuesday: 1500; strength AM and cardio PM
Wednesday: 1400; cardio AM and PM
Thursday: 1500; strength with cardio AM and cardio PM
Friday: 1400; (strength AM?) and cardio PM
Saturday: splurge and cardio--weigh in and measurement day
Sunday: 1500; cardio

T.G.I.S.D.

2008-02-23T17:12:00.002-05:00

I have officially decided that there should be an abbreviation for Thank goodness it's splurge day(TGISD), in addition to TGIF. I am having a great one so far. I had a waffle for breakfast and some fries for lunch. For dinner, we are going to a chili party where everyone brings their own chili and we judge it. That is always fun--we have been doing this for about 5 years now. It is across the street so we can have a couple of drinks as well. What a great way to enjoy a splurge day--at someone else's house where I don't have to do a lot of cleaning.

I am going to exercise in a few minutes so that I can really enjoy the splurge event.

Tomorrow it is back to normal calories but I can do it this week in hopes to see some good results next Saturday. I am not sure about how much weight will be lost, but I see myself as having gained a lot of muscle this month which makes me look toner!

Checking in

2008-02-21T20:13:00.002-05:00

I have been mostly on track with the plan yesterday and today. I have been a bit tired and crampy, but feeling better tonight.

Today I had cheerios with milk for breakfast(300). For lunch I had a frozen meal called Enchilada with rice(270). It was tasty--it had a sour cream sauce. I had some chips for snack(250). For dinner I had fries with mayo(470). Then for dessert I had some girl scout cookies(210). My total was 1500 exactly---probably only because I only had 3 cookies left so that is what I ate, otherwise I may have had more. My stomach is a bit uncomfortable from having my period so I am not certain if I am going to have my lemon water tonight. I will decide that after the kids go to bed since that is my normal time to drink it.

As for exercise, I didn't do any today. When I woke up, I felt crampy so I thought about the last time I took a rest---it was my birthday, which was 2 weeks ago. I decided that it would be a good idea to take a break. I will go back to it tomorrow morning. If I have to shovel, then that will be my exercise!

So overall a good day!

Off the path

2008-02-19T19:30:00.004-05:00

Well, for the first time since I started this program I completely fell off the wagon. I was fine until I got home from work. Then I ate chips and a piece of pizza, neither of which were on the calorie list allotment today. So in all I ate about 2000 calories today. I was only supposed to have 1400, so I took away some from tomorrow(200). I think though I might just take it as a day off track because I can't really make my calories any lower. My splurge day can't be changed either because I have a party to go to. Oh well, I guess it happens. Tomorrow I have a special, but low calorie lunch planned so that will keep my interest and I hope I won't go off track. I know I mentioned this before, but part of my problem is that I have PMS and am getting my period any day now. That makes me crave some weird stuff.

I exercised twice today, which was my goal. This morning I rode the bike for 15 minutes and walked for another 15. Tonight I did strength training. I want to exercise twice tomorrow, but I think I may only wind up doing it once. I will try to do it twice another day this week to make up for it, but I am not hopeful about that since I am taking care of the kids alone. As long as I don't have another downfall day I will be alright because I don't plan to take off any days of exercise this week.

Another day

2008-02-18T19:56:00.005-05:00

Well, today was just another day. I stayed pretty active, but nothing excessive. I walked on the treadmill today, but nothing else since we got pretty busy around dinner time. I am still okay with that considering I at least exercised once today. I will try to exercise twice tomorrow as planned. It is going to be a tad difficult though because hubby will be away and I am less motivated to exercise at night when he isn't around.

The diet today wasn't great, but I still stayed within limits. For breakfast, I had 2 oreos(140). For lunch I had a pepperoni and low fat/low salt swiss sandwich on wheat bread(315). I also had some Doritos(150). For snack I had a soft pretzel(160). I bought a box of them at Shoprite last week since they were on sale and pretty low in calories. For dinner, we had pizza(600). I also had some cheese crackers today(130). My total was 1505 on a day when I was alloted 1500. An overall successful day.

I have a tough week coming up for a couple of reasons. I already mentioned hubby going away and he is a big support for me, expecially at night. The second is that I am having significant PMS issues this month that don't help the desire for salt and sweet. I am hoping the salt on the soft pretzels I bought will help a bit with that if I have one for a snack after work. I just want to make it through the week within my allotment! I don't usually have such a tough time during PMS, but this month is particularly tough.

On a good note, I did weigh myself today. I am not certain why I did, but it was a moderately good thing. I have lost another pound. So that is 41 pounds in total. I try not to weigh often, but this week I needed a bit of motivation. I looked at my loss since the beginning of the month and it made me happy. So hopefully at the end of the month when I measure and weigh in again I will be even happier. I have seen significant changes in my body even if it is not in significant amount of inches. Overall I am just happier about my body, which is a motivator in itself.

Sinful Sunday

2008-02-17T16:23:00.003-05:00

I didn't have an all out splurge day scheduled today, but I alloted 2200 since my calories were low yesterday. I haven't eaten dinner yet, but I have it planned. For breakfast, I had waffle with syrup(300)...I haven't had that in a long time and it was a nice treat. For lunch I had a pepperoni and low fat/low sodium swiss cheese sandwich with mustard on lite wheat bread(315). I also had a few baby carrots(25) and a stalk of celery(10) with some ranch dip(60). For snack, I had an oreo cookie bar(100) and some caramels because hubby was cooking with them and I couldn't resist(160). For dinner I will be having a new bean salad(130) that I made after watching it on TV. I didn't have all the ingredients to I simply imrovised. If it is yummy I will pass the recipe on. I will also be having some plain chicken breast(142). I think I will also have some salad(175). That leaves me plenty of calories left for a piece of hubby's apple pie(411). SO my total calories projected for the day is 1818. I am very happy with that--even if I sneak another caramel(30).

I exercised two times today--once a walking video and once on the bike.

Here is the plan for this week: I intend to exercise 2 times on Monday and Tuesday
Monday: 1500
Tuesday: 1400
Wednesday: 1700
Thursday: 1400
Friday: 1500
Saturday: 3000

Saturday's strange success

2008-02-16T21:02:00.002-05:00

Today was supposed to be a 2500 calorie day for me. Instead, it wound up being a low calorie day due to a stomach problem. I was doing fine until around 3:30 when I was exercising. I ate a cookie snack bar for breakfast(100) and hubby made corn dogs for lunch. I had one and a half as well as a pickle and some olives(500). I never tried a corn dog before today and it was great! I then spent the afternoon doing various chores and cooking pancakes and French toast to freeze for the kids(saves a ton of money). As I was getting ready to exercise, I noticed that my back hurt and I felt a bit constipated. So I started walking and about 22 minutes in I had to stop. I was dizzy and felt I had to throw up. So I went upstairs, got a shower and just laid down. I managed to doze off for about 10 minutes and still felt crappy when I woke up. I went downstairs and decided to try to empty the dishwasher. After I went to the bathroom, I felt much better. I still did not feel perfect, but I did eat a piece of chicken(250) for dinner--I skipped the fruit and coleslaw for fear that I would upset my stomach.

It is now 9PM and I feel much better. I had a couple of shortbread cookies and some plain popcorn for snack(300). So my total for today was 1150. I did manage to drink all of my water. I used lemon in each glass today and I wonder if that bothered my stomach. I hate stomach issues because I usually can't figure out a reason behind them unless there is a disease behind it.

So I did not get my full exercise in, but I got some in. I hope to be back to normal tomorrow. I think I will probably allow myself an 1800 calorie day tomorrow just so I get a bit of a treat. My next splurge day isn't until Saturday so I need a higher cal day in there somewhere. I will have to figure out my plan tomorrow.

TGIF

2008-02-15T20:10:00.002-05:00

I had set a low calorie amount for today. I didn't get to breakfast today--just had a few cookies(300). I had a very late lunch. I made a chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and mayo on an italian style roll(400) and fries with mayo (382). For dinner, I had a grilled chicken breast(3 oz)and a small salad(total=292). I had some popcorn and chocolate for dessert(240). Not a bad food day, but not a particularly great one either. My total for today was 1594 and my allowed calories for the day was 1600.

I walked on the treadmill for 30 minutes this morning. Tonight I rode the bike for another 30 minutes. I felt really good exercising today.

Overall, a good day. I feel more motivated that I did the last couple of days. I looked in the mirror this morning and had a good opinion of myself. I feel good about how my body is looking. I feel more tone and I see a better shape. I really don't love looking at myself naked but I think doing that today helped me feel stronger about following the plan as compared to giving up this weekend.

What a tough day

2008-02-14T20:13:00.002-05:00

Well, I did great in the exercise department today. I did a strength training workout this morning and walked for 40 minutes tonight. I had oatmeal(130) for breakfast, salad, popcorn, and chicken for lunch(227) and salad again for dinner(200). That totaled 497 which is great for a 1500 calorie allowance day. However, there was junk around every corner today and I had to have it. In the morning I had a rice krispie treat(150). After lunch I had some fries(382). When I got home from work I had some cheese its(130). I also had some chocolate when my kids were opening their Valentine's cards and candies from school. I think that I had 350 calories in chocolate. So my total for the day was 1614. Not a bad amount, but not the 1500 I aimed for today.

That is the second time this week that I went over my allowance. I don't know what it is about me this week. I have no motivation to stick to the diet. Yesterday I even got a compliment about how I looked from somebody who I didn't think even noticed. So that should motivate me even more. Whatever this slump is I hope it passes. I am undecided about weighing in this weekend. I think I will because I will have my period the next week and I don't want to weigh in then. If I have gained any weight it might be a motivator to get back on the straight and narrow. Like I said, I haven't been doing terribly, but I think I have slipped a bit. I think the truth of it is that I am just a bit tired of calorie counting.

An idea I had was to not calorie count at all this weekend to give myself a break. I know how to eat healthy so I wouldn't eat trash, but I would not count every item. I figure the worse that might happen is that I would simply break even. I will see how I feel after tomorrow, when I have another low calorie day.

Wonderful Wednesday

2008-02-13T20:30:00.002-05:00

I stayed within the calorie allotment for the day, but I ate like crap. I was allowed 2000 calories today and I used every one of them. I am just going to list my food because I don't feel like writing tonight. It was all I could do to get myself to log on to blog tonight.
Breakfast: bagel with cream cheese
snack:m&m's
lunch: salad and coffee coolata
snack: cheese its
dinner: meatballs and fries

I allowed myself the extra half hour of sleep this morning and waited to ride the bike until this evening.

So overall, a good diet and exercise day. My stomach still hurts a bit, but has improved. Hopefully tomorrow I will be all better! I am going to try to go to bed really soon because I am completely wiped out from the illness and taking care of everything I normally do in the house and with the kids while still being sick.

Just another day

2008-02-12T19:31:00.001-05:00

I had a good calorie day today...I was allowed 1500 and stayed close with 1513. Breakfast was oatmeal(130), lunch was salad(125) and a chicken drumstick(112), dinner was meatballs and pasta with some sprinkle cheese(626). Morning snack was fruit(50) and a few Swedish fish(60). Afternoon snack was a Yoplait Boston creme yogurt(110)---yummy!! All in all a good food day!

I also had a good exercise day today. I managed to walk 2 times for 30 minutes each.

I looked at my revised goals from yesterday and am happy with what I decided. In the long run, it comes out to about 5-7 pounds of projected weight loss each month. I am so excited by how much progress I have made already and look forward to how much more progress I will make in the future!!

A new week and some new goals

2008-02-11T20:16:00.000-05:00

Today was a decent calorie day, but I am sick to my stomach. I am finally getting over my cold, but I have a stomach bug of some kind. For breakfast I had cereal with milk, for lunch I had some soup and a burrito, for snack I had some chips and for dinner I had salad. Today's total was right on target with 1400. I couldn't manage to exercise this morning, although I did do some cleaning for about a half hour so I was on the move for a while. Tonight I rode the recumbent bike for 35 minutes. I know I was supposed to exercise twice today, but when I don't feel well, I have to give myself a break.

I was thinking about the goals I have achieved so far and where I want to go from here. My original goal was to lose a total of 20 pounds between Jan 1 and March 20. Since that is a bit of a push, I have decided to re-evaluate my plan. A reasonable plan would be to lose another 25 pounds by June 19th--which is the day before I leave for vacation. So that would mean I would lose a total of 65 pounds from September until June 20. So my small goal for now is to lose 7 pounds by March 20. As I continue on in this diet, it gets slightly harder to lost 2 pounds a week so I have to account for the weeks when I only lose 1 pound. That is still okay, but I need to make sure I am not dissappointed. I still intend to keep up my exercise and take my measurements as well. I just thought that I need to revise my plan. It is possible that I could lost 10 pounds in the next 6 weeks, but this cold weather does not help that. I think once we are able to go outside and play with the kids, I will be able to lose more weight simply by being in motion more often.

Well, now that I have babbled on, I hope that I have made some sense. I am open to ideas and suggestions if anyone has any. Please feel free to post them in the comment area.

Not a successful day

2008-02-10T20:47:00.001-05:00

I just spent the last 15 minutes writing a detailed description of the upcoming week and what happened today, but then the blog system failed. I don't have it in me to write it all again. Suffice it to say that my calories were supposed to be 1500 and they were just under 1800. So not a total blowout, but not something I am proud of. I had a hungry day and snacked after dinner. I had 3 oreos and some pretzels that put me over the edge. I also had a second serving of fries at dinner that didn't help.

I did exercise today but it couldn't have combatted all that I ate. Either way, tomorrow is a new day. I don't really intend to change my calories for the rest of the week because they are already pretty low. I do not intend to have a splurge on Saturday though. I am going to keep it at 2000 2 times this week instead. I am going to try my best to stick with the exercise 2 times a day on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Splurge Saturday

2008-02-09T22:26:00.000-05:00

Yummy!!! That about sums it up! I ate chips for breakfast and then had a piece of the kids' frozen pizza for lunch. For dinner I had bagels and lox---my birthday choice at my parents' house. I enjoyed every second of the cake that they bought me too. Although, I only ate a little piece because I didn't want to make my stomach upset. It is kind of grumbling at me already though.

My exercise felt tiring but great today. I did Kathy Smith's video. I did the first 30 minute section which is cardio with strength training. Then I did the core conditioning section. It is about 10 minutes long. I only did 5 because I never did that section before. I enjoyed it! Next time I am going to do the whole section. The problem with that workout is that my foot has difficulty with some of the moves. I have figured out which ones hurt it the most so I just keep marching when they happen. Unfortunately, my foot hurts tonight, but I am not sure if it is from the weather or the workout. I will do a standard workout tomorrow so that I can give my foot a rest.

Back to low calories tomorrow, but today was worth the wait!

What a nice, yet frustrating day

2008-02-08T21:34:00.000-05:00

I got to tell 2 people who haven't seen me in a couple months that I lost 40 pounds. It was nice to hear how proud they were of me. I can't wait for them to see me. I also went shopping today. I had a bit of Kohl's money left so I tried to use it. I tried on several things and I had only success with a plain shirt. The things I tried on fit in most places except my bust. I am not going to lose any significant amount of my chest so I don't how to combat that. I tried a short sleeve shirt on and it was too tight in my arms--because of my new, firmer, more muscular arms!! So I was pleased with myself, but just frustrated with some of the clothes. I will keep trying. I will have to try Steinmart soon!!

As for my exercise, I did a Leslie Sansone walking video and then vaccuumed and cleaned the basement. So overall, about 45 minutes of exercise.

My calorie allotment was 1500 and I stayed within that amount. Breakfast was oatmeal(140). Lunch was a burrito and chips(530). My snack was more chips(170). I made beer stew for dinner(500). I had a few M&M's for dessert(160). So overall a good day, but just a bit too much salt. I may be bloated for that tomorrow, but I am going to wait to weigh myself until next week since I did already weigh in on Thursday. I am still so excited that I can tell people I lost 40 pounds since September.

My birthday gift

2008-02-07T22:32:00.000-05:00

I made it to my birthday before weighing in---I lost my 40 pounds. I have now lost 34.5% of the weight I intend to lose. I am so happy!! So since it was my birthday and I did lose my weight, I treated myself to a coffee coolatta for breakfast. Then a friend at work bought me a Chai tea for a treat. So between the two of those treats, I used 362 calories. I had a frosen lunch for 290 calories. When I got home from work I had some chips(350). For dinner, I wasn't that careful about counting because we went out, but I didn't do too badly. I had 2 small ribs(200), 2 onion rings(150), and a large salad. I had olives(100) on the salad, onions, a couple roasted peppers, lettuce and I had my favorite blue cheese dressing(200). I am going to add another 100 calories for random toppings and parts of the salad that were very minimal but hard to account for when eating out.

So my allotment for today was 1700. I think I went over by 52 calories. This isn't such a bad thing. I intend to have a low calorie day tomorrow and then splurge day on Saturday. I feel exhausted today and have no voice, but I got some great gifts from my husband so that made up for it. He gave me a gift certificate to get my nails done--the acrylic that I have been talking about ever since Sassy talked so highly of them. I also got a new watch and a laser mouse for the laptop. How fun!!

Well, off to take my nyquil and try to sleep for a few hours while I can breathe. I think I might weigh in on Saturday since that is my usual day. I am so happy at my goal. My next goal(actually the original one) is to lose 10 more pounds by
March 20th.

What a day!

2008-02-06T20:15:00.000-05:00

Today started with a bit of light-headedness as I stood up from my bed. I walked around for a few minutes and waited it out while I did my morning routine. I managed to walk for about 30 minutes this morning at a decent speed. This evening I also exercised for another 40 minutes. I walked faster than I have in a while and it felt good even though my nose is stuffy and my chest hurts a bit. Even if tomorrow wasn't a scheduled rest day, it would have to be since I am sick.

My calorie allotment for today was 1400. For breakfast, I had oatmeal(150). For lunch I had 3 oz of salmon(173) and a tiny bit of salad(150). I had a burrito with a bit of sour cream(280) for snack and I also had some chips(250). I do not really feel well enough to have dinner so I am going to have a cup of hot chocolate(80) and I had a bit of creamed corn(50). I was supposed to have chicken and squash also, but I just can't stomach that right now. I had a few Jolly Ranchers during the day
(75). So my total is 1165--not because I want it to be low, but because I just don't feel good.

Tomorrow is my weigh in day. I think I came close to my goal of 40 pounds lost. I will report tomorrow!!

Tuesday

2008-02-05T20:48:00.000-05:00

Today was a successful day on the plan. I was allowed 1500 calories. For breakfast I had oatmeal(100). For lunch I had a frozen meal(260), a banana(75), and cheese crackers(100). For snack I had a burrito(260). For dinner I had baked salmon(250), green beans(40) and a baked potato with sour cream(175). I had pretzels for dessert
(130).

I have a cold now so I am really beat. I tried to exercise this morning but after 20 minutes on the bike, I couldn't go on anymore. So tonight I exercised by walking on the treadmill. I didn't walk my fastest, but I didn't walk my slowest either. I had a good 35 minute workout.

So overall a good day, but I still feel like crap. Hopefully I will feel better tomorrow.

A tough one

2008-02-04T21:22:00.000-05:00

So Monday's are usually a little tougher after a fun splurge on the weekend. For breakfast I had a banana(70) and a couple bites of dry cheerios.(20) For lunch I had a bean burrito(260) and some Doritos(240). For snack I had a cookie bar(100) and some pretzels(110). For dinner, I went to TGI Friday's with a friend. I ordered the cedar smoked salmon salad. I estimated--with a confident amount of accuracy--that the dinner was 435(I chose a balsamic viniagrette and about 5 ounces of salmon). I even had 2 Caramel delite Girl Scout cookies for dessert(140). Amazingly, I stayed within my allotment at 1375 calories. I know my salt intake for today was high, but I made sure to drink water with lemon tonight to try to fight that a bit.

As for exercise, I did a walking video with strength training incorporated in it.

I have the beginning of a sore throat and hope that I am not getting sick. My head hurts a bit also. I intend to exercise tomorrow morning, but we will see if I can manage tomorrow night also if I do wind up getting a cold. I hope I am not getting sick for my birthday--that would stink.

Sunday's Splurge

2008-02-03T18:40:00.000-05:00

Today we went to a Chinese Buffet for lunch. I ate various kinds of sushi that had crab, avocado, carrots and seaweed. I also had some cheese ragoons and some eggplant in a great sauce. After running around doing various errands, we came home and played basketball out front with the kids. Then we exercised for about 35 minutes. I sweated like a fiend!! Dinner was junk--some chips and dip. I put some extra lemon in my water today to try to combat the salt intake from the chips.

So I had a great splurge day and even another nice surprise---a good weigh in today! I have officially lost 39 pounds. I have almost gotten to my 40 pound goal by my birthday. I hope to make it!! This week I lost 2.5 pounds. So maybe this 1500 calories a day theory is really going to work for a while. I am going to increase my in between days, but not this week because I have a big week of social events. Tomorrow night I am going out with a friend to TGI Friday's. I think they have low cal dishes and if they don't, I will eat a salad. Thursday I am going out to dinner and Saturday is my splurge day. So I am going to keep most of the days low to try to combat some of the junk intake that I know will happen during the week--even though I count the junk, I find it harder to lose weight when I eat things with fructose. So my goals are listed below, but I think things may change a bit as the week goes on--hopefully not that much.

Monday: 1400/cardio with strength
Tuesday: 1500/cardio 2 times
Wednesday: 1400/cardio 2 times
Thursday: 1700 rest ?
Friday: 1500 cardio with strength
Saturday: 3000/cardio
Sunday: 1500/cardio

Here's hoping that I can lose my extra pound by Thursday---that will be an early weigh in, but I have a goal so that is okay.

Saturday's success

2008-02-02T19:15:00.000-05:00

Today was a successful day! I was alloted 1650 calories and I will have used 1607 calories when all is said and done.

For breakfast I had oatmeal(225). Well, today was not a splurge day, but we did have a high calorie lunch. I had a grilled chicken sandwich and fries(902). For dinner, in order to combat the high calorie lunch, I made a tossed salad for dinner(400). It was nice to have the light meal.

Since I had a busy morning and afternoon, I didn't get to exercise until about 5 tonight. I rode the bike for about 8 minutes to warm up. Then I walked on the treadmill for 35 minutes. I know I always complain about it, but my foot is just screaming the last few days. While I am sitting still it is just throbbing. I am trying to ignore it, but it is becoming a bit overwhelming. I hope the warmer weather that is predicted for later this week helps it.

So overall, I had a great meal and stayed within my calories. I think my dessert will be hot chocolate(80) tonight.

TGIF

2008-02-01T19:47:00.000-05:00

I am so glad it is the weekend! I had a successful day on my plan. I was alloted 1500 and I was close with 1535. For breakfast I had cheerios with milk(280). I also had a bit of granola(30). For lunch, I had an individual frozen pizza(410) and some pretzels(100). For dinner I made a new recipe....a wine and sour cream sauce for pork chops, with onions and mushrooms(385). I also had some more bean salad(140). For dessert, I had some Girl Scout cookies(190).

I did my cardio/strength walking workout this morning. This evening I walked the treadmill for another 30 minutes. I kept in motion a lot with my household chores, so I am hoping that combats the extra 30 calories I went over.

I am going to try to wait until Sunday to weigh in, but I might sneak a peek tomorrow.

Thursdays success

2008-01-31T20:03:00.000-05:00

It was an exercise free day for me and that felt nice.

My caloric intake was supposed to be 1700 today. I stayed within my limits. For breakfast I had cinnamin spice oatmeal(200). I treated myself to a coffee coolatta today(170). For lunch I had a greek salad with chicken(500). I had some peanut butter for a quick snack(124). For dinner I had a burrito(260) with sour cream(40) and some olives(50). For dessert I had some popcorn(120) and an ice cream sandwich(140). My total for today was 1584. I am going to keep it at that because some of the food was not all that healthy.

Today was measurement day for me. I am so pleased with my results. I wish I had taken my measurements when I started this program back in September so I could see the total results.
Here are the measurements and the losses--all areas were losses!!
bust: 1.75 inches
waist: 6 inches --couldn't believe it so I measured 3 times!!!
thigh: 1 inch
hips: 1.5 inches
arm: .75 inches
neck: .5 inches

I also measured the area where my bra strap sits but I don't know what to call that(I named it the band area)
band(basically under bust): .5 inches lost

Overall, I lost 12 inches. I am so excited by that!!! I took a good look at myself in the mirror this morning--which is not usually what I like to do while naked---and could really see the difference. I have kind of avoided looking lately so that I would be surprised. I have, of course, checked myself out in clothes, but they do cover up problem areas. I put on a pair of pants that I bought about 2 weeks ago. I had not yet worn them and they are already big enough to pull up and down without undoing the button on the fly. I was so shocked by that. I have lost a lot of inches in the waist area in the last couple of weeks. I know some of it is being toner, but I can see a big difference in that area the most.

I had talked to Sassy about the post pregnancy/c-section belly fat. It is getting better, although it is going to take a long time to try to shrink, even with all of the weight and inch loss. Part of that is the fact that I have been overweight for a long time and part of that is from having a twin pregnancy that completely distended my skin. I will keep on trucking with those 7 minute abs. which I try to do at least 3 times a week.

I also got my bloodwork results from the doctor. My triglycerides are at 260 and shouldn't be over 150. My cholesterol is pretty good--217, should be at 200 or below. I unfortunately have horrible genetics for these two numbers. Both of my parents have high cholesterol and triglycerides. My mom's can be controlled with diet but my dad's can not. He takes medicine. I eat oatmeal at least 4 times a week, fish a few times a week and turkey, chicken or pork the rest of the week. When I told the nurse what I was eating, she said I can't do much more to control it by diet. So she suggested that I start taking a fish oil supplement. So today I started that. I will get a re check on the bloodowork in 6 months. My cholesterol has always been on the higher end of average and with age things have a tendency to get higher. The nurse wasn't that worried about my numbers other than the triglycerides. I am going to do some research myself when I get a chance to see if there is anything else natural that can help. Any suggestions are welcome.

So overall, I had a successful month in the measurement department. I will weigh in this weekend to see how I did in the weight department. I feel really bloated in my fingers the last couple of days so I am a bit concerned.

Wonderful Wednesday

2008-01-30T20:24:00.000-05:00

It was all I could do today to get out of bed to exercise. I hit snooze twice, which is not me at all. I usually just get right out of bed and start my day. I made it though....I rode the bike for 25 minutes and did some strength training for about 10 minutes after that. Tonight I walked on the treadmill for 35 minutes at a decent speed, but not as fast as I usually do. My foot has been hurting the last couple of days so I think tomorrow may have to be a day off. I had planned it as a possible rest day and I think since I haven't skipped in over 2 weeks, I am going to sleep in a little tomorrow morning.

As for my calorie intake today, I changed it to be only 1500 calories. I stayed within my allotment with a total of 1492. For breakfast, I had oatmeal(150). For lunch, I ate a small salad150) and a small amount of chicken salad(150). I also had a chocolate covered pretzel(200). For snack, I had 5m ini egg rolls(225). For dinner, I made fish cakes with cod this time, a bean salad and spinach(total=582). Dessert was a cup of popcorn(35). Overall, I did well today.

Tuesday's success

2008-01-29T18:06:00.001-05:00

I must admit, I ate some chocolate last night after I wrote my blog. So I went over a bit--about 100 on the calories. To help combat this, I reduced today's calories by 100. So I was allotted 1500 today. For breakfast I had honey nut cheerios with milk(265). I had a cookie bar for snack(100). For lunch, I had a salad with half an avocado(300). I had a fruit cup and pretzels for snack(250). For dinner, I took the kids to Applebees since the hubby was on a business trip. I had a Weight Watcher meal that was Cajun Tilapia with rice, bean and corn salsa and steamed veggies. It totaled 310 calories. I also had a piece of bread(100) and a few of the kids fries(100). That leaves me with 75 calories left for the day, which is enough for a cup of hot chocolate--just what I need on such a yucky day.

I exercised this morning with a walk on the treadmill. I thought about exercising this evening again, but I am tired since I went to bed late. I am scheduled to exercise twice tomorrow so that is fine.

I have modified my calorie allotment for the week. I am trying to stay under 12000 total for the week. I will see if I can do it. Tomorrow is another 1500 calorie day and that is tough to have two in a row, but I am trying to have at least 3 1500 calorie days a week on advice from the doctor. I hope it works! I will let you know as the week progresses if I can keep going at the low amount for more than 3 days.

Monday, Monday

2008-01-28T18:52:00.000-05:00

So the week begins with a low cal day. Even though I only had 1400 calories allotted today, I was so busy that it didn't matter that much. I didn't get a chance to eat more than one piece of bacon(40) for breakfast today. For lunch I ate an individual pizza and a few grapes(375 total). I had my afternoon burrito for snack(280). For dinner I had a salad with pretzels and a half an avocado(650). That leaves me at 1345 total for the day. I have been trying to figure out what I can snack on because I am almost sure that I will need a snack to get me through without failure. I may have to go over in calories, but not by much. I am thinking of having a cup of chai tea again because it is only 70 calories. That will give me a total of 1410, which is totally acceptable.

This morning I was running around doing various household chores and playing with my kids. When I got the chance, I turned on an walking video and the kids all did it with me. That was fun!!

Now on to a nice but weird event. Last night at the dinner table, out of the blue, my 6 year old daughter said to me, "Mommy, you look skinnier." I asked her what she meant and she said the same thing. When I asked him later, my husband said he did not tell her to say that. It is the second time that she has mentioned that to me since I have been losing weight. I don't use that word with the kids-"skinny"-- because it seems to have a negative connotation for me. So we use the words, getting healthier, thinner and stronger. It is so interesting to me that she sees changes in me. It makes me feel good to know that she is in tune with me. She also likes to exercise when I do. Last night she wanted to walk the treadmill while my husband rode the bike, so she did for 15 minutes. What great exercise for her!!

Successful Sunday

2008-01-27T19:11:00.001-05:00

Today I was allowed 1500 calories and I stayed completely within my limits at 1390 total for the day. For breakfast I had regular oatmeal(100). At about 11:30 I was hungry but didn't want to eat lunch so I had some cheese crackers(200). For lunch I had a tuna sandwich on wheat with a slice of American cheese(310) and a pickle(20). For my afternoon snack with the kids I had some popcorn(70). For dinner, I made a new Asian stir fry package that we bought the last time we were at Costco. It includes noodles, Chinese veggies and a sauce. It is meant as a side dish, but if you add a protein(in my case chicken) you can make it the main dish. So we had the stir fry(600) and I made some of the mini egg rolls(90). I am definitely going to have a snack later--I think I will treat myself to a cup of chai tea because it relaxes me.

Exercising was not what I wanted to do today, but I managed to ride the bike for 30 minutes after I fed the kids lunch. It felt good, but I just had so many little things to do today that I didn't want to stop that to exercise.

Here is the plan for the upcoming week:
Monday: 1400 cardio and strength
Tuesday: 1600 cardio
Wednesday: 1750 cardio 2x
Thursday: 1500 rest
Friday: 1650 cardio and strength AM/cardio PM
Saturday: 1600 cardio
Sunday: 2500 cardio

I know last week I set an exercise schedule and was not able to stick to it, although I did exercise. So I am going to try to set a plan of exercise for the week and see what happens. I think as long as I exercise and try to get some strength training in, it is a successful week.

This week is a big one for me because I am going to check my measurements. I am almost positive that I will see some changes in the numbers because I see it when I look at myself in the mirror. I also hope to see a change in the number on the scale on Thursday.

As always, here's to a good week!

Sinful Saturday

2008-01-26T22:13:00.000-05:00

Well, today was my splurge day and it was great. For the first time in a long time, I just ate whatever I felt like. I have to admit that on many splurge days I try to estimate what I eat and that has defeated the purpose of a splurge day. I had a roasted pepper, onion and goat cheese sandwich on ciabatta bread. How yummy!! I am so grateful that Sassy brought me to the new restaurant. The cheese fries we shared were great too! Then we spent a nice long time relaxing and being creative while we painted pottery. What a nice day!

The hubby made a plate for me and I had a bit of chicken, leeks and peas for dinner. I am not used to just eating a couple of meals, but I seemed to manage. I am full now though.

I was not intending to exercise today, but I decided to tonight because I felt so full and wanted to walk some of it off. I am going to plan a skip day in my schedule this week for sure but I am not certain which one. I will figure that out tomorrow.

What a great day!! So glad I got to spend it with Sassy!

Frustrating Friday

2008-01-25T20:22:00.000-05:00

Work stunk today because it was so busy, but at least the day flew by and I didn't keep looking at the clock. I got my blood work done this morning and since it was a fasting script, I treated myself to a sausage, egg and cheese bagel afterwards(640). Since that was a lot of calories to use on a 1600 calorie day, I ate a lot of small snacks during the rest of the day. For lunch I had a frozen meal of stir fry in Hunan sauce(270). I also had a package of cookies with it(100). When I got home from work, I had cheese crackers(130) and 2 mini egg rolls(90). I just seem to need a snack to get through at that time of day. For dinner I had a small salad(250) to combat all the snacking. Today I also had 3 hard candies(70).

I did exercise this morning at a good pace for 30 minutes before work. Tonight I also walked for 15 minutes and rode the bike for another 15 minutes after that. I know I keep complaining about the exercise limitations that I have, but I so wish that I had more time in the morning to do a longer workout. Even if I could get 45 minutes in it would be great, but like I have said before, waking up any earlier than 5:15 just won't work for me. The doctor told me that she recommends 30 minutes of exercise a day and it doesn't have to be consecutive. I don't see how that can be as beneficial as doing cardio for 30 minutes at a time. So what I am trying to convince myself is that I am doing the cardio for 30 minutes twice a day so that must be good also, even though I would rather be able to do one long workout.

All in all, I think I had a good day on the plan.

Thursday's test

2008-01-24T20:21:00.000-05:00

Well, another 1500 day and I was successful. For breakfast, I ate a banana and a couple pieces of chocolate(170), I know, not a great breakfast, but my period is playing tricks on me today. For lunch I had a vegetable burrito with sour cream(280). For snack I needed salt to compensate for the chocolate this morning so I had reduced fat cheese crackers(260). For a late afternoon snack I had 4 mini egg rolls(180). For dinner I had whole wheat spaghetti with homemade sauce that had meat, crushed tomatoes and sausage topped with Parmesan cheese(581). So that is a grand total of 1471 calories for the day. I am very happy about that considering all the junky food I ate today.

In the exercise department, I did Leslie Sansone's Walk Way the Pounds for Abs. I worked hard this morning even though I had done that video last week. I went deeper on the squats and side stepping today. It is only a 30 minute video but it is also for strength training so I get the best of cardio and strength all in one. Tonight I rode the bike hard for 30 minutes.

All in all, a good day.

Mid-week success

2008-01-23T19:33:00.000-05:00

Today I allotted myself 1700 calories. That was a higher amount that the last two days so I found it easier. For breakfast I had 3 egg whites on a slice of wheat bread(121) and two pieces of sausage(80). For lunch I had a very small salad(120), pretzels(110) and a home made granola bar(153). For snack I had my usual veggie burrito with a dollop of sour cream(280). I also got carried away and had a few pieces of chocolate(200). For dinner, I had pork with sauce from the other day, creamed spinach, and fries(460). I will have hot chocolate(120) for dessert in a few minutes. That will put my total for the day at 1644.

Today I walked on the treadmill for 50 minutes and did the elliptical trainer for 5 minutes--my foot couldn't take it anymore. I did 5 more minutes of weight lifting. My exercise this week has been a bit messed up, but at least I am getting to it even though it wasn't how I planned. I am just still a bit tired and having period cramps, bloating and pain from lifting my daughter sometimes when she isn't wearing her supportive boot for the fracture.

I think I would classify today as a good day on the program. Tomorrow is a 1500 calorie day. I am planning to be busy tomorrow so that will help me not eat. Instead of working tomorrow I am off and have a job interview in the afternoon. In the morning I intend to bathe the kids and do some chores so I can be active.

Tuesday came and went

2008-01-22T19:55:00.000-05:00

Today really went by quickly, which is great because I am tired. For breakfast I had apple cinnamon oatmeal(150). For snack I had a fruit cup(150). For lunch I had the meal I missed Sunday night, which was pork, fries and green beans(387). For snack I had my favorite veggie burrito(260). For dinner I made a new dish--salmon fish cakes. They were very yummy and I would make them again in a heartbeat. I also had some more green beans for dinner(total=650). Here is the fish cake recipe http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/780
So today my total was 1597, which puts me at 53 calories below my allowed 1650.

As for exercise, I had some foot limitations due to the weather and carrying my daughter around the last couple of days. I was able to walk for 15 minutes. Then I rode the bike for another 15 minutes and I pushed myself to a higher level than I had ever done on the bike before. It felt good. I also did some weight lifting while I rode the bike. I think my exercise plan for the week is just to at least get exercise in and not worry about the strength training vs. cardio since I have the added stress of dealing with my daughter being a little more needy. She is very capable of moving around, but she just seems to want mommy more than usual, which makes me a bit more tired than usual.

Anyway, I think I had a good day on the plan today.

Manic Monday

2008-01-21T19:44:00.001-05:00

So after a long night yesterday that involved a trip to the ER for my daughter--who decided that she should jump off a couch---I managed to stay within my allotment today, which was 1500. For breakfast I had a homemade granola bar(110). For lunch, we treated ourselves and the kids to McDonald's--not the healthiest, but I counted the calories none-the-less. I had a Big Mac and fries(922). Since we had a large lunch, we had salad and a baked potato for dinner(383). So I had a total of 1415 today.

I barely had any energy to exercise, but I managed to get 15 minutes on the treadmill and 15 minutes on the bike just before dinner. I didn't feel like pushing too hard, but I did try the next level up on the bike. I am so tired that I might not be able to wake up tomorrow morning to exercise. I will try, but if not, I will try to exercise twice on Wednesday and Thursday to make up for it. So overall, a decent day considering the exhaustion level.

Since this is a public blog, I was wondering if anyone was reading it. If you are and have any suggestions about how I could make the blog more interesting, informative or inspiring, please feel free to leave a comment. I would love to hear from people who have been through the same process or who are struggling with the same issues that I do. Also, feel free to ask me any questions.

Exhausting but successful day

2008-01-20T23:34:00.000-05:00

So now I am at a total of 36 pounds lost. I ran around all day and didn't sit at all so I am beat. I kept to my calories today--1700. I am actually too tired to write all the numbers down. I will just say I stayed within the limits(actually about 150 calories lower). I also exercised this morning--20 minutes on the bike and 10 on the Elliptical trainer.

My plan for the week is as follows:
M: 1500 --cardio
T: 1650 --cardio 2x with strength in the AM
W: 1700 --cardio 2x
Th:1500 --cardio 2x with strength in the AM
F : 1600 --cardio
S : 3000--cardio
Su:1500--cardio

I have only dropped my calories to 1500 for 3 days this week. I have reduced the overall amount of calories I am intaking for the week. I will see if I can stick to that.

Have a great week!

Fufilling Friday

2008-01-18T20:34:00.001-05:00

Today was a pretty good day. I stayed within my calorie allotment(1625) even though I didn't eat particularly healthy. For breakfast I had a couple bites of my daughter's dry cereal and something else that I didn't write down but the calories totalled 150 so I know it was more than cereal. For lunch I had a burrito(280). For snack I had pretzels and dip(720). I just couldn't stop eating them and I might pay for that in water retention tomorrow. For dinner I had 2 pieces of pepperoni bread(352). That still leaves me with 123 calories left for the day, but I think I am not interested in eating anything else tonight. I will just drink my lemon water instead. I enjoy that every night as a treat instead of the same old plain water.

For exercise, I walked on the treadmill for 40 minutes. I was supposed to do strength training, but I will do that tomorrow with one of my walking videos.

I saw the doctor today and she said I am doing a good job but I might want to lower my calories to 1500. I am not certain that I can do that everyday so I will try to do it a couple times a week. Right now I am going to lessen my intake to 1500 3 times a week. And to 1600 another 2 times a week with one day of 1800 in the middle of the week. I know I was being successful my way, but I will try this for about 2 weeks and see if I can manage it. She also suggest that I eat 6 small meals a day. I kind of do that already. I think I am okay in that department. She was proud of me for what I have done so far and that I am so dedicated. She told me about a book to read and I might look for it in the library the next time I am there. I am going to get some blood work also so that she can check my levels.

An interesting thing she told me was that I should set goals based on percentages instead of pounds. So the goal is to lose 10% of your body weight in 3 months. So for example, if a person weights 170 pounds, he/she needs to set a goal of 17 pounds the first 3 months. This is so that as you lose weight, you are able to lose reasonable amounts instead of thinking you can lose 20 pounds every three months. I am going to have to look at my goal for March and see if what I set out to lose is reasonable.

If I ever have any questions about how I am doing, I feel very comfortable calling her and talking to her now that she knows what I am attempting to do.

A good day

2008-01-17T20:11:00.000-05:00

I had 1750 calories to use today and I was successful with staying in the limits. For breakfast I had a bagel with cream cheese(430). I had a snack this morning--one of my 100 calorie cookie packs. For lunch, I had veggie lasagna and 2 cookies that a co worker had brought in for us today(500). I also had a piece of chocolate candy bar(120) It was nice to have a day off from packing lunch. I had a burrito(260) for snack today. I love those things and they really keep me full until dinner since we eat later these days. For dinner I had a salad(225). I also made soup, but I wasn't hungry after my salad so I didn't eat any soup. I will probably have a bit of popcorn later(75). My total for the day will be 1710.

As for my exercise today, I thought about skipping altogether. I didn't exercise this morning because I needed the sleep. Tonight my foot hurt from the weather so I rode the bike for 20 minutes. I used a higher level than usual. Then I did some strength training and ab work. So overall I worked out for 30 minutes. Not my most stressful workout, but at least I got my heart rate up for a while.

All in all, I had a successful day on the plan!

A better day

2008-01-16T20:14:00.000-05:00

After switching my calories to 1600 today, 1750 tomorrow and 1625 for Friday(so I didn't have 2 1600 days in a row), I was successful. For breakfast I had oatmeal(160) and a coffee coolatta(190). I don't know why I needed to have one of those on one of the coldest mornings so far this winter, but I did. For lunch I had a salad(200). I was hungry when I got home so I had my favorite veggie burrito(260) with sour cream(30). I also had some chocolate chips(110)--I needed the sweet. For dinner, I made burgers, sauteed onions, and left over cauliflower(450). That puts me at a total of 1565 for the day. I ate dinner late tonight so I am hoping that I won't need a snack. I might treat myself to a glass of diet soda later.

In the exercise department, I managed to drag myself out of bed and walk the treadmill at a good pace for about 30 minutes this morning. This evening, I walked for about 35 minutes on the treadmill again.

I must tell you a good thing....I wore a pair of blue dress pants yesterday that I thought I had worn the week before. It turns out that aorund 2PM I noticed they were a bit tight on the button. I went to the bathroom to adjust them and noticed that they were the smaller ones. About 3 weeks ago I couldn't wear those pants without having them feel tight all day. Now they were just a bit of an annoyance later in the day. That felt great!!

Overall, I had a good day on the program. I am still having some upset stomach issues, but I am hopeful that I will be better tomorrow.

Terrible Tuesday

2008-01-15T19:48:00.000-05:00

So I did great in the morning. I managed to get a 30 minute strength workout in with my exercise ball--that is a sight to see because I am not highly coordinated. I had oatmeal(160) for breakfast with a cup of fruit(50). I had a hot chocolate(80) mid-morning. For lunch I had a frozen meal that was Asian pot stickers and rice(260) and a cookie bar(100). I had chips for snack(580) at work. When I got home, I was starving and ate a veggie burrito(260). For dinner, I had steak, oven fried potatoes and green beans. So basically, I went over my calorie allotment by 221 calories. So I switched my 1850 day that I had planned for tomorrow until today. I knew when I got home from work that is what I was going to do since I was so hungry. Tomorrow will be a 1675 day to make up for today's hunger pains. It wasn't that bad of a day, but still, I went over by more than I ever have before. I also managed to exercise for 30 minutes tonight on the treadmill. I hope I do better tomorrow. I am having a need to go off the wagon, but I am trying to wait until Saturday when I get to splurge.

I am wondering if I need to use the fat loss calorie amount instead of the extreme fat loss number. That would give me more calories a week to play with. If I don't use them it would be alright, but at least they would be available. I am going to think about that for next week's plan.

A tough day

2008-01-14T20:49:00.000-05:00

Since I was only allowed 1500 calories today, I thought it might be tough. It turned out to be not that bad after all. For breakfast I had cheerios with milk. For lunch I had a burrito and some chips. For snack I had 4 mini egg rolls. For dinner I had chicken breast in a wine and garlic sauce with mushrooms and broccoli. My total calories equaled 1498. (I am not near my list, so I can't exactly remember my numbers...I just know my total).

I exercised this morning on the treadmill for 20 minutes and then on the elliptical for almost 10, but my foot gave up so I had to stop. This evening I walked for another 30 minutes on the treadmill.

Unfortunately, I had a terrible stomach ache all day and some bathroom issues to go along with it. I am not certain if it is from the milk I had this morning, but whatever it is, it is uncomfortable and has wiped me out. I hope to be able to wake up and exercise before work tomorrow, but if not, I will in the evening.

Satisfying Weekend

2008-01-13T20:05:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a splurge day and I figure I ate about 2500 calories. I didn't eat much in the morning except a few cookies. I ate a snack bar for lunch and for dinner I had a hamburger and fries. I had some chips later on and also a bit of candy. What a great day!! I even got to exercise with a walking and strength video before the craziness of the day began.

Today I was allotted 1750 calories. I didn't even get close for some reason. I think I was so full from yesterday that I didn't need to eat that much today. For breakfast I had a little bit of dried cereal and some orange juice(250). For lunch, I bought a pre-made turkey and cheese sandwich at the supermarket. I estimate it to be about 500 calories. I think that may be high, but better to overestimate. I also ate cheese crisps(100) with it. For snack I tasted the pepperoni bread that my hubby was preparing for a food day at his office. I didn't calculate the calories exactly, but I estimate it to be about 150. For dinner, my hubby made a new recipe. It was pork shoulder with various kinds of peppers and a yummy spice mix. We put it on top of rice with a bot of sour cream. All in all, I calculate my serving to be 491 calories. For dessert, I had no sugar jello with cool whip(75). So overall I had 1566 calories today. I may treat myself to a hot chocolate later(80), but I am pretty full right now.

As for exercise, I managed to get 2 sessions in today. This morning I walked for 40 minutes on the treadmill. Not at my usual speed, which is about 3.3 miles per hour, but at about 2.9 mph. My foot has been mildly irritated this past week and it is slow to recover. It seems to be getting better so I didn't want to stress it too much. This evening, I rode the bike for 10 minutes and then did some strength training. I worked on my abs for a while with my exercise ball. Then I just used some free weights and worked out my arms. In total I exercised for 30 minutes again tonight.

Here is the plan for the upcoming week:
Monday: 1500 cardio in AM & PM
Tuesday: 1650cardio/strength in AM
Wednesday: 1800 cardio AM & PM
Thursday:1650 cardio AM and PM(possible skip day)
Friday: 1700 cardio/strength AM
Saturday: SPLURGE & cardio
Sunday: 1750 & cardio

As I look at last week's goals, I begin to wonder if I am zig-zagging enough. This week, I am going a bit extreme for me and only allowing 1500 calories on Monday, but I want to try to kick start the program this week. I know that I have been successful with higher amounts allowed, but I think I need a lower week this week because next week there will be a couple of luncheons that I am required to go to and will need to have a bit of a higher week than normal. So this week I am aiming for the extreme fat burning amount of calories.

Here's to a good week for everyone!!

Weigh in day

2008-01-12T07:50:00.000-05:00

So I am not as disciplined as Sassy who can weight to weigh in until the last day of the month. I was only able to wait for about 2 weeks. The last time I weighed myself was on Dec. 31st. At that point at had gained back 3 pounds and was at a total of 30 pounds lost--which was my goal. I took measurements that day as well, but I won't retake those until Jan 31st. Although, I know I am shrinking because I can simply see it in the clothes that I am wearing---my shirts are a lot looser all of a sudden.

Today I weighed myself and I have lost the 3 pounds I regained plus I have lost 1.5 more. So I am at a total weight loss of 34.5 pounds. I know some of that weight lost is water retention, but I will take it any way I can :-) That is exciting for me! My goal is still that I would like to be at a total lost of 50 pounds by March 20th. As time marches on, I am not certain that I will be able to lose that much,but I would like to at least try. As I mentioned before, if I get close to that amount I will be happy.

I am going to try not to weigh in until Jan 31st now. I am accustomed to the weekly weigh in so this requires new level of patience for me. It is nice to see the over all results instead of the smaller results though. Now I can enjoy my splurge day!!!

2008-01-11T20:08:00.000-05:00

Today was another run around and do weird things kind of day. I had a million things to do in the house and I got so busy I almost didn't exercise. I decided I better though if I want to weigh in tomorrow. So I finally did walk on the treadmill at a fast rate for a longer period of time. My foot is telling me about that tonight!

As for food, I ate a piece of bacon(35) and grapes(20) for breakfast while I was making the kids theirs'. For lunch, I had 8 mini egg rools(360) and a cookie bar(100). For snack I had some cheese its(200). For dinner I had a chicken thigh(290) that was marinated in Italian dressing and a great side dish--cauliflower, green beans and onions mixed with mayo and topped with cheese. After you steam the cauliflower and cook the bacon, you just melt the cheese in the oven on top of everything. Not a lot of cheese, maybe a quarter cup of cheese for the whole dish. A serving is probaby about 170 calories. I did my best to calculate it exactly, but I didn't measure everything before hand because I was in a rush. Next time I will have to do that. For dessert I had sugar free jello(10) and I got sucked in to having two beautifully baked chocolate chip cookies(170). I just couldn't help myself but they were really good.

I have a ton of calories left over--over 300--because I was alloted 1750 today. I am not hungry for anything else today so I am going to try not to eat since it is already 8:15.

I am looking forward to tomorrow since it is my splurge day. I am hoping to go out to dinner so I can take full advantage of the day.

Trying Thursday

2008-01-10T18:45:00.000-05:00

I had a great morning. I had a small piece of cheese(35) for breakfast just so I could keep the metabolism going. For lunch I had a panini(280) of cheese, spinach and chicken(a Lean Cuisine meal) that was quite yummy. I also had one of my 100 calorie bags of Oreo wafers. I had to pick up something at the supermarket and I passed the apples....I was hungry so I bought a Fuji apple(100). I had a rough afternoon because I was straightening up and found some candy. I indulged and used 200 calories. I will be so glad when the Christmas candy is finally finished. When the kids came home I gave them Cheese Its and I wanted the salt since I had just had chocolate. I counted them out and only ate the correct portion(130). They were the reduced fat kind and they tasted just like the regular kind. The kids didn't know either. For dinner, I will be having stuffed peppers(470). I measured and calculated all of the calories when I was preparing them this morning using my new electronic scale from my hubby. I made 2 for myself and I am also going to have some Spanish rice(260). That puts me at a total of 1575 today and my allotted amount was 1600. A good calorie day even though it wasn't the best with the chocolate and Cheese Its, but that is the beauty of this plan.

For exercise, I did Leslie Sansone's Walking for Abs. It uses strength training to work the abs.
I will be walking the treadmill this evening as well. I was supposed to exercise 2 times today and one other day this week. I actually got to exercise 2 times on 3 different days this week. I worry about walking so late and then not eating until about 8, but it completely cuts out the need or desire for an evening snack. So far, it hasn't hurt me, but I try not to eat so late on a higher calorie day so that the calories don't sit while I am sleeping. I also don't go to sleep until at least 2 hours after I eat. I feel like I may see better results if I am not eating so late, but to be able to exercise 2 times a day is more important since I am still seeing results.

Yesterday I made an appointment with my doctor to have blood work taken and basically just get a physical. I want to talk with her about my plan since I have so much weight to lose. I just want to make sure my levels are all monitored. I know I am doing the right thing with the calorie counting, but I think it is a good idea to just get an overall physical. I think when I have achieved my goal weight/size, I will get another physical to check my levels then.

A regular day

2008-01-09T19:00:00.000-05:00

Wednesdays are usually the same for me...a busier day at work and a larger calorie allotment. I do that on purpose because I am by myself in the office and have a tendency to want to snack. So I figure if I allow for the snacking I won't feel as guilty.

For breakfast I ate raisin spice oatmeal--yuck!!(150) and a fruit cup(50). For snack this morning I had a cookie bar(100). For lunch I had a veggie burrito(260), carrots(35) and a couple of hard candies(65). I needed an afternoon snack today and it was baked tortilla chips with mustard(300). I also ate some mini chocolate candy bars(350) this afternoon and I am not sure why. I think I needed the sweet after the salty chips. Well, I just subtracted my amount from dinner--I basically just cut out the tunafish I was going to have with the salad. I haven't had dinner yet because the hubby and I are going to exercise first. I will have a salad(350) for dinner and probably a hot chocolate(80) later for dessert. That will put my total calories at 1770 for the day.

As for exercise, my foot is still in pain, so walking is all I can do right now. I did walk for 30 minutes this morning at a great pace. I am going to walk on the treadmill for another 30 minutes tonight. I am going to try to do a strength/walking video tomorrow in the morning and walk again at night. I will see how the foot is holding up though.

I intend to weigh in on Saturday before I splurge. I have seen a great difference in my body and the way clothes are fitting this week. I can't wait to take my measurements at the end of the month. A co-worker told me that since she met me last spring she has seen quite a difference in my upper body---meaning that my chest size has decreased and my arms are more tone. I will take any compliment I can get--I need a lot of reinforcement!!

Tuesday's troubles

2008-01-08T19:08:00.000-05:00

For the first time in a long time, I woke up with foot pain so I couldn't exercise at all today. I thought I might take a break, but the foot had the final say. A positive aspect of that problem is that I got to sleep for 45 extra minutes, which was nice. I am still a bit messed up on the days of the week because I worked Monday and I usually don't. At least that means that tomorrow is my last day of work for this week. Then I can catch up on housework--not sure if that is good or work is better ;-)

I stayed within the calories allowed for the day. I was allotted 1600 calories today. For breakfast I treated myself to a V-8(70). They have a little bit of sodium, but I figure that is outweighed by the 2 servings of veggies it contains. I also had a banana(70). For snack I had a nutter butter bar(100). For lunch I had a Lean Cuisine frozen meal that was butternut squash ravioli(350), carrots(35), grapes(68) and Chips Ahoy crisps(100). I am so thankful to my hubby for buying those 100 calorie treats. I enjoy having something sweet during the day and they really hit the spot. When I got home from work, I was hungry again so I had 4 mini egg rolls(180). I figured it was better to have them than any pretzels or chips because they would be more filling since they have veggies in them. For dinner I made salmon topped with pearl onions that came in a cream sauce(210). I also made creamed spinach(100) and green beans(25). For a little treat, I made some muffins and used spray butter on them(260). I am rather full and that is good because I am hoping to stay within the calories and not have a snack later since I am at 1568 calories now and not many things are only 32 calories. I may have a clementine if I get desperate since they are only 35 calories.

All in all, a good day.

Doesn't feel like a Monday

2008-01-07T20:11:00.000-05:00

I don't usually work on Monday's. Today I did and I felt weird all day while I was there. I had a decent food day, even though I felt like I ate a ton. I was allowed 1550 calories and I ate a lot of little meals. For breakfast, I had apple spice oatmeal(130) and a clementine(35). For lunch, I had an odd combo. I had a low calorie Italian vegetable soup(140), a muffin(140), and a light fruit cup(50). When I got home from work I was starving so I had a veggie burrito(280). For dinner I had pork tenderloin with a sesame ginger sauce, a baked potato with light sour cream and carrots that cooked in the crock pot with the pork(334). I had some low fat cookies for dessert(300). So my total is 1409. I am not intentionally trying to have low calorie days below my allotment, but I have made a few changes to my diet that are affecting my caloric intake. Hubby and I have made a conscious effort to lower the fat intake in our diets. This means more veggies than before, which leads to fewer calories.

As for my exercise today, I did follow my plan. I did Kathy Smith's walking and strength DVD this morning. It is a tough one for my foot and I did it this past weekend too so I am in some significant pain today. I did manage to walk the treadmill for another 30 minutes this evening. I didn't walk the fastest that I could, but that is because my foot is not up to par. I am going to play it by ear to determine if I can exercise tomorrow. My guess is no, but I am not ruling it out completely yet.

A Wonderful Weekend

2008-01-06T19:23:00.000-05:00

Saturday I was allotted 1900 calories. I had a granola bar for breakfast and a chicken salad sandwich for lunch. That left me 1300 calories for my dinner out with hubby. For dinner, we went to the Library II and I felt like I ate like a queen. I had the salad bar, a shrimp cocktail, a baked potato and a slice of bread with butter. For dessert we split a piece of cream cheese pound cake. That totaled 1321(I calculated as best I could and added a few calories if I wasn't sure) That put me at 1921 for the day. Not bad considering I ate out and enjoyed myself. I think the salad bar was what helped because I know how much a cup of lettuce is and a cup of broccoli and so forth. Yesterday I tried a new walking video that I got for Christmas by Kathy Smith. It has a 30 minute walking section that also gives a little strength workout(I used 2 lb weights). Then there was another 10 minute "power" section where we didn't use weights, but just pushed the walking a bit. My legs felt it today.

As for today, I was allowed 1700 calories. I had a couple bites of my daughter's French toast(100). For lunch, I had a vegetable burrito with lite sour cream(280). I had an Oreo bar(100)while I was out food shopping. For dinner I had chicken drumsticks that were grilled and brushed with a bit of barbecue sauce(250). I also had salad again(200). I had a couple of homemade chocolate chip cookies(200). That puts me at a total of 1180 calories for the day. I keep thinking I am missing something and that is why my total is so low, but I didn't. I am going to have a snack later, but I haven't figured out what yet. I doubt I will get to 1700 calories today, but that is alright I guess. As for exercise, I only walked about 33 minutes today. I wasn't motivated, but I got my butt in gear and walked hard anyway.

Here is this week's schedule:
Monday: 1550 and exercise twice: 1xwalking with strength and 1xtreadmill
Tuesday: 1600 and possibly skip exercise
Wednesday: 1800 and cardio
Thursday: 1600 strength and cardio(exercise 2x)
Friday: 1750 and cardio
Saturday: 3000 and cardio with strength
Sunday: 1750 and cardio

I didn't skip any days of exercise this week, but I am thinking that I may skip Tuesday since I have exercised for about 10 days in a row without a break. I think that seems to work for me--to exercise for 10 days and then take a break. It has been almost 2 weeks since I weighed in and I am curious so I may weigh tomorrow, but I am going to try not to so that I can see larger results---hopefully--at the end of the month!!

Here's to a good week!

Filling Friday

2008-01-04T21:23:00.000-05:00

So I realized that it was 10am before I actually got dressed--into my workout clothes. It was one of those mornings that just flew by. I did get to sleep until about 7:30, which really energized me since I went to bed at 11:30. For breakfast I had a 100 calorie Nabisco cookie bar. My hubby got me a box of those from Costco for my stocking stuffer since he knew I could get more enjoyment out of them than a piece of candy here and there. The box consists of Oreo bars, chocolate chip cookie bars and Nutter Butter Bars. For only 100 calories, that is a nice treat instead of oatmeal or a granola bar sometimes. I had a strange lunch too since I was trying to use up some leftovers. I had a hot chocolate, 3 pirogi with light sour cream, a serving of fries with ketchup leftover from the other day and a fruit cup(total =410). I had some bologna for snack(270). For dinner, I had a turkey croquette with gravy and green beans(523). For dessert I had popcorn(75). It seems to me that I ate a lot today, but it was a lot of little things so I still only consumed a total of 1553 out of my allotted 1600 calories.

In the exercise department, I did well. I did a "circuit" of sorts in my basement this morning. I did the elliptical trainer for 10 minutes, then the bike for 10 minutes and then the treadmill for 12 minutes. I also walked on the treadmill this evening for 45 minutes. My foot is a little tired from the 5 workouts in 3 days, but the rest of me feels good!! I know I was supposed to use the exercise ball today, but I just wasn't in the mood. I think I will do it this weekend though because I do enjoy it.

Well, over all, I am full today and happy with my achievements today--in the exercise department. Here's to a great weekend!!

A long day

2008-01-03T20:12:00.000-05:00

For some reason, I am so tired today. I think I am dragging from the lack of sleep the other night. I stayed within the plan of 1800 calories even though I ate weird items. For breakfast I had a bagel with lox cream cheese(415). For lunch I had a frozen lunch(220), a clementine(35) and some candy(165). I needed a snack this afternoon so I sauteed a couple of pirogi and I had some cheese crackers(total 380). For dinner I had a turkey burger and broccoli(200). I am going to have some dessert in a few minutes(when the kids go to bed), but I will be careful to stay within the 260 calories I have left.

The plan was to exercise twice today, but I did that yesterday so I decided to sleep for an extra 45 minutes this morning and walk the treadmill with the hubby tonight. When I exercise with him I usually walk longer. Today I walked for 46 minutes and I did some weight lifting while I walked to do a bit of strength training. Tomorrow I get to sleep until at least 7 so I will be more rested and I can do the exercise ball(30 minutes) along with some cardio for 30 minutes.

Overall, I think it was a good day on the program. I hope to have another good day tomorrow since it is only a 1600 calorie day and I am home with the kids, which sometimes makes it harder on me. I will try my best!!

A successful day

2008-01-02T20:21:00.001-05:00

Today I was allotted 1500 calories---the lowest I have ever done so far on this plan. I am proud to say that got pretty close to sticking to it. For breakfast, I had regular oatmeal and 2 stalks of celery(120). For lunch I had a frozen meal of pasta primevera and a clementine(255). I had a piece of chocolate for dessert(55). I had a fruit cup and hot chocolate for an afternoon snack(130). For dinner I had some lean steak stir fried with squash, bell pepper, onions and various yummy spices(601). For dessert, I had popcorn (90) and some more chocolate to finish my allotment. So my total for the day was 1551. The chocolate from Christmas is just so tempting to me.

Exercising this morning was a huge chore. Actually, the exercising wasn't so much of the chore as waking up was since I had about 4.5 hours of sleep. Between the kids and the dog it was a busy night. Everyone is fine, but I am just so tired. So I managed to drag myself out of bed and do Leslie Sansone's Walking for Abs-2 miles this morning. It is a walking and strength video. This evening I walked again on the treadmill for another 30 minutes.

So even though I went over the limit, I was able to exercise twice to help combat that overage. All in all, I had a good day and stayed busy. I have changed the allowance for tomorrow to 1800 and Friday to 1600. I thought that was better zig zagging since I have a 1900 calorie day on Saturday.

A New Start

2008-01-01T09:49:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year Everyone!!

I weighed in yesterday and I was up by 2 pounds, but I know that it is mostly because of salt so I am willing to accept that it will take a couple of days of non holiday food to purge my body of the bloated feeling. For me, it is actually easier to not be at home and have diet success. If I am at work I am more distracted and not as quick to grab a snack. My goal is to be rid of the excess weight by Sunday and basically start again with the 33 pounds lost.

I also took measurements of myself yesterday. I didn't do that when I started dieting in July so I thought I would at least start now. I have been seeing such differences in my size in clothes and bras that I wanted to keep track of it officially. I will measure myself as Sassy does, once a month. I am also going to try to stay away from the scale on a weekly basis and just weigh in every 2 weeks. I don't know if that will work for me because I am really motivated by the weekly weigh in. Another change that I am going to make--actually go back to--is to drink more water. I have been drinking about 10 glasses a day, but I am going to try to drink 12 every couple of days to see if that works.

New Year's Eve was a successful splurge day for me. I enjoyed eating whatever I wanted to the hilt!! I even had a real soda, which is rare for me. We rang in the New Year at a friend's house so there were yummy snacks and a bit of wine. Unfortunately I am feeling the results of the splurge today with my bloated fingers and a full tummy.

Here is the plan for the rest of the week:
Tuesday: 1700 cardio
Wednesday: 1500 cardio with strength
Thursday: 1600 cardio
Friday: 1700 cardio with strength
Saturday: 1900 cardio
Sunday: 1700 cardio

I will need a rest day this week, but I haven't picked one yet. I would like to exercise 2 times on Thursday, but I am not sure I can schedule wise so I will see what happens.

Here's to a great year of health, prosperity and happiness!!

Sunday's semi success

2007-12-30T20:13:00.000-05:00

I intended to eat well today and I think I did alright overall. I started off with a chocolate covered pretzel for breakfast--not the healthiest, I know. For lunch, I had half a turkey sandwich with tomato and mayonnaise. For dinner, I noshed on various snacks at the open house. I had 3 small chicken wings with dressing, a little spinach dip on toasted herb pita bread, a very small piece of cheesecake, and a piece of toasted french bread with roasted onion, prosciutto and goat cheese---that was my favorite. I came home and attempted to add up all of the calories from the snacks. I think I stayed within my 1000 calorie allowance, but I can't be sure. I came pretty close. I didn't drink any soda or alcoholic beverages, just water so I wouldn't waste calories on drinks. I figure I am going to have a couple drinks on New Year's eve since that is my splurge day. I am really going to treat myself tomorrow to celebrate all the progress I have made, even if I am above where I was a week ago when I weigh in tomorrow morning. I did exercise for a little more than 40 minutes again today.

So overall, a good day but I am not certain if all of the snack type foods will be good for the salt retention that has been going on with me. I tried to stay away from the saltier items, but I am so sensitive I can never tell what will affect me.

Either way, I wore a new shirt and bra today and when I rang the bell of my friend's house, she took one look at me and asked me where I was going. She hadn't seen me in about 2.5 weeks and she said I looked great. That is funny because the last time I saw her she said nothing. It made me feel really good and confident! I am off to the store tomorrow to buy another one of these bras because it makes me look thinner!!

What a day!

2007-12-29T20:04:00.000-05:00

Today was one of those days when I felt like all I did was drive around. After karate this morning, we ran to the supermarket and then to the rehab center in Cranbury where my grandpa is staying right now. We brought lunch(turkey salad sandwich with fruit and pretzels-725). We stayed there for a couple of hours and came home around 3. I had some candy for snack(400). I sat down on the couch for a few minutes around 4 because I was just so wiped out. I didn't sleep well at all last night because I had a headache. I took ibuprofen around 12:30 and that allowed me to fall asleep, but I woke up at 6 and couldn't really get back to sleep because I was in pain. So between the lack of sleep and just being tired from the busy week, I decided to take my once a month nap. I slept for about 15 minutes in 5 minute clips because the kids kept coming over and talking to me. I don't know why they don't really think I am sleeping if my eyes are closed and I am laying on the couch. Anyway, I got up at 4:30 and exercised for about 42 minutes on the treadmill. That did energize me for a while. We made sesame-ginger marinated pork chops and salad with dressing for dinner(373). I had hot chocolate also(80).

I was originally supposed to have an 1800 calorie day, but I decided to make it only 1700 since I have been feeling bloated the last couple of days. I left tomorrow at 1800 since we have an open house tomorrow afternoon. I intend to eat lightly during the day so I can save some room/calories for some nice snack foods at the open house.

Filling Friday

2007-12-28T19:35:00.000-05:00

I stayed within the my calorie allotment today(1700), but I did not exercise. It had been over a week since I took a day off and my body needed a rest. I made myself busy organizing and cleaning so at least I was moving around. I did also manage a quick trip to a couple of stores. I had to make a return in one store and I got to shop in the other store. I love shopping at Kohl's!! I got a great new shirt(XL!), a new purse, wallet and a smaller size bra for only $26. What a great deal!!

As for my eating today, I did pretty well. For breakfast I had maple and brown sugar oatmeal(160). For lunch I had a bologna and cheese sandwich on wheat bread with mustard and a small tomato with salad dresing(532). For snack I had some pieces of chocolate covered pretzels(200). For dinner I made a great sausage spaghetti sauce topped with a bit of parmasan cheese(741).

Since I woke up this morning, I have felt very swollen in my fingers. I know I must be retaining some salt, but I don't usually feel this bloated for so many days. I am hoping that when I weigh in on Monday that I will not be over due to many moderately high calorie days in a row. I just hope to break even.

Another trying day

2007-12-27T22:07:00.000-05:00

I find that when I am home with the kids and hubby, I have less ability to be good on the plan. Even so, I stayed true to it and myself today. I had no time for breakfast so I had an early lunch that was turkey salad on wheat bread(440). For snack I had a couple chocolate covered pretzels(300). For dinner, I had a slice and a half of pizza(450) and a quarter of a sandwich(250). For the rest of my calories I had some candy flavored popcorn(460) which was yummy!!! I did treat my self to a diet soda today, but no harm done because it has zero calories.

I exercised on the treadmill but only for 32 minutes because my foot is quite achy today. We did run around like maniacs today so maybe some of the extra running I did helped shake off some calories.

Tomorrow is a lower calorie day this week, but I have already planned out my meals for breakfast and dinner so I should be alright.

A Weary Wednesday

2007-12-26T19:50:00.000-05:00

I had a great splurge day yesterday. I ate all kinds of nice snacks during the day. For dinner, I ate mostly salad. I also had some yummy food that Mama Leone made. Thanks!! Dessert was great too with a piece of Sassy's chocolate cheesecake.

Today was a 1700 calorie day and I did a good job. Breakfast was cereal with milk(300). Lunch was sushi(400). I had a snack of baked cheddar crackers and a chocolate pretzel(200). Dinner was a Christmas Eve repeat(534). I will be having a hot chocolate and a piece of candy later to finish off my calories allowed.

I tried a new kind of exercise today. I used an exercise ball that my hubby gave me and it was really fun. It was a bit tough, but it felt good. So I did do a bit of strength training(30 min) even though I didn't want to at all!!

Hope to continue doing well this week!

Christmas Eve dinner success

2007-12-24T19:34:00.000-05:00

When I figured out my calories for the week, I neglected to remember that we would be having something of a more caloric dinner tonight than usual. Although, when it comes down to it, the amount of calories I had for dinner was actually less than normal. I think that is because I really made a lo cal side dish to go with the other items.

I allotted 1700 calories total for today and I managed to stay close with a total of 1752. For breakfast I had egg whites on wheat toast(193). For lunch I had taquitos(465) and 2 chocolate covered pretzels(300). I had some regular pretzels in the afternoon(110). For dinner I made ham, creamed spinach( a healthy, lo carb version), parsley potatoes and pineapple(534). Then for dessert I had one more chocolate covered pretzel(150). Those things are deadly for me to have around, but at least I am being honest and counting them in my daily allotment.

As for exercise today, I didn't want to do the walking/strength tape today so I just walked for 35 minutes on the treadmill. I am going to regret all the pretzels I had today because they are full of salt. I have made sure to drink more water than normal today to try to flush some of the salt out before I feel swollen in the fingers. My other problem is that I am beginning to feel bloated because I am getting my period in the next day or two.

Tomorrow is a 2600 calorie day for me, so I am going to try to eat lighter in the morning/early afternoon so I can enjoy the wonderful dinner that Mama Leone will be making.

Merry Christmas everyone!!

A Surprise

2007-12-23T09:06:00.001-05:00

I was stepping on my scale to balance it(we have a semi-professional scale) because the kids had bumped it by mistake and I got a surprise. I had lost another .5 pounds. So either it wasn't balanced properly Friday(which is what I think) or I lost .5 pounds since then(I doubt it) I guess it doesn't really matter. Now my total is 33 pounds lost!!!

My splurge day was excellent because Sassy made wonderful pizza and a great onion dip! Today will be relaxing and I have a 1750 calorie day ahead of me. Breakfast will be egg whites with toast (240). Dinner will be left over turkey(260) and some salad(165) so that will be pretty low calorie. I don't know what lunch will be but I am left with 1145 calories for the day so that will be plenty. I am going to exercise for about 40 minutes today on the treadmill.

This week's plan:
Monday: 1700 and cardio with strength(my walking video) & abs
Tuesday: 2600 and cardio
Wednesday: 1750 and cardio & abs
Thursday: 1900 and cardio with strength & abs
Friday: 1700 and cardio
Saturday: 1800 and cardio & abs
Sunday: 1800 and cardio

Since it is a vacation week for everyone in my house, I am trying to be a bit more generous with the calories on a daily basis instead of having a splurge day. My next splurge day will by on New Year's Eve so in the mean time I am just keeping the calories a little higher on some of the days when we have things planned. I hope it works out and that I am able to maintain my weight loss. I am not worried about losing weight this week at all, just as long as I can maintain I will be thrilled!!

Frantic Friday

2007-12-21T19:51:00.001-05:00

Well, today I ran around like a nut and it didn't involve any holiday shopping. It was one of those days when I had a million errands to run and a short amount of time to do them in. That can be good and bad for dieting. It can be bad because I don't always drink enough while I am out for fear that I will have to use the public bathrooms a million times. It can be good because I don't carry much cash and I won't buy lunch while I am out or have a snack if I am low on cash. Today I was out between 10 and 12:15 so that is usually a non snacking time unless I am at work.

My calorie allotment for the day was 1650. I went over by 50, which isn't that bad, but I don't like it when I go over. For breakfast I had cereal with milk(285). For lunch I had peanut butter and jelly on wheat bread with chips(550). For dinner I had leftover chili topped with some cheddar cheese and a couple of garlic knots(795). What put me over was the 2 cookies I had from the neighbor who brought over a tray of homemade cookies(70). Oh well, I think it wasn't that bad of an overage.

I did walk on the treadmill for only about 30 minutes today. My foot is in terrible pain due to the weather so I had to stop. I will try tomorrow to use the bike so there is less pressure on my foot.

This morning I had time to weigh in after I exercised. I lost 2.5 pounds this week. That is a total of 32.5 pounds since I began in mid July. I have noticed a significant change in how I look and am very happy with my progress. I am only 18 pounds away from my March goal now!!!

Trying Thursday

2007-12-20T19:07:00.000-05:00

Well, the diet was not the best today, but I stayed within my 1700 calorie allotment so not all is lost. I ate a total of 1662 calories today. For breakfast I had honey nut cheerios with milk(265). There were so many snacks around today and I decided to indulge. I had some candy(150) and chocolate(90) in the late morning. For lunch I had a frozen meal of potatoes and broccoli in cheese(220) and more chocolate(180). For dinner I had a salad, wheat toast with butter and pretzels(677). Dessert was a hot chocolate(80).

I decided to rest and not exercise today because I hadn't taken a rest in about 10 days.

Overall, not a bad day even though it wasn't the healthiest. I did eat some veggies, but no protein. At least I stayed within the calories planned.

On a clothing note, the shirt I wore today is too big which is another good feeling.

I intend to weigh in tomorrow if I get a chance or Saturday morning. I think my weekly weigh in should be before my splurge day so I get a truer measurement.

What a Wednesday!

2007-12-19T20:33:00.000-05:00

Well, I was tired again today, but I persevered. I rode my bike for 20 minutes this morning. This evening I walked on the treadmill for a little over 30 minutes. I kept the pace higher than normal tonight also.

I kept well within my calories today and even had a special lunch. For breakfast I had Maple and brown sugar oatmeal(160). I was given some chocolate(230) as part of a gift today and I decided to eat it since I had a higher calorie day(1800 total allowed). For lunch I ordered a Greek salad from this great little place across from work. The salad is made with a spring mix, feta cheese, olives, roasted red peppers and it is topped with a great balsamic vinaigrette. I calculated the salad to be a total of 500. I think that may be high, but I have to estimate the salad dressing based on other name brands. It is a homemade dressing, but I don't know the exact measurements. I had some "eat smart" chips for 100 calories. Dinner was only tomatoes, cucumbers, olives and some salad dressing(220) since it was almost 8PM until I got to eat. I am going to have some popcorn with butter(260) for snack in a few minutes. My total for the day is 1730.

I have decided that I need to take a bit of a break and not exercise tomorrow morning. I might take a rest altogether tomorrow since I haven't taken a break in about 10 days. I am going to try to exercise tomorrow night, but if I am too tired then I will try not to feel guilty about it. I really hope that I am not getting sick for the holiday week.