Weigh-in, lost 2.6 pounds.
After being under the weather for awhile, I am forcing myself to get back into my workout routine. The past couple of weeks I have only gone to the gym an average of two times per week. I usually like to go 3-4 times per week and I really felt the effects on Monday morning. I tackled my usual workout only to find that my heart rate was a bit higher than normal and I was struggling with my speed. Yesterday was better, but I need to commit myself in preparation for ski season!
I went to Weight Watchers to weigh in today, but didn't stay for the meeting. My leader (Amy) was going over the program with a mother and daughter and I could tell they were skeptical. They told Amy they needed to really think about what $40 per month really gets them before committing. When Amy stepped away, they asked me about my experience and I really think I inspired them to sign up--what an awesome feeling. As I was leaving, Amy suggested that I think about becoming a leader myself someday. Food for thought!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Wednesday, December 15th
Weigh-in, lost 2.2 pounds.
When I plugged in my loss on the Weight Watchers website this week, the warning returned about how I am losing weight too quickly. I noticed that my average weekly loss is 1.4 pounds--well within the 1-2 pound healthy range. Upon further investigation, I figured out that I am receiving those warnings because I am still a nursing mom. I talked to my doctor before starting the program, so I feel okay about ignoring these warnings from now on.
Healthy behaviors to report this week that contributed to my loss...nothing out of the ordinary. I have been battling a cold, so I actually skipped 2 workouts at the gym. I also had a great splurge dinner with my fellow MAC artists at Buca di Beppo on Sunday night to celebrate the holidays. Other than that, I try to make good choices when I have to grab fast food. Subway is always the best, but variety is the spice of life. I order a plain double cheeseburger at McDonalds from time to time (no fries, just a diet coke). A bean burrito and classic taco at Del Taco also tops the list of favorites for me.
Today at my Weight Watchers meeting, my leader asked me to comment on the new Points Plus program since I have been consistent in my weight loss lately. I really think she choose the wrong person to speak! I admitted to the group that I haven't been tracking and I just repeat meals that worked for me on the old program. She challenged me to track the points of the meals that work using the new system, but I just don't think it will happen until I have a bad week at the scale. She continued to say that the group of people who are not embracing the new program will end up splitting off from the others and there will be division in our meetings. Geez! I will give it some more thought.
When I plugged in my loss on the Weight Watchers website this week, the warning returned about how I am losing weight too quickly. I noticed that my average weekly loss is 1.4 pounds--well within the 1-2 pound healthy range. Upon further investigation, I figured out that I am receiving those warnings because I am still a nursing mom. I talked to my doctor before starting the program, so I feel okay about ignoring these warnings from now on.
Healthy behaviors to report this week that contributed to my loss...nothing out of the ordinary. I have been battling a cold, so I actually skipped 2 workouts at the gym. I also had a great splurge dinner with my fellow MAC artists at Buca di Beppo on Sunday night to celebrate the holidays. Other than that, I try to make good choices when I have to grab fast food. Subway is always the best, but variety is the spice of life. I order a plain double cheeseburger at McDonalds from time to time (no fries, just a diet coke). A bean burrito and classic taco at Del Taco also tops the list of favorites for me.
Today at my Weight Watchers meeting, my leader asked me to comment on the new Points Plus program since I have been consistent in my weight loss lately. I really think she choose the wrong person to speak! I admitted to the group that I haven't been tracking and I just repeat meals that worked for me on the old program. She challenged me to track the points of the meals that work using the new system, but I just don't think it will happen until I have a bad week at the scale. She continued to say that the group of people who are not embracing the new program will end up splitting off from the others and there will be division in our meetings. Geez! I will give it some more thought.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Wednesday, December 8th
Weigh-in, lost 2 pounds.
I had a good week. When I plugged in my loss this week using e-tools on the Weight Watchers website, it finally deleted the warning that I was losing weight too quickly and to contact my doctor to make it slow down. I don't think my healthy loss has anything to do with the new Points Plus system, though. I had really good intentions of tracking points using all the new values, but it just didn't happen for me. Instead, I continued to eat exactly the way I have been for several months now and figured it would probably work itself out--and it did. I am sure that I will have a bad week at some point and I know that I will return to the basics--track points and activity to get back in check.
By the way, I was craving tamales in the worst way and decided to splurge before checking points values for them. I was really surprised to find that they really aren't bad for you at all and that they are relatively low in points!
I had a good week. When I plugged in my loss this week using e-tools on the Weight Watchers website, it finally deleted the warning that I was losing weight too quickly and to contact my doctor to make it slow down. I don't think my healthy loss has anything to do with the new Points Plus system, though. I had really good intentions of tracking points using all the new values, but it just didn't happen for me. Instead, I continued to eat exactly the way I have been for several months now and figured it would probably work itself out--and it did. I am sure that I will have a bad week at some point and I know that I will return to the basics--track points and activity to get back in check.
By the way, I was craving tamales in the worst way and decided to splurge before checking points values for them. I was really surprised to find that they really aren't bad for you at all and that they are relatively low in points!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Wednesday, December 1st
Weigh-in, lost .4 lbs.
(I weighed in last week at Weight Watchers, but did not attend the meeting. Lost zero, gained zero)
Today was total chaos at my Weight Watchers meeting with the introduction of the Point Plus program. It was standing room only and I just wanted to get out of there as fast as possible and review the new materials on my own. I had some extra time at the pickup lane at Logan and Aidan's preschool and pretty much figured out that food items have higher points now, but the daily allowance has also increased to account for it. The main difference is that all fruits and most veggies now have a point value of 0. In all honesty, I never really counted points for fruits anyway (especially since I don't care for bananas, which used to have a high value).
Speaking of not counting points, I've been guilty of this for numerous weeks. I think I have a good idea of the types of foods I can typically eat while losing weight, while being able to occasionally splurge and treat myself. Starting tomorrow, I am going to challenge myself to track points using the new system online for the first time in quite awhile. I am curious to see if I will be able to tell a difference in my weight loss or not.
And to finally comment on my weight loss with Thanksgiving...I feel good about losing .4 lbs, but I am also ready to have an outstanding weight loss week again. I had lots of splurges last week--popcorn at the movie theater with my twins, Thanksgiving dinner, and I even had 1/2 of a bacon cheeseburger at Chili's with a few fries. But, I was also relentless at the gym. On Thanksgiving morning, I did over an hour of cardio--20 minutes on the elliptical, 20 minutes on the treadmill, 20 minutes on the bike.
(I weighed in last week at Weight Watchers, but did not attend the meeting. Lost zero, gained zero)
Today was total chaos at my Weight Watchers meeting with the introduction of the Point Plus program. It was standing room only and I just wanted to get out of there as fast as possible and review the new materials on my own. I had some extra time at the pickup lane at Logan and Aidan's preschool and pretty much figured out that food items have higher points now, but the daily allowance has also increased to account for it. The main difference is that all fruits and most veggies now have a point value of 0. In all honesty, I never really counted points for fruits anyway (especially since I don't care for bananas, which used to have a high value).
Speaking of not counting points, I've been guilty of this for numerous weeks. I think I have a good idea of the types of foods I can typically eat while losing weight, while being able to occasionally splurge and treat myself. Starting tomorrow, I am going to challenge myself to track points using the new system online for the first time in quite awhile. I am curious to see if I will be able to tell a difference in my weight loss or not.
And to finally comment on my weight loss with Thanksgiving...I feel good about losing .4 lbs, but I am also ready to have an outstanding weight loss week again. I had lots of splurges last week--popcorn at the movie theater with my twins, Thanksgiving dinner, and I even had 1/2 of a bacon cheeseburger at Chili's with a few fries. But, I was also relentless at the gym. On Thanksgiving morning, I did over an hour of cardio--20 minutes on the elliptical, 20 minutes on the treadmill, 20 minutes on the bike.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Wednesday, November 17th
Weigh-in, lost 3.4 pounds.
I feel good about my loss this week. I skipped my Friday workout to have lunch with an old friend and felt like it was totally worth it. But, I have to say that I take scheduling my time at the gym pretty seriously. In fact, my mom has told me that I am addicted to exercise more than once now. I don't think I am truly addicted to the activity, but I do believe that my workouts heavily influence my results at the scale. So, it would be more accurate to say that I am addicted successful numbers?
I think I should mention that when I am finished with my workouts, I am not necessarily thinking about losing weight. I also workout to prepare myself for ski season. I want to be able to really perform on the runs like I did two years ago, pre-Rylan pregnancy. Skiing is something I truly love and I need to prepare my body so that I can enjoy it this year. My husband and I have made skiing a dating activity in the past, but I am also really looking forward to enjoying the slopes with my boys in the future. I want to be healthy and fit not only for myself, but also for my family.
I feel good about my loss this week. I skipped my Friday workout to have lunch with an old friend and felt like it was totally worth it. But, I have to say that I take scheduling my time at the gym pretty seriously. In fact, my mom has told me that I am addicted to exercise more than once now. I don't think I am truly addicted to the activity, but I do believe that my workouts heavily influence my results at the scale. So, it would be more accurate to say that I am addicted successful numbers?
I think I should mention that when I am finished with my workouts, I am not necessarily thinking about losing weight. I also workout to prepare myself for ski season. I want to be able to really perform on the runs like I did two years ago, pre-Rylan pregnancy. Skiing is something I truly love and I need to prepare my body so that I can enjoy it this year. My husband and I have made skiing a dating activity in the past, but I am also really looking forward to enjoying the slopes with my boys in the future. I want to be healthy and fit not only for myself, but also for my family.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Wednesday, November 10th
Weigh-in, lost .2 pounds. Yes, that is POINT 2.
First, I suppose I should talk about the things that went wrong this week. I went out to dinner with friends two times, which is definitely one time too many. I also changed up my cardio routine a little by trying out a new elliptical machine. A friend at work told me that she burned significantly more calories by using the elliptical with the yellow pedals at Lifetime. I have always avoided those because they are crowded, but decided to give it a try. She was right--I did burn more calories, but the sensation was also completely different. Instead of feeling like I was jogging and sprinting, I felt like I was climbing.
Speaking of crowded machines, I am going to take a moment to vent about gym etiquette. Nothing annoys me more than when someone hops on the elliptical machine next to me when there is a row of the same machine available. Why do this? Are we supposed to motivate each other? Unless we are personal friends, I would prefer to have space...even just one machine between us, please. Also, no matter how proud you are of your body, please put a shirt on over your sports bra.
Okay, back to my tiny loss this week. I am really not that upset over it since I had two huge weeks prior to this. Plus, something FANTASTIC happened. I am officially back into my pre-pregnancy Lucky jeans! I think that is even better than a 2 pound loss. :)
First, I suppose I should talk about the things that went wrong this week. I went out to dinner with friends two times, which is definitely one time too many. I also changed up my cardio routine a little by trying out a new elliptical machine. A friend at work told me that she burned significantly more calories by using the elliptical with the yellow pedals at Lifetime. I have always avoided those because they are crowded, but decided to give it a try. She was right--I did burn more calories, but the sensation was also completely different. Instead of feeling like I was jogging and sprinting, I felt like I was climbing.
Speaking of crowded machines, I am going to take a moment to vent about gym etiquette. Nothing annoys me more than when someone hops on the elliptical machine next to me when there is a row of the same machine available. Why do this? Are we supposed to motivate each other? Unless we are personal friends, I would prefer to have space...even just one machine between us, please. Also, no matter how proud you are of your body, please put a shirt on over your sports bra.
Okay, back to my tiny loss this week. I am really not that upset over it since I had two huge weeks prior to this. Plus, something FANTASTIC happened. I am officially back into my pre-pregnancy Lucky jeans! I think that is even better than a 2 pound loss. :)
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Wednesday, November 3rd
Weigh-in, lost 4 lbs
I'm a little surprised at my success this week. I really thought I had done some things wrong and prepared myself for a bad week at the scale. First, I had two slices of Papa Murphy's Jackolantern pizza and one breadstick with the boys on Thursday night. Then, I had a plain cheeseburger at Sonic on Saturday night after Trunk or Treat. I also indulged in one fun-size Heath and split a fun-size Kit Kat with Aidan on Halloween. You might be thinking that I must have gotten my workouts in, but I skipped Friday to go to Anderson Farms with the family.
I am really going to try to not let this go to my head this week as I think about healthy meals and getting my workouts scheduled.
I'm a little surprised at my success this week. I really thought I had done some things wrong and prepared myself for a bad week at the scale. First, I had two slices of Papa Murphy's Jackolantern pizza and one breadstick with the boys on Thursday night. Then, I had a plain cheeseburger at Sonic on Saturday night after Trunk or Treat. I also indulged in one fun-size Heath and split a fun-size Kit Kat with Aidan on Halloween. You might be thinking that I must have gotten my workouts in, but I skipped Friday to go to Anderson Farms with the family.
I am really going to try to not let this go to my head this week as I think about healthy meals and getting my workouts scheduled.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
October 27th
Weigh-in, lost 3 pounds.
I've been back from vacation, but it is official since I weighed in at a Weight Watchers meeting today after 2 weeks off. I am happy with my loss considering I had prepared myself for a gain after all my indulgences. For those wondering how on earth I was able to lose weight while eating fattening food, I really think I have to credit my workouts. I utilized a couple of Lifetime locations while in Dallas and hoped it would counteract my meal choices and it worked out for me.
Speaking of working out in Dallas, I really enjoyed it! I would step on the elliptical or bike and I felt like I had super powers. I was able to cover crazy distances in short periods of time and it occurred to me that it is due to the lack of altitude. Since being back in Denver, I have increased my level on the elliptical and I am back to being challenged.
I've been back from vacation, but it is official since I weighed in at a Weight Watchers meeting today after 2 weeks off. I am happy with my loss considering I had prepared myself for a gain after all my indulgences. For those wondering how on earth I was able to lose weight while eating fattening food, I really think I have to credit my workouts. I utilized a couple of Lifetime locations while in Dallas and hoped it would counteract my meal choices and it worked out for me.
Speaking of working out in Dallas, I really enjoyed it! I would step on the elliptical or bike and I felt like I had super powers. I was able to cover crazy distances in short periods of time and it occurred to me that it is due to the lack of altitude. Since being back in Denver, I have increased my level on the elliptical and I am back to being challenged.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
October 6th
Weigh in, lost .2 pounds. To be clear, that is POINT 2.
I knew I was going to have a tough week when I injured myself on Sunday. I was over-confident in my elliptical ability and decided to alternate power walking and running in my neighborhood since it was so nice outside. Half way through my journey, I felt my left calf muscle painfully spasm. I figured the damage was already done, so I continued my workout. Not only have I been nursing my calf ever since, but my quads and shins have also been extremely sore. I have been struggling with walking, so going to the gym has been out of the question the past 2 days and I really think it affected my results at the scale this week. Lesson learned. Here is hoping to a better week--I need to get ahead of myself with a decent loss before I head to Dallas next Wednesday. Is it strange that I am planning a gain when I am there? I asked my Weight Watchers leader (Amy) this very question after the meeting today and she confirmed that it was normal. I decided to ask for some advice, and Amy had some good suggestions. She told me to really think about how much I wanted to allow myself to gain on my trip. And Amy also suggested that I pick one meal per day to splurge on and to eat my normal WW meals (All Bran for breakfast, Boca for lunch, splurge on dinner). Her final idea for me was to choose between dessert and alcohol, both aren't acceptable. I think I can do this!
I knew I was going to have a tough week when I injured myself on Sunday. I was over-confident in my elliptical ability and decided to alternate power walking and running in my neighborhood since it was so nice outside. Half way through my journey, I felt my left calf muscle painfully spasm. I figured the damage was already done, so I continued my workout. Not only have I been nursing my calf ever since, but my quads and shins have also been extremely sore. I have been struggling with walking, so going to the gym has been out of the question the past 2 days and I really think it affected my results at the scale this week. Lesson learned. Here is hoping to a better week--I need to get ahead of myself with a decent loss before I head to Dallas next Wednesday. Is it strange that I am planning a gain when I am there? I asked my Weight Watchers leader (Amy) this very question after the meeting today and she confirmed that it was normal. I decided to ask for some advice, and Amy had some good suggestions. She told me to really think about how much I wanted to allow myself to gain on my trip. And Amy also suggested that I pick one meal per day to splurge on and to eat my normal WW meals (All Bran for breakfast, Boca for lunch, splurge on dinner). Her final idea for me was to choose between dessert and alcohol, both aren't acceptable. I think I can do this!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
September 29th
Weigh in, lost 2.4 pounds.
I had a good week. On Friday I went out with my friend, Briana, to Bar Louie for beer and bar food. I ordered shrimp skewers and she ordered chips with a dip trio. I had less than 10 of her chips, not all in dip--but definitely a few were heaping with the good stuff! On Saturday, we went to Old Chicago as a family for dinner that night. I let myself have 5 fries and 1 1/2 slices of pizza. I did make very healthy choices to allow for the splurges on Friday and Saturday, but I woke up on Sunday morning feeling guilty. So, I squeezed in an extra workout before work that afternoon and felt a little better about life. Oh, and I have also increased my level on the hills program I use on the elliptical this week.
I had a good week. On Friday I went out with my friend, Briana, to Bar Louie for beer and bar food. I ordered shrimp skewers and she ordered chips with a dip trio. I had less than 10 of her chips, not all in dip--but definitely a few were heaping with the good stuff! On Saturday, we went to Old Chicago as a family for dinner that night. I let myself have 5 fries and 1 1/2 slices of pizza. I did make very healthy choices to allow for the splurges on Friday and Saturday, but I woke up on Sunday morning feeling guilty. So, I squeezed in an extra workout before work that afternoon and felt a little better about life. Oh, and I have also increased my level on the hills program I use on the elliptical this week.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
September 22nd
Weigh in, lost 2.6 pounds. I'm thrilled! I think it is important to reflect on the week in order to repeat good behavior. I worked really hard at the gym and even added an extra mile on the bike yesterday. It seems like I lose more weight when I eat certain foods, too. Namely Subway and fish. I made 2 meals out of a 12 inch Subway Club over the weekend. One of my favorite things to do is to go to Whole Foods and buy fresh fish along with any other veggies that look appealing. I have decided that there is something magical about sea bass. Every time I pick up fresh sea bass at Whole Foods, I end up having excellent weeks at the scale. I have a Moms' Night Out coming up on Friday night this week at Bar Louie. Beer and bar food (de-lish!) doesn't exactly fit in my weight loss plan, but I need to figure out a way to make it work. I don't plan on really splurging until my Dallas trip, so this might be a challenge--but I am up for it!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
September 15th
Weigh in, lost 1.4 pounds. A healthy weight loss with Weight Watchers is between 1 and 2 pounds per week, so I am relatively happy with my results. I did feel like life happened this week--I was under the weather and slightly injured from a tough workout. Still, truth be told, I didn't track my points as diligently as I had the previous 2 weeks. Plus, I went out to dinner to a place where I couldn't look up nutritional information beforehand. I am okay with this, I can't always be perfect.
I have been asked about what I am doing for activity. My goal is to hit the gym 4 days per week, but I would like to add another day at some point if I can find a way to squeeze it in. But, if I ever get the extra day, I want to do something fun and different--like maybe yoga! For now, my workout consists of 3 miles on the hills program on the elliptical and 3 miles on the stationary bike--this only happens when I am not paged to the child center over the loud speaker at Lifetime Fitness to tend to my baby. Actually, I have just added the bike in the past week (maybe that had something to do with my calf injury). I think the bike is helping to strengthen my quads, which will be beneficial for ski season. Skiing is a huge motivation for me--I have a picture of skier in champagne powder on my frig. I think most women who are trying to get back into shape have pictures of bikini models on their refrigerators, but that just isn't my style.
I have been asked about what I am doing for activity. My goal is to hit the gym 4 days per week, but I would like to add another day at some point if I can find a way to squeeze it in. But, if I ever get the extra day, I want to do something fun and different--like maybe yoga! For now, my workout consists of 3 miles on the hills program on the elliptical and 3 miles on the stationary bike--this only happens when I am not paged to the child center over the loud speaker at Lifetime Fitness to tend to my baby. Actually, I have just added the bike in the past week (maybe that had something to do with my calf injury). I think the bike is helping to strengthen my quads, which will be beneficial for ski season. Skiing is a huge motivation for me--I have a picture of skier in champagne powder on my frig. I think most women who are trying to get back into shape have pictures of bikini models on their refrigerators, but that just isn't my style.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
September 8th
Weigh in, lost 2.8 pounds. I am really happy with the loss again this week. During the meeting, we were asked to come up with a goal to reach at the end of the next 7 weeks. I decided that a 10 lb loss should be attainable given that there will be a Dallas trip during that time where food consumption will be paramount. We were also asked to identify 8 steps we could take to reach our goals. I went with the standard things--tracking my points, going to the gym, eating at home. It felt like I was mailing it in a bit, but really these are the basic things that work for me.
Meanwhile, working out is also going well. I have noticed that I am able to increase my speed on the elliptical without my heart rate spiking out of control. Recovery is also much better. The other day, I was watching one of the TV's at the gym and caught a little of a weight loss show on Bravo. There was a group of people in therapy discussing food addiction and emotional connections to food resulting from unstable childhoods. Normally I don't pay such nonsense any attention, but I have been thinking about the discussion for days now. Although I own my behavior as an adult, I definitely think habits formed when I was younger that I find difficult to overcome. I do believe that my environment was chaotic and unpredictable as a child and I found comfort and predictability in what I could consume. That was an area I could control--it all makes psychological sense. So, what can I learn and take away from this? Well, providing a healthy environment for my family is a good start.
Meanwhile, working out is also going well. I have noticed that I am able to increase my speed on the elliptical without my heart rate spiking out of control. Recovery is also much better. The other day, I was watching one of the TV's at the gym and caught a little of a weight loss show on Bravo. There was a group of people in therapy discussing food addiction and emotional connections to food resulting from unstable childhoods. Normally I don't pay such nonsense any attention, but I have been thinking about the discussion for days now. Although I own my behavior as an adult, I definitely think habits formed when I was younger that I find difficult to overcome. I do believe that my environment was chaotic and unpredictable as a child and I found comfort and predictability in what I could consume. That was an area I could control--it all makes psychological sense. So, what can I learn and take away from this? Well, providing a healthy environment for my family is a good start.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
September 1st and Catching Up
I'm recording my weight loss with Weight Watchers along with workouts in an effort to increase my accountability (not to mention have a place to vent and obsess!).
August 18th: First weigh-in, lost 3.2 lbs. Although this is a good loss, I am really disappointed. When I joined WW after Logan and Aidan's first bday, my first week's loss was about 6 lbs. I am trying to remember that I am returning much sooner and I am much smaller than I was the first time around.
August 23rd: After taking a few unplanned months off from working out, I am returning to Lifetime Fitness and utilizing the day care for Rylan while Logan and Aidan are in preschool. I want to workout 4 times this week, high-intensity cardio on the elliptical.
August 25th: Second weigh-in, lost .8 lbs. What? I am so mad! I was like a weight loss machine when I did this last time...what is going on? Stayed after the WW meeting for some one-on-one time with my leader. Rylan just started rice cereal, so we plan to reduce my nursing point allowance from 10 extra per day to 5 extra per day. Lots of WW members gain weight the week they add activity into the mix, so that might be something to consider.
September 1st: Weigh-in, lost 3.8 lbs. Yay--I am finally excited! Looks like the 5 point loss associated with nursing exclusively and my workouts at the gym are paying off.
August 18th: First weigh-in, lost 3.2 lbs. Although this is a good loss, I am really disappointed. When I joined WW after Logan and Aidan's first bday, my first week's loss was about 6 lbs. I am trying to remember that I am returning much sooner and I am much smaller than I was the first time around.
August 23rd: After taking a few unplanned months off from working out, I am returning to Lifetime Fitness and utilizing the day care for Rylan while Logan and Aidan are in preschool. I want to workout 4 times this week, high-intensity cardio on the elliptical.
August 25th: Second weigh-in, lost .8 lbs. What? I am so mad! I was like a weight loss machine when I did this last time...what is going on? Stayed after the WW meeting for some one-on-one time with my leader. Rylan just started rice cereal, so we plan to reduce my nursing point allowance from 10 extra per day to 5 extra per day. Lots of WW members gain weight the week they add activity into the mix, so that might be something to consider.
September 1st: Weigh-in, lost 3.8 lbs. Yay--I am finally excited! Looks like the 5 point loss associated with nursing exclusively and my workouts at the gym are paying off.
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