Food wise yesterday was fine, I actually came in under my points. Today I've only been mildly hungry at times, which is good, since that means I'm not so hungry I could eat a buffalo.

This morning at the gym I did my jogging routine, with 6 minutes running bursts. It wasn't bad, but the last 6 minutes really were a mind over body kind of thing. I woke up with a mild headache and the running made it a touch worse (the increased heart rate causing the blood pressure to rise.) So by the time I got to the last jog I was just tired, mentally. But since I'd been able to do it on Saturday I knew I could do it today, I just didn't happen to want to do it today. But I did anyway. And I did 25 minutes on the stair climber as well. I've also incorporated a few new stretches and some balance work into my "cool down" efforts, and I worked on my oblique abs. All in all a great workout, but my favorite part was when I threw in the towel (literally) and got to walk out the door.

My goals this week (since I forgot to state them yesterday) are to break my dependence on snack foods, journal consistently, drink all my water, and not use any flex points. The last one may be the hardest actually. I have decided though that once I reach my 28 activity points for the week (I already have 11) I can use the extra points I earn. That should essentially boil down to a little flexibility this weekend in terms of food choices.

Oh yeah, I'm getting my hair cut today, so that should shave a few ounces off my weight!
 

I did good at the gym! Saturday I went and jogged and did stairclimber. I'm back up to 3 6 minute jogs, and was fatigued only during the last 2-3 minutes of the last jog! Sunday I went to an Intro to Yoga class. It was actually quite fun. It incorporated a lot of stretches and balancing(which I'd like to work on) and some mild tension areaobic exercises, although some of the faster paced yoga classes get really areobic apparently. While my forms weren't perfect (my dog started hurting my wrists, although the instructor said that was typical) I was actually pretty good. I found that my balance was above average, and I was the most flexible person in the room, including the instructor. She asked me afterwards if I had been a dancer before. I guess 7 years of gymnastics did have some long lasting effects! This morning I did 30 minutes of fast elliptical and then weights. I incorporated my "vigorous" ab exercises, so I'm a touch sore.

Food is not an issue today. Oddly enough I was never ever hungry this weekend. Not that that stopped me from eating. However today is a new day and I can't change the past. I've decided to simply not buy any more snacky/desserty things (even if they are WW friendly) for a couple weeks, just to try and lower my dependency on them. I've got some on the shelves, but if I know I'm not getting any more for awhile I will make sure to eat fewer.

Happy Monday!!!!
 

I did good! I went to the gym and did 30 minutes elliptical and weights. Also I failed to mention earlier that I wasn't sore this morning when I woke up! My muscles are hard and strong. Grrrrrrr! Now I'm off to eat some sushi.

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Yesterday I ate too many cookies. And I stayed up too late. So I didn't get to the gym this morning.

But I counted all my points, and I'm still under for the week. And I, like a good gym bunny, packed my bag and am going to the gym immediately after work. I considered for a brief moment simply doing an extra long workout tomorrow, but NO! I insist on doing it today.

But last night's splurg did mean todays scale was stubbornly steady.

Slap my hand, I deserve it!

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I'm doing better everyday, theres not even a remnant of my cough! Although ocassionally my breathe still "catches". At the gym this morning I jogged in 4 minute spurts, which were completely doable. My breathing didn't become harsh at all, and though I was sweating and hurting a bit it wasn't that hurt where you know you're overdoing it. Mostly its just that my muscles are tired from earlier this week and so they're feeling the burn. I also did stair climber and obliques. All in all a great workout! I also climbed the stairs at work, and wasn't working hard at all to do it. With all these stairs I think my butt is getting bigger and more luscious.

Yesterday I did well food-wise, despite eating at a challenging restaraunt. And then I got home. My mom had made brownies. She's SUPPOSED to be doing WW too, but she'd rather have the brownies. And brownies are my favorites. So despite not being hungry I still ate some. I DID count my points though, and while I chewed into my flex points, I didn't ruin anything. I'm actually still "ahead" when it comes to flex points, although I plan to not use anymore until Sunday, since I have to go to a party that night.

Also this morning on the scale I lost another 2 pounds. Now don't you believe me when I say the medicine made me gain weight? Another 4 pounds to get back to "normal" or what I was before the meds. Perhaps tomorrow or the day after, given this rate. Certainly by Monday I can be back on track and possibly show a weight loss at my Weigh-in.
 

Welcome to February!

I discovered new foods yesterday that will help in the long run, although right now they're a bit tempting. I happen to love tortilla chips. But they are rather loaded in calories and fat. However I discovered Lay's Light Tortilla Chips which give a huge serving for 3 points. Couple it with 0-point salsa and I'm in heaven! Not only that, but it gets rid of cravings. Imagine that...feeding a craving in small measured quanitites keeps it at bay!

The exercise is really helping me get back to normal. The weights are leaving me a bit sore, but I did them anyway, despite the lingerings from Monday. Sore means its working! Plus that works as a great reminder to stretch thoroughly. Before weights I did 30 minutes on the elliptical and went at a very brisk pace the entire time, without any problems! I also took the stairs at work, for the first time in two weeks! And after all that I'm tired and a bit sore, but no coughing and my energy level is up again.

Also on a delightful note I lost 3 pounds from yesterday. So that drug is finally leaving my system! I also feel lighter today, and less bloated. For a while there it ust felt like I had a brick sitting in my stomach, for days on end. But it's less today, and hopefully it will continue to go away and I can be back to normal, and on track again.
 

Ah it feels good. The minor burn, the early mornings, the sense of accomplishment. This morning my arms were sore from yesterday's workout. I have to be in my brother's wedding this summer and I'd like my back and arms not to be pudgy. I got on the treadmill again this morning and interspersed walking with short 2-minute jogs, then I finished it out with some elliptical, which seemed almost easy. Funny enough the workout wasn't that hard, I didn't sweat that much and my muscles weren't tired, but I did have air flow issues. I pushed myself, but not hard. I just need to get my lungs used to the idea of big breaths, not just the fast spasmodic breathing I've been doing. It's a first step. And at least my muscles didn't completely atrophy away while I was sick. My hip and knees still hurt a touch from where I slept funny(I overextended some tendons) so I haven't braved the stairs at work yet. I think I will be able to tomorrow.

Food wise I did great yesterday. I have 24 daily points and used only those 24, none of my flex points. And I didn't feel deprived. The medicine I was on is now leaving my system so hopefully those freak 8 pounds that showed up overnight will leave and never come back. One has already. It is dissapointing to have missed my mini-goal, although I know that the medication messed with the readings. So I'm focusing on getting back to my beloved routine this week so that next week, when the medciation is gone from my system, I can truly see the benefits of my hard work.



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The less said about last week the better. I couldn't go to the gym because of the bronchitis. So I gained weight. I was on a steroid which in and of itself makes you gain weight. The drug also makes you horribly hungry all the time and I made bad food choices. *sigh* However today represents a new day, a new week, renewed health, and a new commitment.

For the first time in a week and a half I was able to go to the gym today. I walked on the treadmill for 30 minutes, and even jogged about 2 minutes. I'm still far from "normal" but I can fight my way back. I also did weights this morning which didn't bother my asthma but did have me sweating! I slept on my leg funny last night so it hurt during some movements, but I took some ibuprofen which should help the stiff muscles, as well as some of the soreness I expect to feel later today. It was so nice just to be back at the gym, even if I can't do my "normal" hard-pushing routine.

Also a change from last week I'm thirsty. I swear I became part camel there for awhile. Not only did I not drink water, but I never even felt thirsty. But already this morning I've had about 46 oz, and wouldn't mind some more. *swigs water* Make that 56 oz.

One of the problems I had last week is that the food I'd prepared held no real appeal for me. I've been busy lately and unfortuantly my "convenience" lunch went on a few days too many. On Friday I couldn't even look at the meal without gagging. So I did a 360, flavor-wise, and prepared lunches for the week that I'm actually excited to eat. A simple concept, I know, but one that I'd forgotten in my busyness.

Now I can't wait for the prednizone to be out of my system. My last dose was this morning, so today may be tough. But it should be completely out by Wednesday. Then, hopefully, hopefully, hopefully, those supposed 8(!!!!!!!) pounds I gained in 4 days will dissapear. I know its not "real" weight but it still almost made me cry.

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I still have bronchitis. Which means I'm on steroids which make you gain weight AND make me hungry. This is not a good combination. At first I was so sick I wanted nothing to do with food. Now I'm just well enough to have an appetite. But with that comes the cravings. Sugar and fat. My old nemeses. *sigh* Yesterday I gave in a bit. Today I can't. I'm going to go home and make some hot and sour soup. At only 2 points a cup it is filling, and is a favorite food.

I want cake! And blackberry cobbler. And chicken fingers with honey mustard sauce. And french fries. And now someone just heated some pizza, so I'd really like some of that too. My couscous, green beans, and chicken don't seem that exciting.

Someone save me from myself.

Total weight lost: 42.5
Lost since 1/2/06: 8.5
To next reward: 1.5
 

I still have bronchitis. It sucks and its pissing me off!
 

For this week:
Water: 7
Food12
Exercise 2
Post: 6
Extra challenge(stairs): 5
Sleep: 7
Meds: 7
Journal:7
Attitude change points:14?
total: 67
 

I still have bronchitis which is keeping me from the gym. It is getting slowly better and I'm hoping tomorrow I'll be able to do weights, if not areobic.

My weight fluctuated a little bit, I think mostly because of salt. (I had serious popcorn craving). However as of this morning I'm still -9 lbs, despite a celebratory dinner last night. (Check Almost Angelic for details).

So:
Total weight lost: 43!
Since 1/2/06: 9!
Until next reward!: 1!

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Today I rid my closet of my last size 16s. When I started my job back in May is when I first had to face up to the fact that I was not only fat, but was gaining weight. At the time very few items in my closet fit me, and even fewer looked good on me. I bought two pairs of slacks to wear to work, and I joined Weight Watchers. Those slacks were extremely tight around the waist when I bought them. Tight to the point that it was a relief to get home at the end of the day and take them off.

Over the months and through the pounds they became looser and looser. At first they fit better because of it and then they began to fit worse because they were too loose! They are now so loose that I can take them off without unbuttoning, and they are even starting to fall down without my "hitching".

About a month ago I cleared my closet of much of my clothing, but kept these two. I had promised myself when I bought them that I would get rid of them when I saw a certain number on my bathscale. Well I did, and so its time for them to go. Those two pairs of pants plus one other older pair are leaving my closet permanently today. And with them go all 16s. I'm no longer that girl. I wear 14s and 12s! And even some of my 14s are getting loose.

I know its a silly thing, but its a milestone for me. I beat that bulge out of my life. While there are others still left that bulge is gone!
 

Quick update:

Total weight lost: 43.5
Since 1/2/06: 9.5
Until next reward: .5

I picked up my reward yesterday on the way home from work. See how pretty my nails are?
 

I'm still dealing with the after effects of my asthma attack, as in I'm still really coughing it up. I'm on pretnizon(sp?) since its now been 48 hours since it started. But it also means that I'm banned from the gym until I can breathe.

Yesterday I used 10 flex points. But I'm still ahead on my flex point useage for the week.

I also had lost weight this morning. As a note you've probably noticed that I weigh myself daily. I do this on purpose. By weighing myself daily I can get an immediate notice if something is moving in the wrong direction. To me the daily weigh-in is accountability and motivation. However my "official" weight is whatever shows up on the scales at Weight Watchers, even though I'm not naked for that So if you want my official weight changes look for entries titled "Official Weigh-In".

Total weight lost: 43
Since 1/2/06: 9
Rewards earned: 1
Until next reward: 1

I think I can earn two rewards this month. I don't think I can lose four "official" pounds by this Monday, but I think I can by Januray 30th, which is good since that's my goal! Also I thought about something as I was driving to work. I've lost 40+ pounds and been doing WW since June. While sometimes I get tired of counting points and decide to go on a brownie binge, I've stuck with it. I'm not tired of it yet. I haven't given up. The only other time I've tried to lose weight I used a diet my mother recommended. It was low-fat, low-carb, designed for people with Insulin Resistance (pre-diabetic). It wasn't really designed for me, but I gave it a try. While the diet was really effective and dropped weight quicly I was so sick of it within 2 months. At my lowest weight on that diet I had dropped 30 pounds. But I had come to hate food, because it was no longer a pleasant experience, and I couldn't live normally. So I went off the diet, regained the weight, and then some. Typical story. With WW its different for me. It truly is a good fit, and I'm glad I swallowed my pride enough back in June to join. Don't I look thin as I type this?

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Total pounds lost: 40!!!!!!!
Since 1/2/06: 6!!!!
Rewards earned: 1 manicure!


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Yesterday I fasted which is to say that after the gym I had my normal fat-free sugar free hot chocolate. At bed I had an apple and a granola bar. Oddly enough I wasn't hungry except for about 3 hours there around lunch. I even "went out to eat" with my friends after church. We went to a Mexican restaraunt. Normally I have a problem staying away from the chips. (12 chips = 3pts) Last night, while I was tempted, I abstained. It was nice to feel control over my food, rather than food controlling me.

I didn't go to the gym this morning. My asthma is still bothering me. I am taking albuterol but I need to start a steroid since this coughing hasn't stopped. It still feels like there is a rubberband around my chest. I can breathe, but its difficult. This is the first honest to goodness asthma attack I've had in 9 years. Great.

I'm going to WW this evening to weigh in, since I was out of town Monday. As long as my official weigh-in shows a more than 5 pound loss since 1/2 I can cash in on my reward of a manicure, which I will do tomorrow after work. I did do my unofficial weigh-in this morning and was very pleased. For two months I floated around the same 5 pounds but I am definatly rid of those pounds, and I'm inching up on having that -10 for the year.

I am so proud of myself. Not in that conceited annoying way, but just proud. It took a lot of hard work and dedication to come as far as I have. I took my measurements again and I've lost about 3 inches on my waist since I began. My legs, arms, and hips are also leaner. I still have a long way to go, but I'm halfway there. I figured out that if I lose an average of 1.7 pounds a week I could be at my goal weight by my birthday. I don't know that I'm going to set that as my goal. I'd rather do mini-goals. They're more attainable and seem to cause me less stress. I am moving my mini-goal for 1/30/06 to losing 10 pounds from 1/2/06. The weight is coming off faster than I expected.

Total Weight lost: 42!
Since 1/2/06: 8
Rewards earned: 1
Pounds to next reward: 2

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I ate a lot yesterday for dinner, but that was by design. I'm fasting today and I wanted to make sure I didn't make myself sick in the morning at the gym. This morning I did have hot chocolate made with skim milk splenda and cocoa powder, but that's all I'm eating today.

At the gym I was a little annoyed because I planned to jog and lift weights. Well as I got on the treadmill I realized that I hadn't pre-treated my asthma. Well I figured I'd try it. I got through the first 6 minute jog okay. But two minutes into the second jog I was gasping and it felt like there were big rubber bands across my chest. So I slowed it to a brisk walk and did that instead. There is something about running that causes my asthma to kick in. I'm fine going as fast as I want on the elliptical or the stair climber, but not on a treadmill. The weights were okay. I did circuit training and once I get in the groove of it I'm sure it will go faster. I did get a great back workout today though. The trainer who set me up on the machines yesterday helped me with my forms, especially on upper body. Sexy arms here I come!!!

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I've been out of town and so haven't journalled here. I haven't kept super close tabs on my points because I've been travelling. But I did watch what I ate and didn't gain anything. Saturday I couldn't go to the gym like I usually do but I was running around all day doing Field Games. Monday I also couldn't go because I was out of town, but we did walk around for several hours, so the day wasn't a total disaster, physically. This morning I got set up on weight machines at my gym and tomorrow I will jog and do weights!

Because of being out of town I didn't weigh in Monday at Weight Watchers. Unfortunatly I have an appointment today and church tomorrow that will prevent me from catching a weigh-in. But I want to go Thrusday for sure. I've earned a manicure but it's not until my "official" weigh-in occurs that I can go get it!

My Healthy Habits points for this last week:
Water: 7
Food: 14
Exercise: 6
Weekly post: 5
Extra challenge:5
Sleep: 7
Vitamin: 7
Journalling: 7
Attitude: 5
Weekly Total: 63

Overall: 129

Not too bad!

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Quick update:

Total pounds lost: 40.5!
Since 1/2/06: 6.5
Rewards earned: 1
Until next reward: 3.5

Oh happy day! I couldn't believe the scale when I hopped on. Now I just have to stay good so that my weigh-in will likewise be good.

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