I'm a success story?

It's kind of weird to say, but I suppose I am a weight loss/fitness success story. I recently wrote a guest blog about my weight loss, struggles, nutrition and fitness on Bridetown Baby Momma. Check it out here!

CrossFit Day 60

I'm down 1.4 pounds this week! Hopefully cutting out soda, drinking more water and the green monsters gave me the extra boost I needed. I'm back where I was 3 weeks ago after all my crazy gains, and 10.6 pounds away from goal.

CrossFit: Before & After

Seeing these side by side really helps me when I'm down about the scale not moving much. From Day 1 to Day 60 I've lost about 10 pounds. I'm grateful for that, but as much as I'm sweating ..... I thought the weight would be melting off. Pictures speak louder than numbers I suppose :)

As I was taking the 60 day picture, I was thinking.... I bet I haven't changed that much, I bet you won't even be able to tell a big difference, until I put them side by side with Day 1. I honestly can't believe I've stuck with it this long. I've never participated in a workout that I enjoy, and want to do. And, working out with my husband and friends helps too.

Also, when Philip was taking these pictures of me, Cooper was watching. And when I put my arms up for this pic, he put his up too (like he was flexing his muscles) and went "Uuuuuuurrrr!!!" LOL! Philip tried to get a picture, but he stopped before we could get one. It was so stinkin' cute.

Here is my overall weight loss progress in pictures. What a difference a year can make!

Do you like my face in the "before?" LOL. I guess I wanted to look as disgusting as possible.

Day 6 - NO SODA

It is Day 6 of no soda. It's been relatively easy, actually. There was one day where I REALLY wanted a Cherry, Vanilla, Diet Dr. Pepper from Sonic. You know what stopped me? Knowing I would have to come to my blog and report my failure. So thank you to all of you reading this. You're helping me keep my goals!  Drinking 64 - 80oz of water a day has been pretty easy too. The first 2 days I was running to the bathroom every 30 minutes, but now my body has adjusted. I actually enjoy drinking water. I used to drink the Crystal Light mix-ins with every bottle, but I hardly ever use them anymore. I'm not sure why, I'm just not liking the way they taste anymore. Too fake. Too chemically. To much after taste. Just good ol' water does the trick!


With my past few weight gains, I've been reflecting on my tracker (WW term for food journal). My WW leader was perplexed by my lack of weight loss, so she asked me to email it to her. Before I sent it, I was reading over it.

I didn't send it to her. I didn't need to. I saw the problems myself. I had 2 entire days with nothing written in them. Days with little or NO vegetables eaten. Days where I ate out for lunch and dinner. Writing down my food has become so important. If I didn't write things down, I would never know where I went wrong. Now I can easily look at my mistakes, and fix them! Meal planning is also huge. When I have groceries in my house, and ideas how to fix them I am much less likely to eat bad things.

Tuesday is my 2 month/60 day CrossFit anniversary, pictures coming soon!

Until then, here is my little man helping with chores today :)

GAIN.....

This weeks weigh in was a big fat FAIL.

+0.8lbs

I wanted to throw the scale across the room. I wanted to punch the little lady weighing me in. I wanted to scream.

I even worked out an extra day this week. And THAT is what I get?! Could it have been all the alcohol I drank Saturday and the fact that I haven't drank in weeks? Yes. Could it be muscle? Yes. Maybe I'm not eating ENOUGH?! Yes. Could it be that I didn't drink enough water? Yes.

But still. When I track, workout like a mad person, weigh, measure, contemplate every bite.... seeing that number is a big slap in the face. Ugh.

I've also discovered I don't like logic in that moment. That moment where I've gained. I don't want someone to say, "but you've come so far!" or "You look great!" or "Next week's weigh in will be even better!"..... I just want someone to say, "Dude. This blows. You've worked your ass off all week and this totally sucks." I don't want a reasonable explanation right then. I just want sympathy.

After the WOD on Tuesday, Philip and I almost always get a Jamba Juice. I was still pissed about my weigh in, so I ordered a Peanut Butter Moo'd. I've never had one before.

OMG.

I groaned so loudly with the first sip the employees thought there was something wrong. It's been so long since I've tasted Peanut Butter. It was AMAZING. And, like a good little weight watcher I DID count the points for it. All 16 of them. So worth it.

This week I'm going to revisit my friend Wendie. She's always worked for me in the past, so I'm going to give it a shot. I've got to break myself out of this rut. Also, I'm going to meal plan like a mad woman and drink a LOT more water than last week....

Here is to a LOSS next week!

I love myself

Ok, I didn't know what to title this post. So, I'm being random and loving towards myself.

There was a recent discussion on the "Health and Fitness" board about the BMI scale. Is it a good way to determine overall health for every person? I'm going to say no, but it's a start. According to this scale, I am overweight. Something about that still really bothers me. Maybe it's because I don't feel overweight. The BMI is a good starting point to determine a healthy range, but I know several people (myself included) who are healthy but deemed "overweight" by the dreaded BMI scale. Some people carry their weight differently! What about an athlete who is 5% body fat, but has a higher weight due to all his/her muscle? Obviously, they are healthy.... but not according to the BMI!

My weigh in this week wasn't completely awful.  I lost 0.6lbs. Considering my Krispy Kreme binge last week, I was thankful for any kind of a loss. I am now motivated for this week to see at LEAST a full pound lost.

This week I gave myself 2 goals.

1. Don't eat after 9pm
2. Eat under my 35 weekly point allowance.

Well, #1 is already a bust. I just stay up really late. And when I eat dinner at 6:00 or 6:30, I'm usually up for another 5 hours. That's a loooong time to go without eating, at least for me.

Crossfit is going REALLY well. If you don't know what it is, here is a link to my box: Edmond Crossfit. Working out with other people is so motivating. They're working as hard (or most of the time harder) than you and it helps keep me going. I also like the diversity. We do something different every day. I need that. And everyone up there is amazing. We all know each other, and can push each other. Let's be honest.... it's also a little competitive, which is RIGHT up my alley :) I don't think I've shared any CF pictures.... here are a few....

Me doing half moons. Those were actually pretty fun. 

Hoover Ball! We 'took it easy' on Memorial Day for the WOD (workout of the day). We played volleyball with a 12 pound med ball. Seems easy and fun.... well, the fun part is true. 

My team! We were supposed to make tough faces, and no one except for me did. But my face doesn't look tough, it's more frightening. Our team did win. =)

My hubby's team! The LOSERS! 

And, an action shot of me. That was a heavy mother!!!

WI Results, Dresses, Dinners....

I was shopping with my boys yesterday when I discovered a Dillard's gift card in my purse. I called to see how much money it had on it (not expecting much) and there was $83.00 on it! We headed into Dillard's and I hit up some sales.

I saw this really cute dress, and GUESS WHAT size I got to buy .....

Yup! Size 6! I think I love the dress more just because of the size. 70% off and a size 6? Yes please. It's moments like this that make my weight loss journey exciting. It's so fun to be able to go try on clothes and ENJOY the process.

Yeah yeah, I'm healthier, my blood pressures better, my BMI is healthy, blah blah, I bought a size 6! Could I be a little more superficial?

I also made a REALLY yummy dinner Sunday night. I've posted the recipe before, but it's been a while. It's definitely a staple in our house, and it's easy to make.

Baked Ziti with Turkey Sausage

3/4 pound(s) raw turkey sausage, casings removed   
1 medium onion(s), chopped   
1 medium green pepper(s), chopped   
28 oz canned diced tomatoes   
2 Tbsp canned tomato paste   
1 tsp dried oregano   
1 tsp dried basil   
1/2 tsp dried thyme   
1/2 tsp fennel seed   
1/2 tsp table salt, or to taste   
1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground   
12 oz uncooked whole-wheat pasta, ziti, cooked according to package directions   
6 oz shredded fat-free mozzarella cheese

• Position the rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350°F.
  
• Crumble the sausage meat into a large saucepan and brown over medium heat, stirring often, about 4 minutes.
  
• Drain off any fat, then add the onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring often, until softened, about 3 minutes.
  
• Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, thyme, fennel seeds, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cook uncovered 5 minutes, stirring often.
  
• Stir in the pasta and half the grated cheese. Spread evenly into a 9- X 13-inch baking pan. Top evenly with the remaining cheese.
  
• Bake until the cheese has melted and the casserole is bubbling, about 20 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes at room temperature before slicing into 8 pieces and then serve. 

Annnnnd, last but not least. Weight in results! I lost 2.2lbs this week. Which proves my theory that I do weigh more/retain water when it's my TOM, because last week I only lost 0.2lbs and did nothing differently. Only 10.2lbs until GOAL!

kicking the scale out

I am a scale addict! I weigh in first thing in the morning, then after I eat, before I eat, everytime I go to the bathroom, every time I walk by the bathroom, with clothes on, without clothes, after I shower, before bed, the middle of the night....

Ok, maybe not that often. But I do weigh myself probably 5 times a day. It's destructive! When I see a number I don't like I want to eat a bowl of ice cream, and when I see a number I do like I want to go run a mile and follow program religiously.

I'm kicking the scale out of the bathroom! I will now allow myself to weigh in 2 times a week and try to not focus so much on that stupid number.

Weekly Weigh In!

Yesterday was the final day for the 10 in 10 challenge. I was 0.2 pounds away from reaching my goal. I weighed in last night and....

down 2.4 this week!

THOSE are the kind of numbers I want to see on the scale. When you bust your butt all week, it feels so good to see some results.

I really think "The Wendie Plan" is what saved me. I've been doing it the past 2 weeks, and I lost 1.4 and 2.4 each week I've done it. Before The Wendie Plan I was stuck in the curse of the "0-point-somethings."

Week 2 of the C25K challenge! Week 2 is not easy! I thought it would be.... I guess last week was pretty easy for me because I was already in decent shape when I started. Week 2 caught up with me for sure. I felt like passing out a few times, but I pushed through and finished! I'm planning to do a 5K in late May/early June. Anyone know of any?

I made the most amazing dinner Monday night:

Baked Macaroni and Cheese
13.25 oz Whole Wheat Pasta (I used Healthy Harvest Penne)
1 can Campbell's Cheddar Cheese Soup
1/2c. skim milk
8oz 2% shredded colby jack cheese
6oz parmesan cheese (grated)
1/2 panko bread crumbs
1/2 tbsp garlic powder
1 1/2 tsp black pepper

Cook pasta then drain. Add soup, milk, colby jack cheese, garlic powder and pepper. Mix together. Pour into 9x13. Top with panko crumbs and parmesan. (If you want it to be 6 pts instead of 8, leave off the parmesan cheese) Bake at 375 for 25-30 minutes. 

8 servings/8 points

Philip and I LOVED this recipe. Some people add bacon bits or tuna to give it a different flavor (obviously that would use be additional points).




 

Wendy Plan results....

.....down 1.4lbs this week! Not bad. I was secretly hoping for 2 pounds, but I can't complain :)

And, week 1 of the C25k challenge is done. It was surprisingly easy. I cannot imagine running 3 solid miles at this point, but I know I will get there. Week 2, here I come!

Here is a yummy recipe I made last night:

Caramel Apple Salad - 1c=2pts
3 Apples (cut into bite size pieces)
1 package of sugar free butterscotch pudding (just the powder)
1 can pineapple chunks (don't drain)
8 oz fat free cool whip

Mix it all together. It's such a yummy dessert, and counts as a fruit serving!

In Cooper news- my poor baby is still not feeling well. We think it's just allergies and/or a cold. I called the nurse, and she said there wasn't much she could do for him. We've been trying to keep his nose clean, propped his mattress up and keep the humidifier on at night. I wish this weather would make up its effing mind and quit messing with my kid!

C25k

I wanted to mix up my exercise a little this week. I always do Boot Camp twice a week and Elliptical twice a week. I got a wild hair on Saturday to go for a jog around my neighborhood. It was really nice out this weekend. I decided to do the first step in the Couch-to-5K running plan. Alternating 60 seconds of running with 90 seconds of walking for 20 minutes (I did about 2 miles, which was a little less than 20 minutes). I REALLY enjoyed it! I had my iPod, listening to music, nothing to worry or think about except running, no distractions, no child pulling on my pants, no husband waiting for dinner, no laundry to be done... just me. Running.

I liked it so much I did it again Sunday.

I sweat a TON doing it and my heart rate stays up the whole time, so I know I'm working out hard. Every one I know who runs says it melts the weight off like nothing else. So, I think I'm going to find a place for jogging in my workout week. Who knows, in a few weeks I might be running solid for those 2 miles!

Since Philip is working days for the next 2 months, I decided to make us dinner like normal people on Saturday night. I found a recipe for this yummy looking Veggie Casserole with 'breadcrumbs' on top. I've been wanting to make it for a while.

Well let me tell you. It was nasty! Normally Philip will choke down just about anything I make (mainly because I think he doesn't want me to feel bad) well, he couldn't even eat this. I thought it was sick too. It must have been the comination of too much onion powder (I followed the recipe!), honey nut fiber one cereal, and nasty chicken broth (I just can't eat that anymore, the smell ruins it for me)..... so we threw out this big 9x13 pan of food and ate frozen dinners. Boo. Big fat fail.

At least Philip was home for dinner though. :)

Today's weigh in....

I've decided not to be frustrated. I really wanted a big weight loss this week. This has been my weight loss the past 4 out of 5 weeks...

2/23 = -0.4
3/9 = -0.8
3/23 = -0.4
3/30 = -0.6

AAHHHH!! I had ONE good week in those 5 weeks where I lost 2.6. If it wasn't for that, I would have little hope to keep going.

I am going to be positive though. Positive thinking.

- I have lost weight every week consistently for 8 weeks now.
- AF is currently here, and I still had a loss this week.

Positive thinking.

Some of my fellow nesties and I are doing a "10 in 10 challenge." Lose 10 pounds in 10 weeks. When I started the challenge, I thought it would be a piece of cake and I would lose that 10 pounds in half the time. Now I'm starting to wonder if I'm going to hit the goal by the deadline! (April 13th)

I guess I need to pump up the cardio this week... we'll see what happens...

Halfway there!

I finally weigh less than when I got pregnant. 3 pounds less to be exact. It feels AMAZING. I decided to take some 'after' pictures. It seems like anytime I start a weight loss program I take plenty of 'before' pictures.... and then never lose weight. Well... I FINALLY have some 'after' pictures to share!

Unfortunately, all the before pictures I have are in my underwear... hah, so these will have to suffice for the interwebz....

BEFORE

I really like this pic because it was Cooper's first Christmas and it's our little family. What I don't love, is my fat ass. This was 1 month after Cooper was born, about 30 pounds ago


AFTER











I consider these my halfway pictures... I'm a little more than halfway to my goal weight. I can't wait until these are my 'before' pics. :)