Triumph of the day...

It's only 7:20 in the am and already I've had a triumph. In my hand this morning was a bacon, egg and cheese biscuit sandwich. I was already savoring the taste of it in my mouth, and then I walked by the cold foods in the cafe and saw cottage cheese and low fat yogurt. I put the breakfast sandwich back and got the cottage cheese and yogurt, all because I remembered my post from last night where I discussed the fact that I was going to make changes. So Day 1 going well so far! (if only I had taken pictures :p)

Oh and look at this, I'm posting all about it too. Things they are a changin'!


Update

Lunch has also been a sucess. Turkey sandwich on that weird Arnold bread.;) low-fat peach yogurt and a nutrigrain bar. + water, lots of water.

Now, I just nbeed to survive dinner and day 1 can be considered a sucess!

Week at a glance

This was a weekend of Zumba. My arms and shoulders are very sore from yesterday's interval training. However, despite all my hard work I've been in on the exercise front, my eating has managed to go to hell in a handbasket. I even ate a taco from Taco Bell, and cookies were involved in this weekends fiasco. There is hope for me though because I'm sick of my negative attitude and am finally feeling liek I'm ready to get past this stand still that I've been in. Starting in the AM I'm back on with food and no more excuses.

My life is about to get a lot busier. I signed up for an explorations class through my Church, so I start there tomorrow. Tuesday I have Zumba, Wednesday I play taxi so my daughter gerts to her Youth Group at Church, Thursday, I'm starting a new Bootcamp workout, Friday I have Zumba, and Saturday morning is one more Zumba class.

Also on Friday's my kid starts piano lessons, so I bought this for her this weekend...

Tracking and success

So food has been good all week. I've even tracked everything I've eaten all this week. And all of my food has been brought home from home. No cafeteria food or even restaraunt food. Yay me! I think I might actually have a loss this week. Exercise is normal for me... which means good. I'm pretty happy about my weight loss program this week.

Things are afoot at work again. I think I might be switching jobs again. Work would be about 15 minutes closer, the work more challenging, and there is a possibility of travel (domestic and foreign). I'm not sure if it's going to happen, but I went over and met with the group this morning and it appeared to go well... and there was the hottest guy over in the building. He'd be a joy to look at every day. lol That's all I got.

In the interest of honesty...

I must confess that I had BBQ with the family today. There was cake. It entered my mouth. So much for kicking the sugar habit today. Tomorrow is another day. Ugh, I feel like such a loser.

And my arms, thighs, and ass are very sore. Like so sore that I'm having a hard time standing and sitting down.

I wish I had icecream. Sh*t I don't not really, well I do but Thank godness there isn't any in my house. *sigh* Tomorrow, I promise will be a better day.

I keep hoping I'll find it...

My willpower that is. I can't fiure out why I can kick all kinds of ass at the gym, In fact I've been doing 4-5 consistently for so long, that I feel pretty damn awful if I don't go to the gym. But food? Where is the girl who didn't go near fast food for 8 months? Where is the girl who used to say no to cookies, brownies, and icecream? This summer ruined me. I think I lost a total of 4.5 lbs since June. I've gained 2.4 lbs in the last 3 weeks. I'm trying to lose the sugar habit, In fact last night was the end of it for me. There isn't anything sweet left in my house. No icecream, no chocolate chip cookie, no yummy delicious brownies (those were made and eaten last night!)
I knew I was getting to this point again, so I went grocery shopping with a list and am ready for the upcoming week. Although... I already have to go back to the grocery store becuse I am out of bananas. I love bananas, I think they are the worlds most perfect fruit. So I need bananas and turkey meat, becuase I'm going back to making my lunches. Oh, and I'm getting yogurt so I can make fruit smoothies again (not for me, for my teen otherwise she doesn't eat breakfast, she's weird).

Hapy LAbor Day all! I'm off to the gym for another Zumba class, it's my 3rd class in 4 days. I'm so excited about this. I love Zumba!

Back on track

Gosh, I'm totally on track today and I wasn't even trying. I even got in a fantastic workout. According to my HRM, I burned 678 calories, and my points for the day totalled 20. Yay, I get me a dessert... or snack of some sort before I go to bed probably a banana at this point... because I'm doing so well.

Work is going really well. I like my job and who I work for. I'm learning an enormous amount of new and helpful things that will make me a huge asset to the company. So I'm pretty excited.

Oh and my Y started a new session for all its classes and they added another day for Zumba! So I get to take Zumba 3 times a week now! I'm pretty stoked about that.

Week so far....

It's amazing how much a new job affects your life. I loved that I used to be able to bog everyday before the new job... but I didn't exactly love my job. I love my new job, but rarley have any time to blog.

I still exercise everyday (or almost anyway) I flaked big time on Wednesday and I missed Abs on Tuesday, but did Zumba. I havne't been doing Total Body workout this week. I normally do it twice a week, but did the elliptical instead because I was tired and I didn't want to be at the gym for two hours. So I did an hour to get something in. I need to step it up again. I miss that high I used to get from working really hard at the gym. It's probably ben two weeks since I've felt like that.

Food is not bad, not great but not bad. I've trried to get my fruits and vegetables in this week, but it never seems to be enough, and I've been eating a lot of sandwiches. I'm not usre why other than they are quick to get in the cafeteria and they are also convenient. I'm still having issues with soda. I don't drink alot (maybe 3 a week) but it's more than I want. Or rather it's more than I think I should be drinking. Believe me, I want every drop of the coca cola classic that I dirnk. ;)

I actually can't believe that it's already Friday. I have no plans for the weekend other than attending my niece's birthday party. She's turning 4 and we are having a tea party for her. I sitll have to buy a gift. Oh and I got my first pay check on the new job. The money? It's nice. So nice I'm finaly going to be able to get internet in my home. I think that might solve my blogging issues. So just a few more weeks of inetermittent blogging and then I can get my behind in gear again.

Let's talk Cookies

I've been having an issue with cookies lately. I just can't sem to say no to them. Soft, chewy chocolate chip cookies appear to be everywhere I turn. And I just don't say no to them. Now, to counter-act my current cookie obession I do extra time at the gym, so I havne't had any significant gains from these cookies, but I'm not losing the weight either. I have to get past this, because honest;y I'm tired of working out 2 to 2 1/2 hours every night and not seeing a lower number on the scale. When this has happened to you, how have you worked past it. Is there an alternative out there that will satisfy this cookie obsessoin without killing me with calories?

It's Wednesday already?

So here's a quick update of what's going on. I finally went grocery shopping on Tuesday, so there is food in my house and it is 99% healthy! I made breakfast before work today and I actually ate it! lol I've gotten two days of exercise in, and have plans to go again today. Wednesday laziness has gotten to me the last 3 weeks and I am determined not to let that happen to me today! I did have soda Monday night, even though my plan was not not have any this week, considering I'd been having a fully leaded soda a day the last couple of weeks, one in 4 days is pretty good.

I'm in the middle of training this week and start my new job officially on Friday. Looking forward to it, and hoping I will have more time to blog soon after.

Wednesday Recap.

I was too tired to post last night. I did the Total Body Workout again. It’s a 75 minute class and the step was involved again. I almost fell twice! I was exhausted even before the workout began, so I think that may have been why I was extra clumsy last night. After the second time of almost going down, I almost walked out… but then the instructor almost fell of her step too. So I felt much better, because if the instructor can almost fall then it pretty much can happen to anyone not just the overweight folks like me! It was a total ass-kicking workout. There was new equipment in the studio and the instructor decided that all must be used. I liked doing something different and this morning different parts of my body are sore! I am shocked that I’ve stuck to this step class for 4 weeks now. Remember when I hated it in the beginning and swore I’d never do it again? I have changed my tune. While I still dislike the step, I really love the results. I feel stronger and I burn a ton of calories.

I am not going to the gym tonight. I am however going to get a workout. I’m going to a Salsa night at a local bar. My Zumba instructor is going to be giving dance lessons at 7 and then we’ll be salsa-ing for the rest of the night. It’s exercise with alcohol. How awesome is that?! I won’t be staying until it closes, I do have to work tomorrow, but I will show up and have some fun, in a cute “little black dress” that hasn’t fit me in years and is now actually a loose… so I need to wear it quick before it’s too big to wear. As soon as it falls off of me it’s getting sent to good will, because I will not be that size again!!!

Yes, I’m feeling good about my workouts and food and results again. I’ve been really aware of what types of foods I’m eating and how much sodium is involved in it. I’ve pretty much doubled my fruits and vegetables intake and subtracted the amount of carbs I’m eating. I’ll never be a low carb kind of girl, but I have figured out eating a large amount of carbs after a workout really does waste the workout. Last night I ate a chicken enchilada and Mexican rice and refried beans for dinner… but my portion was so darn reasonable that when I got on the scale this morning I show that all my gained weight of the last 3 weeks is gone! And I’m currently sporting a loss. Yay me! I’m also really excited because I have definition in my arms. Finally! They aren’t where I want them yet, but I’m heading in the right direction.

I’m also preparing for another interview. I really want this job, if I don’t do well in the interview and I end up not getting this job, I think I’ll be crushed. The job I interviewed for would have been ok to get, so when I didn’t get it I wasn’t as disappointed as I thought I would be, but this one… I’d be working for someone I really respect. I should hear something by next week. Think good thoughts for me. I need all the help I can get.

Have a great day everybody, I’ll be back tomorrow… hopefully with pictures from dancing.

Another great day...

I have managed to pull two on program days in a row. I feel so much better knowing that I'm right on the money with food, with no deviations. I even managed to get all my fruits and veggies today. I had salad for dinner and then had strawberries and bananas for dessert!

I got a great workout too. It was Zumba! Tonight we got to do The Tango. It was fun. I totally sucked at it, but I liked learning something new.

I'm exhausted tonight. I can barely concentrate right now. I need a good night's sleep. It's been really hard sleeping at night because I can't sleep on my right side anymore. My shoulder hasn't gotten any better either. I don't want to go back to the Dr. because the next step is a shot in my shoulder and that is so not on mu list of things to do this summer!

Monday much better...

Food today was sooooo much better. I actually started my day with oatmeal and then I also had a scrambled egg. Lunch was also dinner. I had a buffalo chicken wrap. I asked for grilled chicken instead the breaded. It was so good and I had the other half for dinner.

I also did Total Body Workout today with a new instructor who does no "do" step, so in other words, the workout was so awesome and I'm exhausted from it. The instructor's regular day is Saturday, so I have a new day for exercise, because I really like Tiffany.

My A/C, which has not been working for the last 3 days is now working! So I'm in a much better mood now.

Everything has gone out the window

My food and exercise has been pretty horrible this weekend. I totally suck. For some reason my body keeps holding water. I've been watching my sodium intake, I only drink water and tea, and I exercise like a fiend and yet for two weeks running I have gained weight. I did not go to my weight watcher meeting again! Starting Saturday morning I started eating and basically did not stop until about 20 minutes ago. I'm frustrated was frustrated because I'm gaining and then I make matters worse by eating like I used to. I'm turning it around this week. I'm so done feeling sorry for myself and not doing the things that I need to do.

Monday Recap

I made my lunch to day. Turkey sandwich, fat free chocolate pudding and a banana. Lunch time rolls around and I open my lunch bag, and my sandwich is missing! I store my lunch in a fridge that everyone on the floor uses, so assumed that somone stole my sandwich. I was so mad. I ended up buying a half a turkey sndwich from the cafeteria. When I get back to my desk. I have a text from my kid. "Did you forget a sandwich on the counter this?" Oops. I felt bad for assuming I worked with food thieves, but it was pretty funny when I admitted my mistake. The kid ate my sandwich for me so it didn't go to waste.

I did Total Body Workout tonight. Burned almost 800 calories. I think I missed the 800 mark because there were so many people in class that the instructor decdied against the walking lunges... for which my sorry knee thanked her. The knee is getting better, which has casued me to procrastinate making a Dr. appointment. I know I have to go, but I'll feel stupid going to the Dr and having them tell me nothing is wrong. I always feellike a hypochonriac when that happens. And yes, it's happened more than once.

Anyway, food and exercise were good today. I'm tired and looking forward to getting a good night's sleep!

Zumba and the knee

I did Zumba and Abs last night. There were a few moves in Abs I had to not do because my knee just can't bend without pain. Oblique work wasn't nearly as beneficial as it has been on past days. I can't do a child's pose either. It' puts to much pressure on the knee and also the whole bending thing. Zumba wasn't too bad. I couldn't do any lunges and I was a little hesitant on some of the more twisty moves, but I still got a great workout in. My instructor was very insistent about me icing my knee (as a few other people were here and other places) so I went home and iced my knee and it felt a lot better. I iced it again this morning, but it's still bothering me today. I'm not going to do Total Body Workout tonight. I am going to the gym though. I'm going to do the elliptical but probably only for 30 minutes or so.

Food so far today has been good. Oatmeal and eggs this morning (not together, that would be gross). I made my lunch so I'm having a turkey sandwich, Sugar Free chocolate pudding, and WW string cheese. I think I'm making spaghetti for dinner, but using ground turkey instead of ground beef (not a fan of italian sausauge so no making fun of my spaghetti choices)

Exercise, injury, and more!

You know how I've been bitchin' about my knee on and off for like the entire time I've been writing this blog? Well, I've gone and screwed it up even more. I took a total body workout class last Wednesday and did walking lunges. They burned in a good way, the next two days I noticed my knee was causing me some issues but still exercised on it anyway (Hello! Yes I am a dumbass) I took Saturday and Sunday off. No exercise but my knee got worse, so what did I do today? I went to total body workout again, and did more walking lunges and step. The step part hurt more than the lunges and I can no longer go up steps without pain in my right knee, but I could do the lunges relatively easy. GO figure. I burned 803 calories in the class. So awesome! I can only imagine how much more I would burn if my knee wasn't in pain.

Food, I did really well with today. I had oatmeal and 2 eggs for breakfast. For lunch I had vegetable soup and crackers. Snack consisted of a banana and a granola bar, and dinner ate up the rest of my points with chicken fettucini. So yummy and worth every single point it took. With as much exercise as I got in tonight, I'm waaay ahead. Woot!

I'm exhausted tonight, and looking forward to a good night's sleep. Tomorrow is Zumba and I'm so not missing it. I should be okay because Zumba has no steps. Steps are at work and I think I'll give myself a break by taking the elevator instead of the steps. I looked pretty funny today going down and holding on to the rail for dear life. It took me at least twice as long to go down as it normaly does.

Thursday Repeat, Uh Recap

I am happy that I actually made it to the gym last night, but a little disappointed that I could only muster a measley 35 minutes of exercise in on the elliptical. I was feeling pretty lazy yesterday and sore. Did I mention sore? I'm actually more sore this morning than yesterday. Those walking lunges and squats shredded my legs. I mean it's two days later and I'm still bitching about them. I'm beginning to think I might have to swallow my hate for step and suck it up just for this walking lunges. *sigh* I'll have to think hard about this...

Food wise, things are okay. Most days I actually have been feeling very piggy, but the scale keeps showing losses (even if at this moment it's a very small but respectable loss) so I guess I'm doing better than I think but definitely not as good as I could be. I didn't feel like cooking last night, so I went over to my Parents house and had them feed us. It was chicken enchiladas, So very yummy! I only had one and didn't add anything crazy like sour cream or guacamole, so that while the food tasted sinful it was actually pretty low point value at 6 points. And the best thing? I did not take a fully loaded soda from their fridge! Okay it might have been becasue they didn't have anymore coke, but I refused the Dr. Pepper and the Root Beer. Soda is a weakness of mine so I'm pretty happy.

Exercise is on the menu again for tonight because weigh in is tomorrow and I want to scale to to continue its downward direction.

Tuesday's Recap!

Yesterday was crazy busy. I had to go and visit my Aunt Mary at the nursing home. I usually go on Mondays but didn’t have to because it was Memorial Day so she spent much of the weekend at home with the family. Anyway, back to visiting her on Tuesday, my sister usually takes Tuesdays but started a class last night and knew she had to do school stuff so she ask me to cover her shift. I said no problem… really what was I going to say, I love my Aunt Mary. I was at work when I realized that my daughter had an ortho appointment at the same time I was supposed to be at my Aunt’s. She could not miss the appointment because I had already rescheduled it once before because I had Aunt Mary duty and forgot about the ortho appointment. Thank goodness, my lil bro is a good guy who has not left for Virginia yet for his summer job, because he picked her up and took her to the appointment and then took her to Jack in The Box for a milk shake, truly the best milkshakes evah! I’m sure I would have caved if I’d gone there, so I am so glad I did not have to deal with that temptation!

After spending some time with my Aunt, I drove home, cooked dinner. Awesome turkey kielbasa with peppers and tomatoes. Honestly, I don’t even need the kielbasa, I love the veggies over rice… I usually only eat a few pieces of the kielbasa so it’s a pretty low point meal, I think it’s 6 points per serving (not at home to verify).

After I finished cooking dinner, I turned it all off and ran off to my Abs and Zumba class. After doing Zumba on Monday, Tuesday’s class kicked my butt! My abs are sore, especially my oblique’s (is that how it’s spelled??? Too lazy to look it up!) and my arms. Tracy, our instructor was telling before class started that we’d be doing some new moves that Janine the other instructor uses because they worked muscles that Tracy does not normally work during her routines. She warned me I’d be saying ouch before the night was over… and I was, but in a good way. Oh and I burned 591 calories in Zumba. I think we had a few more breaks in between songs than usual.

Today, my shoulders are so very tired. Tonight, when I head to the gym, I will not be working my arms. Two days in a row of working the arms is one day too many! And we didn’t even use weights! Just keeping them up and out and above the heart… well and Monday we used a body bar. Both of the Zumba instructors have incredible arms. Well defined and toned arms. I want that, so whatever they tell me to do, I’m doing. I’ve already lost almost 2 inches on my upper arms, so I’m heading in the right direction.

Oh and one more thing, one of the ladies who takes the class with me hasn’t been in for about 6 weeks and when she came in last night, she looked at me and was like WOW, you look awesome! You’re getting all kinds of skinny (which was hysterically funny because she’s like 70 so it was funny hearing her talk like a teenager). And here is the NSV… I said Thank you, I’ve lost almost 40 lbs. And that was it. I didn’t add anything about having a long way to go or anything that would diminish my accomplishment. I’m learning!

I did not get home from Zumba until almost 8 PM. I ate a small bowl of my dinner… which is also an accomplishment because when I make this dinner I always want to eat like 3 bowls of this stuff! I talked to my kid for a little while and then I went to bed. It was a long day. Hopefully today will be much calmer.

Tuesday Zumba!

I had an abs class and Zumba tonight. Once again I used my HRM. I had a goal to burn an extra 1000 calories a day, but only got in 850 calories today. I'm going to take that and be happy about it. I'll try to make up that 250 calories tomorrow. I really like my HRM it keeps me motivated at the gym.

As for food, I've been much better this week than the previous two weeks. Making my lunch is really helpful, and keeps me from overeating in the cafeteria because it's not about the choices of food I'm making but rather the amounts that I'm consuming. When I bring my food I have much more control about the amounts of food. I'm really hoping for a good number on the scale this week. Some of you may have noticed that I failed to report a weigh in on Saturday... mainly because I did not go to my Weight Watchers meeting to weigh in because I had too much sodium and too many cookies throughout the week. This week, is totally different.

The rest of Monday...

I ate horribly at lunch, because I'm a dumb ass, so I went to the gym after visiting my Great Aunt at the nursing home. I only did 35 minutes on the on the elliptical and then I left the gym to come home to make another equally horrible dinner (hello! pizza!) and watch the season finales of Chuck and Heroes. So that is what I'm currently doing... sitting on my ass and watching one of the best shows on TV (Chuck) that may never be on again. *shakes fist* You better renew Chuck NBC!