I left my.......in San Francisco!!

I love that old song about leaving your heart in San Francisco.  However, I didn't leave my heart.  My Soulmate Thomas came with me and together we shared some adventures and made memories.

We went into this vacation with a pact, to eat foods for quality not for quantity.  We shared many yummy meals and didn't act as "food police" with each other.  I enjoyed tasting the foods and not feeling the need to fill up on the foods.  I found I wasn't living to eat, but rather eating to live.  

Wine tasting was fun and filled with knowledge.  I learned about what ones I prefer and how what is eaten with the food effects how it tastes.

We followed that up with a HUGE Chinese meal with 7 entrees I believe.  I just know I ate a lot of food, but refrained from stuffing myself.  Yummy little bites of great food was enough for me.  

The whole scene in San Francisco was AWESOME to see.  We even went on the CalTrain and the Muni as well as a cable car.  I took over 600 pictures alone.  I loved seeing the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge.  The housing was unreal.  I don't think I could live that close to my neighbors.  I'm spoiled here in the midwest.  My neighbors are at least 10 feet away.  

I admit I did come back a few pounds up from my lowest which I hit the morning we left.  I did go workout Friday, we got back Thursday at 11 p.m. and I had to get to gym by 8:30 a.m. for my training.  Oh my gosh I was so not into working out.  I hadn't hit the workout room once while on vacation.  That workout room was terrible.  1 eliptical, 1 treadmill, 1 bike and a lone workout ball with a scale to round things out. YUCK!

I'm back on track and focused on finishing this marathon I began..... at birth it seems.

Wine tasting with my Soulmate, Thomas, at Jessup Cellars

I'm thrilled that we were able to take this amazing trip at this time in our lives. I just don't want to be this weight on our next vacation.  I know I will reach my goal and it will feel great to accomplish!!

Set your own goal and put the plan in place to attain it before a specific time in your life.  Be it a BIG birthday milestone or before you go someplace amazing.  You too can reach your goals you just need to keep focused and not let slip ups completely sidetrack you.  Falling down doesn't mean you never get back up.

Hang in there and don't leave your heart anywhere!!!

What do you do at the gym??

Today I wasn't feeling too into working out, but after eating the chocolate crack I knew I needed to kick my own butt.

I did as many errands as I could get done to put off going too early.  It seems that Sunday mornings people skip church and go workout.  

I parked my butt on the recumbent bike and started peddling.  Upset that I forgot my earbuds, so I had no tunes to listen to, I settled in to people watch.  I saw an older guy I have seen there a lot.  He seems to almost live there. SO... I watched him.  He got on a machine and "camped" (you know the ones who get on a machine and hog it for 5-10 minutes without getting off it). He pushed 2-4 times then rested for 1-2 minutes and pushed a few more times. Then went to camp on another machine, he did this for about 4 machines. It was hilarious to watch him so I looked at a few others. I hope none of them are reading this, but I won't say what time I was at the gym nor which one I went to.  

   I watched a woman around my size as she went from the treadmill to the weight machines.  I wanted to ask her if she'd thought about getting a trainer.  I find that having Christine kick my butt 30 minutes a session keeps me motivated to keep pushing forward.  She seemed to know how to use the machines, but didn't have the knowledge to give herself a proper workout session.  Is that mean that I was watching her?  I'm sure I was being watched as I huffed and puffed thru the sets. I wanted to talk to her, but didn't.  If I see her again I will.  I know that trainers can be shared and I'd share mine if someone else wanted to be beat up right along with me. Which reminds me, CHRISTINA D., you need to join me Friday mornings again!  

  I now appreciate what guys do at the gym to strengthen their arms and abs. It's hard frickin work to build muscles and be disciplined enough to keep at it day after day.  I was doing my bicep curls in the weight room and there was a guy in his 20's lifting weights and they were HEAVY.  He was huffing and puffing too so I knew he was working his muscles hard.  His "girlfriend"? came over to talk to him then left and he went back to working out.  I saw her later stretching and almost said "I hope you appreciate how hard he's working to look good for you", but maybe he was just wanting to beat the guys off her when they came sniffing around.  

I don't get all dolled up or primp to look sexy when I go workout. I put my hair in a ponytail and wear jogging pants and a t shirt that I try to get sweaty.  I do take off my wedding ring.  If you've seen it you know I don't want to lose it or wreck it in any way. It tends to cut into my hand and I've developed a callous so I leave it at home now.  I joke that I'm "Single" when I work out now. 

I've had only one guy try to talk to me when I've worked out.  I chuckle to think of a chubby middle aged woman being hit on in a gym.  I let the "barbie" dolls get all prettied up for working out.  I'm there to sweat and breath like I'm going to have a heart attack from my workouts, not get a date.  Do you know of anyone who got  a date at the gym?

If you happen to be blessed with a great metabolism Thank God for it!!  If you have a lazy metabolism like me you have to work at maintaining or losing weight.  I find I do really well all week only to go right back up on the weekends. I know how to maintain this weight. HOWEVER, I want to lose some weight before I begin maintaining it.

The best part of my day was going to Lane Bryant and trying on a few pairs of pants. I picked a pair of the "Right Fit" jeans in the curvy shape.  I grabbed a pair of the size I had on and the next size down because I find pants fit different depending on brand and shape/fit.  I got into a size down from what I was wearing and was thrilled.  I tried on a skirt and loved how it looked so grabbed a few shirts to go with it. Now I have a few pair of jeans to get me thru to the next size down.  I had lost 50 pounds in 2008 while on Atkin's.  I had to stop Atkin's so I ended up putting almost all of it back on.  Now I'm down 23 pounds from where I was in 2008.  It took me 10 months to lose it before so I know it'll take time now.  Only this time I'm using workouts to help me tone while losing.  

Isn't it just crazy that fitting into a pair of pants a size lower makes me this happy?  I also get this happy when my husband says he adores me.  In the past I would have traded all my lost weight for a man who loves and adores me like he does. Fortunately, he loves me, adores me, encourages me to go to the gym and even pays for the trainer.  I feel that having a cheerleader and loving support is what matters most.  I think everyone should have a person in their corner cheering them on and celebrating every milestone.  

My daughters have been very sweet about telling me when they see my shape has changed and I look like I've lost some more weight.  I'd been very worried that my daughters would become overweight like me.  I didn't want them to be teased about their weight.  I was relieved when they didn't gain weight until after they got out of high school. They've lost it since then and look great.  High school was so hard for me.  I was teased and treated horribly by the boys.  For 30 years I hated one boy.  He never knew how badly his words hurt me.  He probably doesn't even remember me, but I never forgot him.  I swore that if I ever saw him again I'd go up to him, say "Fatso huh?" and punch him in the stomach.  Now if I were to see him, I'd probably ask how life had treated him.  I've grown and matured since those not so golden days of high school.  Happiness has to be grown within and shown by our actions.  Treat others the way you want to be treated really is how it should be!!

Thank You God for making me Perfectly in YOUR image!!!

It FITS!

Thursday I noticed my capri's that I bought roughly 3 weeks ago were really loose.  When I got home from work I tried on one of the pairs I had not fit into 2 weeks ago when I cleaned out my side of the closet.  I pulled them on, buttoned and zipped them. They FIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!  My weight has not dropped more than a few pounds, but my clothes fit looser.  I'd heard that muscle weighs more than fat, but I know a pound is a pound no matter what the form is. So the theory of fat takes up more space than muscle does fit.  

I'm very dedicated to working out while my trainer is gone this week. (Christine have some fun and I'll arm wrestle you on the 13th)

I had missed the feeling of muscles hurting after a workout, oh silly me.  I got that feeling back yesterday when my legs were hurting, but I know it's building more fat burning muscles. So..... Bring It On!

I have a lot more energy and stamina.  The true test will come when I go to San Francisco the end of the month.

I'm not eating as perfectly as I wish I was, but again it is all about moderation.  I don't totally throw out my meal plan every weekend I just limit my indulgences to a few things.

Do something for yourself today, whether it's a walk to enjoy the sunshine (it's actually nice here in MN), or a cup of tea on the patio, reading a book or the bible,  perhaps listening to your favorite music without distractions is more your style. 

Whatever you choose make it something special for yourself.  Everyone needs "ME" time. 

My Grandchildren with me at a Wedding reception 6/4/11

Muscles are appearing, I didn't know I could make muscles!

While my workouts have been building my stamina and strength they have also been building MUSCLES.

Yes I have muscles, actual definition of my muscles on my arms and calves.  It's so cool to see my body making these changes as I increase my workouts and the weights I'm using.  Today I did the seated rows with 55 pound weights and the pull downs were 55 pound weights as well.  I wish I could see my abs changing, but I doubt they will show anything.  I have a nice layer of fat on top still and have had many surgeries that cut onto my stomach muscles.

I see some changes in my face and ankles too.  It is fun to see my hard work finally paying off with muscle definition and becoming stronger.  

I feel like I'm on The Biggest Loser the Minnesota edition.  I've got my trainer cheering me on and pushing me to improve every week.  She makes sure I've got my plan for healthy eating ready for the weekends, those are the days my will power seems to disappear.  I'm not perfect, but I'm a work in progress.

I'll be progressing more and more in the next few weeks.  I have a goal to reach before I go to San Francisco.  I have another goal to reach by the end of this year as well.  I'm keeping my eye on the goals, but enjoying the journey to reach them too.

I think everyone should have goals short term as well as long term goals.  Why don't you set a goal this week for where you want to be in 6 months?  It's easy and you don't have to tell someone what your goal is you could just write it down for only you to see.

My modeling stint, it was a lot of fun.

Getting it right this time

It has been so long since I've felt this good about myself.   I'm eating according to my meal plan and have not had one bite of sugar, wheat or flour. 

My mind feels clearer and I'm able to focus more.  I'm thrilled to see the positive changes my body has been going through too.  My biceps and forearms are getting "ripped" looking.  I've never had this happen before. Seeing the changes on the scale has also been very good for my confidence.  Knowing I'm on the right track and have all the elements to be successful feels simply AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My trainer, Christine, had a challenge Wednesday when I showed up with a protective boot on my left foot again.  I have a stress fracture in my left foot, the metatarsal of the bone next to the great toe bone.  It hurts and I had bruising so I went in to find out why.  Not what I wanted to hear.

In the past this would've set me back weeks or even months.  I'd have stopped working out and eating right.  I'd have gone right back to eating crappy and put pounds back on.

THIS time I'm coming at this from a different brain, committed to getting to MY goals.

My determination is almost scary to me now.  Setting my goals both short term and long term has kept me sane and on track.  My short term goal is to lose 10 pounds at a time.  My long term goal is to reach my goal weight of 145 pounds. 

Dinner

Tonight I enjoyed a nice Tilapia fillet from Schwann's (90 calories) and had that with Brown rice (1/2 cup), cooked beets (1/2 cup).   I need to find a way to cook the brown rice to get it really moist and not too dry.  Package directions leave it too dry for my stomach. 

I've been using my My Fitness Pal on my ipod touch a lot and even got online to use their website to get more ideas on how to utilize it to the fullest. www.myfitnesspal.com

I am a FOOD ADDICT and I know what I need to do to get healthy.  Physically, emotionally and spiritually I need to keep my focus on just living one day at a time.  I now plan my meals out a little more than I did two weeks ago even. 

Lunch Salad that I have every day (Rainbow has a great salad bar)

I choose healthier foods like this salad that I pick up every morning before I go to work. Monday thru Friday I eat a good lunch.   Takes me almost 2 hours to eat it.  I usually have chicken or tuna with it and my dressing is 1 tablespoon of mayo.

Trying to get in my protein and veggies is very easy.  Gone are the unhealthy sides of pasta with creamy sauces and breads.

I eat my burgers without a bun and have not eaten one nibble of pizza since Saturday when I peeled the toppings off a few pieces at my friends.  The bag of potato chips that sat here over the weekend I didn't have one morsel of them.  I felt very good about exercising that self control.  I no longer let food control me or my emotions.

I'm feeling much happier (like that is even possible, Tom is the most supportive husband EVER).   I now think happiness comes from within and also how we let it out for others to see and enjoy. 

Seriously, how many times do you find yourself smiling when you see someone else smiling?  Smiles really are contagious!!

Try it, smile at the next person you pass in the mall, hallway or gym.  I get more "Good Morning's" and "Hello's" when I smile at someone first.   Not every man wants to hit on me when he says something to me (for those of you that know me you've heard me mention being hit on).

Have yourself a FUN weekend and remember this is making a change in lifestyle not a diet!

Making positive changes in a negative world

Here it is 11 days later and I feel like I've made some great progress in my battle.

I've made some changes in how I'm viewing this lifestyle change.  I'm eating differently.  I've adopted a meal plan I found on a website that seems to be just the key I need to get off this addictive cycle.

I'm staying away from sugar(even artificial sweeteners), flour and wheat.  I've been reading packages and I'm amazed at just how many foods contain sugar. Sugar goes by many names so I had to print out the list so I'd know what to look for on the packages.  I'm not eating anything that has any type of flour.  My "bread" is brown rice cakes.  Not bad if I eat a banana with it or scrambled eggs on top.  Giving up wheat has been the easiest part for me, I gave up bread before and survived!!

My breakfasts have consisted of cottage cheese, brown rice cake and a banana or poached eggs instead of the cottage cheese.  Tomorrow I'm going to try slow cooking oatmeal with fruit I pureed.

Lunch has been a salad I put together at a local grocery store. I get lettuce and add beets, bean sprouts, cherry tomatoes, yellow peppers, feta cheese ( 1 oz or less).  I get canned chicken and use about 2.5 oz and mix in a tablespoon of mayo.  I add fruits like mixed berries and watermelon or pineapple and I then  have a well balanced meal for lunch.  I have enjoyed this every weekday for the last week and am not bored with it. 

Dinner is a protein like chicken or a pork chop and a veggie and cottage cheese.  My nightly treat is an Atkins bar, my favorite is the Mudslide bar.  

I'm experimenting with cooked brown rice.  I used organic vegetable broth in place of the water.  I was happy that Whole Foods had organic broths that did not contain sugar.

I couldn't believe that broth has sugar added to it.  Ketchup is hard to find without sugar.  I did find unsweetened ketchup.  It did taste pretty good tonight with my turkey burger.

I'm continuing with my 3 times a week workouts.  I found out today that my foot pain is a stress fracture :-( 

I guess I'll be back in my fancy boot for a while. However, I can still workout!!!

My world changed for me on Easter Sunday so I've had a lot more positives happening.  I am blessed with a Husband who loves me right now at this weight.  He loves me no matter what.  I'm a happy woman who has friends and family who keep cheering me on.  

My wish is that EVERYONE could have their own cheerleading team of family and friends.

I'm cheering YOU on too...so let's keep this going in a positive direction!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Minnesota Wild Hockey Game 2009

Moving my body and my mind

I feel a shift in how I am viewing food.  I'm no longer thinking of what I want to eat that is high in fat, sugar or salt, but what benefits it will give my body.  I'm reaching for proteins and vegetables.  Don't get me wrong I still crave sweets and other junk foods.  I just don't think of them in terms of eating as much as I can.  My changing body has my mind changing with it.  After a workout I find my body famished and I try to eat protein in the form of a protein shake or eggs.  The rest of the day my body sends signals that it needs more than the calories I'm giving it.  This is my bodies signal to give it more fuel.  I'm doing better at picking things that will be used as fuel for my body and not junk that will not help my body.

My trainer has noticed how much strength I have now compared to 3 weeks ago.  I've gone from 90# leg presses to 110# leg presses.  I'm impressed as well when I get on the stationary bike and see the level going up.  I started at level 3 when I first got on a bike.  I'd maintained a level 6-8 in the last 3 weeks, until yesterday.  I found that 6, 7 and 8 felt too easy.  I was pedaling very fast and it felt like no resistance was being applied.  So I bumped it up to level 10 and liked how that felt.  So the pounds may not be dropping off, but the muscles have begun to make my shape change.  My arms are becoming more defined and my waistline is reappearing.  I just wish this butt would start shrinking. 

I'm happy and content with my life how it is now.  I've become more confident in my ability to keep moving forward and reach my goals.  The key is to just MOVE.  

Are you doing enough moving?  The stairs rather than the elevator?  The evening walk after dinner instead of watching tv? Chasing a toddler while playing tag?  Playing fetch with the dog?   (I might have to get a dog that actually plays fetch).

My Mother Betty, I miss her every day!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL YOU MOTHER'S OR MOTHER'S TO BE!!!