Weigh-In Wednesday

#20

(Okay, so the fonts and spacing are all weird in this post for some reason and I can't figure out how to fix it. Sorry in advance.)

It's been a while since I have actually checked in about how my progress is going.  Honestly, I waver between wanting to post each week because of the accountability that it gives me and not wanting to post because sometimes it feels a little self-centered and redundant. I know that a lot of people lose weight all the time.  And many are doing a better job than I am. I'm still trying to figure this whole thing out and still battling habits that I formed in my early years. Most days, I am right on track and eat the foods that I am supposed to. But some days, I really struggle. It's easier for me to pick up a boxed pizza rather than prepare baked chicken, broccoli, and fruit. It is second nature to me to grab a pre-packaged brownie and it's much harder for me to choose a healthy snack like almonds. Even after a few months, I still feel like I am reconditioning my brain to make healthy choices. This summer, with the kids being home, it has been even more difficult for a routine of working out and making healthy food choices since we have been on the go a lot more. But, I am not giving up.  

Recently, I tried Shakeology for the first time. It's a meal replacement shake with lots of nutrients and vitamins. I only ordered a sample pack to see if I would like it. So far, I have had the strawberry and the chocolate. I like the chocolate the best.  Not sure if I will order more, but giving it a go for now.

I really enjoy working out, but the nutrition side of things is hard for me.  I have been really frustrated in the previous weeks because my weight loss went from steady to hardly anything with me not changing my eating habits. For example, here is what a day's worth of meals typically looks like for me.

Breakfast: Two eggs, scrambled. Two pieces of turkey bacon, 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese (I put on eggs), and 1/2 cup blueberries. water with lemon and coffee with 1 tbsp creamer and one packet of stevia,

Lunch: grilled chicken tenderloin, 1/2 baked sweet potato with cinnamon honey butter, and a salad.

Snack: Chocolate Shakeology made with 1 tbsp of peanut butter and one cup of unsweetened coconut milk.

Dinner: Same as lunch but with broccoli instead of salad.

If I need another snack: 1/2 apple with 1 tbsp of almond butter or packet of almonds

I have been really frustrated not seeing the scale move down even when I am eating healthy. (Granted, I have been a little more lax in the last month, but not completely going wayward at all.) So yesterday, I talked with a nutritionist who is going to take a week to watch my food entries on My Fitness Pal and come up with a plan for me and see what I have possibly been doing wrong. (I am Amandore on MFP if you want to add me and we can cheer each other on!) Last night, when I got finished logging in all of my calories and fitness for the day, I checked my weekly summary of my food intake. I honestly don't remember the last time I did that. But what I saw kind of astonished me. It breaks down your food entries for the week into a pie chart and separates carbs, fats, and proteins. I thought that protein would've been my largest percentage but it wasn't. I was really surprised to see the breakdown as 53% fats, 19% protein, and 28% carbs. I really was shocked! (Now this is still all within my calorie limits.)I had no idea that the breakdown of what I have been eating mostly fats! That may be my problem right there. A couple of websites I looked at suggests:

• 45% to 65% of calories eaten should come from carbohydrates.
• 20% to 35% of calories eaten should come from fat.
• 10% to 35% of calories eaten should come from protein. (from SparkPeople)

Obviously, I need to work on getting the right combinations 

of foods from now on. I will be a lot more mindful of that. I 

just wish I had looked at my stats earlier so that I could've 

corrected the problem before now. 

This was DAY ONE! The first day of getting healthy!

And this was over the weekend.  I have a long way to go, but I am so glad I took the first step!  Sorry about the blurry picture...cell phone pic. (with my workout buddy, Bethany)

Last night walking/running the track and running up stairs. It was a beautiful evening!

I had great workouts the last couple of days! Zumba on
Monday night was awesome! I'm not sure how many squats
we did in those routines, but it was a lot! And last night, I
walked/ran two miles and ran up and down the stairs at the
stadium. (Well, I ran up the stairs, but gingerly came back
down the stairs. I still cringe thinking about a little mishap at
my graduation where I fell down those very stairs, twisting
my ankle. I still have problems with that same ankle. But that
is another story for another time.) Then, I headed to the gym
for a few minutes on the eliptical.

Guys, I'm not giving up. Just trying to figure things out and
keep going. I'm not sure if I will post each Wednesday like I
was at the beginning of this journey, or just update you guys
less often. But keep me in your prayers and you will
definitely be in mine!

You can see my weight loss journey from the beginning here!

Weigh-In Wednesday

#19

Just checking in with you guys today briefly!  Since last week, I hit the gym everyday, including an awesome Boot Camp class, until this weekend.  I haven't been back in the gym yet. Between the holiday weekend, and trying to get home projects done (trying to get my foyer floors done, but it is taking longer than expected!), I haven't made it back to the gym or even walked around the neighborhood. But, I did drop a pound since last Wednesday!  Yes!  I'm going to have to get creative this week in order to get any semblance of a workout in since it is recital week for my girls.  Each afternoon and night the rest of the week is booked up so I will have to make sure I workout in the mornings or it's not happening. 

Sorry so brief today, but duty calls!  I'm keeping on keeping on!  Thirty-nine pounds lost total.  I'll take that. 

The Struggle is Real

So, I completely missed checking in with you at the beginning of the month about the getting healthy/weight loss thing!  But, here I am, still plugging along. While I have no new weight loss to report, still holding where I was, I am hanging in there. The last month was crazy busy!  Both of my girls played ball in different age divisions, so it was a bit harder for me to make my favorite classes at the gym, and eating healthy was more difficult because of us being on the go so much. For a month and a half while ball season was in full swing, I was hit or miss for Zumba and Boot Camp because of our crazy schedule. Then, about three weeks ago at Zumba, I hurt my ankle. So, for a week all I did was squats and push-ups because my ankle hurt so bad. Then the two weeks after that, all I added was walking. My ankle is better, but it still smarts sometimes if I step on it a certain way.  I didn't sprain it, but I think it is a tendon issue. (I am so tired of hurting myself trying to get this weight off. But, I guess that comes with getting older.) 

Post Zumba! You can't really tell, but I was drenched! Such a great workout and I enjoy all the great gals who attend that class!

 I went shopping for clothes for the first time since I started losing my weight and the last time I checked in about my progress.  I was able to go down another size in pants and my shirts were a smaller size.  (When I started I was a 24, and I currently can wear a 20. And in dresses, I was able to fit in an 18.)  That encouraged me A LOT since the scale hasn't budged. But, since I am going to be losing more weight, I didn't want to invest in a lot of clothes. I bought what would hold me over for now and will buy a little more when I go down another size.  I still wear some things that are a little too big, trying to keep from spending a lot on something that I won't be able to wear long. So, if you see me around and I am wearing the same thing you saw me in last time, you know why.  

Monday, I started over on Phase 1 of the Maker's Diet. I prepped my snacks ahead of time so that it would be easier for me to make healthy choices.  Snacks are pineapple, peaches, almonds, P3 protein snack packs, and fruit salad. 

The fruit salad is so yummy! I call it my tropical fruit salad. It is fresh pineapple, mango, kiwi, and blueberries. So delicious!

Once again this month, I signed up for the Spartan Challenge.  This month is a group challenge and Sara and Lori are my workout buddies. While we don't get to walk together or workout together everyday, it has encouraged me knowing they are there!  I have enjoyed our walks together in our neighborhood. 

Guys, I am hanging in there. But the struggle is real! Last night a friend posted a pic on her Facebook page that was her family's snack (ice cream), and her snack (cantaloupe) side by side.  She is determined!  I felt her struggle/frustration. I cooked pizza last night for my family, one of my favorite foods, and I ate baked chicken, salad, and fruit.  Those leftover pieces of pizza that sat in my refrigerator last night mocked me!  You know you want to eat me!  Pizza is delicious!  I will taste so good! It won't hurt if you just eat one piece. Come and get me out of this fridge!  No, pizza. You lie! Not tonight. 

Starting next Wednesday, I am resuming Weigh-In Wednesdays.  It really helps me to have accountability that it gives me.  It's not glamorous, it's hard work, and a struggle, but I think checking in with you really helps motivate me!  So, until next week, keep it up!

Weigh-In Wednesday

#17

It's been a month since my last weigh-in with you guys.  Let me tell you, it has been a hard month.  Probably the hardest since I started my weight loss journey at the end of October. I hit a plateau.  That frustrated me beyond what I can tell you!  It was so disheartening to be eating right and working out and not see the scale budge.  Mentally, that was hard for me. I think it kind of psyched me out a bit and I started doubting myself.  But, I kept pushing through.  Just kept swimming. (I think that is my motto. Thanks, Dori.) 

Another thing that has been particularly hard this month is trying not to compare my weight loss journey to someone else's.  I would see Jane Doe lost x amount of weight in x amount of time and I would beat myself up about my slow progress. But, I'm not Jane Doe. I'm Amanda Henderson. I am unique and my body is unique and I'm not going to lose weight in the same way someone else does. I will lose it like I do. 

Opp gals at the Zumbathon

Since last weigh-in, I participated in a Zumbathon that was raising money for Cancer Freeze, a local charity.  It was a two hour event, and it was so much fun!  We got a great workout in and it was all for a good cause. I was able to stay for an hour and forty-five minutes of the event.  I loved every dark, smokey, disco light, music-so-loud-it-rattles-your-bones minute of it. 

During Boot Camp, we did our second fit test and I was so happy that I improved on both my push-ups and sit-ups.  I love being able to track my progress, strength-wise.  (Just a shout out to our trainer, Rachel!  She does a great job pushing and motivating us.  I really appreciate what she does!)

I also participated in the Spartan 30 in 30 Challenge.  The challenge was to do 30 squats a day for 30 days.  I did do most of the days. I was sick one night and missed and last week when we were on vacation I missed a couple of days. But other than that, I got them done. I know a lot of you participated as well. Did you make it through?  This month's challenge is 30 push-ups a day for 30 days. I signed up for that and I hope you will, too. We can do it!

So, Monday night, I weighed after Zumba for the first time in a couple of weeks. And to my surprise, I had lost six more pounds!  I might have jumped up and down a little. I might have done a happy dance right there in front of everyone like I was thirteen years old.  I was just so darn happy.  I worked SO hard for those six pounds. It gave me the boost that I needed so badly. (I was measured again as well this morning and I've lost inches, too!)

I don't know if you remember, but back on this post I mentioned that one of my goals for 2014 is to run at least five 5ks.  I haven't done any yet.  My knees gave me fits for a while, but now they are healed and my first ever 5k is next weekend.  I'm joining a team (some family members) and we are running the Dirty Girl Mud Run 5k in Atlanta, Georgia.  I can't wait.  I'll also be participating in my second 5k this month as well. This really is the year of possibilities!

This being healthy/weight-loss thing is hard.  But it is so worth it. It takes perseverance and dedication and hard work and discipline.  But those things yield better health and a better outlook and elation and a feeling of accomplishment.  I don't know how long  it will take me to reach my goal weight, but I do know that I won't quit until I do. 

Weigh-In Wednesday #16

****Congrats to Dana T. on winning the Digital Design Board Giveaway!  I will be in touch soon!

Happy Wednesday! Whoop whoop!  Today is Weigh-In Wednesday for March.  In case you missed when I posted about it, I decided to start doing Weigh-In Wednesday only once a month instead of weekly. And since yesterday, I had a little heart to heart with you about my frustration, I'm going to keep this short, sweet, and to the point. 

Two weeks ago, at my last weigh in I posted about, I had lost a total of 31 pounds.  Today, I'm sitting at 32 pounds lost.  I'll take it. Even though it's slower than I would like, I'm moving in the right direction. 

I mentioned yesterday that I had my measurements taken last week.  Next month, I will be able to report inches lost as well as pounds lost. I regret not taking measurements in the very beginning, but,oh well.  (And I think that for April's weigh in, it will be time for some progress pictures.)

Spartan 30 Challenge

I did want to mention the Spartan 30 Challenge.  A friend told me about it on Facebook last night and I signed up to do it (Thanks, Ava).  It is a challenge to do 30 squats a day for 30 days.  Today is the first day of the challenge and I want to encourage you to go sign up!  (click the link above to sign up)  Let me know by commenting if you accepted the challenge!  I already did my squats for the day.  By day thirty, I'm gonna have leaner, meaner legs!

I hope you have an awesome day!  Get those squats done!

To view Weigh-in Wednesday from the beginning, click here. Links at bottom of the page. 

Why I love Target (and Checking In)

Living in my small hometown, it is a treat when I actually get to go to Target.  The nearest one is an hour away, and finding the time to go is tricky.  But, this past Friday, the stars aligned, the sun shone down from Heaven,  and the angels sang......I finally (after weeks of trying to find time) was able to go!  

It was a meant-to-be kind of day.  My girls' school dismissed at lunch, a dear friend had a new baby for us to visit (at a hospital that was on the way to Dothan, where Target is), and we needed to find cleats for softball tryouts. 

So, off to Dothan we went. We found cleats that met the requirements (For me--good price. For Katlyn---they had to have pink on them.) We found a twenty dollar bill in the parking lot of a store (which I turned in in case someone was looking for it.) I treated my girls with a cupcake from Gigi's and found exactly what I was looking for at Hobby Lobby and at Micheal's.  Our very last stop before going home was Target.   

It was a meant-to-be kind of day, I tell you. While browsing the home section, I stumbled across many great deals on things that coordinate well with my home. 

These items came home with me:
*Navy and white pillows $5.08 each
*Teal cable knit pillow $7.48
*Navy and Gray striped body pillow covers $2.98 each
*Black table lamp $5.98

I got 5% off for using my Target RedCard, so the total with tax was $30.63! For 3 pillows, 2 large pillow covers, and a lamp.  I love finding good deals on things that I will actually use.  The pillows are now at home on my couch in my living room, and the lamp is currently in my girls's new shared bedroom.  I also scored a $5 Target gift card for my next purchase from promotions on some of the other items I bought. I love finding quality items at a great price!  

In other random, non-Target-related news, I have been keeping super busy with a couple design projects. Thus, not posting much the last couple of weeks. 

Working on a kitchen design plan.....my ottoman spread with countertop, paint, and hardware samples. 

As a general rule, I try to have my posts lined up ahead of time so that even when I am busy I can post on a regular basis.  After the past couple of weeks I've had, it just caught up with me.  I even missed Weigh-In-Wednesday last week. 

Yucky and sweaty post workout last week.

I am still trucking along with healthy living, working out and eating right.  I have been really frustrated the past couple weeks because the scale hasn't budged much.  But my clothes are fitting looser, so I am losing inches.  I was able to try on a shirt three size smaller this past week and it fit!

I've been thinking a lot about Weigh-In-Wednesdays.  I've been posting  once weekly for a little over three months now, and I really don't want it to get mundane or boring.  I mean, there really is nothing glamorous about trying to lose weight. It's hard work and it takes a really long time.  

So here is what I have decided.  Instead doing Weigh-In-Wednesday weekly, I am going to post it monthly.  Every first Wednesday of the month, I will check in.  That doesn't mean I won't ever post more than that about it.  I just don't want my readers to get bored of the same stuff.  And losing weight is a lot of the same stuff over and over. If I hit a milestone, find a great healthy recipe, or learn some valuable lesson, then I will definitely chime in and share.  But as a general rule, I will share on Weigh-In-Wednesday the first Wednesday of each month. 

I hope you all have a marvelous week!  I have made a little progress in my girls' shared bedroom, so check back for room updates this week!

Weigh-In Wednesday #15 and Free Workout Printable

Hello, everyone.  I am finally on the blog with my first post of the week.  It has been crazy busy around here and I haven't had any spare time to get my posts finalized.  But, I finally have a breather this morning for a bit. I hope to get caught up on all blog-related projects.  

Since last week, I have been trying to get into more of a definite exercise routine and maximize my fitness potential.  I talked to the sweet athletic director/trainer at my gym (thanks for helping me out, Joni) and came up with a good schedule that I can stick with for now. 

Here it is:

To download, right click on picture and save to computer. Then print.  Copyright 2014 Cultivate Create. Personal use only. 

Just to specify, for my cardio I have been walking on the treadmill some, but focusing on the elliptical machine.  Also, I do Zumba on Monday nights. On strength training days, I usually get on the elliptical for 30-40 minutes, then do all of the machines for either the upper of lower body, depending on what I'm focusing on.  I also go to Boot Camp class on Thursday nights, which is full body strength training. Cardio-only days need to be at least 60 minutes of elevated heart rate. 

This week, I lost another pound, bringing my total to 31 pounds lost. (Starting weight 304. Current weight 273.) I'm not gonna lie and say I'm jumping for joy about that, but I did hit the strength training harder in the last week than I had previously, so there may be some muscle build there.  I have worked out really hard and eaten really good since last weigh-in so that is all I can do. I have noticed my clothes fitting more loose over the past few days, so I am confident of losing inches.  I have even had about three different instances just this week where someone has commented on my looking like I have lost more.  Joni did mention that I could have hit a plateau.  Maybe that's it. I'm convinced my body wants to stay fat, is pouting, and holding onto every fat cell with everything its got.  

You know, it is hard sometimes to not get frustrated when I don't shed a few pounds per week.  I wish I could just unzip my current body and step out with my new one.  It is a battle to not compare myself with others.  I have to continually remind myself that each step in the right direction, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction. I have come a long way, especially internally.  Sometimes, I just get frustrated because I wish I could shed the pounds as fast as possible. 

But, I'm gonna stay positive and keep on keeping on.  Perseverance is the name of the game. 

See all Weigh-in Wednesday posts here. 

Weigh-In Wednesday #14

Today is a good day.  Not just a good day, a great day.  I have finally hit a milestone that I have been pushing toward for the last two weeks as the scale didn't budge. I'm relieved, encouraged, and thankful that I finally got there.  

You see, over the past few years when my weight has yo-yo'ed, losing five gaining ten, losing ten gaining fifteen over and over and over, my weight crept up, UP, UP.  I never lost more than twenty pounds at a time, and even then, that was short lived.  I was certainly never consistent enough for any significant change.  I hadn't changed from the inside out. 

But today is different.  I have been consistent for over fourteen weeks now. There has been a shift in the way I live.  A paradox to what my life was before.  Each day, I see a glimpse of the Amanda that I once was peeking through more and more.  The athlete growling inside of me is showing herself. The fiery-not-gonna-stop determination is being stoked each day.  

Day 1 at 304 pounds. 

A couple weeks ago at 28 pounds lost. 

Today is a good day.  A great day. Not just because of the pounds lost, but because of what I've gained so far on this journey; a freedom from being controlled by food, a positive outlook, and feeling better about myself. 

This week's weight loss is two pounds, bringing my total to 30 pounds lost!
I am so excited to hit that thirty pound mark.  I think the adjustments I made from last week paid off. 

 Also, I finally broke down and got a gym membership.  I was just going to Zumba and Boot Camp classes, running/walking and lifting free weights at home.  I have finally got it through my stubborn head that I can't run right now or I am going to completely blow out my knee.  I joined the gym so that I can use the Eliptical machine and the weight machines in addition to attending classes.  Maybe one day I can run again, but right now I think it is best to play it safe since my knee has been bothering me a lot again lately. 

Dancesocks 

I ordered these Dancesocks from Amazon to wear during Zumba since we are on carpet and it is hard to maneuver on it sometimes. I wore them for the first time Monday night and they were wonderful.  It made it a lot easier to move and I wasn't worried about hurting my knee.  My friend, Sara, taped my knee for me for Zumba and that helped out a lot as well. (Thank you so much, Sara!)

I got on the Eliptical yesterday for the first time in over a year. I stayed on for thirty minutes.  My quads were on fire, but I loved every minute of it. I also did ten minutes on the treadmill, jumped rope, and did all the leg machines. I absolutely enjoyed working out. I wanted to keep going, to keep pushing myself but time constraints had me reluctantly walking out of the gym. I think I might be getting addicted to the high that comes from a good workout.  

I can't wait to go back today!

To read about my weight loss journey from the beginning, click here. 

Weigh-In Wednesday #13

I am still trying to thaw out on this very cold Wednesday morning.  The hubs and kids are home, and we are trying to make the most of our "ice/snow" day. Although, for south Alabama, mostly just a thick layer of slippery ice.  And even though I'm a little late getting this post up, (taking it easy and hanging with the fam), I'm reporting in with this week's weigh in.

After maintaining last week, I started logging into MyFitnessPal to see if I was eating too many calories without realizing it (my username on MFP is amandore if anyone wants to add me). As a rule, I have not tied myself to counting calories, I just try to make healthy decisions.  But when I have a week when the scale doesn't budge, I like to check myself.  

An example meal for me:  Turkey sandwich on whole wheat sandwich round with veggies on it.  1/2 cup strawberries, and one kiwi. 

 So for the past week, I have been logging my calories with the exception of a couple days over the weekend.  

Rachel and I all bundled up and ready to run our mile for the fit test.  Thanks for the encouragement at the end of my run, Rachel!  You rock!

Last Thursday night at Boot Camp, we did a fit test to get a baseline fitness level for everyone in the class.  We had to do sit-ups, push-ups, and run a mile.  We had two minutes to complete as many sit-ups and push-ups as possible.  They had to be done with the proper form or they didn't count.  We will be tested again every four to six weeks to see what our progress is. I completed nine push-ups, 39 sit-ups, and ran my mile in 11:32.  Not the greatest by any means, but it only gets better from here.  I was acutally pleased with my mile time.  I ran most of it, only stopping to walk when I had to.  For me, dealing with my knee injury and having to stop running for a while, and just starting back, it was good. 

I found this on Pinterest and couldn't find a source.  

I am still dealing with my knee injury, though.  This week and last week at Zumba, my knee really gave me some trouble.  I will have to not run much for a while and modify my movements in Zumba. It is very frustrating.  I just want to be able to do my best and get the weight OFF!  But, in order not to further injure it, I have to take it easy.  

So, here's the deal.  I lost a pound over this past week, and today when I weighed again, I had gained it back.  So, I am still sitting at 28 pounds lost. 

Three things that I think were contributing to that:

1. I have started eating whole wheat bread and pasta again, about one or two times a day.  I am just one of those people who can't eat bread and pasta on a regular basis, whether it's whole grain or not.  Boo!  So, this week, I will be back to NO breads. (not completely carb-free, but eating low glycemic index carbs like beans, and lentils.)

2. On MyFitnessPal, after you enter in your exercise, it gives the calories you burned back to you to eat.  There has been a big debate on whether or not to eat them back after a workout, and in the past I haven't.  But this week, I did. I didn't want my body to go into starvation mode and slow my metabolism. The number of calories that you are allowed to begin with is supposed to allow for steady, slow weight loss. (I have mine set for a two pound weight loss weekly.) So, for me, I can't eat the calories back.  I might eat a handful of nuts or something small for a post-workout snack, but can't eat the majority of them back or, case in point, I don't lose the weight. 

3.  I am only getting in about four workouts in per week. Sometimes only three.  I need to be doing something at least five or six days a week, even if it is just walking.   

Frustrating? Yes.  But, sometimes you have to adjust things to make them work for you. I hope next week, after making these adjustments, I will have positive results to report: 


*No bread or pasta, even whole grain. 
*No eating the majority of calories back after workout. 
*Exercise five to six times per week.  

To view the post that started my weight loss journey, click here. 

Weigh-In Wednesday #12

I got a question this week on Facebook from an amazing young lady. I've received similar questions frequently since I started posting about my weight loss journey.  But for some reason, her question sparked a fire in me and she got a pretty lengthy reply.  

I found that I am pretty passionate about seeing others reach their health and weight loss goals, especially when I know what they are going through and struggling with.  I am still in the thick of it all, but I have made huge leaps ahead and I want to see others do the same.  

*Here is a portion of the question:

Hey Amanda! So I have a question for you regarding your workout/dieting. Have you ever found it difficult to get started working out? Like what motivates you to do it and keep doing it? I have such a hard time staying motivated and all. Also, any suggestions on how to eat healthier with a college student bank account and busy busy schedule?

*An excerpt of my response:

Okay, first things first.....starting is the HARDEST step to take. You have to do it with a perspective of I'm not dieting, I'm changing my lifestyle. Dieting always fails.....especially if you are so strict and deny yourself everything then, BAM!, you eat everything in sight after so long. Also, I don't know about you, but food for me has been a way to cope. A way to numb the pain of what I was dealing with. An addiction. A drug. If that in any way is the case with you, I think you have to deal with those things. For me, I was really hurting and dealing with a lot that I would've rather forgotten about. I was the person hurting by holding on and not forgiving. By letting those things go once and for all, giving them to the Lord, I was able to heal and thus, set free to move forward. 

A big part of moving forward was taking responsibility for what I had let my health and body become, get mad at it, and do something about it. I had to stop talking and start doing. 

I am twelve and a half weeks in. I am still learning, but I will say that the first month was the hardest. I was mad that i couldn't eat McDonald's fries when my family did. Angry that I couldn't eat sweets like my husband does and never gain weight. I was completely overwhelmed by the fact that I will always have to be vigilant about what I put in my mouth.  
But now, I FEEL SO MUCH BETTER!!!!! Not just physically but spiritually and emotionally. It is so worth it to not eat a Pop-Tart for Breakfast, but to actually get up and make myself a healthy omelet. It is so worth it after I make myself exercise and eat healthy and the scale moves down each week. The key is planning ahead. You are a super busy college student and that, for you, will be key. Maybe on Sunday night, you get some snack sized baggies and make snack bags ahead of time that you can grab and go. Make up bags with grapes, strawberries, carrots, etc., that you can have ready and on hand in your fridge and grab on your way out the door. Have healthy snacks available and ready so when you are hungry, you aren't tempted to grab something not healthy for you.  When you are eating nutrient dense foods throughout the day, they keep you more full than eating processed junk, and it is easier to stay on track. 

I never in a million years thought I would be able to lose weight again, to not be controlled by food. But I am doing it. Small step by small step. Take it one day at a time, one meal at a time. Make healthy decisions. Instead of eating a sandwich on white bread, choose whole grain. Instead of eating chips with that sandwich, eat an apple. Instead of choosing a soda with that meal, drink water. Take it one meal at a time, one day at a time, making healthy choices along the way. It eventually gets easier to make those healthy choices.....the body starts craving good foods instead of the junk.

As far as exercise goes, start by just walking and then gradually add more challenging things. When I first started trying to get healthy again, the first month, I mainly focused on nutrition because that is where I struggle. I walked some, but not a lot. I had to get my eating under control first. It was hard, but as I started getting a handle on that, I started adding fitness. Now, I am walking/running, doing Zumba and Boot Camp classes and plan on continuing to increase as I can.

Another thing that is important is accountability. Get someone to hold you accountable, who will pray with you and for you! Someone who will tell you like it is!

And as far as my motivation goes.......Every week, when I get on the scale and I see progress, that motivates me to keep going. Being able to fit into smaller clothes and feel better about myself, that motivates me. Feeling like I am becoming the person God wants me to be, that motivates me. IT IS HARD BUT IT IS SO WORTH IT!

She got an earful, didn't she? But I just wanted her to know what I've learned. I wanted her to know that she can do it, too. I want YOU to know that you can do it!

This week, I weighed in and didn't lose even one pound. You have those weeks where you plateau. I want to get mad and frustrated,but I'm just going to keep on keeping on. This is a marathon, not a sprint. I'm keeping my eyes toward the prize. I hope you are, too.

To view the post that started my weight loss journey, click here.

Weigh-In Wednesday #11

I'm sitting here, not really knowing what I want to say.  These past twelve weeks have been awesome. Let me go ahead and weigh in before I go any further. 

This week's weight loss is 3 pounds for a total of 28 pounds in twelve weeks. (Yes, we are only on weigh-in number 11 because we skipped a week at Christmas.)

These past twelve weeks have helped me in so many ways!  I truly do feel like a different person already. I have a long way to go still, but I am so excited about the progress I've made.  

I haven't had a soda in twelve weeks.  I feel so much better! I have more energy.  I think the old Amanda,or I should say, the real Amanda is slowly emerging. I no longer feel like I am a slave to food.  It doesn't control me. I control what I put in my mouth. 

Before I started trying to get healthy, I honestly never thought I would be able to lose weight again. I felt helpless.  I felt out of control. I was miserable. As my body has adjusted to not eating garbage, it has gotten easier! I crave fruits and veggies. The cravings for brownies and cakes and chips are few and far between. I was super stringent at first, but now I am finding a balance.  I am developing a healthy relationship with food....the fact that it is a way to fuel my body for great health as opposed to my best friend when I am upset.  Is it okay to have a slice of pie occasionally? Absolutely!  But it can't be the norm. It has to be the exception.  

And as far as fitness goes, I am getting stronger every week. I still could up the ante a bit with my exercising.  That is my goal this week.  To put more into exercising.  

I am easing myself back into running. I ran for the first time in a month this past weekend.  I didn't have any knee pain during or after the run, so I think it is safe to start increasing gradually.  I am going to start training so I can run those five 5Ks this year. 

Last week at Boot Camp class, we did Tabata drills.  Have you ever done those?  I really liked doing them. It was my first time. You do a group of exercises for intervals of 20 seconds, resting 10 seconds between each exercise.  You repeat that set, lets say 6 times before moving to the next group of exercises. 

Use this chart to do Tabata drills at home.  It is a great workout! I also have some other Boot Camp workouts and others on my Fitness and Weight Loss Pinterst Board.  

What I am doing is nothing special.  Tons of people lose weight.  Tons of people are probably doing it at a faster pace than I am. I hold no allusions that I'm doing something unique or fascinating. It's not. It's just a real life struggle being fought by a girl who had had enough. But, I want to reiterate that posting this helps me so much with accountability!  I want to thank you for all the support and encouragement.  

And I truly to hope to encourage others.  If you are struggling, I really do know what you are going through.  I have been down in the gutters with it all. Please hear me when I say that you can do it! 

Be sure to check Facebook later today! I am going to post another fitness challenge. Are you in?

To view the post that started my weight loss journey, click here. 

Weigh-In Wednesday #10

 Good morning!  Are you starting to thaw out yet?  Even just a little?  It's a bit warmer today and I am so glad. Cold weather and I don't get along well. 

Just stopping in briefly this morning for the weekly weigh in.  But, first, I wanted to touch base about the 7 day cleanse that I talked about last week.  I got through the first two days, and I had to abandon it. It just wasn't for me.  The cleanse calls for the first four days to be strictly fruits/veggies with a little dairy on day four.  I was struggling without eating protein.  I usually eat a high protein, low carb diet because I have to for my body type.  (There are three body types...Endomorph, Mesomorph, and Ectomorph.  To find out what type you are, go here.  It is very interesting and helpful.)  My type is mainly Endomorph  with a little Mesomorph and I have had success eating the way suggested for my body type.   

Great article on how to train for your body type here. 

I wasn't expecting the cleanse to be easy, but it put me flat on my back. Literally.  Day two I was in bed at 4pm with no energy and a terrible headache.  So, next time I want to do a cleanse, I will just stick to Phase 1 of The Maker's Diet (how I ate the first couple of weeks when I started my weight loss journey, losing 10 pounds the first week).  I did make the "Miracle Soup" a couple nights ago.  My whole house smelled like Kimchi.  It was very strong.  It didn't taste bad, but it isn't something I think I could force myself to eat three meals a day.  

Today's weigh-in:
Starting weight-- 304 lbs.
Today's weight-- 279 lbs.
This week's loss-- 2 lbs.
Total weight loss-- 25 lbs. 

I am so excited about those 25 pounds!  I started the week before Halloween and have made it though Halloween candy and Thanksgiving dinner and the entire month of December!  That time of year is often hardest for me.  I often gain during that time.  

I am setting a weight loss goal of 5 pounds for this next week.  I am ready to hit the 3o pound mark!  

If you are struggling, I want to tell you something.  You can do it! You can.  Just keep making healthy decisions one day at a time.  One meal at a time.  It gets easier.  

***I issued a fitness challenge last night on Cultivate Create FB page.  I think I will start doing that at least once a week!  Be on the lookout for it!

To view the post that started my weight loss journey, click here. 

Weigh-In Wednesday #9

Happy New Year, everyone!  New year, new start.  I love the fresh slate and renewed focus each new year brings.    Today, I am ready for a fresh start with my eating.  Over the last week and a half, we have had five Christmas "get-togethers," a birthday dinner (why yes, I'm 29 again!), and a New Year's bash, all of which boasted lots of fattening, calorie dense foods.  

Let's go ahead and get the weigh-in over with!

I didn't gain a thing!  I stayed the same weight, even through all those Christmas goodies. 

Total weight loss is 23 lbs!  I was extremely happy with maintaining through the holidays since I haven't worked out and have eaten things that I haven't in two months.  

I think the reason I was able to maintain is that I didn't just say, "Forget eating healthy. I'm gonna eat whatever I want this week!"  I allowed myself those foods at gatherings, was choosy about what treats I had, didn't gorge myself out on those foods, and I tried to make all the meals in between healthy.  I am beyond thankful that I didn't gain the average ten pounds that Americans gain during the holidays. 

Even so, I still feel yucky.  Eating those foods I haven't been used to in a while just makes me feel kind of weighed down and lethargic.  So, I decided to start a seven day cleanse this week  to rid the toxins from my body. 

 Here is the one I am trying out:

source

I started this cleanse this morning.  So far,  I have only eaten an orange and a handful of blueberries.  I can already tell this is going to be hard.  But, it's only a week so I  think I can handle it.  It will be worth it to feel better.  I've never done a cleanse like this, so I'm not really sure how it will go.  


Since it is the new year, I decided to set some fitness goals for myself.  Here they are:
1. Participate in at least five 5k runs this year. (Can't wait to break in those new running shoes!)
2. Continue Boot Camp classes so I will get stronger.  I want to be able to knock out those fifty push-ups and all the other exercises with no problem!
3. Push myself out of my comfort zone. I want to do something I've never done before.  (Not sure what that is yet, but I am on the lookout for it)
4.  Be more active with my husband and children. 
5.  Make my health and fitness a priority.  

What about you guys?  Do you have any health or fitness goals for 2014?  Do you have a cleanse diet that has worked for you in the past?  I would love to hear about it.  I'm always on the lookout for new knowledge when it comes to health and fitness.   

I'm all smiles about the new year for the first time in a few years.  I finally feel like I'm out of the rut I was in for so long.  I am looking forward to the possibilities of this new year.  Bring it on, 2014!  Bring it on! (I'm gonna go eat an apple now.)

To view the post that started my weight loss journey, click here.