Weigh In # 7: Plus Size Bloggers Tracking Challenge: Bye Bye Booties

This morning I weihed myself and came in at 200 pounds. I've been stuck here for I don't no how long. I have no idea how to make the scale budge even for a bit. At least I didn't gain weight!

In terms of eating, I have more good days than bad days. This means I've been watching what I eat and writing it down, but then there are other days when I do indulge and afterwards I feel terrible because I know I could've eaten less.

In terms of exercising, I've been riding my bike around the neigborhood a bit with my son in the front seat but I will definitely have to up my exercise time. I'm crossing my fingers that this will help me lose at least one pound next week.

Weigh In # 6: Plus Size Bloggers Tracking Challenge: Bye Bye Booties

This week I thought I would have lost at least one pound but I'm still at 200 pounds. I'm still using my food journal and controlling my portions on most days, but the best of all before I go and grab something to eat it, I ask myself if I'm really hungry or if I'm just doing it becasue I'm bored and I've found out that many times I eat just for the sake of eating.

In terms of exercise, I did upper arm strength training once this week and for the most part I've just gone out walking and playing with my son at the park. Yesterday, my husband got me a bike and I went for 2 spins around the block and it was fun. My plans are to ride it every day even if it is just around the block. Later on during the week, my husband is going to pick one up for himself and we plan on going on weekend rides as a family which should be lots of fun and a good way to get in some exercise.

Hope everyone else who is on their way to losing weight did well this week!

Weigh In # 5: Plus Size Bloggers Tracking Challenge: Bye Bye Booties

Last Monday I started a food journal/planned weekly menu. There were times when I had to alter some of the things on the menu, but I tried to keep it around the same amount of calories. This has really helped me to be conscientious of all the good things that I eat and of all of the junk that just creeps in. I've been carrying it around everywhere and it does help keep me on track and not skip meals or eat excessive junk food.

Although Saturday and Sunday was a whole different story. We went to visit the hubby's grandparents along with my his parents. I did well for breakfast on Saturday, but then we skipped snack time and they ussually don't do lunch so we didn't stop for that. After the almost 4 hour drive, as soon as I got to the house I started looking for things to munch on. Which turned out to be twixes and lots of chips and I don't even want to mention the rest of the day. Sunday was no better. I guess I'm going to stat packing healthy snacks for whenever we hit the road.

I got one of those plastic water jugs that is supposed to hold the equivalent of eight 8 oz bottles of water daily and I've been drinking that with a total of 2 crystal light envelopes.

My weight stayed at 200, so I guess whatever good I might have done from Monday to Friday went down the drain this weekend.

Hope you all are doing better than I am !

Weigh In # 4: Plus Size Bloggers Tracking Challenge: Bye Bye Booties

This week my weight stayed the same at 200 lbs. I'm really dissapointed in myself.  I haven't done as well as I should in terms of portion control. I had two days where I ate too much and then the day after I would eat less. This behavior only occurs when I'm at home alone with my son.  Whenever I go out I can control myself.  I wonder why I can control myself out in public and not at home.

I think I have the knowledge as to how to lose weight, the problem seems to be that I just can't seem to develop a good eating habit ( from what i read on http://plussizebloggers.com/ ) I've thought about visiting a nutritionist, but I think I would end up with the same results.

Here's hoping that I can be stronger this week!

Weigh In # 3: Plus Size Bloggers Tracking Challenge: Bye Bye Booties

This week has not been easy in terms of eating choices. We've had many family outings and an anniversary celebration this past weekend which equals a lot of food to go around. Although it wasn't easy I was able to make more smart choices than I have in the past. I've cut down on desserts, eaten smaller portions and made good choices when it comes to eating at restaurants. I've been eating more lean proteins, cut down on simple carbs and butter. I haven't properly exercised so I've been going up and down the stairs more than I accustom to and I've been parking the car a little bit furtherance I've been running around the house with my toddler.

Todays' weigh in was awesome....the number was 200. I am so happy; I can't wait to get closer to my goal of losing 15 lbs.

Weigh In # 2: Plus Size Bloggers Tracking Challenge: Bye Bye Booties!

Todays's weigh-in for Plus Size Bloggers was more successful than last week's. I lost 2 lbs and am down to 202 lbs. I have been trying to eat a bit less compared to the huge ammounts of food I'm used to eating and it has not been easy. Most of the times I feel like I want to snack on something although I'm not hungry and not even 2 hours have passed since I last ate.I'm drinking more water to control my cravings and it seems to be working.  I am trying to fit in workouts, but it hasn't really worked out in terms of time schedule. Last week I was able to get in an hour workout and I've been going up and down our stairs as often as I can. I will definitely  make more time for workouts.  I foresee this week will be better...I hope :-)

Weigh In # 1: Plus Size Bloggers Tracking Challenge: Bye Bye Booties!

Last Tuesday I signed up to participate in the new Plus Size Bloggers challenge and it has not gone well. I'm an overeater and up until yesterday was not an exception. Thank goodness I didn't gain any weight, I'm still at 204{today's morning weigh-in}.

Today I decided that I was going to have more will power. I started off the day by eating tofu w/ veggies scramble , for lunch I had chicken sauteed w/ veggies & eggplant and for a snack I had greek yogurt. The portions have been reasonable, not too little but not too much.

Although I've felt full I have found myself looking at the clock wishing time would move faster so I can eat again, but I'm being strong. I think this new plan can work if I control my portions, don't skip meals and don't deprive myself to the point of wanting to binge eat something.

Starting Weigh In: Plus Size Bloggers Tracking Challenge: Bye Bye Booties!

Today, I've officially signed up for the June 2011 challenge over at http://plussizebloggers.com

The premise seems simple enough, to lose 15 lbs during the course of 12 weeks, but in realityI know it'll be harder than it seems.

It's 7:46pm and I just weighed in at 204 lbs.  Being in the 200 lb range is scary, I'm 30 years old and 5'6" and the mother of a 2 year old.  My goal is to get out of the 200 range and minimum get to 189, keep it off and afterward keep improving on myself.  I want to do everything that is in my power to be healthy so I can be around for as long as possible so I can see my boy grow up and spend as much time possible with my family. 

My plan is to exercise at least 3 times a week, drink lots of water and most importantly stop over eating. I would say that I eat for whatever reasons except for that of being hungry.  I want to learn how to control myself and now that I've finally put it out there in the universe I hope to be held accountable.

Let's see how this journey goes! Can't wait to give an update next Wednesday. Good luck to everyone else participating in the challenge!

Spring In 2 Action Challenge Update

This whole getting healthy, losing weight and getting fit journey has certainly been eye opening!  I've discovered that I'm my own worst enemy.  No matter how many excuses I come up with, it all comes down to my lack of will.  I know all the right things to do, but I don't always go through with them. 

I have been exercising at least 3 times a week.  I've changed up my cardio routine to the following: 10 minutes on the Stairmaster, stretch exercises, 25 minutes on the bike and then aprox 40-60 minutes on the eliptical.  From now on I wil alternate 1 day complete cardio and the next day 20 minutes cardio with a total body weight work out to help rev up my metabolism.
My weight has been up and down; I started at 209.8 and I weighed in last evening and was at 207.4 but the week before I was between 209-210 so I'm on a better track.  Thank goodness for my challenge partner Karen because if not I'd totally give up.

Plus Size Blogger: March Contest Final Measurements

Today marks the end of the month, so I have to post my overall measurements again.  To be honest I've  tried to exercise as much as I can, but there have been lots of things that haven't allowed it.  Trips, visits & excuses.  Despite it all I have tried to control my food portions, although I have to admit it has been extremely difficult because I love to eat.  This problem I think will be better because I'm aware of where my problem lies.

Here it goes:
Neck==>   14.5
Upper Arm Left==>    13
Upper Arm Right==> 13
Chest==>  36.5
Waist==> 37
Abdomen==> 43
Buttocks (6″below waist)==>  48
Upper Thigh left==>    27.5
Upper Thigh right==>  28
Calf left==>   16
Calf right==> 16
Upper Knee left==>  17
Upper Knee right==>  17.25
Total Inches==> 326.75

Previous Total Inches==> 337.8

Total Inches Lost==> 11.5

Hope I calculated this right!

Spring In 2 Action Challenge: Week 2

It's that time of the week where I come and share my week as a part of the Spring In 2 Action Challenge from Sisterhood of the Shrinking Pants.

Last week I officially started a vegetarian style diet.  I've cut out red meat, chicken, fish, eggs and I've kept milk and cheese to a minimum.  I thought it was going to be difficult, but I've found a new love in veggies, tofu, whole wheat pastas, fruit and textured protein.  Now I just need to work on portion control although I'm doing better than I normally do.  I have to give myself a high five for this!

On the other hand, I have sinned by eating like more than half a bag of mini Reese's pieces cups.  I am so weak, but then I got my period yesterday and already I feel like the cravings are gone.  By no means do I plan on falling victim to those treats again.  I have also noticed that I haven't been drinking as much water as I should so i definitely need to kick that up a notch.

Despite my up's and downs I did lose a total of 2 lbs.  For some it might not seem like a whole lot, but I feel ecstatic over the moon.  Now that I think of it, of I hadn't given into the bag of Reeses this last week I might could've lost some more weight.  I'm definitely staying away from sweets and keeping up with my cardio at the gym as much as possible.  For next week's weigh in I'm totally gunning for at least another 2 lbs.  I leave for Europe in May so my goal from here to then is to lose at least a minimum of 16 lbs {including the 2 I've already lost} I just need to stay motivated, but I'm sure with the help of my buddy Karen and everyone participating in the challenge it'll happen.

Initial weight {Wednesday March 2} 209.8
2nd weigh in {Tuesday March 8}     207.8

Spring In 2 Action Challenge: Week 1

The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans is holding a new weightloss/fitnnes challenge beginning Wednesday, March 2nd {Yes I'm a day late} and ending Wednesday, April 13th.  That's a total of 6 weeks!

This month everyone should have a  friend.  I've teamed up with Karen from Turn My Life Around.  We know each other from the blogging and it turns out that we both want to get back in shape, so I'm happy to be teaming up with her.

For my part I've been dealing with the ups and downs of my weight for years.  When I started college back in 1998 I weighed 123 lbs and today I weigh 209.8 lbs.  I blame it on my unstable relationship with the gym, random bad eating choices and never addressing the issue of having gained a little weight.  It all started with: "Darn it, I gained 5 pounds during Christmas break....ahhhh it's just 5 pounds, what harm can that do.  Fast forward almost 13 years  and I wish I had dealt with the issue at the moment.  Add to that a 50 lb pregnancy weight gain and a car accident that left me immobile for quite some time and there you have my 209.8 lbs.

 I'm 5'6" tall and have a more or less a medium build so I know I'll never be stick thin nor would I want to be that way.  I just want to be able to run after my son without losing my breath, I want strengthen my lower body so I can walk like I used to before my car accident in 2009 and be able to wear high heels, look good in my skinny jeans again, and just be overall healthy so I can be with my family for as long as GOD will allow me.

To make all this happen I'm aiming to hit the gym at least 5 times a week and do a minimum 1 hour of cardio.  I'm also adopting a vegan style diet, where I am eliminating red meats, chicken, fish, eggs, milk and I'm limiting yogurt, cheeses and vegetable oils to an extreme minimum.  This all came due to a book I'm reviewing called 21-Day Weight Loss Kickstart, which promotes a healthier lifestyle through a plant based diet. 

I'll also be doing the 100 Push-Up Challenge.  For my initial fit test I did 10 push-ups, which I guess isn't bad, but I am so aiming to be able to do the 100 b the end of the 6 weeks.




Good luck to all of those you out there also looking to get back in shape and be overall healthy!

Are You In Need of Energy! Make Sure You Read This!

Seeing that this is my sort of' get fit blog, I thought it would be a good idea to share this book review that I did on my other blog Always Around Boys {review/giveaway blog} 


I really dislike starting the day feeling all tired and sluggish.  Sometimes, even after getting a full night's rest I feel as though I'm not ready to start off the day.

{source}

Luckily, I was able to review the book Get Energy: Empower Your Body, Love Your Life by Denise Austin.  This book focuses on what you can do to bring and improve your energy levels, regardless of your age.  The good thing is that this book focuses on making lifestyle changes as opposed to doing temporary changes.

What You'll Find in the Book: {source}

• An in-depth quiz and a “Personal Energy Plan Worksheet” to determine your energy-zappers
• A guide on what foods to eat — and at what time of day to eat them to maximize energy
• Five-minute stretching and breathing routines for a quick energy-boost
• Mini-workouts you can squeeze in on your busiest days
• Easy lifestyle changes for more radiant skin, restful sleep and a sharper mind
• Energy makeovers of busy women just like you

By far, my favorite part of the book is the five-minute stretching and breathing routines for a quick energy-boost section.  It's incredible how much better and energized you can feel by just performing a set of specific stretches during the day.  After having tried the stretches, I can say that they have definitely changed my overall mood.  The morning stretches help me start off the day better... happy mommy equals happy baby!  The night-time stretches help me get a better sleep because I get to unwind and relax before officially shutting my eyes.

The book is a very simple read; I was able to finish it in a couple of days by reading at bedtime.  The other good thing about it is that you can just keep going back to reference it because everything is so well organized.   This book doesn't present any gimmicks or fads;  all it does is give reasonable sound advice.  The truth is that with today's hectic lifestyles we sometimes forget to take care of ourselves and then wonder why are we so tired and worn out. This book reminds us that it's ok to take a couple of minutes for ourselves each day because these little changes can make for great, big, positive changes in our lives.

http://www.deniseaustin.com/

http://www.facebook.com/DeniseAustinOnline

http://twitter.com/#!/deniseaustin_

Have you read this book?

Disclosure: I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. I received the featured book, free of charge, for review purposes only.  This is an honest review and the opinions expressed in this review are my own and were not influenced in any way.  Your experiences might differ.

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Plus Size Bloggers: March Contest Initial Measurements

I'm starting a challenge over at Plus Size Bloggers.  This month the focus is going to be on how much you can lose on your overall body measurements.  Many times, when people are on the path to losing weight and getting healthy they only focus on the numbers on the scale and not how they feel in their clothes.  Once the numbers on the scale stop going down, people lose motivation and go back to their old, unhealthy ways. 

As part of the initial post {the post was supposed to have gone up yesterday...hope I can still participate and if not I'll still keep on with it}I have to share my measurements with the world {or at least with whomever is willing to read this...yikes!} Needless to say, this is extremely embarrassing for me because I know the numbers are high.  I want to start doing things, so I can improve on my overall health and go back to having the body from when I started my husband { which was in November 2007}

Here it goes:

• Neck==> 14.5
• Upper Arm Left==> 13
• Upper Arm Right==> 13
• Chest==> 37
• Waist==> 40.5
• Abdomen==> 45
• Buttocks (6″below waist)==> 49
• Upper Thigh left==> 28
• Upper Thigh right==. 29
• Calf left==> 15.8
• Calf right==>16.2
• Upper Knee left==>18
• Upper Knee right==>18.8
• Total Inches==> 337.8

It wasn't as bad as I thought.  Taking the measurements I mean because the numbers are scary big!  I'm motivated into getting back to shape, so let's see how much those numbers can go down!

Weight Loss Made Fun

In my previous post, I had mentioned how I have very little will power and need to be held accountable when it comes to weight loss. To make the whole weight loss process a little bit more entertaining I'm signing up for two {2} free online weight loss challenges. These challenges can be found at Plus Size Bloggers & Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans.

Let me know if you are currently participating in any weight loss challenge!

Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans

Plus Size Bloggers

The Long Journey Ahead

Up and down, up and down, up and now. This is how I would describe my weight over the years. I've never been the skinny chick, but I've never been the biggest girl in the room...until now. Back in 1998, I was 17 years old, a freshman in college and weighed in at 123 lbs. Fast forward almost 11 years and it's a whole different story. I now weigh 200 lbs, perhaps a little bit more.

I never in my wildest dreams thought I would weigh this. I blame it on my lack of self control when it comes to making the right eating choices and on my unstable relationship with the gym.

When I got pregnant in 2008 and had my child in 2009, I vowed to start controlling my eating portions and start hitting the gym or doing an at-home exercise DVD. I started in the right direction and 6 months later I was in a car accident which led me immobile for quite some time. During this time I lost weight because I didn't eat and I didn't eat because I was depressed. Although I'm not depressed anymore, I try to avoid mirrors as much as I can because I truly can't deal with the image of my big, jiggly, wiggly body.

With this initial post I vow to get back on track to getting healthy, fit and looking good in a pair of jeans. With this blog, I hope to feel accountable towards any person who can relate to what I am going through.