So since I have started this diet I have been a little obsessed with weighing myself! Now there are things I have grown to love about doing this and things I have grown to hate!
Things I love:
#1- It is great to see the scale move down day to day! (that is when it moves down)
#2- It keeps me motivated and reminds me why I am making this life change
Things I hate:
#1- This really has nothing to do with weighing myself everyday, but my scale at home weighs me about 4.5 lbs less the the scale at Medifast...annoying!!!!!
#2-The scale not moving!
#3-The scale going up!
#4- Being obsessed with the number and not enjoying the journey!
It looks like I have 50% more things that I hate about weighing myself everyday! Maybe I should lay off! The thing is, the motivation factor is huge and I love to see the number go down, but the reality is that it will not go down everyday and I need to be o.k. with that!
I weigh in every week at Medifast and that is great and every since I have started the diet I have not gained any weight but last week I only lost 1.1 lbs.! I know, people always say, that is so great or at least you didn't gain! This is what I struggle with, the number! I do not want to seem ungrateful for what I have lost, I just hope with all the work I am doing, I see the weight loss above 2lbs on Thursday!
What are your thoughts on weighing yourself? Do you weigh yourself everyday?
Monday, February 28, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
Exercise....
Today was what I like to call a productive day!!! I had the day off because of Presidents Day, thank you Washington!!! So, why was my day so productive??? I cleaned the whole house, worked out, finished the laundry and got a pedicure with Katie! After I cleaned my house this morning, I was on a mission to work out but to be honest it took some convincing after scrubbing showers, kitchen counters, and vacuuming! Now that I sit here relaxing after my day I am so happy I exercised! It makes me feel so much better. I found an article at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/exercise/HQ01676 that discussed 7 benefits of regular physical activity. All of the reason listed below we have heard before but it doesn't hurt to hear them again!
Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed than you were before you worked out. You'll also look better and feel better when you exercise regularly, which can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem. Regular physical activity can even help prevent depression.
Regular physical activity can help you prevent — or manage — high blood pressure. Your cholesterol will benefit, too. Regular physical activity boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good," cholesterol while decreasing triglycerides. This one-two punch keeps your blood flowing smoothly by lowering the buildup of plaques in your arteries.
And there's more. Regular physical activity can help you prevent type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and certain types of cancer.
This one's a no-brainer. When you engage in physical activity, you burn calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn — and the easier it is to keep your weight under control. You don't even need to set aside major chunks of time for working out. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk during your lunch break. Do jumping jacks during commercials. Better yet, turn off the TV and take a brisk walk. Dedicated workouts are great, but physical activity you accumulate throughout the day helps you burn calories, too.
Physical activity delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues. In fact, regular physical activity helps your entire cardiovascular system — the circulation of blood through your heart and blood vessels — work more efficiently. Big deal? You bet! When your heart and lungs work more efficiently, you'll have more energy to do the things you enjoy.
A good night's sleep can improve your concentration, productivity and mood. And you guessed it — physical activity is sometimes the key to better sleep. Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep. There's a caveat, however. If you exercise too close to bedtime, you may be too energized to fall asleep. If you're having trouble sleeping, you might want to exercise earlier in the day.
Regular physical activity can leave you feeling energized and looking better, which may have a positive effect on your sex life. But there's more to it than that. Regular physical activity can lead to enhanced arousal for women, and men who exercise regularly are less likely to have problems with erectile dysfunction than are men who don't exercise — especially as they get older.
Physical activity doesn't have to be drudgery. Take a ballroom dancing class. Check out a local climbing wall or hiking trail. Push your kids on the swings or climb with them on the jungle gym. Plan a neighborhood kickball or touch football game. Find a physical activity you enjoy, and go for it. If you get bored, try something new. If you're moving, it counts!
I have always been the type of person who likes to exercise, but having it be regular is a struggle! My hope is to get a routine down that I can stick to. When I struggle I will review the 7 reasons above!
1. Exercise improves your mood.
Need to blow off some steam after a stressful day? A workout at the gym or a brisk 30-minute walk can help you calm down.Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed than you were before you worked out. You'll also look better and feel better when you exercise regularly, which can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem. Regular physical activity can even help prevent depression.
2. Exercise combats chronic diseases.
Worried about heart disease? Hoping to prevent osteoporosis? Physical activity might be the ticket.Regular physical activity can help you prevent — or manage — high blood pressure. Your cholesterol will benefit, too. Regular physical activity boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good," cholesterol while decreasing triglycerides. This one-two punch keeps your blood flowing smoothly by lowering the buildup of plaques in your arteries.
And there's more. Regular physical activity can help you prevent type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and certain types of cancer.
3. Exercise helps you manage your weight.
Want to drop those excess pounds? Trade some couch time for walking or other physical activities.This one's a no-brainer. When you engage in physical activity, you burn calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn — and the easier it is to keep your weight under control. You don't even need to set aside major chunks of time for working out. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk during your lunch break. Do jumping jacks during commercials. Better yet, turn off the TV and take a brisk walk. Dedicated workouts are great, but physical activity you accumulate throughout the day helps you burn calories, too.
4. Exercise boosts your energy level.
Winded by grocery shopping or household chores? Don't throw in the towel. Regular physical activity can leave you breathing easier.Physical activity delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues. In fact, regular physical activity helps your entire cardiovascular system — the circulation of blood through your heart and blood vessels — work more efficiently. Big deal? You bet! When your heart and lungs work more efficiently, you'll have more energy to do the things you enjoy.
5. Exercise promotes better sleep.
Struggling to fall asleep? Or stay asleep? It might help to boost your physical activity during the day.A good night's sleep can improve your concentration, productivity and mood. And you guessed it — physical activity is sometimes the key to better sleep. Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep. There's a caveat, however. If you exercise too close to bedtime, you may be too energized to fall asleep. If you're having trouble sleeping, you might want to exercise earlier in the day.
6. Exercise can put the spark back into your sex life.
Are you too tired to have sex? Or feeling too out of shape to enjoy physical intimacy? Physical activity to the rescue.Regular physical activity can leave you feeling energized and looking better, which may have a positive effect on your sex life. But there's more to it than that. Regular physical activity can lead to enhanced arousal for women, and men who exercise regularly are less likely to have problems with erectile dysfunction than are men who don't exercise — especially as they get older.
7. Exercise can be — gasp — fun!
Wondering what to do on a Saturday afternoon? Looking for an activity that suits the entire family? Get physical!Physical activity doesn't have to be drudgery. Take a ballroom dancing class. Check out a local climbing wall or hiking trail. Push your kids on the swings or climb with them on the jungle gym. Plan a neighborhood kickball or touch football game. Find a physical activity you enjoy, and go for it. If you get bored, try something new. If you're moving, it counts!
I have always been the type of person who likes to exercise, but having it be regular is a struggle! My hope is to get a routine down that I can stick to. When I struggle I will review the 7 reasons above!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Weigh-In
Yesterday was weigh in day and I am doing another 3.4 lbs! That is a total of 24 lbs so far! I am so excited and feeling so good!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Traveling
So, it has been a crazy week! During the weekend we had Eric's Grandparent's staying with us! It was so good to see them! We kept them busy by playing darts, cards, and hiking Cowles Mountain! Yep, that's right they hiked Cowles Mt. they are my heroes!
We had the family over for dinner on Saturday night and we made street taco's with rice and beans. Eric and I passed on the rice, beans, and tortilla and had all the other fixings on a bed of lettuce. It tasted so good and it felt good to make an adjustment like that and still enjoy the meal! On Sunday my niece Morgan got baptized, so of course that meant a party! My mom made the greatest meal! Since we are all watching what we are eating, she put together a salad bar, with all the fixings, veggies, grilled chicken and turkey! I did give in to one temptation, and that is my mom's homemade blue cheese dressing! I probably had about 1/4 cup once the day was over! I hope it does not effect my weight loss too much this week!
After that busy weekend I had to catch a flight at 6am on Monday morning to Tampa for a conference. This is the first time I have been away from my routine since starting the diet and it has been different. I am so proud of everything I have sad no to, and I have stayed on my diet, It is nerve wrecking not have complete control over my lean and green meals but I think I have made wise choices!
Monday Night: Tapas dinner with chicken, steak, ahi, and veggies. 2 glasses of wine (This dinner was so good, we went there twice!)
Tuesday Night: Chicken Ceaser Salad, no croutons, dressing on the side. 2 glasses of wine
Wednesday Night: Tapas dinner with chicken, steak, ahi, and veggies. 1 Vodka and Club Soda.
I went to the gym once as well! I think this is pretty good given the fact that I have been around fried appetizers, dessert, and we went to an amusement park which I brought my medifast meals to!
I hope my weigh in goes well! Let you know on Friday!
We had the family over for dinner on Saturday night and we made street taco's with rice and beans. Eric and I passed on the rice, beans, and tortilla and had all the other fixings on a bed of lettuce. It tasted so good and it felt good to make an adjustment like that and still enjoy the meal! On Sunday my niece Morgan got baptized, so of course that meant a party! My mom made the greatest meal! Since we are all watching what we are eating, she put together a salad bar, with all the fixings, veggies, grilled chicken and turkey! I did give in to one temptation, and that is my mom's homemade blue cheese dressing! I probably had about 1/4 cup once the day was over! I hope it does not effect my weight loss too much this week!
After that busy weekend I had to catch a flight at 6am on Monday morning to Tampa for a conference. This is the first time I have been away from my routine since starting the diet and it has been different. I am so proud of everything I have sad no to, and I have stayed on my diet, It is nerve wrecking not have complete control over my lean and green meals but I think I have made wise choices!
Monday Night: Tapas dinner with chicken, steak, ahi, and veggies. 2 glasses of wine (This dinner was so good, we went there twice!)
Tuesday Night: Chicken Ceaser Salad, no croutons, dressing on the side. 2 glasses of wine
Wednesday Night: Tapas dinner with chicken, steak, ahi, and veggies. 1 Vodka and Club Soda.
I went to the gym once as well! I think this is pretty good given the fact that I have been around fried appetizers, dessert, and we went to an amusement park which I brought my medifast meals to!
I hope my weigh in goes well! Let you know on Friday!
Friday, February 11, 2011
What is Medifast you ask?!?!?!
It has been another good week! I lost 2 lbs during my weigh-in on Thursday, that is officially 20.6lbs! Whenever I tell people I am on Medifast, they kind of look at me weird and I have to explain what it is. Some people automatically think we are fasting, but that is not the case.
We go to weekly weigh-ins and have a one on one meeting, after the meeting I go "shopping" in the medifast store. Everyday I have to eat 5 medifast meals and one lean and green meal. The medifast meals can be anything from bars, soups, shakes, eggs, oatmeal, pancakes! It is all packaged food that is bought at medifast weight control center, each meal is about 100 calories, and the perfect combination of protein and carbs. Once a day I have a lean and green meal. The lean and green consist of 5,6,or 7 oz of protein, the serving size depends on how lean the protein is, along with the protein I have 3 servings of veggies and one serving of a healthy fat. The healthy fat serving size also depends on how lean the protein is. I am very satisfied at the end of the day, of course I miss certain foods, but that is part of the process, those cravings go away the longer I am on this routine. Here is a typical day:
6:30am: Black Coffee
8am: Medifast Eggs
10:30am: Medifast Peanut Butter Bar
12:30: Medifast Soup (It is really good, it is not just broth, there is consistency!)
4pm: Medifast Parmesan Cheese Puffs
7:30pm: Lean and Green: 6oz grilled chicken, 3 cups of lettuce, 2 tbsp of salad dressing (Newman's Own or Marie's Yogurt Dressing)
9pm: Medifast S'more Bar
See doesn't that sound good, and look how much I am eating!
I realized the other day that I have not posted a "before" picture yet. I found the picture that made me say OH MY GOD when I saw it. This picture was taken Thanksgiving Weekend right before I went zip-lining in Catalina 2010. I actually out on about 5 more lbs. through the holidays.
I have a busy weekend ahead! Hope to stay focused and centered!
We go to weekly weigh-ins and have a one on one meeting, after the meeting I go "shopping" in the medifast store. Everyday I have to eat 5 medifast meals and one lean and green meal. The medifast meals can be anything from bars, soups, shakes, eggs, oatmeal, pancakes! It is all packaged food that is bought at medifast weight control center, each meal is about 100 calories, and the perfect combination of protein and carbs. Once a day I have a lean and green meal. The lean and green consist of 5,6,or 7 oz of protein, the serving size depends on how lean the protein is, along with the protein I have 3 servings of veggies and one serving of a healthy fat. The healthy fat serving size also depends on how lean the protein is. I am very satisfied at the end of the day, of course I miss certain foods, but that is part of the process, those cravings go away the longer I am on this routine. Here is a typical day:
6:30am: Black Coffee
8am: Medifast Eggs
10:30am: Medifast Peanut Butter Bar
12:30: Medifast Soup (It is really good, it is not just broth, there is consistency!)
4pm: Medifast Parmesan Cheese Puffs
7:30pm: Lean and Green: 6oz grilled chicken, 3 cups of lettuce, 2 tbsp of salad dressing (Newman's Own or Marie's Yogurt Dressing)
9pm: Medifast S'more Bar
See doesn't that sound good, and look how much I am eating!
I realized the other day that I have not posted a "before" picture yet. I found the picture that made me say OH MY GOD when I saw it. This picture was taken Thanksgiving Weekend right before I went zip-lining in Catalina 2010. I actually out on about 5 more lbs. through the holidays.
I have a busy weekend ahead! Hope to stay focused and centered!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Weekend Review
All and all it was a successful Super Bowl Sunday as far as my diet goes. The commercials were so so and the game, well I hate both of those teams so I really didn't care! Chargers don't worry, next year we will make it!
In my previous post I told you that Eric and I were starting the day of with a hike to burn some calories and keep us motivated through the day! When we got to Cowles Mountain it was very apparent that we were not the only one's who had that idea! It was crowded
The hike really kicked my butt, I think Eric got to the top of the mountain about 10 minutes before me, but I made! It took about 40 minutes to get to the top, I will shoot for 39 minutes next time :) The view from the top is gorgeous, you can see all of San Diego.
As far as food yesterday I was so proud of the temptations I said no to! There were chips, nachos, chili cheese dip, queso dip, candy and I said no to all if it and stuck to the veggie platter!
The kabobs turned out so delicious. We used chicken and steak, each kabob had the perfect protein portion and lots of veggies: onions, mushrooms, yellow, green and red bell peppers! Our sides were rice, pasta salad, fruit and green salad. I stuck to just the green salad...
One more difficult social event down that gives me hope that I can do it! This diet has difficult days but all in all it is worth, I got to step on the scale the day after the Super Bowl and see the scale down 2 lbs, not up 5!
In my previous post I told you that Eric and I were starting the day of with a hike to burn some calories and keep us motivated through the day! When we got to Cowles Mountain it was very apparent that we were not the only one's who had that idea! It was crowded
The hike really kicked my butt, I think Eric got to the top of the mountain about 10 minutes before me, but I made! It took about 40 minutes to get to the top, I will shoot for 39 minutes next time :) The view from the top is gorgeous, you can see all of San Diego.
As far as food yesterday I was so proud of the temptations I said no to! There were chips, nachos, chili cheese dip, queso dip, candy and I said no to all if it and stuck to the veggie platter!
The kabobs turned out so delicious. We used chicken and steak, each kabob had the perfect protein portion and lots of veggies: onions, mushrooms, yellow, green and red bell peppers! Our sides were rice, pasta salad, fruit and green salad. I stuck to just the green salad...
One more difficult social event down that gives me hope that I can do it! This diet has difficult days but all in all it is worth, I got to step on the scale the day after the Super Bowl and see the scale down 2 lbs, not up 5!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Super Bowl Sunday
Yesterday was a great day! Eric and I ran a lot of errands in the morning which included the dreaded and overcrowded Costco, so we could get food for our Super Bowl party. I think Super Bowl Sunday has to be one of the worst days if you are on a diet, but we will make it through!!! Right? I have a plan. But let's talk about yesterday first!
I think that social events can be very daunting when you are on a diet. The food you can't control, the drinking, the dessert, etc.... Yesterday I went to a fundraising concert for my cousin Anna who is Tennessee Bound! She was picked to represent the West Coast Country Music Association, at a competition in Tennessee. I was amazed at how beautifully she sang and I cannot wait to hear who she does! OK, back to the food....So I knew there would be chicken there and salad, I was just hoping the salad was not already tossed. I knew this is the stuff I could eat but I would have to say no to the chili, rolls, and dressing! When I went to the table there was a big bowl of salad, I filled 3/4th of my plate with lettuce and the rest with white breast chicken, the dressing selection was all pretty high in calorie so I put about a tbsp on the side to dip some of my bits into. I did treat myself to one glass of red wine! You do need to live a little on a diet.
The only thing I can say about social situations is to stay focused, they are not easy and will sometimes straight up suck! Surround yourself with people who want you to be successful and they help you stay on course.
Today being the dreaded diet day, Super Bowl Sunday, Eric and I suggested having the party at our house, this way we could control the food and the setting. If it wasn't going to be here it would have been at my mom's which we could have handled but everyone was fine coming here! So we are are going to BBQ, a great way to cook food when you are on a diet, no oils needed! There will be a big salad and rice. The rice we will stay away from but come on...not everyone in your life is on a diet. We asked people to bring what ever appetizer they would want to eat and we will have a veggie tray! Veggie trays are great, but stay away from the ranch dip in the middle, or scoop out measured portion into a side bowl so you know what you are consuming. On days like this I find exercising helps, so we are going for a hike this morning.
I will post pics of the hike and all the food later......
I think that social events can be very daunting when you are on a diet. The food you can't control, the drinking, the dessert, etc.... Yesterday I went to a fundraising concert for my cousin Anna who is Tennessee Bound! She was picked to represent the West Coast Country Music Association, at a competition in Tennessee. I was amazed at how beautifully she sang and I cannot wait to hear who she does! OK, back to the food....So I knew there would be chicken there and salad, I was just hoping the salad was not already tossed. I knew this is the stuff I could eat but I would have to say no to the chili, rolls, and dressing! When I went to the table there was a big bowl of salad, I filled 3/4th of my plate with lettuce and the rest with white breast chicken, the dressing selection was all pretty high in calorie so I put about a tbsp on the side to dip some of my bits into. I did treat myself to one glass of red wine! You do need to live a little on a diet.
The only thing I can say about social situations is to stay focused, they are not easy and will sometimes straight up suck! Surround yourself with people who want you to be successful and they help you stay on course.
Today being the dreaded diet day, Super Bowl Sunday, Eric and I suggested having the party at our house, this way we could control the food and the setting. If it wasn't going to be here it would have been at my mom's which we could have handled but everyone was fine coming here! So we are are going to BBQ, a great way to cook food when you are on a diet, no oils needed! There will be a big salad and rice. The rice we will stay away from but come on...not everyone in your life is on a diet. We asked people to bring what ever appetizer they would want to eat and we will have a veggie tray! Veggie trays are great, but stay away from the ranch dip in the middle, or scoop out measured portion into a side bowl so you know what you are consuming. On days like this I find exercising helps, so we are going for a hike this morning.
I will post pics of the hike and all the food later......
Friday, February 4, 2011
Here goes nothing....
Well here I am looking down another road of weight loss! It seems like my weight is something that is always on my mind weather I am at my "goal" weight or 50 lbs over! I have lost and gained close to 200lbs over the last 4 years. Wow, I have actually never added it all up until now! Here is the thing I have tried lots of diets, boot camps, counting calories, journaling, etc... I think I could be a nutrionist if I really wanted to be, I know what I need to do, applying it and moderation is what I struggle with.
At the beginning of this year Jan 3 2011, my husband and I started Medifast together. I know it is another diet that may or may not work. But I feel like this time is going to be the time that I will get this weight off and keep it off! We have been on the program 4 weeks and I have been pretty successful, I have lost 18.6 lbs. I have a total of 60 lbs to lose, so I have about 41more to go!
Have you ever been asked what are your hobby's? What do you like to do? Well I have and to tell you the truth I hate that question, because I don't have a hobby like knitting, scrap-booking, hiking, or something that I am passionate enough to call a hobby. I do have a lot of loves if life: my family, friends, work, food, wine! Last week I had a tough dieting week, and I told my weight counselor that it was tough and all I wanted was a glass of wine or something...and she proceed to ask me, "well what are your hobby's?" I wanted to answer, drinking wine!!! But I told her I love hanging out with family and friends, I love bringing people together. We started talking about things I could do and she mentioned blogging and after a few days of thinking...here I am!
I want to start this blog in hopes of sharing my struggles, success, and tips. I think that if I write a goal down for people to read I am more likely to stick to it! My ultimate goal is to lose my weight and learn how to commit to a life change! This time it will work!
At the beginning of this year Jan 3 2011, my husband and I started Medifast together. I know it is another diet that may or may not work. But I feel like this time is going to be the time that I will get this weight off and keep it off! We have been on the program 4 weeks and I have been pretty successful, I have lost 18.6 lbs. I have a total of 60 lbs to lose, so I have about 41more to go!
Have you ever been asked what are your hobby's? What do you like to do? Well I have and to tell you the truth I hate that question, because I don't have a hobby like knitting, scrap-booking, hiking, or something that I am passionate enough to call a hobby. I do have a lot of loves if life: my family, friends, work, food, wine! Last week I had a tough dieting week, and I told my weight counselor that it was tough and all I wanted was a glass of wine or something...and she proceed to ask me, "well what are your hobby's?" I wanted to answer, drinking wine!!! But I told her I love hanging out with family and friends, I love bringing people together. We started talking about things I could do and she mentioned blogging and after a few days of thinking...here I am!
I want to start this blog in hopes of sharing my struggles, success, and tips. I think that if I write a goal down for people to read I am more likely to stick to it! My ultimate goal is to lose my weight and learn how to commit to a life change! This time it will work!
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