Active.com

Is stealing all my money lol. I swear that website is just about as addictive as Torrid or Lane Bryant.

Dress shopping

I have a wedding I'm going to on Saturday March 12. I knew I needed an outfit, plus the bridesmaid needed a bra, so I went shopping with her. I saw the most adorable dress in Lane Bryant and decided to try it on. They only had a 28 and a 20, but I've been about a 26 for the last few years. I brought both into the dressing room, convinced that neither would fit and I'd be out of luck. I put on the 28 and it was like wearing a tent. I put on the 20 and was amazed! I haven't fit into a 20 in ages! I believe the last time I wore a 20 was in high school about 5 years ago! Of course I bought the dress and I'm gonna wear it until it wears out. I can't wait to show it off on Saturday!!!

www.lanebryant.com/plus-size-dresses-skirts/new-arrivals/sleeveless-print-sundress/4031c4032p91202/index.pro?Mpper=96&Mpos=1&pageSize=96&Mcatn=new+arrivals&Mcatpn=Dresses+%26+Skirts&Mcatg=category_root&Mcatp=cat_4031%406000&Mcat=4032%406000

My bras are getting too big. Not sure if that's good or not. #whine

Haven't updated in a long time.

I stopped doing the P90X routines. I was enjoying them but kept finding other things to do at home. I got a great job that I love and it just happens to be right next to the YMCA, so I joined last week. I'm really glad I did. I can't drive home without passing the Y, I can't look out the windows without seeing the Y, and I love going in there. I get to be social, I get encouragement from the trainers as well as everyone else working out, plus it's just more fun to be around people. One of my favorite things to do is run on the elliptical and I love looking over and seeing the skinny girl next to me hasn't run half of what I have and is completely out of breath. Or racing the person next to me by glancing over and looking at their screen then upping my incline or speed to beat theirs.

I also decided to try a vegetarian diet for one week. I've really been enjoying it. I am more regular with my business and I have a lot more energy. I have to go to the grocery store more frequently so my food doesn't go bad, but it's worth it. I read in an article recently that if food can decompose, it's good for you--if it can't, don't put it in your body. I've cut out a lot of processed foods over the course of this year and I'm loving that. I don't feel tired after I eat, I feel energized.

Even if I don't manage to run my entire race in December, I'm definitely glad I've stuck with this New Year's Resolution. But not to worry, I'm going to finish that race.

Goals

I don't think I've ever told anyone my weight goal. I continue to say that I "don't have a weight goal," but the reality is that I would love to weigh under 200 pounds. The smallest I've ever been was 160 pounds and I was extremely healthy then. I had a tiny waist, but curves in all the right places. I was on the flag team at my high school and had dropped about 40 pounds one year to that weight. I had amazing calves, great shoulders, and you could balance a breakfast tray on my butt. I would love to be that small again, but realistically I just want to be 199. I'm hoping to lose 2 pounds per week to achieve this by Christmas. I have stayed fairly on track, I am a little behind, but I feel much better than I have in a long time. My highest weight was not long after I finished nursing school--one of the most stressful times in my life--and I weighed 315. I'm now down to 291.8, which feels amazing. My first goal is to lose 31.5 pounds, currently I've lost 23.2. Just 8.3 more to go before I let myself get a pedicure!

Day 33 part 2

I decided I needed to run for at least half an hour today. I got on the elliptical and actually ran the entire time! I couldn't believe it! Normally I have to slow down to a walk, but I was able to run the entire half hour! I wish the elliptical would work properly, the screen doesn't light up, so I can't see how far I've ran. I'd love to know though. I wonder if a pedometer would work on the elliptical?

Day 33

Today I started the SparkPeople 28 day challenge. I'm doing this on top of my P90 dvds because it's a 10 minute workout daily. I can handle that anytime! I did the video today and it was really easy compared to what I've been used to doing.

I found out that painting burns a lot more calories than I thought. I calculated it using the SparkPeople calculator and 90 minutes is over 700 calories! Awesome! I still need to use the elliptical, but at this point I'm at 100 minutes of cardio for the day. I definitely will not feel bad if I can't manage to get in my hour of elliptical today :)

Day 32 part 3

I didn't end up running to Subway, I decided I couldn't afford it. I am looking forward to tomorrow's workout, which should be Yoga. I'm going to try it, but I won't hold my breath. Probably end up using the Elliptical instead, just because every time I've tried yoga, it's not gone well. I am becoming more flexible, but my tummy still gets in the way of me bending over into most of the positions. I enjoy using the Elliptical and have considered running on it daily in addition to my dvd exercise, just haven't done it yet.

In other news: I start working on Friday!! I'm so excited! I haven't had a job since December 15th, and I am definitely ready to be constructive again. I'm going to do my dvd first thing in the morning, that way I'm ready to start the day and have a ton of energy. There's a gym near where I'll be working, so I'm thinking about giving it a look. I would like to start taking Zumba as well, but I don't know. I'm very shy when it comes to working out in front of people. I still get self-conscious about my weight. I really wonder what people are thinking when I show up (even though I'm sure they're thinking "yeah look at her changing her life!" or something similar).

Goals for this week: perk up and go to Zumba!

Day 32 -- inspirational quote

~~You have a choice. You can throw in the towel, or you can use it to wipe the sweat off of your face.~~

Day 32

I got up this morning and decided I had to get back into the program. No more talking about wanting to, I am doing it. I just finished "Back and Biceps" and am thinking about running (literally) to Subway for lunch. I need to start practicing, my 5K is in 18 days. I can't wait!! I'm so excited to cross that finish line :)

Day 31

I really need to pick up the slack on the weekends. I do well during the week, but the last two weekends I've had friends over as well as the boyfriend, and it's been a mess on my diet and exercise habits. Today has been a much healthier day than I had over the weekend. I've decided to start using SparkPeople.com more frequently, hoping that it will help keep me on track.

Yesterday started Phase II of P90X classic. I did not do the prescribed workout routine, instead we walked around the Medieval Faire for 3 hours, cleaned house for 2 hours, and then painted for about 1.5 hours. I'm glad I managed to get some exercise, but I will definitely be doing my exercise today.

Day 29

Today is Xstretch and Jason is going to do it with me. First we're going to the Fair! So lots of walking today :)

Day 27 part 2

After posting the last blog, I promised myself I would get on the elliptical and not look back. I feel so much better for it, too. Jason is coming over this weekend and is going to try some of the dvds with me, which will be a nice change of pace. It's not bad doing it alone, but I imagine it would be much more enjoyable doing it with someone. I don't know why I let myself get so hung-up on working out. Yes, it's going to hurt, but I always feel amazing afterward and sleep like a rock. Plus, I don't feel nearly as stressed as I did before. My fridge stopped working yesterday afternoon and it was too late in the evening for them to deliver a new one, so I ordered one to be delivered this morning, expecting it here around 11. At 12, they called to say that they still hadn't shipped it yet. At 1, I called them and demanded some sort of penance for my time and for my food that was spoiling. He told me he could give me $50 off my balance and I would be the very next delivery. I finally got my new fridge at 430. Running definitely takes the edge off. Now for a nice shower and then some reading.

Days 26 and 27

This week is my rest week, I just can't get myself motivated to work out. The exercises the program has prescribed for this week I can't do, and I don't want to get on the elliptical. I don't have the contortion-ism needed for the Yoga, nor do I have the body-awareness and balance needed for Kenpo. Today is now day 5 in a row of not working out. I'm changing that before I go to bed. I'm going to do an hour on my elliptical, even if it kills me. I know I just need to get motivated again. Once I start working out, I love it. It's all the build-up I've been allowing myself lately. But no more! Getting up now to watch the Tudors while I run.

Day 25

I think I'm becoming addicted. I'm ready to sign up for my second 5K and haven't even competed in my first. I love the idea that I'm helping myself get healthy while raising money for others who can't help themselves. The second 5K is for the Marion County Kidney Foundation, whereas the first is for the 5 Points of Life. I'm so excited to get to that starting line. I wonder how crazy it's going to feel when it's a marathon, not just a 5K?

Day 24

I had a great weekend with Shanna and Jason. We helped Shanna pick out some great clothes that made her look so fantastic, then she took me to Ulta to find some make up. I felt so pretty! I never wear make up, I'm always afraid that people will look at me if I look nice. Today, I wore make up to the Dollar Store to buy stuff to clean the bathroom with. I felt scared, but pretty. I love my body, I think I have a beautiful face, I just don't want to know what other people think of me, and if they don't look at me, I won't have a single clue what they think of me. Another goal I'm creating for myself is to start wearing make up daily, even if it's just a small amount. I am learning to love myself this year. I'm learning that I'm scared of a lot of things, most of which hold me back from becoming greater than I was before.

This blog has changed a lot in the space of a month. It started as a food diary and has now become a place for me to leave my revelations. I love it :)

Day 23 (kinda rambly)

Okay, so I know I said I needed to watch what I eat more, but Jason offered me Denny's for breakfast. I think I'm going to get a salad when we get there, or perhaps something like oatmeal. We're waiting on Shanna to get to the house before we head over to Denny's, so I'll let you know what ends up happening.

I'm almost done with Phase I of P90X Classic. I haven't lost much weight (I'm back at my starting weight), but I can see a difference in my body. I'm really happy I decided to go on this adventure, just need to step it up a little. I have one more week of Phase I, and Brian says that Phase II is the hardest. I am going to work on my diet more during this phase. I hate that I've gained everything back. I still see the difference in my body, but I want to have some weight loss as well. I need to quit fixating on the number on the scale. I am happy with my life, I am losing body fat, and I'm healthier than I was at Christmas. That's where my focus needs to be.

Day 22

I never had a chance to blog yesterday, so I'll make up for it today with two posts. Yesterday was a really busy day, but I somehow managed to throw in my workout anyway. I sell Pampered Chef products and had a show at 2 pm about an hour from home, so I needed to run down there at 12. I woke up around 9, did my workout (stretching for an hour, I love those days), took a quick shower, and put everything in the car. I forgot to grab breakfast, so for the first time in two weeks, I had McDonald's. One of my biggest problems both economically and physically is eating out. I love not having to cook for myself, I love the ease of eating out, I love how quick it is. But I don't love the 30+ pounds I gained last year from it, nor do I love how broke I always was because I was eating out sometimes twice a day. I still went smart with my breakfast/lunch (two grilled chicken honey mustard snack wraps), but I felt guilty about eating out when I have plenty of food at the house. I just didn't make the time for making breakfast, something I really have to work on. Anyway, drove down to Barry's house, did the show, and came back home. When I got home, Jason had made me dinner as a surprise. He made salsa from scratch (cutting up everything by hand, ohmygod so delicious!) and put it over salmon (my favorite fish) with some Sangria to top it off. Shanna came over and we had a good time drinking the Sangria and talking. As a result, when I woke up this morning, I had gained 4 pounds. Friday night, we went to the Ale House (Jason, me and Shanna) and had two orders of loaded fries (bacon, cheese, scallions, french fries, and chicken wings) and drinks. I'm definitely going to step it up this week with the dieting. I'm doing well working out, but I won't see the results I want unless I start watching what I'm eating.

Day 21

Today was supposed to be Kenpo, but I can barely make it through the Kenpo warm up because of my hips. They've always been very stiff and I'm not very flexible in that area, so I decided to go with Legs and Back since I missed that yesterday. I really enjoy working out my legs, they've always been very strong.

I went with mom to her gastric bypass support group last night and feel like I'd be able to learn a lot from going more frequently. They meet once a month and discuss nutrition, exercise, and how each particular person is doing. They start the meeting by introducing themselves, tell which type of surgery they had, then tell how much weight they've lost. I couldn't believe some of the numbers!!! One man had lost 150 pounds! That's an entire person! I was so amazed! I can't wait to see how wonderful mom looks and feels this time next year. I'm so proud of her.

Because of the support group last night, I have decided to start journaling a bit more detailed. I had been keeping a record of the foods I eat, but not showing what times I ate them, not keeping myself to a schedule, and not including the exercise and number of repetitions I had been doing. Starting today I'm changing that. One of the ladies last night brought her journal and let me look at it, which gave me the idea for changing my own.

Another idea they gave was to remember your goals, to think about them daily as soon as you wake up and as soon as you lay down to go to sleep. To write your goals using positive language and have a firm date attached. Instead of saying "I will lose weight this year" say "I will be 20 pounds healthier by June." My goal is to run a marathon on December 4th, 2011. In the meantime, I am setting daily goals to work-out for one hour every day. For this week, I am setting a weekly goal to wake up each day at 5:30 am so that I can exercise, shower, and eat breakfast by 7:30 am. This will help me prepare for starting my new job in two weeks.

Day 19

I signed up for my first 5K today. First time I've ever done anything like this. I'm really excited! It's not anywhere fancy, going to Gainesville (about an hour from home, but that was THE place to be in high school), but it's still my first! I'll get a shirt for doing it, plus it supports the 5 points of life. They are sponsoring the bone marrow, whole blood, cord blood, apheresis, and organ/tissue donations for the area. I've always donated blood, up until recently. The last few times I've tried to donate, they haven't been able to find a vein on me. I firmly believe in the saving power of donations, especially living donor tissue. I can't wait until next year when I can run the marathon for them.

Teaching myself to become a healthier person has made me want to reach out to other people and tell my story. I'm still working on it, but if a girl who weighed 315 pounds can decide to run a marathon in just over a year, anyone can. It just takes heart (and other such muscles *puns*). I love that marathons are ran to raise money and awareness for diseases and disorders. I need to get involved in the running scene around Ocala. As a nurse, I find myself drawn to helping others at all times, and if pushing my body to the limit for one day is what saves a child from cancer or encourages one more person to donate blood, then by all means, I've accomplished something.

At the running store today, he gave me a booklet of the races throughout the state. I'm going to see about entering a 10K around June (maybe not, it's really hot then). I feel like I need the practice of racing, realizing how it feels to have others running around me, and this is the way to go.

Not sure if you can tell, but I've been thinking about a lot of things to do with my running lately. I feel like all kinds of doors are opening to me, I can't wait to see which door I decide to walk through.

Day 18 part 2

Today has pretty much sucked. I've had a headache all day and haven't wanted to do anything. Tomorrow will be better. Or else!

Day 18

Ever have a day where you just don't want to do anything? I just want to lay around today. I've had a headache since I woke up and I just don't want to work out. *cue whining*

Day 17

I decided to add in a daily stretching routine. I did Plyometrics this morning, immediately followed by XStretch. So, 2 hours of exercise. My knees are killing me, but I know it'll be good for me. I finished my workout about 30 minutes ago, just can't force myself into the shower. I know as soon as I get in, the groomer will call and say my babies are clean and ready for me to come get them. Alright, getting off my ass in 3... 2... 1...

Update through day 17

I went to visit my aunt in Tallahassee on Thursday and she doesn't have internet, so it's been a few days since my last update.

I managed to write down almost everything I ate while I was at my aunt's house. I was really pleased with myself about that. I think I'm going to stop writing my foods down on this blog and start journaling them in something portable. I'm still going to try to write daily, just not about what I eat. More of an exercise and how I'm feeling thing.

I lost 2.4 pounds this week as well as 2.4% body fat. My BMI also went down 0.4 points! I can tell a big difference in how my body looks and feels. Jason said my stomach looks flatter yesterday. I can see my thighs are smaller (thanks to baggy-ass jeans!), as well as my arms. I'm starting to get tricep lines! I'm loving how fit I feel lately. I was able to run 3.5 miles on Friday at a rate of 20 miles/hour. I've never done that before!! Overall, a great week.

Day 11

Today has been good. It's only 12:41 and I've already gotten my exercise in and showered. I'm definitely improving, I did twice as many chair dips today as I did last week. My calves are getting really defined, and my pants are loosening! I'm so happy with what's going on with my body! I can feel my chest getting stronger and my triceps actually move now. I'm so excited for weigh-in on Monday! I normally weigh in on Sundays, but I'll be out of town. Don't worry! I'm bringing my exercise DVDs, just won't have internet access to blog as often. Hopefully I'll be able to break away and blog some, but no promises.

Day 10, part 2

Drank lots of water at the office, probably a gallon. No lie. I drank a ton of water, I guess I was really dehydrated or something. I know I've been tired a lot lately, could be what's going on.

Lunch:
4 slices ham, tiny bit of mayo, two pieces of white bread
boiled egg

Snack:
recovery drink

Dinner:
2 pieces pepperoni pizza
1 piece cheese pizza

Day 10

I made a conscious decision not to exercise today. I didn't wake up until late (again), and I've been feeling crappy. This will be my first day since starting that I haven't done any workouts. I realize that I still have time before the day is over to do them, but I'd rather spend the time with my family. Maybe I'll do it while I'm sitting at the office with Jason later. We'll see.

Lunch:
1.5 cups of blackberries (sooo delicious!!!)

Day 9 part 2

Jason took me to Pizza Hut for dinner. Ohmygod I love Pizza Hut. I got an order of cheese bread sticks and ate about 7 of them, as well as 3 of Jason's wedge fries. But I drank water instead of sweet tea! Will do better tomorrow :)

Totals today:
Burned: 1200
consumed: 1578

Tomorrow:
I hope to eat better tomorrow. I got really gassy after I got home, so hopefully I'm not getting sick. Definitely do not need to be sickly...

Day 9

Today was Plyometrics. Oh dear God. I wish I could post the video on here so that you could see how ridiculous it is. Lots of jumping and squatting and lunges and insanity! I made my way through it, but I was exhausted after. It's around 730 pm and I still haven't been able to eat a meal yet. Not that I'm not wanting to eat, just haven't had time. I woke up at 11, laid around until 1230, started getting ready to work out, got a call from mom, didn't start exercising until around 130pm, drank my recovery drink, and then went to Chiefland. I got to my grandma's house around 4:30 and ate a cheese stick, but otherwise haven't had a chance to eat. I'm waiting for the boyfriend to finish working so we can go get food, but at this rate I'm going to be waiting a while. Oh well, I'll eat eventually.

Breakfast:
recovery drink

lunch:
yeah... that never happened

snack:
sargento colby-jack cheese stick

dinner:
hopefully something delicious

pictars

This is me and the boyfriend. It was taken back in September, but it's the closest thing I have to a full-body shot. I'm hoping to get some more pictures soon, but I wanted to get something up now before I wait too long. I currently weigh 295 lbs, and my goal is to be 200 lbs by December 4th. I'm running a marathon in Las Vegas either Dec. 4th or 5th, so I think with all the training I'm doing for it, I will be very close. I gained weight this week, but I didn't really focus on my diet like I know I should. There's always tomorrow!

Day 8 part 3

I was getting all down about the foods I've eaten tonight, but according to SparkPeople.com, I'm still doing really well!  I've had 1466 calories today, but I've worked off 1834!  I'm not feeling nearly as sorry as I was before I figured all that out!

Day 8 (continued)

I wasn't going to eat dinner tonight, but I got a phone call from my cousin and started eating as I talked.  I ate two slices of chicken breast, a jalepeno string cheese, and a Carnation Instant Breakfast shake.  I really need to work on not eating while I'm on the phone.  I wasn't hungry to begin with, but I fidget when I'm on the phone.  I always have, my mind goes other places and I have to do something menial to keep up with the conversation.

moving everything over here from my other blog

Weigh in today!

Submitted by my_dear_lady on Sun.01.09.11 5:23pm

Tags: weigh in

I gained 0.2 pounds. But, I'm feeling much better than I have in a long time. I've got lots of energy, I'm sleeping better, and I'm happier. My abs and legs hurt like a beast, as well as my chest. It's a fantastic hurt though! I can feel myself getting more fit every day!!!

Day 8

Submitted by my_dear_lady on Sun.01.09.11 3:23pm

Breakfast:
Recovery Drink
Lunch:
zinger melt (chicken fingers, bbq sauce, bleu cheese, melted cheese, and sour cream), 3/4 of a slice of key lime pie, water
Dinner:
don't think I'm going to eat. I'm not hungry and I'm ready for bed at this point.
Workout:
Chest and back, Ab Ripper, 30 minutes on elliptical
I feel like today has been much better than days previous. I did my exercise without any problems and noticed that I had better range of motion than before. I still can't do a full sit-up, but I can crunch higher than the first time. I can also keep up better. Still not perfect, but I definitely see the changes. Today was a Ravens game, so I went to the Ale House to watch it since I don't have cable, which explains the chicken wings. I also ordered a sweet tea, but couldn't drink it. I was in shock! I LOOOOVE sweet tea! But not today lol

Day 7

Submitted by my_dear_lady on Sat.01.08.11 9:26am

Breakfast:
fat free peach yogurt from yoplait, recovery drink
Lunch:
grouper reuben (thousand island dressing, coleslaw, wheat toast, cheese), broccoli, water
Dinner:
Workout:
XStretch, stretching for an hour. I feel so much more light after doing it :)

Day 6

Submitted by my_dear_lady on Fri.01.07.11 8:16pm

Breakfast:
recovery drink
Lunch:
Southwestern grilled chicken salad from McDonald's
water
Dinner:
kind of munched and snacked for the afternoon. 1 banana, a string cheese, 4 pieces of sliced chicken deli meat, 1 piece of colby cheese, a bowl of new england clam chowder, and a Lindt dark chocolate bar. I didn't do so well on the diet today. Oh well! Tomorrow's another day!
Workout:
today was supposed to be Kenpo, but I couldn't make it through the warm-up because my legs were so killed from yesterday's workout, so I decided to do the elliptical. Didn't work out so well either, so I didn't work out. Pardon the pun lol.

Day 5 because I'm a slacker

Submitted by my_dear_lady on Thu.01.06.11 8:28pm

Tags: improvements!

Breakfast:
woke up late, ate a Cobb salad with grilled chicken and shrimp. It had the most awesome cucumber wasabi dressing. I never would have gotten it before. I was honestly really proud of myself, I ordered this at my favorite wing place. And not just wings, the thing I order there is french fries with cheese and bacon, topped with wings. And they have the best sweet tea, but I ordered water instead. I also ordered a clam chowder. Oh! I only ate about half the salad, I was full :)
Lunch:
Carnation instant breakfast
Snack:
Recovery drink
Dinner:
chicken chili, 1 big spoonful of fat free cottage cheese, whole wheat colby cheese sandwich, and lots of water (probably 48 oz)
Workout:
Legs and back, followed by ab ripper (which I didn't make it through, will try again)
walked around the mall for 1.5 hours and never got winded!

Day 3

Submitted by my_dear_lady on Tue.01.04.11 10:17am

Breakfast:
24 oz recovery shake
Snack:
24 oz water, 1 banana
Lunch:
bbq chicken strips with blue cheese, 3 pieces of The Works pizza (not going to be eating dinner tonight
Dinner:
Workout: Shoulders and arms, ab ripperX
Weight: 295 (lowest I've been in over a year!)

Day 2!

Submitted by my_dear_lady on Mon.01.03.11 8:30am

Tags: training

Breakfast:
Recovery shake invented by the P90X guys
Lunch:
9 grain honey oat footlong buffalo chicken sub from subway with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, black olives, ranch, lite mayo, buffalo sauce, provolone, and american cheese
24 oz water
Dinner:
cheese sandwich (Muenster) on honey wheat bread, 8 bean chicken chili, 12 oz skim milk
Workout:
Plyometrics by P90X, one hour, about a gazillion calories. I swear, this nearly killed me, but I did it! They kept talking on the video about how it's the most extreme of the P90X exercises. I'm so freaking proud of myself :)

Day 1

Submitted by my_dear_lady on Sun.01.02.11 2:06pm

Breakfast:
2 Lindor milk chocolate truffles. Jason tried to tempt me with more, but I refused (yay me!)
Lunch:
32 oz sweet tea from McDonald's
foot long honey oat buffalo chicken sandwich with provolone and american cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, black olives, cucumbers, salt and pepper, lite mayo, ranch, and extra buffalo sauce.