ONE YEAR AGO TODAY....

I began my official weight loss journey.

I know it sounds silly, to remember this date as I would a birthday or anniversary. But to me, it truly is just as important.

The past year I have learned so much about myself. And I am FOREVER grateful to have taken the steps necessary to get myself healthy. Shortly before we moved, I went for an annual physical--which really was a "first time in the 4 years we have lived here" physical. :) I had blood drawn, tests taken, and when I got my results in the mail, I smiled. Totally clean bill of health. Soon after, Brandon was tossing some old papers and came across my results. He went to throw them away, and I insisted we keep them. I wanted that proof--that hard copy that showed that my body is working well. My weight is in the right range. That I had achieved my goal.

It is strange to look back at pictures and see my old self. While it is tempting to say that I am the same me as I was then, the truth is, I am not. I am changed. And not just physically. While there are definitely parts of me that remain the same, the things I learned and the pride in accomplishing something so big has made such a tremendous impact on so many areas of my life.

It's just a day in history that feels good to me. It's a day to celebrate life and change and new beginnings.

So a quick recap...
I found this picture of me with my brother, 2 years ago almost to the day.





And me today...




Total lost to date: 69 pounds
Bummed that I didn't lose that 1 extra pound to make it a solid 70!

You can read about my weight loss journey by clicking here.

61 pounds--and reaching my official goal!!!

I know 7 months worth of weight loss posts is probably getting old. But for my own sake, (and because my mom asked to see my dress) I wanted to post an official after picture! Yesterday at my weigh in, I OFFICIALLY reached my weight loss goal weight at my Weight Watcher meeting and I WAS SO excited! I feel as though it's been a long time coming--and it was an incredible feeling to finally get there.

In case you don't remember my 50 pound before and after post, I snagged one of my before pictures to refresh your memory as to how I was before. I bought this black dress as my reward when I lost 50 pounds...and am looking for the perfect pair of shoes to go with it for my 60 pound prize! :) Though, when it comes down to it, losing the weight was truly the BEST gift of all (regardless of how cliche it sounds! :)

The before...          The After...

A little closer up...

I started my weight loss count down from my pre-Carter-pregnancy weight...
186 pounds

And I weigh in now on that same scale...
125 pounds
(thinking the .2 is from the glass of water and toast I ate before weighing because I forgot I was going to do this!)

I know I've said it before, but I just have to say it again. This has truly been an incredible, fulfilling journey. I have learned more about myself the past few months than I have the past 30 years. :) Thank you all for letting me share these lessons, and write about my triumphs and struggles along the way. It has meant the world to me to have such a fantastic support system.

 I know meeting my goal is a stopping place as far as the numbers on the scale, but I am grateful for the things I have learned and the eating habits I've changed, and the physical activity I am so passionate about now--those are the things that I will carry with me and continue working and improving the rest of my life.


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

p.s. if you haven't checked lately, there've been lots of updates on my recipe blog.  If you're following the points+ plan through Weight Watchers I have included the points values for many--and am working on updating them all! :)

ALSO, I started a new blog project to track my meals through the day with pictures and recipe links, mainly as a reference for myself to go back and look at and for my friends and family whore trying to lose weight as well. Just a way to show some new ideas and recipes and show how easy it is to drop the pounds and still eat good food! (dessert included!) :) If you want to check it out: http://pointsplusplanning.blogspot.com/

Weight Loss 101

I have been wanting to write this for a while now. As more and more of my friends and family (and sometimes even perfect strangers) start their own weight loss journey, they often approach me and ask what I did to lose the weight. So I want to share a few of the basics that made a big difference to me...

Please remember that I am not a health professional--I am merely sharing what worked for me... ;)

1. Pick a plan. I happened to join Weight Watchers, because I wanted to maintain regular foods in my life and not feel deprived, but make healthier changes overall.(and I absolutely LOOOVE it!) That program setup worked for me. You may choose something else, but regardless you have to have some consistency somewhere. You can't do low carb here, and low calorie there, and cabbage diet another time, and throw in some slim fast there too. You've got to pick something and stick to it so you can maximize your success. And most important, you have to LOVE the plan you choose...if not, you will drop it like the boyfriend with bad breath.

2. I decided not to DIET. (notice the first three letters of that word are DIE! :) I just have REFUSED to accept my weight loss as being associated with the word DIET throughout this process. Diet = deprivation to me...and it also doesn't give of the feeling of long term sustainability.I simply saw that I was making certain healthier changes to my eating habits. This was HUGE for me--because our minds play such a big role in the weight loss process!

3. WHEN YOU BITE IT, WRITE IT! Yes, write down what you eat--do it daily. I have done it now for 6 months. I have never faltered on this--I have stayed constant and at this point it is such a habit. I am sure there will be a time where it won't be as important, but I know that if I am to lose weight, it is imperative that I know exactly what I am putting in my body, HOW MUCH of it, and when I did it--it is SO helpful in so many ways! Consider what you put in your body almost like transactions that debit from your daily account balance (points target or calories, etc) Deduct the number as you eat--so you know where you stand. This also made me take accountability for those little bites and licks that would happen throughout the day and helped me STOP doing so. I didn't want to take the time and efforts to have to write a nibble of fruit snacks or a bite of mac and cheese or the last few tastes of dinner as I was putting it away. The write it when you bite it habit helped me change the nibble habit.

4. In realty, the most important thing is location, location, location. With healthy eating, the most important thing (at least to me) is PORTION, PORTION, PORTION. Seriously--test yourself! Fill up a bowl with your favorite cereal or icecream, for example. And then read the box and take from your bowl the appropriate serving size. YOU WILL BE STUNNED. The hugest wake up call to me was with cheese--when I put it on something--I just would get a small handful and sprinkle it on and assume it was 1/4 cup like the serving said. I tested myself once and realized it was over DOUBLE the serving size.

--Take your recipes--figure out the nutritional info for them. There are lots of websites that do this--and then keep the info for YOU to know the nutritional content and decide what numbers work for you (sometimes shaving off 1/3 of a piece of something can cut back the fat and calories and SUGAR by a lot more than you'd think!)--so you know that for YOUR recipe 1 1/2 Cups of soup is a serving, or that your favorite chocolate cake serves 15 (instead of 12 like you've always thought). 

The smallest changes make the biggest impact.

--After reading this post, run, don't walk, RUN buy a kitchen scale (I have a digital one...LOVE it!). I can't believe I went without one for so long! As far as I am concerned, it is a KITCHEN ESSENTIAL...as much as the forks and knives in my silverware drawer. I use it when cooking--I use it when plating my food (I put my plate on their and zero it out, and then add my meat or whatever I am weighing so I know I am getting an accurate amount). I use it when I am getting croutons or almonds or whatever else has a crazy serving size of like 2 TBSP when it's a bizarre shape that would in no way fit in a measuring spoon! :) LOVE it! While some people may think that this would get really old or be a pain, I never have seen it as that. I see it as an empowering tool--I love the control of knowing that I am no longer eating a 10 oz piece of chicken out of ignorance, but rather a 4 oz. one...and by the same token, that I can have 4-5 croutons instead of the 1-2 I thought would make up the correct serving.

 

5. DON'T DEPRIVE -- (again, I am speaking from my experience and what worked for ME)  obviously, as part of a change for healthier eating there has to be SOME resisting of the old junk you've eaten. If not, there will be NO change in your weight or health. However, I have heard about some eating plans that institute a certain day or the entire weekend to eating what they want, and only making them be on track the remaining day. This, to me, sounds absurd! :) If I feel like I have to go X many days without eating something, and then have 1-2 days to have a free-for-all, I will WITHOUT FAIL binge on the foods that are terrible for me! 

This is where portion control and your food journal come into play. I can't speak for other eating plans, but for Weight Watchers you're allotted a certain amount of points. Because of the high point value of certain foods, there are certain foods that automatically became less appealing because I found that I didn't WANT to spend my points on them. But once in a while I find that something like a hotdog or pizza or french fries sounds good. So let's say I eat a hotdog. I write it down. And I just make sure that I eat soup or something else lower in points that is filling to compensate for the high points I am spending on that delicious dog! And at the end of the day it balances out. I still have dessert and sweet treats...but they are SIGNIFICANTLY scaled back from where they used to be. I find that now, a small piece of candy or a single serving brownie in a mug or something small is really all I need to get that sweet fix...instead of the big brownie sundae drizzled with caramel and hot fudge and whipped cream and cherries...

This brings me to my next point...

6.  In time when you mess up, pick yourself up and move on! In other words, don't let a slip up keep you down. It takes more than one weekend to ruin you for life. Consider it an opportunity to learn and just recognize where you went wrong and how you can fix it next time, and move forward. Don't drag your mistakes on and on and dwell on it forever....it will only lead to one more piece of cake to try to drown your sorrows. :)  

7. KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE! It's really important to find non-food ways to reward yourself during the weight loss process. I thought this was silly at first, because CERTAINLY just losing the weight should be prize enough. But there is a whole different level of satisfaction that comes from having something to look forward to! 

Set milestones for yourself...maybe you'll start off with aiming to lose 5% of your body weight....then 10%....then go by pounds...maybe you will break it up into 5 or 10 pounds segments. And then pick rewards to match! You don't have to spend a lot of money doing so...maybe you set up an agreement with your husband that after meeting a goal, he will do the dishes and put the kids in bed and massage your feet and watche a chick flick with you...okay, maybe I've gone a little far here. lol. But you get the idea. Or maybe it will be one new piece of clothing...or a massage at a salon...or even just a new haircut. Just be sure to find something that you will be EXCITED about--

My 50 pound goal prize was to buy a little black dress...since I have never in my life owned one or felt like I could look good in one. I went shopping for it last week, and IT FEELS FANTASTIC to put on. I can't WAIT to wear it out!

8. GET MOVING! I didn't start out doing much--but I did start out doing SOMETHING. Go for a walk, a run, park farther in the parking lot at the store. Instead of carrying all your groceries over your arm in one giant load, take a couple trips out to the car. Join a class. Walk up your stairs a few times. Do a workout video--just pick SOMETHING! As the weight came off, it because easier and easier for me to do more and more--and that's a good feeling! 

9. WEIGH YOURSELF. Take pictures. Rinse. Repeat. :) I seriously wish I had done a real before picture--and checked in doing so throughout my weight loss process. I was too ashamed. But hindsight being 20/20, I wish I had just done it--

10. TELL A FRIEND. Or lots of them. It is such good "therapy" to journal your way through this process--and to share your successes or hangups with someone. There is a HUGE amount of support to be found--and it is SUCH an encouraging thing to know people are behind you.

I hope that ANY OF YOU who are in this process of shedding the pounds know that I am SO happy to be that cheerleader for you if needed. I mean it!! This process has awakened me in a passion for this topic, and I am so happy to share snack ideas or meals or tips and tricks....or just to be a sounding board. Just hope you know that....feel free to leave a comment or email me if you wanna talk more about it! 

hollowayfam (at) yahoo (dot) come

THE BIG 5-0...my before and after weight loss pictures!

I will preface this post by saying that this is honestly one of hardest things I have ever done--

There have been some real struggles over letting myself post these pictures--it is like opening the most vulnerable part of me and sharing it with so many people--many that I don't know

 (even though I would love to!)...

It was really hard to look at the BEFORE pictures again. It was hard to stare at that person...the person who stayed unhappy and overweight for so long. I am embarrassed and ashamed at how I was...mostly because I see how I feel now, and REGRET the years and years that I didn't take charge of my life and my health....and my body. And let's face it...I looked pretty bad. It's the honest truth.

{deep breath}

I am posting pictures never seen before by anyone else...pictures I locked deep down inside my computer or cropped to only show my face...and it's taking a whole lot of courage to do so...

So I ask one thing...please, please be gentle with me. :)

That being said, here's my weight loss journey...

I really did not have much of a selection when it comes to pictures of myself...but this is the closest I could get to pre-pregnancy pictures in a full body shot (I was a few weeks pregnant at this point). Take note of the skirt...you'll see it again later!

I went through my pregnancy only gaining 14 pounds (THANKFULLY!!) I obviously didn't diet--but I DID watch my snack consumption and such. Either way I was still so big and felt SO ugly. I didn't want to document that for good...so I debated for a couple weeks whether or not I should take any maternity pictures, since I have never had any taken for any of my pregnancies. In the end, I decided to give it a go and have them done--I do mean the END, because I had Carter the following morning. :) The truth is, I WAS HUGE. (it is still really shocking to look back at these!)

So Carter was born in July...and I got the green light for actively losing weight. I was ready! I quickly got back to my pre-pregnancy weight--and had lost a few pounds below that when Brandon's family was in town in the beginning of August--1 month after I gave birth. These pictures are taken the night we went to see Phantom of the Opera..

At 12 pounds down, I decided I really needed to take a "before" picture. This shirt was TIGHT. Really tight. But it needed to be taken...

20 pounds down I rewarded myself with a new shirt...

And in between there and here...there wasn't much to show for...I  honestly chickened out every time I thought I should take a picture or post something....

BUT...

Remember that skirt in the beginning???

As my 50 pound mark neared, I knew I would need to face the camera and get a picture. My friend Amber took some of me (THANK YOU AMBER!) so that there would be something to up!

I still want to lose another 5-10 pounds. But it isn't a set goal--I just want to see where my body goes as I continue to make good eating choices and training for my 5k next month. I am well within my appropriate BMI at this point, which is something I am really proud of! But I want to work on toning up, becoming stronger, running longer...and feeling comfortable in my own skin.

I will continue to weigh in each week, but probably won't post another weight loss total until my 5k...while I loved journaling each week on my weight loss journey, I have come to a point where it no longer is to me what it was in the beginning--and quite frankly, I feel like I am just rambling each week now! :)

I know this is the beginning of the new year--the perfect time for a new year's resolution--a time for change. I often think back to the post I wrote a while back about making today your someday...you can read the whole thing here. But here is an excerpt I want to share:

.

"Over the past few weeks, several people have made comments to me about how they wish they could have the motivation to be healthy, or eat better, or lose weight, etc. Or it has been mentioned that SOMEDAY they will...

It's made me think. A lot.

I used to be one of those people. The person who was waiting for some magical day, before my life could change for the better. I was waiting for a better schedule, or money for the gym, or some other excuse--anything to put it off because much of me didn't think I could make such a big change. Losing the weight I have lost so far didn't just start up on an appointed day written on a calendar. It is something that started a long time ago--and has progressed, one choice at a time.

 I am amazed at how MUCH I have found I can actually DO when I just switch one thing at a time. 

I want to stop living with a list full of somedays...because I have realized that TODAY is the best day to be your someday. Today is the day to make a small change...to switch things up...to push yourself...to explore something new.

For all of you who were waiting for SOMEDAY to take a step to health, I challenge you to make that change today...maybe you start by just cutting back on sweets...or maybe it's taking a brisk 10 minute walk, or not going back for seconds when you're really not hungry anyway. Or maybe it's buying a loaf of whole wheat bread when you usually buy white, or trying out a new fruit or vegetable--or even just adding in an extra serving of them in your daily eating. 

You've got a day in front of you. You've got choices to make. And it will never get EASIER to be healthier...make today your SOMEDAY start your own little journey to feeling better about YOU."

My own little journey and 50 POUNDS Lighter...I've never felt so good. The weight loss I honestly never thought I could accomplish has happened. And it was so much easier than I ever anticipated it being. The changes I was so scared of, really have changed my life for the better--and I am so, so grateful for that.

Here's to 50 pounds..

Weighing in - week 24

Christmas week. I could go on and on about the temptations and such that surround anyone during the holidays, but I won't...I will say that this week was the PERFECT time to show that I have learned about moderation in all things, and to prove to myself that I really have left many of my old eating habits behind. For example, I made sure that my stocking was pretty bare in the candy department. Instead, there was one Butterfinger bar (like I said, pb + chocolate = heaven!) I set out to eat it (not even on Christmas day!) and was savoring every bite. However,as I was finishing it, I realized it was just way too much for me. I would have been totally fine with a fun size candy  bar over the full size, and know for next time to keep it small so I can really enjoy it without feeling sick!


I enjoyed Christmas dinner--ham, scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, jello salad, and our traditional Texas Roadhouse rolls with cinnamon butter. I just made sure that I got the right portion of each--accounted for it when tracking, and I was good to go. I had planned on making dessert, but abandoned that idea when I saw the goodies we had leftover from treat plates and such--and I have no regrets. I didn't even miss it.


I knew there would be more to deal with in the food department than normal this week, and for that reason I was okay if I didn't lose quite as much--but the fact of the matter is, that there will always be SOMETHING that can prevent us from accomplishing a goal--or being healthier--or losing weight. I feel like my view on this weight loss journey has really made it become a lifestyle change--that I can eat the foods I love, let go of some of the stuff I don't need, and embrace some new ideas that I hadn't considered before...and that I can do this whether I am trying to lose the weight or not...


I know I had some discouraging weeks when the weight loss had slowed down and I was so close, yet so far from my goal....I can't change the feelings I had then. But I can say today, that I am so very proud of where I've been and how far I have come--regardless of whether I hit that weight goal by a certain date or not....I HAVE CHANGED. Almost 50 pounds down in the past 24 weeks...more alive than I have ever felt, and looking forward to becoming stronger than I have ever been in the coming year!




Week 1 - lost 2.2 pounds
Week 2 - lost 2.2 pounds
Week 3 - lost 2 pounds
Week 4 - lost 2.8 pounds
Week 5 - lost 2.8 pounds
Week 6 - lost .4 pounds
Week 7 - lost 3.8 pounds

Week 8 - lost 1.2 pounds

Week 9 - lost 1 pound

Week 10 - lost 2.4 pounds

Week 11 - lost 3.2 pounds

Week 12 - lost .8 pounds

Week 13 - lost 1.8 pounds

Week 14 - lost 3 pounds

Week 15 - lost 3.4 pounds

Week 16 - lost 3 pounds

Week 17 - lost .2 pounds

Week 18 - lost 2.6 pounds

Week 19 - lost 1.6 pounds

Week 20 - lost 2.6 pounds

Week 21 - lost .8 pounds

Week 22 - lost 1 pound

Week 23 - lost 1.2 pounds

Week 24 - lost 2.4 pounds

Total lost: 48.2 pounds

1.8 pounds to go!!!

Weighing in - Week 23

I'll be honest. This week was bad...or so it felt.But I suppose it was bad in a good way. There were the treats for teachers and classmates, the nibbles here and there while assembling goodie bags, and then there was the batch of cinnamon bread that went terribly wrong--but that I just HAD to taste several times to make sure the pieces I was salvaging weren't too doughy. 


Once I got the stuff out of my face, I did fine...but man, having it around was terrible.  I did account for everything I ate, and it wasn't like a complete OVERLOAD -- it just felt like it when I have been really diligent about not eating a bunch of junk like that...but more than the extra empty calories, was the feeling of DISGUST after eating it. I seriously felt so gross...


So when I say it was bad in a good way, I mean that this week made me realize a few things...

1. I had convinced myself that I LOVED sweets and was missing out by not eating them very often. The truth is, I don't miss the pigging out on them nearly as much as I thought...and after this week, the temptation to over-indulge is almost non-existent. THAT was a wonderful feeling. You'll still find me with a small sweet treat on occasion (pb + chocolate = heaven), but that's where it stops for me... :)


2. My sugar hangover made me really push myself to go exercise. It wasn't that I was trying to burn it all off, but man I wanted to not feel like there were dead weights sitting in my stomach. As a result I ended up running a 2 mile stretch. TWO MILES!!! I was THRILLED! I am still aiming to run a 5k around my birthday, and hadn't made it to the two mile mark until this week...I'll be honest when I say that I don't think there was ever a time even in elementary school when I made it the full mile run around the field without stopping, so to be at a point where I ran TWO, made me want to jump up and down and scream it to the world. I am making progress....not only in my goals for eating healthier and losing the weight, but in becoming a stronger woman in general.


The weight is still coming off slower than it used to, but I hope that means my body is getting to the place it needs to be. :) Time will tell... :)


Week 1 - lost 2.2 pounds
Week 2 - lost 2.2 pounds
Week 3 - lost 2 pounds
Week 4 - lost 2.8 pounds
Week 5 - lost 2.8 pounds
Week 6 - lost .4 pounds
Week 7 - lost 3.8 pounds

Week 8 - lost 1.2 pounds

Week 9 - lost 1 pound

Week 10 - lost 2.4 pounds

Week 11 - lost 3.2 pounds

Week 12 - lost .8 pounds

Week 13 - lost 1.8 pounds

Week 14 - lost 3 pounds

Week 15 - lost 3.4 pounds

Week 16 - lost 3 pounds

Week 17 - lost .2 pounds

Week 18 - lost 2.6 pounds

Week 19 - lost 1.6 pounds

Week 20 - lost 2.6 pounds

Week 21 - lost .8 pounds

Week 22 - lost 1 pound

Week 23 - lost 1.2 pounds

Total lost to date: 46 pounds

4 pounds to go!

Weighing In - week 22

I can't believe December is halfway through!


It seems that for whatever reason, my body is just slowing down when it comes to weight loss. I have eaten well, tried to sneak in some more exercise this week, but the numbers just aren't as big as they used to be. It is SO discouraging...a few weeks ago, I really thought I was on track to meet my goal by Christmas. So seeing now that it is completely unrealistic is very disheartening. As much as I try to sugar coat it or talk myself into feeling victorious over the small losses each week, the truth is I feel so let down. I know I will get there in time--and that losing the weight is not a race. And I know that I have to keep doing what I am doing (instead of going crazy and doing something extreme to lose this last final bit of weight) or else the weight won't stay off. 




A pound is still a pound. I know this....and I am happy to have seen SOME loss. Just talking it one pound at a time, apparently. :) And slowly but surely I will get to where I want to be.


Slow and steady wins the race, right?




Week 1 - lost 2.2 pounds
Week 2 - lost 2.2 pounds
Week 3 - lost 2 pounds
Week 4 - lost 2.8 pounds
Week 5 - lost 2.8 pounds
Week 6 - lost .4 pounds
Week 7 - lost 3.8 pounds

Week 8 - lost 1.2 pounds

Week 9 - lost 1 pound

Week 10 - lost 2.4 pounds

Week 11 - lost 3.2 pounds

Week 12 - lost .8 pounds

Week 13 - lost 1.8 pounds

Week 14 - lost 3 pounds

Week 15 - lost 3.4 pounds

Week 16 - lost 3 pounds

Week 17 - lost .2 pounds

Week 18 - lost 2.6 pounds

Week 19 - lost 1.6 pounds

Week 20 - lost 2.6 pounds

Week 21 - lost .8 pounds

Week 22 - lost 1 pound

Total lost to date: 44.8 pounds

5.2 pounds to go!

Weighing in - a quick clarification...

Just wanted to clarify something from my last weighing in post...

What I hope you realize when you read about me being under the weight when I got married, is that I WAS OVERWEIGHT when I got married. :) I wasn't like all you skinny minnies out there who say you will never be that size or weight again...I was at a place I never should have been in the first place. :) So the fact that I got below that weight is what I see as something I totally expected of myself--and NECESSARY. :)

As I have said before--I think it's most important for you to feel healthy, no matter your weight. But in order for me to feel the healthiest I can, I definitely have to shed some of those pounds...well, lots of those pounds...and passing up my pre-married weight ended up being part of the package. :)

Weighing in - week 21

Due to scheduling conflicts, I had to do my weigh-in last night. Gotta say, it threw me off a bit...


I don't have a ton to report this week...I ate well--but it's hard to know what causes a small week. It could be because I had a couple good weeks in a row...it could be because I didn't get to work out much...but the honest truth is that it's so hard to see a little loss right now (only .8 pounds this week). I was SO hoping that I would somehow reach my goal my Christmas. I just don't see that happening now...but maybe by New Years...and if not then, maybe the week after...right? :) Sigh. 


But if we're talking small celebrations, I will say that for the first time in...well, a long time...I am finally within the weight range for a healthy BMI number...I may be on the high side right now, but hey, at least I am getting there. People ask me often when I will be at the weight when I first got married...happy to say, that was 17 POUNDS ago (can you believe it? I can't!) So it's difficult to remember WHEN I would have been at the weight I am now...maybe high school sometime? I honestly don't remember....but regardless of when it was, it feels good to be there again. :)
 I have been thinking a lot about my goal, really...like, can I push past that and do more? Or is my goal realistic for my body? I suppose I will re-evaluate in a few more pounds and see where I am at...but I am leaning towards going for more. In the end, I just want to be at a healthy place--fall somewhere within the min/max of my BMI, and feel good about myself. So if another 5 or 10 pounds puts me in a better place and my body can sustain that weight, I may just go for it...no harm in trying, right? 


Just going to kick myself into high gear this week--trying not to let .8 pounds get me down....and hoping, hoping for a better loss next week!


Week 1 - lost 2.2 pounds
Week 2 - lost 2.2 pounds
Week 3 - lost 2 pounds
Week 4 - lost 2.8 pounds
Week 5 - lost 2.8 pounds
Week 6 - lost .4 pounds
Week 7 - lost 3.8 pounds

Week 8 - lost 1.2 pounds

Week 9 - lost 1 pound

Week 10 - lost 2.4 pounds

Week 11 - lost 3.2 pounds

Week 12 - lost .8 pounds

Week 13 - lost 1.8 pounds

Week 14 - lost 3 pounds

Week 15 - lost 3.4 pounds

Week 16 - lost 3 pounds

Week 17 - lost .2 pounds

Week 18 - lost 2.6 pounds

Week 19 - lost 1.6 pounds

Week 20 - lost 2.6 pounds

Week 21 - lost .8 pounds

Total lost to date: 43.8 pounds

6.2 pounds to go!

Weighing in - week 20

I DID IT! I made it through a holiday without letting food take control...I ate good stuff, I did some baking (which I love to do!), I even indulged in some of my favorite peanut butter cup pie...but I did it all in moderation. 


And dang it, I am so happy to say that holidays and all, I still lost.


As excited as I was for the weight loss part, I have struggled this week with one thing...the extra skin I have as a result. Honestly, from the outside, my body grosses me out! :) I wish I knew how to cope with that change, or how to make it go away--I wish I could just take the flab and cut it right off, so it would match the healthy, fit person I feel on the inside. But there it is, a sore reminder, every shower I take or every time I change my clothes. I am trying to just see my body for the miraculous things it does and is...just have some downer weeks in regards to my feelings about it--and it only looks worse the more I lose.


But tonight, I am not going to let that get me down...I am going to be happy for the one more little success that is adding to one great big accomplishment... :)


Week 1 - lost 2.2 pounds
Week 2 - lost 2.2 pounds
Week 3 - lost 2 pounds
Week 4 - lost 2.8 pounds
Week 5 - lost 2.8 pounds
Week 6 - lost .4 pounds
Week 7 - lost 3.8 pounds

Week 8 - lost 1.2 pounds

Week 9 - lost 1 pound

Week 10 - lost 2.4 pounds

Week 11 - lost 3.2 pounds

Week 12 - lost .8 pounds

Week 13 - lost 1.8 pounds

Week 14 - lost 3 pounds

Week 15 - lost 3.4 pounds

Week 16 - lost 3 pounds

Week 17 - lost .2 pounds

Week 18 - lost 2.6 pounds

Week 19 - lost 1.6 pounds

Week 20 - lost 2.6 pounds

Total lost to date: 43 pounds

7 pounds to go!

Weighing in - week 19

This week....well, feeling like there is nothing big to report...I've just mainly been thinking about nutrition and ways to tweak and improve our meals and food consumption as a family. Don't worry, we're not going extreme here! I just feel like there are some changes we can make. I definitely feel like there are benefits that come with making food from scratch--but I love certain foods that I buy already made or that help make a meal easier to put together... I guess I mainly feel like I could make some changes in the snack department (because we do cook meals a lot from scratch). I love having certain 100 calorie snacks around for the kids (and me!)--you know, cookies or crackers--little munchie things. But I would love to find some recipes to use on a snack overhaul in this house. :) If you  have one to share, PLEASE pass it on!


I've been asked by a surprising number of people if I am worried about Thanksgiving dinner. My answer is no. I'm not. Basically, to me, it's another day--another meal--another chance to make choices. I don't know that I have the stomach to load up my plate anymore--so really it comes down to just taking a little bit of the things I LOVE and being done with that--


My feeling is that I want to lose this weight so bad...and I don't want one meal to turn into one week of meals or a month of meals that all will end up keeping me from my goal. I truly feel that this is how I plan on eating for life--how I plan on our family eating for life--making healthier choices with correct portion sizes. Indulging here and there. But overall having a good grasp on what makes my body feel better, and choosing those things.


I can't imagine spending this time, losing the weight, and then having it all put back on---I just can't. And I can't imagine feeling good eating the way I used to. Not now...not after seeing such a big difference and feeling such a big change. 


So this week--that's mainly what was on my mind--I feel good about where I was with regards to my eating, I threw in some workouts here and there when I was able to make the time, and overall I am okay with things.


Counting down to reaching my goal...and oh so excited about it. :)




Week 1 - lost 2.2 pounds
Week 2 - lost 2.2 pounds
Week 3 - lost 2 pounds
Week 4 - lost 2.8 pounds
Week 5 - lost 2.8 pounds
Week 6 - lost .4 pounds
Week 7 - lost 3.8 pounds

Week 8 - lost 1.2 pounds

Week 9 - lost 1 pound

Week 10 - lost 2.4 pounds

Week 11 - lost 3.2 pounds

Week 12 - lost .8 pounds

Week 13 - lost 1.8 pounds

Week 14 - lost 3 pounds

Week 15 - lost 3.4 pounds

Week 16 - lost 3 pounds

Week 17 - lost .2 pounds

Week 18 - lost 2.6 pounds

Week 19 - lost 1.6 pounds

Total lost to date: 40.4 pounds

9.6 pounds to go!

Weighing in - week 18

This week--whew! I got back on track with my eating--it feels SO much better to have more control again. 


Though, I did battle with two things this week: munching and Twizzlers. The Twizzlers were something that Brandon got for a quick road trip he had to go on this week--man I love those things. They're the kind of snack, however, that just aren't worth the points to me (almost 1 point per twizzler!)...and they leave me wanting more and more (probably because in the past I could down half a bag just snacking and not thinking.) So, having them around was kind of a struggle, mainly because I don't WANT to want those things! :) They're gone now--thankfully. Good riddance! :)


 And the munching...I have been pretty good about not just taking bites here and there if I open a package of something or see food sitting out after dinner...but this week I caught myself nibbling occasionally. I don't really know why...I just did. And I am not beating myself up over it, but it was definitely an eye-opener and wake up call, because it's that kind of habit that got me where I was in the first place. :)


I really felt like I would have another slow week this week. In fact, I had to do a double take when I saw my final weight for the week--because it far surpassed what I thought I would lose. I was really hoping for a good week again...just thought it was going to have to be NEXT week. Pleasantly surprised... :) And now I'm feeling revved up again to lose this darn weight! :)


Here's to a new week...with new choices and new opportunities to be better than I was this week.


Week 1 - lost 2.2 pounds
Week 2 - lost 2.2 pounds
Week 3 - lost 2 pounds
Week 4 - lost 2.8 pounds
Week 5 - lost 2.8 pounds
Week 6 - lost .4 pounds
Week 7 - lost 3.8 pounds

Week 8 - lost 1.2 pounds

Week 9 - lost 1 pound

Week 10 - lost 2.4 pounds

Week 11 - lost 3.2 pounds

Week 12 - lost .8 pounds

Week 13 - lost 1.8 pounds

Week 14 - lost 3 pounds

Week 15 - lost 3.4 pounds

Week 16 - lost 3 pounds

Week 17 - lost .2 pounds

Week 18 - lost 2.6 pounds

Total lost to date: 38.8 pounds

12.2 pounds to go!

Weighing in - week 17

I'm back from Idaho--it was a whirlwind weekend and while it was a lot of fun, I am glad to be home!

This weekend made me realize a couple things about myself...

1- I really do like keeping track of what I eat during the day...and being outside of my normal routine and environment made that really difficult.

2- That my body feels SO MUCH BETTER when I am consistently eating healthier foods and smaller portions.

3- This is probably the most important thing I learned...that IT IS OKAY to let go of the control once in a while. There were so many things that were eaten this weekend that I couldn't begin to track points or even GUESS the nutritional values since I wasn't sure of all the ingredients or portion size. At first, I panicked. I like the security of knowing what I've eaten--I happen to like writing it down and being able to look back and account for it. But the mandarin chicken we ordered one day, and the Mongolian food eaten another, and the other misc. little scoop of ice cream here, or brownie with homemade caramel sauce drizzled over it were all parts of such uncharted territory (although worth every bite! :).

And after a couple days, I was able to just let it go. This didn't mean I went crazy--it just means I tried to make any kind of healthy choice when eating whatever I was eating. We split our Chinese lunch special 4 ways--and when I went out to Mongolian Grill with my in-laws I got a much smaller portion than normal, and only ate half (and took half home, since that's really when I was full anyway!) And I only had one small scoop of ice cream at my brother's wedding luncheon (and not later when it was brought out for a second round). It wasn't that I ate perfect, but I am okay with the choices I did make...I enjoyed some of my favorite places and foods that I normally don't feel are worth using my daily points on, without feeling like I overindulged. I think it was good for me to see that a weekend like that once in a while is a-okay.

However, that being said, I was SO HAPPY to be home today and able to get back on track. My body felt sluggish and blah when I stepped off the plane last night (much in part to the icky airport food I ended up getting at the end of the day)--I am definitely seeing how much food can affect you! I kept everything pretty light today (yogurt and toast for breakfast, and a spicy shredded chicken salad for lunch) with lots of water and took myself on a mile run (first time I've been able to get running again since Brandon left, and it felt FABULOUS!) I feel revived again and ready to tackle these pounds! :)

And really, while I only lost .02 pounds, I am so happy to say I didn't gain! .2 is still .2...and it's .2 pounds closer to my goal. :)

Week 1 - lost 2.2 pounds

Week 2 - lost 2.2 pounds

Week 3 - lost 2 pounds

Week 4 - lost 2.8 pounds

Week 5 - lost 2.8 pounds

Week 6 - lost .4 pounds

Week 7 - lost 3.8 pounds

Week 8 - lost 1.2 pounds

Week 9 - lost 1 pound

Week 10 - lost 2.4 pounds

Week 11 - lost 3.2 pounds

Week 12 - lost .8 pounds

Week 13 - lost 1.8 pounds

Week 14 - lost 3 pounds

Week 15 - lost 3.4 pounds

Week 16 - lost 3 pounds

Week 17 - lost .2 pounds

Total lost to date: 36.2 pounds

13.8 pounds to go!