I'll be back....soon!

I've been M.I.A. for a couple of months, but I'll be back and bloggin' daily soon, very soon. Here's an update of things that have been happening:

 So, I'm still in the lower 220's, which isn't horrible, but I could have done better. I've got to find the almighty motivation I had before! I've recently made the decision to start taking an anti-depressant again---and it helps. My depression made getting up in the morning difficult, so staying motivated in order to keep losing weight just wasnt happening. Sometimes we gotta be a big girl and ask for help. So, here I am, a month in, and I'm feeling like it's time to get back on the weight loss wagon. Our gym finally opened back up (I swear it was closed for maintenance for a MONTH, sheesh.) So, thats where I stand. I hope all of my wonderful weight loss buddies have been doing well and staying healthy <3

This morning's workout started with some light stretching, followed by a few dumbell exercises. Then I walked to the gym--ohhhh it felt good to be back. I hopped onto the treadmill and promised myself I wouldnt walk slower than 3.0 mph---and I did it! (It's the little things...) I normally start off my walk @ 2.6-2.8mph and slowly work up to 3.6 mph, and jog/run for a couple minutes @ 4.4-4.8mph. Starting out at 3.0mph is a small victory in my fitness level. I didnt focus as much on raising the incline this time--I'm more focused on increasing my speed at this point. I'm proud of myself.

Scale says: 218 again!

I'm finally off my eating binge, and I'm officially 218lbs again. Thank goodness. I've start incorporating bits of exercises while I'm watching tv, waiting for things to cook, sitting at work, etc. Does anyone watch the show "The Dr's" ? Well the other day they mentioned something that is sticking with me : eat less, move more---simple as that! I'm back in the habit of using my George Foreman grill and eating chicken salads again. My body feels a little deprived, but thats to be expected, I'll get back to normal in no time! The upside to my recent poor eating habits is that I tend to lose weight quickly when I start eating uber-healthy again---yippee!

Side note: yesterday I noticed my shoulders and arms are getting more toned! :) It made me happy!

Confession Time.

Alright, let's get this over with. Confession: I've gained back about 5 lbs this month (I gained a few back since my last post..blah!), I'm not exercising for as hard and as long as I should be in order to lose weight, and my eating habits are less than perfect. Grrr. All I can do is DO BETTER. I have about six months until my official "goal weight weigh-in" (see side bar), so although I have time to lose the weight, I dont want to wait until the last two months and starve myself thin---I want to start now and have a healthy steady weightloss until November.

Since I need to lose 36 more pounds, that averages out to 6 pounds a month I need to lose. It's crunch time people! No excuses. I've struggled alot this past month or so and I'm hoping I can get passed all the stress and just focus on what I need to do. Deep breath in....and release. Here goes.

Yay! 216 again!

Scale is back down to 216! Woop Woop! I'm super excited, can you tell?  :)

theres hope.

Scale said 218.4 this morning! Yay! It's slowly going down! Here's to hope!

Still Exhausted.

So the scale says 219.0, which is a little bit of relief, but still upsetting. I guess I should thank my lucky stars it's even going down---still havent been back to the gym, have only worked out once since my last post, and although I'm not binge eating, I'm still too exhausted to do anything. I'm not sure if my depression is kicking in or what, but somethin's gotta give! I'm just not my normal self, havent been for about two weeks....(which my boyfriend keeps pointing out...Eeeek). Stress is really building up lately, so naturally my body doesnt want to get up and GO...but I really wish I could mentally get back on track. I'm down in the dumps right now, but I'm sure 3-4 good workouts will help my mood tremendously....it's just a matter of getting up and acutally DOING IT. Wish me luck :/

A Rude Awakening @ 220 lbs

I woke up this morning, stood on the scale and it read "220.8".

Unacceptable.

Let this be a lesson to anyone traveling the weight loss road. I'm disappointed in myself because I know I have the will power, but I got so caught up in boo-hooing about the overload of stress that I stopped exercising and started binge-eating. Where does that get me? It gets me 5 pounds heavier and pissed off.

Step 1: Eating better...alot better. No extra sugar and no binge eating from now on.

It's hard, it really is. Being so mentally exhausted takes a toll on your body, and it's hard to focus on exercise and eating right. I've gotta focus now!! Wish me luck, I'll need it!

Quick Updates

My work schedule is ridiculous right now, (64 hours this week...I know, right?) which has directly effected my workout plan, actually its at a complete hault right now, and I cant wait to get back to the gym! Working so many hours and so many odd shifts, mixed with no exercise, has me exhausted physically and mentally. Being in the gym, music blarring, sweating my ass off----that's MY release. It's the only time I get to be completely alone and "in my own world". I take out all my stress and anxiety out on something that will benefit my body---so when I dont get to exercise, I'm a mess...nothing seems to balance itself out!
I have about 3 more days of work/training, so I will be back to the gym in no time! I'll happily update!

(Gotta get back to class....training for one of our new systems started yesterday and ends tomorrow, so that's where I'll be!)

Am I failing?

[sigh] Alright, here's the thing. I'm aware that weight loss is a process and you'll have ups and downs. I'm also aware that if I keep up with eating pizza and sweets for days at a time that I won't get anywhere with my weight loss....

I've followed the workout plan for two weeks, but with my current work schedule, I'm thinking I might have to create another plan. Ugh! I know once I'm back on track with eating healthier, I'll start to see the weight come off again, so I shouldnt be so hard on myself, but still. I miss the gym. I havent gone in two days, and my body knows something is going on. I've been tossing and turning all night (or day) when I'm sleeping, I'm just outta whack for some reason! Blek :/

I know I can do better, and I will. I have to.

Story of My Life :)

Good Morning! It's Saturday!

I woke up bright and early to complete my exercises before work. Today's exercises were squats, followed by bicep curls, skier's (which is a tricep exercise), wide leg planks and shoulder presses. No cardio today, which is totally fine with me, my muscles needed two days of rest :)

I havent had ANY weight loss this month. I've been fluctuating between 215 lbs -220 lbs!! WHAT!! I'm not gonna lie, I know EXACTLY why I've had no weight loss this month, and I will share them with you, not only because I want to be an example for what NOT to do, but also because I know I'm not perfect, and no matter how far into the weight loss process I am, I still have plateaus and I still struggle with eating the wrong foods and bingeing.

What NOT to do when trying to lose weight 101 :

    Since the beginning of April, I have had cheesecake, cupcakes, chocolate and cookies. For almost three months I was super strict on myself, cutting out most of the sugar in my diet, and only having desserts once in a blue moon...and now I know why I had to be so strict. No matter how much will power I think I have, give me ONE cookie, and I'm back a second and third time reaching for more. It's insane! I've got another week until pay day, and when that day comes, I HAVE to buy everything I was buying in the beginning of the diet. More lettuce, brown rice, chicken, flavored teas, etc etc. I've gotta get my body back on track! If I don't see 214 on the scale soon I'm gonna flip out! :)

Week 2 Completion.

It's Friday Friday Friday! I'm almost finished with week 2 of the workout plan. I've already walked/jogged/ran more this week than I did the first week, so that gets a thumbs up (insert thumb here!). I think I'll use today as my rest day, mainly because I'm at work for the next 8 hours and didnt do any of my thigh/ab/arm exercises today. Woopsie. BUT, that's why I have a rest day! I would normally use Sunday as a rest day, but I'm off work that day, so I'll do my long walk instead. Speaking of long walk, I wanna shoot for 3+ miles. Yesterday I did over 2 miles, but I would really like to push for 3 miles in one workout session. We shall see how it goes! Stay tuned!

Oh, Happy Easter Everybunny!

So, it was the perfect day to sleep and relax, home alone on my "rest day". I was puppy-sitting my sisters dog, and since I had to work, the boyfriend went to his parents and I chilled out and watched Hairspray and Golden Girls with Max, the cocker spaniel. Now, that's what I call a rest day! Tomorrow is the start of week # 2 on the new workout plan! I can't wait to get back on the treadmill!


p.S. almost 2 pounds lost this week! I can't seem to get out of the 215-217 range. Yes, I'm STILL 215. Argh. But anyways, I feel stronger and my arms are slimming up and toning, so I'm about 80% happy with my results this week! Plus, I know I'm gaining a little muscle, so that may have an effect on it.....hmm. *!Toodles!*

"Musica, Musica"

f you follow my blog, you know I've mentioned more than once that everyone should have awesome workout music! Any song that makes you smile or pumps you up HAS to be on your workout playlist!

Since I only have 3 songs on my iPod section of my iPhone, I choose to bring CD's to my fitness center. (95% of the time I am alone in my gym, so I can blare my music as loud as I want!) Here are a few I've been rockin' out to.

Kid Rock's "Cocky" Album

   I love this cd!! This album is definately not for people who prefer "clean" versions of songs... lol. But it's great music that makes you feel like a bad-ass while running! My favorite song from this album is "Baby Come Home"----listen to it!

"Let It Go" by Tim Mcgraw

   This CD has songs like "Last Dollar" (Fly Away) and "I Need You" by Tim and Faith. I love the combination of fast and slow songs, which works best when I'm doing my intervals.

 India Arie. Testimony : Vol 1, Life & Relationships.

    This entire CD is beautiful. I highly recommend this cd to any woman who has ever struggled with self love, finding hope, and forgiveness. Her voice alone makes you feel peaceful. One of my favorite lyrics is from the song "Private Party" and says "I'm gonna take off all my clothes, look at myself in the mirror, we're gonna have a conversation, we're gonna heal the disconnection. I dont remember when it started, but this is where it's gonna end, my body is beautiful and sacred, and I'm gonna celebrate it"--- I know, right? It gives me chills, and sometimes makes me cry. Ladies, come on! Love yourself, love your body, and as I once heard " God gave you this body so you can rock the shit out of it!"  :)

"Pretty Boy Swag" by Soulja Boy.

   Pretty self explanatory! The beats are awesome in this song and I love me some Soulja Boy!

"Toes" Zac Brown Band   

 Good song for letting your mind escape while exercising.

Jessica Simpson "In This Skin:"

   This cd is quite a walk down memory lane. I'm a huge 90's pop music fan, and when I bought this cd eight years ago, I fell in love with it. I'm not too crazy about Jessica Simpson these days, but I do love this cd. It's another woman-friendly cd  :)

Mariachi/Mexican/Latin Music

   So I'm sure everyone who was walking passed the windows of the fitness center thought they were in a Mexican restaurant today, hehe. I have probably 20 random authentic spanish cds and I rock out to them from time to time....mostly when I'm alone because others dont appreciate the music as much as I do :)

When I finally get my iPod set up, I definatley wanna put more "pump me up" music on it : Black Eyed Peas, Sublime, David Banner (yummy hehe), Natasha Bedingfield, and LOTS OF OLD SCHOOL ROCK!

Mwah!

A Not-So-Long Walk

Week #1 on the new workout plan is almost over! On this plan, I can chose Saturday OR Sunday as my "rest day", and on the other day I take a long walk. I was feelin frisky today, and it was gorgeous outside (although I work out in my gym at my complex, I still open all the windows and blare my music, so good weather days are my favorite), so I decided today would be my "long walk" day, and tomorrow will be my rest day. Well, I had to push myself to even walk a mile, haha oopsie! I know I'm doing really well on this plan and a mile is a mile, and I refuse to make myself feel bad for ONLY walking a mile, even though I wanted to walk at least 3 miles. I am proud to say I can now walk comfortably at 3.5mph!! This a big step in my fitness level. I almost feel uncomfortable if I walk too slow now. If it's been five minutes on the treadmill and no sweat has formed on my forehead, I'm going too slow. Oh! Another thing! Today I set my incline to 12.0 (normally it's set at 3.0-5.0)--- ha ha ha ha Wow! Note to self : dont set your speed too high when your incline is at a 12.0! I had that scary 2-second period of "Oh shit I'm about to fly off this treadmill!! Ahhh!!". Luckily enough, nothing bad happened :) Thank you baby Jesus!

Completing my first week.

Today marked DAY # 5 of my new workout plan, and I'm proud to say I've stuck by it! I feel a little sore in my biceps and triceps, and my thighs never stopped hurting from worlout #1, so it's definately working. Today was my "NO CARDIO" day, just ARMS/ABS/THIGH work. Here are a few things I've realized this week :

1. I DO NOT like Triceps Dips on a chair! I was supposed to complete 3 sets of 10...and after the 6th rep, I was like fuck this! (excuse my French) BUT, my goal is to love them. Whether or not that will actually happen hasn't been determined... (insert concerned look here)

2. I can run harder, faster, and further now. I ran at 4.5 mph :) That's never happened before!

3. I love sweating. That's my indication that my heart is pumping and I'm getting an awesome workout.
 Sweat pouring off my face is what I aim for---no, it's not pretty, but it's pretty awesome :)

4. Good workout music is CRUCIAL.

5. Smiling while you exercise helps your mood.

6. Walking/Jogging/Running intervals are my new best friend!

7. A good sports bra is more important than you think....even with my tiny bewbies.

        The End <3

My 4 week workout plan! Here goes!!

Let me start off by saying that if you follow my blog, you know I'm constantly trying to find ways to stay on track with diet and exercise. In my last blog I mentioned that I started recording my meals, exercise, etc. on an iPhone app and hoped it would help--- well, it didnt. I deleted the app off my phone that night. I'm sure it works for some people, but it just wasnt convenient, and I like to stray-away from becoming obsessive about jotting down everything I eat. So, with that said, I've started a new workout program! It's completely personalized and I have high hopes! The new exercises are from COSMO magazine (my BFF gave me 3 cosmo magazines and tah-dah! free exercises!) The exercises I'm doing are "target area" exercises-- 4 exercises for THIGHS, 4 for TRICEPS, and 4 for ABS. I divided them up, choosing a different exercise each day of the week. I've also added cardio 4 days a week. I hand wrote everything in pencil, so that if need be, I can tweek it --(reason I say this is because I'm working muscles I havent worked in awhile, and I know I may need rest days for those specific muscles.)

I can do better :/

I'm a tad disappointed in myself "diet" wise. I honestly believe I've gotten so comfortable with my weight loss that I often forget I'm only half way to my goal weight. I go from one extreme to the next lately---one day eating next to nothing, and the next day eating super sugary foods I wouldnt even normally eat...

My period, I'm sure, had alot to do with it (12 days of bloating and craving and bitchiness...blek!)

To help jump start some weight loss (I've gotta see the scale move or I'm gonna lose my mind!) I'm re-starting the Belly Fat Cure diet, and being strict about it. I've also started using the MyNetDiary App for iPhone. It records my meals, exercise, water intake (I love that!), weight loss/gain, measurements (which I'm not taking..), and some other crap I dont use. It's a free app, and it will hold me accountable for everything I'm taking in, hopefully resulting in weight loss. Blah. Until next time! Mwah!

Scale says... 215!

January : 243 lbs

February: 227 lbs

March: 218 lbs

April: 215 lbs

Can I get a hellll yeah? :D