I Jogged!

I was all ready to write a self-loathing filled post about how this past week a was a complete and total failure. I ate whatever I wanted and I didn't exercise and aside from feeling guilty it was somewhat stress free and liberating. Not saying I am giving up, just being honest that this whole health overhaul I am working on. It is overwhelming. So I had the post thought out in my mind but now I want to write about something a little more positive: I JOGGED today.

Here is the story. I woke up after a bad dream and just felt really sad (lump in my throat I'm going to cry any min. kind of sad) and THEN I decided to watch Grey Gardens which is NOT a happy movie. I'm sitting on the couch feeling really melancholy when Chris looks over at my tear streaked face and says I should go for a walk. I didn't really want to BUT I couldn't lay on the couch any longer or I would really be sad so I got my headphones and headed out.

I decided I would walk up to the other side of campus and back again, a total of about 3 miles, straight up 9th east and back. I get to the part where I was turning around and thought to myself, "this is down hill, I'm feeling pretty good, I'm going to try and jog a little bit."

So I started jogging and I felt GREAT! I mean it. My knees weren't hurting. My hips weren't hurting. My muscles felt strong. I had a great rhythm that matched the song playing in my headphones (see below). I felt strong and healthy. My body was doing something I haven't done in awhile. I was flying and I loved it!

Sadly I am strictly a "down-hill" jogger at this point, a fact I realized as the terrain started flattening out towards our apartment. But hey, I would rather be a down-hill jogger than and walker-only kind of girl. You have to start somewhere right? And for full clarification I did not jog ALL the way back but I did for most of it.

It was a good feeling and really turned my day around. Good thing I have such a thoughtful husband who knew that a little exercise would get me out of my funk. Isn't it funny that the times I need to exercise most are the times I don't feel like it?

So my week of total denial about my health goals didn't cause me to gain any weight back but I also didn't loose anything. This sets me back from my 10 lbs goal which I am okay with except for the fact that it pushes all of my 10 lb goals back and I already put them on my calender (mistake). Now I will be reminded EVERY month that I had a rough week in February and got behind. Not exactly good for the morale but what can you do? I might try and find some stickers or something to put over it.

Question for you guys: How do you deal with not meeting your smaller short term goals? Does that mean I don't get any of my rewards since I'm not going to make any of the dates? It's kind of weird to think that you set the smaller goals to make it more manageable but in this case it really just makes me feel more discouraged because I had one bad week and it throws everything off.

Anyway, not to dwell on the negative because after that walk/jog I feel great and am ready for a better week with more self-control.

P.S. I mentioned last post that I wanted a "perfect" (I just say that because its something I can do, be "perfect" in my goals for 7 days) week and I actually did it. I don't know how I missed posting about it but I went 7 days within my calorie range and exercised 5 days. Maybe that's why the next week was so hard, maybe a little burned out? I'm not sure, just a thought though. Anyway, I'm pretty proud of that week so I thought I would share that little accomplishment.

Until next time, enjoy this song that matched my pace perfectly today. :)

I Fit Back in my Favorite Dress!!

That's right folks, this Sunday I thought to myself, "You know what, 4lbs is a significant amount, maybe, just maybe, you should try on that dress." So I did and it fit! Really, it did. I felt completely comfortable and I didn't have to worry that my hips were pulling it too tight across the front or my arms were loosing blood flow from how tight it was. I was so excited. I even made Chris take some pictures of me in it...still not good enough pictures to post online but it is still a big thing for me. Fitting into my favorite clothes was one of the top reasons I had for starting this really really hard journey.

I also took some before photos this week but I'm going to wait for some after photos before I post them. :)

I have found that the weekends are hardest for me when it comes to eating, well and exercising too if I am being honest. I think in part it is the loss of a regular schedule, the desire to relax after the week and with this particular weekend the Superbowl is what did me in. But on Monday I just told myself, this is a new week and I am going to be perfect!! Because I can be perfect for one week, that is manageable.

So last night I worked on this little project to help motivate me to be perfect this week and hopefully future weeks.

 

In case you can't see I have a box to check off if I was good on my calories for everyday and a box to mark off if I exercised on 6 days (I'm going for 5 days, still hasn't happened yet). I also have a spot to put in my weight on my designated weigh-in day (Saturday, hopefully will help me to be good on those challenging weekends). I also included my short term monthly goals (10 lb increments)  and some inspirational quotes and words of encouragement from myself. Ha whatever works right? I will let you know how this method works for me. It was fun to make it all pretty though.

This week I had a day off to run an errand (didn't end up happening, long and frustrating story) but I tried to make a little "special" breakfast so an egg white omelet complete with onions, peppers, and jalapenos was attempted. Well I wasn't good at the omelet part so it ended up being a scramble and really in the end I realized I don't like those things in my eggs. Ha but the effort was commendable. 

Well folks I am 4lbs closer to my goal! Getting a bit nervous about making my goal for 10 lbs but I'm going to try my hardest! Here is to fitting into your favorite clothes. Until next time. :)

 Remember: 

The Time I Accidentally Ate too Many Calories

I promise you it really was an accident! Not like "I fell onto a doughnut with my mouth open" kind of accident but a real honest to goodness accident. I accidentally ate too many calories. Here is the story so you, in the future, can avoid making the same mistake.

Friday night Camp Kesem BYU was doing a fundraiser at Panda Express where 20% was donated so we of course had to support. Learning from my eating out mistakes of the last weekend I prepared myself, did research on the options that I would have when I got there to stay on track. Well..we got there and foolishly I thought I just remembered which ones were low-calorie and was confident that the Bejing Beef was on my list. I mean there is so much pressure once you get up to that counter, I just couldn't take it and blurted out Bejing Beef bowl. I even foolishly got rice and a soda because I had saved a LOT of calories for this special occasion and with a "low-calorie" entree I would have been fine. Well, after enjoying my great meal, knowing that I worked hard for it, I went to input it in my LoseIt! app because being in the habit is the only way I stick to it and come to find out I was SO wrong.

Not only was the Bejing Beef not on my list of available options but it was one of the worst in the whole place. I didn't just eat a few more calories then I was supposed to, it was over 300 calories more. Lets just say I was none too happy. That hour of exercising was useless essentially...or at least that is how it felt. So, to my readers, don't let this happen to you. When you make a plan, when you write down your options, don't make the mistake of not looking at your plan when it matters most. But in all honesty, this wouldn't happen to anyone but me because come on, how do you accidentally eat too many calories?!

That being said I have been really good with my eating (see pictures of healthy meals for proof) on all other days AND according to my new weigh-in day I am down 2.5 lbs! One very very tiny small step for man-kind, one giant step for me! I still need to do the measurements next (I really think that is a good idea and will help motivate me when the scale isn't showing what I want). And I am thinking a before picture would be fun for when I can actually SEE a difference.

^Fajitas

^Green smoothies are my favorite!

^1 egg yoke and a lot of egg whites oh and of course my favorite, cherry tomatoes (I try to eat them as much as possible)

I also have been doing well in the exercise department. I managed to work-out 4 days last week (yes, one less than my goal of 5 but...its hard...don't worry...I'm working on fixing that). Part of the week I did the FitnessBlender 5 day challenge. Here is my review:

1. The first day REALLY kicked my butt. I was sore for about 3 days, no joke. That's always a good sign. The rest of the days seemed a little less intense. Especially the days where weights are included, because I don't have weights. I tried using cans, not heavy enough, then water bottles but they were leaky and just got me more wet then just the sweat, and finally scriptures were what I ended up with but its still not heavy enough. So I think in the future I will intermix the hard days with other exercises. If I remember correctly the good days were (1, 2, and 4).

2. Its always discouraging when your own body gets in the way of doing the exercises and by that I mean when I can't stretch as much as I need to because my newly developed belly fat or the opposite, trying to do a cobra and the back fat getting in the way. Not a pretty picture but it is motivating to keep on working.

3. I also I can't help but think that anytime I have to lift my bum of the ground (there are a variety of exercises that require this sort of exercise) its way harder than most people because my bum is just bigger than most people. I guess I'm just getting a better workout at least.

4. Overall its a good regimen and if I had weights I probably would make it my regular exercise routine. Still obsessed with FitnessBlender though. They are just so down to earth!

5. And possibly the best part is I can do it in my own living room so that a. no one has to see or hear my trying to lift my fat ole' bottom off the ground and b. no one is judging me for these socks.

Well, there you have it folks. Hope it was inspiring and in the least entertaining. Until next time. 

Guess What? I'm Not Perfect, Who is Surprised?

As you might have noticed it has been awhile since I have posted and there is a reason, it's because I haven't had anything good to post. That's right you guys, I'm not perfect. Only a week and a half in to this whole goal thing and I failed. Yes, I am beating myself up because I didn't have to fail, I chose to. 

Chris and I decided to take advantage of the long weekend and go stay up in Northern Utah for a few days, which means my schedule was thrown off and we had to eat out for most of 3 days. So I let my weaknesses of delicious food get the better of me and I ate pretty much whatever I wanted and didn't exercise. 

A few moments for some excuses then I will get back to beating myself up.

1. I was raised, and Chris and I have continued this tradition, that food was a form of entertainment, a thing to be enjoyed. When we traveled/travel we always plan the trips around the food we are going to eat. It isn't just about eating to fuel our bodies but eating to experience different unique flavors, atmospheres and locations. 

2. We have REALLY been trying to keep to a strict budget lately so when we are splurging for a special occasion I really struggle spending money on a salad when I could spend the same amount on something much more exciting and that has way too many calories. 

3. Well...I just wanted that cinnamon roll...the size of Chris's head...covered in butter... okay...so...sue me!

Now for the reasons that these are terrible excuses and I should just get over myself.

1. Well, as much as I hate to say it, this lifestyle just doesn't exactly work for someone trying to loose a significant amount of weight. Really. If I am committed to this and really want it (which I do) then I need to stop thinking like this and focus on food as fuel. 

2. Sure, it seems way cooler to get a stuffed burger instead of a salad but what is also cooler is feeling comfortable in your own skin and being able to do things you like to do so...get the SALAD ELLEN!

3. For this one, I just need to get over myself and my cravings. ha (Just so everyone knows we split this cinnamon roll over the course of two meals so not as disgusting).

So now what? What do I do now that I had a weekend where I didn't do anything I committed to myself and you that I would do. It is tempting to just wallow in self-hatred and give up, but I won't do it. I am jumping right back! 

Yesterday, first day home, I made sure I was under my calories, made a delicious low calorie kale, turkey potato soup and went for an hour long walk. This morning I started the 5 day challenge from FitnessBlender with Day 1 (it's the best, I'm telling you) and made a delicious low-calorie Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joe for dinner. (Recipes below) 

I also made a list of things I learned from my first (and sadly probably not last) "bad" weekend. Here are a few of them: 

- I REALLY need to change the way I think about food (at least for the next 7-8 months). It needs to be about taking care of my body and not entertainment. I'm not sure how I am going to do that but it's at least on my radar.

- If we are going out to eat, I NEED to prepare so that I know exactly what I am getting when we get there (If at all possible). I think this will really eliminate the great temptation to get "what's really good" in the moment and stick to my calorie plans. 

- I cannot let myself get in the mindset of "I already blew the plan with one meal I might as well go all out with the others." Which then turns into, "I already blew it yesterday, might as well forget it for today too." Not true. If I don't do well with one meal doesn't mean I can't do better for the next. 

As far as I can tell I have not lost any weight. I am however not confident in this fact because I'm convinced my scale is useless. According to it I lost 3 lbs while is was sleeping in one night, then gained two back within a few hours, then lost 2 again. Doesn't seem right to me. I'm thinking I might need to get this figured out since my goals are centered around losing weight. Any recommendations for a cheap but accurate scale? 

So now you know, I have been silent because of my shame but I will hide it no more! I am not perfect but I am trying and so should you. Here is to a better week/weekend! I CAN DO IT!

Philly Cheese Turkey Sloppy Joes

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 15-20 minutes

Yield: 8 servings

Serving (1/2 cup meat mixture + 1 slice of cheese):

Ingredients

·         1 lb lean ground turkey

·         1 cup white onion, diced

·         1 green bell pepper, diced

·         ¼ cup steak sauce

·         1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

·         1 cup reduced-sodium beef broth

·         ⅛ tsp salt

·         ⅛ tsp black pepper

·         8 eight-grain slim buns

·         8 slices reduced-fat provolone cheese (Personally I feel that reduced-fat cheese isn't even worth it so I just got regular, but do what you want) 

Instructions

1.      In a large skillet, start to brown the turkey on medium-high heat for about 5-6 minutes. Add the onion and green bell pepper and cook another 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables start to get tender.

2.      Stir in the steak sauce, Worcestershire and beef broth. Sprinkle in the salt and pepper. Get the mixture bubbling by turning it up to high. Cook like this for about 3 minutes (most of the liquid will evaporate).

3.      On a baking sheet, layout buns, separating the tops from the bottoms. On the bottom halves, spoon approximately 1/2 cup of the meat mixture and 1 slice of cheese.

4.      Broil open faced sandwiches until the top bun is golden brown and the cheese is good and melty! Remove from oven and assemble and stack with desired toppings.

Nutrition Information

Per Serving (1/2 cup meat mixture + 1 slice of cheese):

Calories: 273

skinnymom.com 

Awesome Work-Out

Yesterday I did one of the hardest workouts yet and probably my favorite. Find it here. I was recommended to check out fitnessblender on youtubeby a couple of you and I just happened to pick this one. Here are some reasons I really enjoyed this video:

1. There is no music - that isn't exactly why I like it but because there is no music you can a. listen to your own and b. hear the girl doing the video breathing heavy, just like me.

2. You can see that this girl is working hard too, sweaty and everything.

3. She admits that this is hard for her too. Wow. That is what I like to hear.

I just enjoy how "real" it is. There isn't a fan blowing on the perfectly curled hair of the girl working out. I know that I'm not the only one breathing heavy and grunting as I try and struggle to complete the exercises. I can see that sweating is normal when working out. It's not just me!

An added bonus is the video tells you a range of calories burned. I ended up just going right in the middle when inputting my calories on the "LoseIt" app. I figure I'm not the least out of shape person who do these videos and I'm definitely not the most in shape so it was safe to go somewhere in the middle.

After this workout I got that truly amazing feeling that I had pushed myself so hard and my body felt weak and yet strong because of it. I'm guessing it was that "high" they talk about, all those endorphin's that come from exercising. It was pretty great! I need more exercises like that/ I need to remember that feeling when I REALLY don't want to get up and exercise. But boy am I sore today!

I made a really delicious, low calorie veggie quesadilla last night for dinner after that killer workout. First I roasted some sweet potatoes in the oven then heated up some black beans and frozen corn in a pan with a little bit of salt, pepper, cumin, and a diced jalapeno. Then I added it all to a low carb (therefore low calorie) tortilla in a frying pan, added a LITTLE bit of cheese and flipped to brown the other side. Very yummy. You could totally add whatever veggies you had on hand to make it your own. I meant to take a picture but...I didn't. We were in a hurry to watch the Championship Football game. :)

Sadly today is going to be my rest day for the week because I woke up feeling SUPER nauseous (no, I am NOT pregnant) and just can't seem to shake it. Trying to not move is what I'm all about at the moment so exercising does not fit into that goal.

Still going strong though. Tomorrow will be 1 week since I started counting calories again and according to the "LoseIt" app I should have lost 1 1/2 lbs in said week so we will see. I am nervous because if this isn't working I don't know what I will do. Fingers crossed.

Next time I will have more pictures. When I read blogs that is almost all I do, look at the pictures so I should know better. Until next time!

The Struggle is Real Guys

The hard days just keep on coming. I know it has only been a few days so I keep trying to tell myself this first part will be the hardest but boy is it hard. Luckily Chris is a rock star and is always encouraging me when all I want to do is lay on the couch with all my favorite treats within hands reach.

 Something that really helped re-motivate me was making this goal plan sheet:

Potential Challenges : Action Plan - (Not included on cute sheet because there was no space)

-$: For me I have not figured out how to make eating healthy cost as much or less than eating rice for dinner 3 days a week (just rice, and yes that has happened) : Make sure and buy sales and in season. Instead of shopping to a recipe exactly alter it to fit what is on sale/cheap.

- Special Occasions (graduation, eating at others homes, etc) : plan ahead and set aside extra calories for that day or exercise more or make that my free day.

- Laziness : Meal list, snacks ready, plan a day ahead food and exercise. Look at this list of how to motivate yourself to exercise.. One of my favorites is "post on facebook about your lack of motivation and get chewed out." 

I'm really excited about the "rewards" I came up with (subject to financial ability at said time) and the 1/2 Marathon at the end of it. I think these things will really motivate me and the 1/2 Marathon training will give me something to work for aside from just loosing more weight. It is something I have wanted to do for a long time and with about 5 months to train I think I will be able to do it. If only Olivia would be there to run with me because I have never done a race without her there encouraging me each mile. 

Just looking at it all broken down really helped me to feel like it is a possibility. I can do this! I will do this.

Yesterday I did this workout. It is a little ridiculous, okay really ridiculous, but I REALLY didn't want to work out and the promise of dancing got me off the couch. WARNING: Do not do in front of anyone you may be embarrassed to shimmy/pelvic thrust in front of. I just did it alone on our spare room and giggled the whole time.

I found this on pinterest the other day and it totally worked with my goal revisions from last post. Pinterest is awesome, just what I needed to see.

Well here is to healthy goals and being the best me! Until next time. 

My First Really Tough Day

First, I am warning all gentleman out there who might read my blog (I really don't think it is a lot but just in case...) this post will briefly mention "that part of the month." If that makes you want to curl up in a ball and cry from embarrassment, stop reading now. Also, try and get over that.

Okay, now to my most challenging day yet, which is not saying much since I have been doing this for like 3 days, but it was hard and I overcame it so I am proud of myself! So I don't know about you but when it is that time of month I 1) have cravings for anything that is a carb and even more so if it is sweet and a carb 2) have really terrible cramps that make me want to lie in bed with a heat pack on my stomach all day because my uterus is ripping itself apart and 3) feel extra tired a sluggish seeing as my body is ripping itself apart. From my research this is pretty normal so at least I know I am not alone. All three of these things made my day yesterday extra hard. NOT FAIR BODY, NOT FAIR!

But you know what? As Chris says to me, "I can do hard things." And so can you. So I snacked on some Kale chips instead of the Oreos I wanted to have, Oh I wanted those Oreos so bad! I took a little nap and then I exercised. I did try to find a "low-intensity workout" but it really didn't end up being all that "low." Probably good for me anyway. Pilates is no easier that Yoga, in case you were wondering. Try the workout here, its a good one. What are some low-intensity workouts you guys do when you are really sore or feeling under the weather?

So far I am feeling really proud of myself, and then I realize it has only been a few days and I have months and months of this before I reach my goal. I just keep trying to tell myself it is the battles won day by day.

Just look at that delicious breakfast! :) Sadly the avacado added WAY too many calories. Why on earth have I always thought avocados were such a "health" food? Only if you eat like 1/5th of the fruit. That is not enough.

I realized I have another incentive to lose weight, I'm going to walk in April as a college graduate with my parents and sister flying out to see me! I'm kind of really proud of that accomplishment! Those robes don't look good on anyone let alone someone overweight so I am really wanting to loose some significant weight before then. There are a little more than 14 weeks till graduation so I'm thinking I can loose 20 lbs by then. Fingers crossed!

Until next time!