Monthly Weight Loss with Pictures

It's time for an update, so in lieu of my typical Five on Friday, I'll be sharing my current weight loss progress.

My weight loss journey continues...and with each day, I face new challenges. There are days I fight the exercise. There are days I just want to make excuses. And yet everyday, whether I want to acknowledge it or not, is an opportunity for me to better myself and the lives of others. I can't just sit back and expect change to happen...

 

 

Over the past month I've had several "ah ha" moments, which to many of you may seem more like "duh" moments, but nonetheless, I've laid claim to some new understandings.

 

 

Food is Fuel...It's Meant to Make Me Function, Not Fat. While most of you are nodding your head and thinking, how could she not know this, let me clarify. It is not a matter of not knowing, it is a matter of knowing, accepting, and applying. I've done the WW program in the past, and while I love the idea and for many it works, it never worked for me because I didn't have a firm grasp on "better eating." I accepted my point allowance and my splurge day. I counted my points, tracked my exercise minutes and thought that was enough. They were my points. I could eat what I wanted. That was the beauty of the program right? Wrong. Eating foods high in fat, calories and/or sugar just pack on the pounds. It doesn't matter that I had 20 points and ate a dozen doughnuts as long as I was in my point range...silly me. I now have a different food mantra. Food is Fuel. I enjoy the occasional donut or cupcake, but these are not my go to foods. While I enjoy a snack or two, I make better choices. I've figured out more ways to make food work for me, not against me. Need an idea on how to get started? Take a look at Foods that Turn to Fat to get some perspective. I'm not doing a "diet plan" this go-around. Instead I'm making lifestyle changes in the way I eat, cook and exercise.

 

 

Movement is a Must. I am becoming more accepting of exercise as a pro instead of a con. There are days when work has just exhausted me and by the time I make dinner, bathe the baby and get her to bed, fold some laundry and get things ready for the next day, I really struggle to muster up the will to exercise. The treadmill seems to mock me. My workout DVDs don't mind if they collect dust on the shelf...and yet just like anything else, if change is going to occur, movement must be made. An advancement, a forward motion, progression...whatever your terminology, a physical and mental shift must happen. I ran across this simple Activity Pyramid. It's a great example of how to incorporate activity and how often.

 



  

Okay, now that I've bored inspired shared with you my revelations, it's time to reveal this month's numbers and picture...I always get a bit nervous putting this out there but the amount of support, encouragement, and accountability are well worth it.

 

From December 29, 2013 to March 28, 2014 I am down another .5 inches in my waist and I have lost...

 

 

 
 
 
 

March 2014

As April unfolds, there are many exciting things ahead. This month we'll celebrate my last birthday in my twenties (eek!), my daughter's first birthday, her first Easter, the death and Resurrection of my Savior, my first 5k in almost 3 years, and several other itty bitty birthdays. It will be a full month of wonderful celebrations. As I look forward to these things, I'm also reminded that all of these festivities generally incorporate excellent food and sedentary activities. I have already begun mentally preparing myself for these occasions and I'm working on ways to find a balance that won't undo all that I've done and won't impede my progress.

 

Thanks for all of the encouragement. I hope to make more progress as the months pass on.

 



Five on Friday

It's hard to believe that earlier in the week we were celebrating a day of Spring like weather, only to have a down pour of ice and then snow the following day. I've given up on the weather. I just wake up each morning and say, "surprise me!" One thing that is consistent is the weekly Five on Friday. I enjoy linking up with Darci and others to share five of whatever my heart fancies.

[one]

I love to cook and bake and I do both on a regular basis. I make a menu every month and cook dinner almost every night. I currently have to watch my sodium intake and I am constantly looking for ways to make our meals healthier. A while back I began substituting apple sauce for oil in many of my recipes (primarily baking) and honestly, you can't tell the difference! Another item that I've recently fallen for is yogurt. Sure, I've eaten yogurt all of my life, but I've never really cooked with it. I've substituted it for both milk and sour cream in various recipes. I've begun keeping both vanilla and plain on hand. This is one recipe we really enjoyed...Greek Marinated Chicken.

[two]

This past week I finally registered for the HoosHeal 5k. I'm a bit anxious. I haven't done a 5k since well before I became pregnant in 2012. However, I am really encouraged to have a goal in front of me. To make things even better, a dear friend has graciously decided to do the race with me. Come April we'll be hitting the pavement to help fund research for various childhood cancers.

[three]

I have been a member of SparkPeople for a few years now. I love the support and encouragement that I find there. I completed my February Fitness Minutes challenge and have since signed up for the Blooming Beauties Challenge. We weigh in several times between March 1st and Labor Day. We are also provided with multiple mini-challenges that are not directly weight loss related.

[four]

15lbs down! I've officially made it! With each mini weight loss goal I've designated a "reward". I ordered my reward this week and I cannot wait for it to arrive. It looks like this, with the exception that the jewel bead is crystal and the initial is "G".

[five]

Here is a little sneak peek of G's Easter dress. I picked it up while I was out this weekend. I can't wait to celebrate her first Easter! We have so many traditions we want to share with her!



Five on Friday: Sneak Peeks

This winter weather is crazy!!! I won't complain though because it gives me extra time with my little Snickerdoodle and allows me to accomplish things that I might not otherwise get done. I'm excited to share some of these things with you in today's Five on Friday! Don't forget to browse other Five on Friday participants here!

[one]

I thought I'd share a couple sneak peeks of things to come. The first is a sneak peak of G's Valentine's Day dress. I was super excited to get it done on our unexpected Snow Day. While it's nothing fancy, I think it's absolutely adorable and I can't wait to get her in it!

[two]

The next sneak peek is also Valentine's Day related. I'm starting to put together items needed for G's Valentine goodies for her friends at the sitter.

[three]

On Tuesday we kept hearing about the winter storm spreading flakes of joy havoc winter weather across the southern states, the Carolinas and southern sections of Virginia. There was little excitement predicted for those of us nestled in Central VA. In fact, we were told to expect some flurries and in some areas, a light coating. Flurries were happening in the area all throughout the day. They continued into the evening. As the sun set, the snow became heavier. By the time I went to bed that night, we had more than just a "dusting" and by morning we had about an 1 1/2-2 inches. Snow Day!



[four]

For those who have not had a chance to hear or read my post, I am excited to announce that I am down 12.8lbs. I began this journey at the end of December. Check out my update and photos here!

[five]

I've got two fitness events coming up in the next couple of months. The first is my Fitness Minutes Challenge with my Spark Team for the month of February. If you're interested in joining in, stop by DONE at SparkPeople to get more info. The other event that I have coming up is the Run for Mercy 5k. This was supposed to take place last October, but was postponed until this Spring. I'm still waiting for the date but it is on my list of fitness goals this year. This race is taking place in several cities across the country so if you are interested, check them out!

About Mercy Ministries: Mercy Ministries provides a free-of-charge, voluntary Christian residential program to young women aged 13-28 who have been victims of physical and sexual abuse, including sex trafficking, as well as those who face life-controlling issues such as eating disorders, self-harm, drug and alcohol addictions, depression and unplanned pregnancy (this information can be directly found here).

I'm also considering doing the Camp Holiday Trails 5k in March, but I do not want to commit without knowing the date for the Mercy Run. I don't know much about this particular race so if anyone has any info, I'd love to know a little more about it.

I wish I could say I love to run...but I don't. My 5ks consist of a walk/jog alternation. I do try to push myself to run for longer periods each time. I just struggle with endurance. I did a few 5ks prior to my pregnancy but have done none since. Wish me luck!

Monthly Weight Loss Update with Pictures

Okay...here I go! This is my first ever weight loss blog post that includes pictures. I have always been super self conscious but I know that eventually these pictures will serve as motivation. I hope to some day look at these posts and think "I can't believe that was me!"

Eventually I hope to get to where I'm posting my weight, but until then I'll be posting the amount of pounds I've lost.

I began this journey on December 29th. This was spurred by a doctor's visit that resulted in post-pregnancy hypertension (crazy since up until my pregnancy I had never had blood pressure issues). Weight loss should help ease my high numbers, both blood pressure and BMI. This will also hopefully help as we begin thinking about adding another tiny human to our family. It has also been suggested that weight loss will help ease my PCOS symptoms. And if nothing else...I'll be able to fit into my clothes again...and hopefully add some fun, confident items to my wardrobe (I've been making a list)

Thanks to a lot of support from my hubby and close friends I'm making progress. I joined a January Fitness Minutes Challenge with SparkPeople (and have already signed up for the February challenge). I've also been faithfully tracking my food and exercise with the MyFitnessPal app. This has been almost painful at times as I see my food choices. It really helps me see what I'm eating. I've gained a much better grasp of portion control over the last few weeks. Weight loss is not easy but it can be done!

Okay. Enough. Here are this month's numbers...

From December 29-January 29 I have lost

January 2014

This was a picture of me in October 2013, 6 months postpartum. I know you can't tell by my face (or maybe you can) but those jeans were cutting off my oxygen. In fact, every pair of jeans I owned were really tight and uncomfortable. I could have lived in yoga pants. I'm proud to say that my jeans fit and button easily these days.

 

I've already encountered many difficult days that include some emotional eating (which I am also gaining control of) and some nights that I excused (made excuses for) myself from exercise. I find that when I am not constantly giving my portion control, contentment and exercise routine to the Lord that I quickly begin falling into old habits. Fortunately, God is always there to help me pick right back up...I hope that you too will look to Him for encouragement along whatever journey you may be traveling.

Going Stir Crazy!

I can't believe I have been inside this house since Thursday!!! Between fighting a sinus infection, the hazardous weather and my sick daughter, I had no reason leave and really no where to go. I'm actually welcoming the work week tomorrow!

A lot of my energy is coming back, which is also welcomed. I've felt so lethargic over the last week that having some pep back in my step is nice. Today I got motivated and began cleaning out my kitchen cabinets (I still have a lot to do), painted my nails, got my sister-in-law's  birthday gift together, made lunch, moved some tubs down to the basement, began some laundry, walk/jogged for 20 minutes and I have every intention of cleaning the bathroom and my daughter's room before going to bed. I may regret all of this activity tomorrow but I'm tired of being stagnant.

My exercise ambitions begin tomorrow. I got a head start today by reconnecting with my treadmill. I was pretty impressed with what I accomplished. I signed up for an exercise challenge through one of my Spark Teams on Sparkpeople. The challenge requires me to get at least 30 minutes of exercise (not including everyday things like cleaning) at least 6 days a week. I'm still trying to decide how I want to approach this but one thing I do know is that I am going forward. I am going to do my best! I'm already looking at my week. I have a dinner at my in-law's tomorrow night and a meeting Tuesday evening. This may make things a little tricky with everything else that is still required of me but I can't let those things be excuses.

I'm really proud of how I've taken control of my eating. I am seeing great results. Over the last 3 weeks I've made it down almost 12 pounds!!! This has happened through a lot of prayer, good choices, discipline and conscious eating habits. I can't wait to do my official Weight Loss Check In blog post at the end of the month.

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With this in mind, I've been trying to find some things that I can make for various occasions and events. Every Tuesday my first grade teacher team meets to discuss, plan and review various items for the school year...and of course there is food! I'm known for my baking and always try to please...however, baking goodies does not necessarily lend its hand to tempting treats (I can't bring myself to making brownies out of beans...tried it once...epic fail). I discovered this recipe for Healthy Cinnamon Roll Scones. I'll be making these for Tuesday...I hope they taste as good as they look!

 



 



I LOVE this!!!
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