Day 16

 I wont lie and say I'm getting to a breaking point....more like I'm bored.  This week has been so off and I hate it!!! I had to work every night, so I feel like I waste the whole day and my eating schedule gets off.  I have slept in a few days and so I didn't eat breakfast and then there were days where I would get up, go to a meeting, come back home and lay down and not eat lunch, so my lunch and dinner is pretty much all rolled into one.  Since, I'm working late, I'm going to the gym late and then I'm tired and then I have to wake up early and that's why I lay back down when I get home.

I can also tell, to be honest, that my body is getting ready for the monthly.  Not really emotionally this time, like last month, but more like my body is craving the bad foods, like sweets and fatty foods.  I also have been kind of running low on groceries, so I'm trying to make things last longer, since I don't get paid in awhile, so therefore, I'm eating kind of bad foods, stuff with more starch.

I still haven't eaten out and indulged or sit and eat, eat, eat, but I'm not feeling where I want to be.  I worked out tonight and I only went 30 minutes on the treadmill because I wanted to try the 30 minute circuit and it was so late and I was tired, I still had to wake up at 6am, so I didn't want to be at the gym all night.  After the walk, I went over there and almost died.  I really don't like how they have it all set up....its all legs and then all arms....It would be nice to go, arms, legs, arms, legs, but I guess its for a reason.  While I'm exercising last night, I kept yawning and I just wasn't into it 100%, because I had so much on my mind, I honestly was afraid I was going to hurt myself.  I definitely want to try it again though and put more of an effort in it. 

So I went to the Y and I weighed myself, well let me back up......I went in and asked if I could sign up for the weight loss challenge they are doing, its free, it includes (I think)
1st Place: 
$1000.00 to Dillard's
$350.00 to Subway
2 Bikes
a year membership to the Y
Second and Third places get other things, just not sure what, but in the back of my mind its good motivation to reach too.  I have till April to lose weight....but anyways....they tell me they have a new scale and so I weigh on it and its 256.  I wasn't having that.....in fact the lady went and talked to the boss and he recommend me go down the downtown Y and weigh in there, because it was a box scale and more accurate.  I asked if I could weigh in on my red scale, but they said no, the batteries were dieing....whatever......

So I go all the way downtown and explain why I'm there and want to be weighed.  I got on and it fluctuated from 252-253-254 and it always went to 253, so that's what I am.  I will NEVER know, if I lost weight or just stayed the same.  The scales are a 3 pound difference and I know every scale is different, but I want to stick to one scale, so what I'm going to do is go downtown every Wednesday and weigh in.....they are going to have that scale till April 9th, so that's what I'm going to have to go off of and figure something out later for down the road. 

Even if I didn't lose a pound, I am still happy I am the same at least.  I am a little anxious to see on the 25th if I did lose any inches.  I really feel like my body is stuck because I'm doing the same things and so I know I need to try and change it up.  I would love to do Zumba, but it just so happened that EVERY SINGLE NIGHT this week I work when the class is, kinda upsetting.  Oh well....I cant let it stop me from working out.

The below list is what I made my grandpa to work with everyday.  In fact he just told me that he walks to the bathroom with his 2 pound weights instead of his cane, but were just alike.....meaning we push ourselves too far too fast and end up hurting ourselves, so I told him to be careful.

I'm a day technically behind on the blog, because I'm having to do everything at night or the next day, so its really day 17 when writing this.  I need to do a body shot today, well I did, but not a good one, I was dressed up in my clothes, so I will do another one later.

Tetrizini with peas and whole weat hot dog bun cause I didnt have a piece of wheat bread, lol

Day 15

No workout tonight....in fact all at work, I just had this uneasy feeling about it, not sure why, but since I have to be somewhere important in the morning, I'm staying home.  I did do arm exercises earlier today and might pound em out tonight too, just focus on the upper.  I know I mentioned in yesterdays post about my foot and how it had a sore on it and I didn't think it had fluid in it....well....I stabbed it today and it didn't hurt, but there was some fluid in it and now its tender, so I'm going to let that heal too.

 Here's a pic of what I ate for lunch and for dinner.....I had a chicken breast and a salad with lettuce, shredded cheese and ranch and then a water with energy 5 calorie packet in it.  I'm sorry about the flash on the salad, but it was yummy.....also had a Capri sun, strawberry yogurt and I'm about to eat some Ritz, baked chips. 

I'm sure I say this alot, but I'm not going to an all healthy, count calorie, oh no that's a fatty hamburger diet.  What I am doing is a, make sure you have something green, lets not eat so much, lets use a smaller bowl for portion and drink more water and not so much sugary juices.  I wont lie and say I have been trying to eat better and not go out to McDonald's or anything and its because I'm trying to learn and get to my 30 days to make a habit (yes, I hear its 21, or 22 or 30), but I'm trying to be safe an just do the old fashion, eat better, eat smaller, workout diet.  I need to learn and teach  myself to not indulge or eat when I'm bored or get 2 meals into one, BECAUSE I'M REALLY HUNGRY AND HAVEN'T EATEN ALL DAY AND BE MISERABLE WHEN I'M DONE.  I am guilty of that and THAT was my problem.  Now I make sure I have food with me wherever I go, and I eat after a couple of hours.

I am so different then most people, just like all my friends know....I'm really one of a kind.  I don't have the problem of drinking too much soda, tea or coffee.....I don't have a sweet tooth and crave into sweets.  I think those are the top 2 that people struggle with and if they learn to cut back in their lifestyle they can lose weight pretty easy.  I don't drink soda or any kind of caffeine.....I don't have a sweet tooth and most of it looks gross to me.  So I have to dig deep within myself and learn my flaws and mistakes and when someone tells you almost everyday you don't eat enough.....that really made me look at myself and really figure out my problem. 

I can tell my metabolism has kicked in.  I actually feel so much better when I eat all the time and I don't get headaches or get sick to the stomach cause its growling so much, which in turn gives me energy and I last longer throughout the day.  I also have cut back on fast food to hardly any and that has helped me and of course exercising and getting my heart rate up, makes me feel good.

I actually started this mini workout for my grandpa, because he has gotten kind of sluggish and since he fell, hes been scared to do anything and well......hes getting weaker and slower and I'm not having that because hes a strong man who can push past his limits or fear.  So when I upload that picture tomorrow I will show you, his daily routine.  Nothing strenuous, but a simple little workout he can do throughout the day, not all at once, that can build his muscles and strength back up.

We can do this!!!  We can be healthy and eat better and feel good and get more confidence!!!! :) 

Day 14

Yesterday was a weird day for me, because it was one of the first days that I worked late and then worked out.  I slept in, so I didn't eat breakfast, but ate a good lunch and some snack foods.  I'm starting to catch myself not eating meals, but instead snacks all day, healthy snacks, but not full meals.  I want to still eat my meals, its just really hard for me to eat all the time.

After work, I went home and I changed clothes and headed to the gym.  I have this sore on my foot from walking so much, that I had to put like 4 band aids on and it still bothered me while walking.  It looks like one of those sores that are full of fluid, but I don't think it is.  It didn't stop me though.....gotta keep going. 

When I got to the gym I felt so good, that I started off to much to fast.  It was my first time doing that and I sure did feel it.  I started getting cramps in my right leg and I had to stop several times and stretch my legs.  I was so mad at myself, but after about 5 or 10 minutes it stretched out and I felt good.  I walked on a 10% incline almost the whole time, which the only aggravating thing about it, is your arms start hurting from holding yourself up, but I guess your working arm muscles too.  I then afterwards did the elliptical for 6 minutes.  I'm gradually going up, so I know Ill get there and be longer one day.

I had every intention on going to Zumba on day 15, but my job asked me if I would want some more hours and well....finances are tight this month, so more money is good.  I will still work out afterwards, so its not too much of a bummer. 

My menu for the day:
Bowl of spaghetti (lunch)
1 Reese's mini cup (gotta still eat a sweet)
Cherry yogurt
Jello
Peach yogurt
Strawberry Wheat Bar
Protein Bar after workout

I know my eating was weird, but I kept eating so my body was getting its fuel to keep up my metabolism.
I'm eager to see if the Y will let me weigh in on their scale Wednesday, but excited to see if I'm below 250.

I have to say I haven't had any struggles or temptations yet.  I really think my determination over powers temptation.  I get a set mind of something and theres nothing to break it.  Now I'm not saying I wont eat fatty foods or ever indulge every again in my life, but right now, I do hope to keep this up!! :)  I can do it!!

I didnt walk as farther as I did the day before, but I burned 50 more calories

See the sore.....it hurts worse then it looks....and yes I wear 2 socks when I work out, lol

Day 13

It was a relaxed day since I had slept so much the night before, 13 hours in fact.  I believe my body needed to catch up from all the lack of sleep I have been doing.  I knew I needed to work out because I hate going a day or more without working out, at least for now.

When I got to the gym, it hurt a little bit and I felt like it was because my body kind of relaxed from not working out the day prior.  I worked through it, but just like every day I go, I feel like at the beginning I'm not going to beat the day before goal.  Nine minutes left till my workout was going to be done, I saw I was about 20 something calories from my goal.  I kept it up to 15% incline and worked it till I reached it and in fact, I got there in about 4 minutes.  I then put it down to 10% which is easy and walked it off.  As it got about 3 minutes left, I put it to 5% incline 3.0 speed and that was my cool down.  The funny thing about it, when I looked down at it, was that it my highest struggle like on day 3 and now its my cool down. 

I am honestly shocked and surprised how easier it gets at such a fast time.  This is only day 12 and Ive probably tripled or more my goal from day 2.  This was day 3 on the elliptical, and I honestly didn't start feeling the burn from the basic Quick Start that I have been doing, till about 4 minutes in.  Day 1 of that, it was a 1 1/2 minutes in, is when my thighs were burning.  I think tonight I'm going to go for 10 minutes or as far as I feel comfortable.  There is nothing wrong with starting off slow and building up, because what I have seen and felt so far.....its worth it and your not miserably sore the next day and yet the following day, you can still go farther and farther then the day before. 

Mentally where I'm at, I am still in it!!!!  My sleeping and time schedule has been off for a few days, so I haven't been eating my 3 meals, but I have been watching still what I eat and my portion size.

I'm really thinking about asking the Y, if I can use their scale that I weighed on, just for a second and see my weight.  I don't know if they will let me, but I don't see why it would matter.  Also, the Y is having a new contest and it has huge prizes and so I'm really thinking about signing up, in fact, I know I am, and that will even be more motivation for me.  I was actually on the 6 week challenge, 5 pounds less then the 3rd place winner and I wasn't even dieting, except for the last week of the challenge. 

I am so determined.....I want this to be a life change for me.  I want to be more healthy, more fit and more confident in myself.  I already can tell, I walk faster and easier, I'm more flexible, and with me eating better, I can tell my stomach is slowly deflating, even though I cant really tell in my clothes just yet.  I have had a couple of people who don't see me often, see a difference, so that was a plus. 

I also think, if I am 13 days in and I can already feel this great, what about 30 more days????  I need to set a day a week and take a picture of me, once a week.  My friend measured me on the 25th, so I want her to come back on the 25th and measure again.  I took a pic the other day, so whatever day that is, I'm going to stay with that day!  Wednesdays are my weight days!!!

Well okay....enough talking.........here's some pics.......I beat my goal....not only by 1 calorie...but by 33.  I do think taking a picture everyday of what I do is good for me to keep track at my progress.  I really do wish I took a pic on day 2, but I didn't, so I'm going to start now.

Lunch for Sunday!

Day 12

Today wasn't the most exciting day, I ate my breakfast, 2 mini snacks in the day and then ate a bowl of spaghetti that was for lunch and dinner, because I fell asleep for the remaining of the night.  I didn't go work out which is okay, because I'm pretty sure that was my body telling me to rest.

So I was looking up muscle facts and how to build them.  I was 15 and very toned, of course I still had my belly and some fat, I wasn't ripped or anything, but at the same time you also knew I was very active.  My ex husband had always told me that I'm a freak because I always retain my muscle.  I looked at all my family members, at least on my moms side and every single one of us was an active person with sports and hobbies and still have muscle definition.  I could go a year without lifting weights or exercising and still be the same strength the next year.  So while me trying to lose weight, especially my belly area, I want to get my legs and arms back toned to where I know they could be.

Muscle development is a lot to do with genetics. We are all born with a set number of muscle fibers, some with more and some with less. Obviously, the more muscle fibers you have the larger more muscular you will appear.

As well as having more muscle fibers, some people have a better balance of fibers. You see, there are two different types, slow twitch, which are associated with endurance exercises and fast twitch, which are associated with speed, strength and power. If you have more fast twitch fibers you will naturally be stronger than a person who has less.

The other factor to consider is that people vary in their basal etabolic rate, which is the amount of calories your body burns to sustain normal body functions. If you are blessed with a high metabolic rate then, given the right diet and exercise routine, it will be alot easier for you to be lean and therefore more defined. 

The fact is that everyone has some muscle, it just depends how thick the layer of fat is on top of it! So the key is to do the best with what you've got! Some people may have to train harder and eat stricter diets to achieve the results they are looking for, but if it is important to you then you will do it! The thing to remember is that you are better off comparing yourself to yourself than trying to be someone you are not. Let's face it, if you weren't born with long supermodel limbs or an Arnie like physique, then no matter how hard you train you will never succeed! So set yourself realistic, achievable goals and work towards them one step at a time!

Day 11

It all started last night.  I got home early from my workout, took a shower, washed my gym clothes, put up towels and laid in bed by 11pm, which is good for me, considering that's usually when I go to the gym.  I was tired and yet it still took me almost an hour to go to bed.  At 3am, I wake up and my body is ready to go, I then have to force myself to go back to sleep. 

I come home after work and I eat 2 veggie burgers.  It really filled me up and so I went on to run some errands.  I needed to go to the grocery store because things go by fast when your eating right and things you need to eat, either get bad or you need to buy every week, like lettuce and bananas.  I'm not a cereal person, but I sure did go through a box of Raisin Bran cereal in a week, so this time, I bought two.

I also got me a protein bar, which I just ate and man......You gotta have something to drink with that.  Ive never been a big bread or oats eater, cause its so dry, and it wasn't to too bad, but I had to get up and get me some orange juice.

I was feeling kind of tired today, but of course needed to work out, its not really an option anymore, so I did.  When I started to walk, I told myself, I wasn't going to beat my goal from the day before, that I was going to take it easy.  NOPE....I was fired up that I pushed myself more than ever before.  I love how easier and easier its getting.  My goal now is to just work more on the elliptical since its a different burn in a different area.  I have to slowly and gradually get there.  I'm not going to push  myself to the extreme, just keep doing it and add more time and more restraints on it till I can get it.

The thing that has helped me keep this up the most, is I listen to  my body and I know I might have said that alot of times already.  I push  myself, but not to where I cant take it anymore.  I just simply push it, till my heart rate is up and legs are tight and my sweat is going and then Ill lower my speed or my incline.  I can now say that I can walk fast on a 15% incline for awhile.....every time I do it, the time ranges, but I can do it, when last week I gave myself 30 seconds of it. 

I came home and worked out my arms with weights for about 10 minutes.  I really do need to push  myself with my arms more and then I danced, lol....its what I do!!!

I wish I could get off of this high after my workout....it doesn't go away till about 4 hours afterwards.  It sucks!!!! 

Today's menu:
Raisin Bran-Breakfast
Peach yogurt-snack
Strawberry Bar-snack
2 Veggie Burgers-Lunch
Cherry yogurt-Dinner (wasn't hungry)
Protein Bar after workout

Day 10

Last night I didn't get home till about 2am from the gym and had to be at work at 9:30.  I did go past my limit again which is very rewarding.

My car.....which is worse in the back

Tonight my friend Andrea signed up to Planet Fitness, so we worked out tonight.  She did good for the first time in a long time, she actually went longer than me the first time I went.  My minimum is an hour and I try and beat my calories each time.  Tonight I beat it by 10, which its slowly going up each time.  When I thought I wasn't going to be able too, I raised my incline higher and went faster.

My day today consisted of getting up actually an hour later and going to work.  I worked about an hour or two longer than I thought, which is good for me, but I had another late lunch.  I came home, cooked leftovers which was grilled chicken with white rice and steamed broccoli, but I had a chicken and a half, because I had half of one last night for dinner.  I laid down (which I know is bad to do after you eat), but I laid down for about an hour and then went to Zumba class.  It was my first Zumba since,  maybe 2 years ago, so I remember the moves, but all the dances were different and pretty much everyone in there are regulars, so I just tried to keep up, no biggie.  I came home ate a lettuce wrap, since I ate so much for lunch, just a few hours before, I really wasn't all that hungry and I knew I was about go to the gym to workout.  My friend told me, she wanted to sign up and so while she was getting ready and eating dinner, I ate dinner and lifted weights at home to work on my arms.

When we got there it was so busy....I wasn't used to it, but about 8pm, they started dropping like flys and so I was good.  Its really one of those things, where I get quiet and observe everyone cause I don't like alot of people around.  I worked out on the treadmill for an hour, then we did the elliptical.  Now that was a whole different work out, I started for 5 minutes and that's all I could do.  In the first minute I didn't think I was going to survive, but like anything if you put your mind to it, you can do it!!!  It was working on my thigh muscles, which now my body is used to my calves burning.....so now each workout I'm going to do it for 5 minutes and build myself up.  I had tried to do the other machine, but that last for about a minute and a half.  I'm not sure if maybe it was because of everything I did today and I was just tired, or if I'm just that freaken out of shape, but either way I didn't last long on that.

So its still early, 9ish, so I'm going to wash my stinky clothes, take a shower and maybe get to bed tonight at a decent hour, because I have work again in the a.m.

This is what I put on facebook today and I really feel like this is true:
Losing weight is more a mental challenge than a physical challenge!!!! Its defeating your thoughts and I CANTS that gets you to where you want..... :)

Check this out:A little bit extra info

Dinner!!

I'm not proud.....hate the belly area....but we gotta start somewhere right?