P90x

My struggle with weight loss has hopefully come to an end! I've been hearing a lot of good things about the P90x series and decided to give it try! I'm currently in my 2nd week and so far it has kicked my butt, and motivated me to stay fit. Everyday is a different workout, working on different muscle groups.

The program goes in Phases- counting 3 total. You workout everyday (having one day being a chose between resting or stretching) And then after 30 days, it changes up the workout routine. You do this 3 times, adding up to 90 days; hence the 90. I'm currently in Phase 1

Bring it!


Ps I should mention that Tyrel is doing the program as well with me. He is doing the more extreme one to build muscle. I'm doing the lean version to focus more on weight loss. Both of us are ready to change our ways and live a more healthy life style!

True Oregonian

Yesterday I went on a nice run, in the rain. I know I may be crazy but it was actually nice. I loved the feeling of rain on my face, the nice cool fresh air.

Growing up I use to play soccer. I always looked forward to it raining during soccer games. Considering I was a goalie I would get pretty dirty by the end of the game! :)

I look forward to many more runs in the future! I'm one more step closer to my goal

Always something

I swear I just can't ever get a freaking break! I'm currently icing my foot after standing and walking around all day at work. And yes I wore tennis shoes. I've been feeling on and off heel pain for the past couple of months. It was in both of me feet and then went away. It later came back 10 times worse but only in my left foot. I noticed it started getting really swollen at the end of the day and the pain increased tremendously when I slipped at work. Worried I did something, I went into urgent care Thursday night and I did an x-ray. Only to find out that it's plantar fasciitis. Honestly I would have rather it been some sort of fracture, knowing that it would heal in 6 weeks.

But of course, lets just add to the list of chronic issues I have and one more thing that's putting me further away from my weight loss. First I found out that I have slower then normal metabolism so I had to cut my calories even less. Not really a magic pill I can take to boost metabolism of course, although I wish it were that easy. And then of course there was my sleep study I had to do that led to shocking and unexpected results. And due to my crappy nights sleep I've been getting that just makes my body hold on to fat even more, not to mention it makes me too damn tired to want to do anything.

All these things keep piling up on me. It's like life is throwing everything they have at me to prevent me from losing weight! So much frustration going on. Normally this is where I would just throw my hands in the air and wave the white flag and surrender. But I'm not letting it get to me. This is just nearly a speed bump in the long process of my weight loss. This will only make me stronger and more determined then ever.

I. Will. Win. This. Battle.

Diet blues

Well I went to a follow up appointment to see my dietitian and then was soon disappointed once again when I stepped on the scale. Although I didn't gain any weight, but I weighed the same. You can't even begin to imagine the frustration I'm feeling right now. I'm doing exactly what I've been doing for the past 2 months (with the exception of going on vacation) and nothing has changed. I'm pretty much at a loss for what to do next. My dietitian has gone to her last resort and when I see her next week I'm going to do this test to see if my metabolism is working correctly. I'm not trying make exuces, but if I'm doing everything she told me to do, then why am I not losing any weight??

I think what really irritates me the most is how easy it's been for Tyrel to lose weight. He recently started working out close to 5 times a day as well as lowering his proportions, and he has already lost like 10 pounds. It seems so easy for him, how the hell is that fair?! I want to be happy for him but at the time I'm super jealous and can't help but feel bitter towards him as he brags about his success.

At times I have the sudden urge to give up all together, but I know that's not the right thing to do. I'm going to stay strong and hope that next week with give me answers. It shouldn't be this hard to lose to weight, so why am I struggling? Not really asking for tips considering I am seeing a dietitian, but I just needed to vent for a little bit

You fall down, you get right back up

It's been about 2 weeks since I started my new diet. I followed it strictly, increased my protein, and continued with my cardio and weight lifting. I've been feeling better about myself, with a sense of hope in the future. I've been taking daily iron supplements that have been helping with my energy, dizziness and headaches. I felt accomplished Of course that all changed when I had a follow up appointment. The results: Gained weight.

I was devastated

I wanted to scream. Break down, and cry. Give up. My dietitian was concerned. She told me she doesn't think I eat too much and is curious as to why I haven't lost any weight. She told me to keep working hard and stick to it. She told me not to give up.

Feeling frustrated, I went home. Normally news like this brings me down. But this time, I'm sticking with it. I'm determined. I've been battling weight loss for about 3 years now, and this is a battle and I'm ready to win

Time for a fresh start

Went to the dietitian and she was very helpful with lots of tips to help me through my weight loss process. Lately I have been feeling extremely tired. So tired that I could barly function. I dealt with headaches on a daily basis, all making it hard to stay motivated to workout everyday. I would simply walk across the classroom and be short of breath, therefore having my asthma bother me. I did some blood work and as it turns out my iron levels are extremely low. Normal ranges between 60 and 170. Mine level was at 27. My doctor recommended iron supplements. It's day three and I'm already starting to feel a difference in my energy level. She also feels vitamin D will help with my energy levels

I was given a meal plan. A plan to have a breakfast, lunch and dinner with a snack in between. It's based on a 1500 daily calorie intake, while drinking lots of water and incorporating at least 30 minute workouts 3 or 4 times a day.

Other things she encouraged is for me to eat more protein. Protein not only helps build muscle mass but makes you feel fuller, therefore not eating as much. The dietitian recommends that I eat 20 mg of protein for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Aside from meat I learned that other things like eggs, cottage cheese and yogurt have protein as well. All things that I find rather disgusting. She then mentioned three other foods with protein- nuts, peanut butter and cheese. All these things also have a lot of fat in them so I stayed away from them. Although in moderation these fats are heart-healthy fats. I am very exctied to start buying cheese and peanut butter again :)

She also wants me to drink at least a cup of milk with every meal. Drinking milk help inhibits fat build up in the tummy area. Don't need any more motivation then that!

Getting fit

3 weeks ago I purchased a new workout "game" to go with my xbox kinect.

It's actually a lot of fun. Combining all sorts of different exercises including cardio, dancing, boxing, weightlifting, and yoga. It's really motivating and it's cheaper then paying a monthly gym membership. The hard part is sticking with it along with an appropriate diet.

Out of everything that has gone on in my life I would say that weight loss and staying in shape is one of the hardest things to do ever! I'm a junk food junkie. I crave sweets and LOVE ice cream. I refuse to let myself give up, but I see myself reverting back to my old habits pretty much on a daily basis.

I have a long road ahead of me but I know I can do this

Working out... can be fun!

Today I did the most wonderful and invigorating workout! It wasn't my normal run I usually do, it was something completely different. It was with my new xbox kinect!

I had bought it just yesterday and with it came a game called kinect adventures. I started playing and in a matter of minutes I was sweating up a storm! I played for about an hour, and found it hard to stop playing. Who knew that you could get a workout from playing video games. Of course that's probably not what it was intended for, but hey it works. You can have multi-player as well!

The thing I like about it too is that it takes pictures while you play.

My favorite one's are of me in the air :)

Anyway, I'm pretty satisfied with this recent purchase and my next goal is to buy the Your Shape™ : Fitness Evolved 2012. And I'm sort of interested in the Zumba one as well. So that's all for now. I better get going, have a long week ahead of me. Only 10 more days until vacation time!

2 weeks

It's been about 2 weeks since I've started weight watchers and I've lost 7 pounds. I feel very accomplished from this. It's nice to know my hard work is paying off. But I will admit that this hasn't been an easy for me. I didn't expect it would be but the thing I find really hard is not eating the food that is served to me at school. The cook makes amazing food, and because I know this it makes me want to eat it. But in order for weight watchers to work I need to know how many points are in the food I eat. And since she makes everything from scratch it's hard to calculate the number of calories and fat in everything.

This journey is teaching me self control when it comes to food. I use food for comfort, which isn't healthy. Thursday was a really stressful day for me and I found myself eating all day. I regret the decision I made afterwards but during the time I had lost control. I couldn't stop myself from eating. I'm trying to find other ways to de-stress but it's difficult when I'm in a classroom by myself with 10 4 and 5 year olds.

I plan on continuing my way through weight watchers. When I'm home on the weekends Tyrel helps me through the process and he doesn't let me cheat at all. He may feel like a jerk but I know that he is trying to help me. I'm really determined to lose this weight and to keep it off so that means no shortcuts. If anybody else is interested in weight watchers, let me know. Weight watchers usually consist of paying a fee and going to meetings, but because Tyrel and his ex did weight watchers awhile back he just kept all the information as well as the "points finder." So basically I'm a normally charged process for free.

Frustrations...

Why is it that the one area I want to get rid of when losing weight (my stomach area) is the one area that STAYS?! I lose weight but still look the same. I don't feel different and am still not satisfied with how I look.

I've been working really hard to workout, eat healthy and no junk food for almost 3 weeks now. Guess it's time to increase the diet even more, which has been the hardest part because I have a really bad sweet tooth.

Must keep at it before I start seeing real results, but it's just so frustrating not seeing the difference on the scale. Any advice is welcomed.

My confession

I've been contemplating writing about this for awhile. For the past couple of years I've been struggling with my weight. I start with a simple diet and working out, but it wouldn't last long. Something would go wrong, and I would resort to my old eating habits. And even though I would be disappointed with myself, I still chose to do nothing about it. A few months would go by and I would try once again a lifestyle change that would, as always, end in failure. After being on diet after diet I decided to seek help and advice.

I started my endless search on the internet. Looking for tips on what works best and what doesn't, I decided to keep a private log to observe and reflect on my eating habits. After about a month of this I discovered a hard truth that I had a hard time admitting until a couple of weeks ago: I have an eating disorder.

Even thinking about it, it doesn't quite sink in, and I there are times when I try to deny the awful truth, but I have come to a point in my life where I need to stop hiding from the truth and just admit to my flaws so that I may feel better about myself. All the signs are there.

--I use food for comfort.
--Even when I'm not hungry I still chose to eat
--When I'm eating, I keep eating until all my food is gone, even if I feel full.
--After eating a huge amount of food, I feel disgusted and upset with myself about my eating habits
--I wake up the next day thinking that today is going to be the day that I make a change, but it never happens.

I'm constantly repeating this vicious cycle, lowering my self esteem and self image more everyday.

Well no more. I'm not exactly sure what brought on the need for me to eat all the time. I could make up all sorts of excuses, "2010 was a hard year..." "...Finishing school was stressful" "...I broke up with my boyfriend after being together for 5 years" "...My best friend died in a car accident." Whatever the excuse may be, The truth is, having no self control is the real reason why I've been struggling.

So here's to a new lifestyle change. The beginning of what is going to be the hardest battle I've ever had to fight before. The start of something that I plan on finishing hard and strong!

Today is a new day!

FINALLY some results

After much work and dedication I'm finally seeing some results towards my weight loss. I'm down 7 pounds so far and I love it.

It feels nice to see the results as I step on the scale, but it's hard to feel happy about the results when I don't see the difference. Yes it's nice to see the weight go down the scale but I don't feel different. I still look the same to me and my tummy is still there.

But I'm trying to stay positive and am still sticking with my plan. Only 32 more pounds to go! :)

Uphill battle

Ok so it's been what... 3 months since I tried losing weight, and so far, no results. I'm feeling very frustrated and on the verge of giving up. But I know that if I give up, things will just go back to normal. I'm almost becoming desperate... I feel ugly and hate how I look. I want to be happy with my body, but can't be satisfied. I'm leaving for vacation in 16 days and not looking forward to the pictures.

I've let my weight become way out of hand. For too long I've used food for comfort. For too long I've used excuse after excuse and why not to workout. For too long I've over eaten and felt stuffed afterwards but still continued to eat. I'd hate to admit that I have an eating problem, because I don't... at least I don't think I do.

I won't give up. I can't give up. If it's the LAST thing I do

Week 1- success!

When I first started doing weight watchers, I wasn't quite sure what to think of it. It's hard keeping track of all the points and planning meals so you don't go over. Not to mention that I'm usually still hungry after eating my meals. I was definitely struggling. I mean loosing weight isn't easy, so I knew that it was going to be hard, but within the first week? It didn't seem fair whenever I see people eating foods that I love and know that I couldn't eat it. Especially when it comes to sweets!

I didn't feel different about myself. I still felt fat and glare at the nasty stretch marks on my stomach. I wasn't expect these types of results so quickly. But when I stepped on the scale this morning, and saw my weight being 5 pounds lower then last week, I know that this will be worth it. Something that I can continue doing to get the results that I want. I know that I have a long road ahead of me, but in the end I know that it will be worth it.

Weight watchers: Postpone

Due to recent events the weight watchers program I started awhile was postponed. It was under too much stress to plan out meals and keep up with the program. Now that things have calmed down I plan on re-starting the program come Monday.

"If at first you don't succeed, try and try again."

Yeah I know old and cheesy, but it's true

Introduction

So here's the story- I have been struggling with my weight for awhile now and I have gotten to a point where I'm actually going to do something about it. Here is what I am going to do to jump start my weight loss program:

1)Reduce my calorie intake:
This sounds harder then is it. With all the processed foods out there it's hard to find food (that doesn't cost you an arm and leg) that in sense is "good for you." Don't get me wrong, I love my macaroni and cheese and hamburger helper so I'm not about to get rid of all my food that comes in a box. The easiest way to do this is decrease the portion size. Instead of eating it all in one sitting, split it up and save the rest for later. I need to remember that my food isn't going to go anywhere :)

2)Exercise:
Pretty much anything cardio. At moment I am switching between running and using the elliptical at Timberhill, but I am willing to try anything. I enjoy going on walks, biking, swimming, hiking, and even just kicking/throwing a ball around at the park with some friends. I would like to change my routine up once in awhile so I don't get bored with doing the same thing over and over again.

3)Lay off the junk food:
I will confess that I have a pretty bad sweet tooth. I LOVE candy and chocolate of all sorts! What I have started doing to help curve my sweet cravings is chew gum (sugarless of course.) Something fruity and sweet that can take off that edge of eating something sweet. I have also tried sucking on a hard piece of candy like a jolly rancher. So far these techniques have worked, but let me know if you have any other ideas!

4)Want a snack? Try something healthy instead:
Instead of grabbing for a bag of chips, I'm will eat some sort of fruit or vegetable. Cucumbers, carrots, celery, apples, pears, peaches and oranges just to name a few. I like eating my celery and carrots with low-fat ranch dressing and peanut butter with my apples and celery as well :)

With the holidays coming up, it might be a little hard but I'm going to do the best I can!

My goal

Starting on Monday I will be starting weight watchers. Tyrel was able to give me all the information about it for free. He took the time to explain the point system to me, and I went though all of my food and marked what food was how many points. It is going to take a lot of patience and time, but I am determined to lose this weight!

My goal is too loose about 1-2 pounds a week.

Starting weight: 195 lbs
Goal weight: 150 lbs

That's 45 pounds total.
I picked this weight because I've weighed this much before so I know that it is possible for me to achieve my goal. I want to be happy with the way I look. I want to look good in a bathing suit. I'm not doing this to be like every other girl in media. I'm doing this for me. Because I want to.