No Time to Workout!!

A lot of people will say that they don't have time to work out. Many of us are running around like a chicken without a head because we're just so busy. But at the same time we have goals that we want to meet like losing weight and getting in shape.

What I have found is that if you want it bad enough you'll find that hour in your day or you will make that hour in your day by sacrificing something less important maybe like watching TV.

But some people are truly very very busy so how can you incorporate fitness into your everyday life?

Here are 5 ways:

1. March in place while doing routine tasks like cooking or folding laundry.

2. Jog in place while microwaving something.

3.  Park farther away from the store or place you're going.

4.  Take the stairs instead of the elevator.

5. Do squats when you go to the bathroom. :-)

These things BURN CALORIES...and if you're losing weigh that's what you need to do.  Stop making excuses and start getting busy!

Small Changes Equal Big Results

Have you ever gone into a weight loss program, gung-ho, ready to kill it, only to fall off the wagon after a few weeks or less? Don't worry...lots of us have experienced that. So what can you to so that you can see the results you want without so many starts and stops?

First, realize that you didn't get to where you are in one day...and so you're not going to get to your goal that quickly either. Whether you've got 20 or 200 pounds to lose, it's going to take time. Be realistic in the expectations you have for yourself. It's recommended you lose 1/2 to 2 pounds per week. Create a program you can live with for the long term. If you know you don't like veggies, don't start juicing veggies expecting to drop tons of weight...because you're not gonna stick to that. Instead, focus on creating a calorie deficit. A huge help is a website like MyFitnessPal. You set your goals, log your food and exercise and stay within the guidelines set for you. This is a very easy way to keep track of your weight loss. Whatever you choose, you have to STICK TO IT!!

Having a structured program like the many offered by Beachbody is extremely helpful to keep you on your path. Most of the programs start off a little easier and work you up to the harder stuff. They've got easier programs like Tai Cheng all the way up to Turbo Fire and Insanity. Let me tell you, when you have to start out low impact, then one day you nail a burpee or tuck jump...your confidence soars!! That's a great motivation to stick with it...seeing yourself improve!!

Another important tip, especially if you're not in a position to take a kick boxing class or other high-intensity exercise...is keep busy. Small activities throughout your day can still burn calories. Cleaning your house, washing your car, marching in place while cooking dinner, washing dishes or folding laundry... All these things burn calories. Walking is a great way to get exercise. If you're unable to do any of those, even punching into the air while you watch TV, during the commercials STILL BURNS CALORIES!!

If you want it bad enough...then don't quit!! You deserve to feel good and be proud of what you accomplish! I am always here for you...

Love and hugs,

Dee

Why has it taken me so long??

Why did it take me 3 years to lose 39.4 pounds but only 7 months to lose 26.6?

Let me explain. For the first three years, I would get determined, have a setback, then quit. Get re-motivated, lose steam and quit again. I did this over and over again. If I missed a workout, no one was going to ask me why...if I ate too much pizza or stuffed down my emotions with some cookies, no one was going to slap my wrist and make me do better. I was lacking tough love. I was lacking accountability.

Fast forward to January 2013. I was invited to join a Beachbody Challenge Group. I've written about it before. I actually tried to get out of it before our start date!! But my coach Alli believed in ME, and she wouldn't let me quit.

Here's how it worked.  We had to check in daily with our eating and exercise and we were expected to send in measurements and pictures every 30 days. Think about that for a minute. I had to strip down to a sports bra and shorts and take photos of myself. Not only did I have to TAKE the photos, I had to send them to my coach. Aaaahhhhh!! But you know what? Now I HAD to change!!! People were watching me, expecting something FROM me. That seriously changed my life. My setbacks became just setbacks, instead of reasons/excuses to quit. It made me work harder, jump higher, and STICK WITH IT. There were commitments we agreed to, but those commitments, those obligations to myself and others...things like check in, log our workouts, drink Shakeology daily, etc., they were the KEYS TO SUCCESS!!!

I loved it so much that in June, I joined a second challenge group!! So far I'm doing well and the people in that group give me accountability, support, motivation and encouragement!!!!

So...what is holding YOU accountable? Are you trying to lose weight and/or get in shape? What keeps you pushing forward when you're having a day that you want to GIVE UP??!! Do you have someone willing to hold your hand and guide you through your journey?

I want to be your tour guide. Give me 90 days...let me help you! Let me help you get to where you want to be! I believe that if I can do it SO CAN YOU!!!!!! Take a leap of faith...faith in you, faith in me.

Email me for details: deedmeyer@gmail.com

How Bad Do You Want It?

This post has been brewing in my brain for a couple of days now.  I have to ask myself this question as I veered off my plan a bit and went lax.  I injured my knee back when I was very heavy, reinjured it 3 years ago and about a week and a half ago it started hurting again and has been very swollen. It's painful to bend or put weight on.  I've been doing my workouts low-impact...which is so hard because I love the high-impact and jumping...and I guess that discouraged me. No, I know it did.  When you're used to being able to do whatever you want physically after not being able to for so long...going back to that "crippled" state is very difficult.

That brings me to the title of this post...how bad do I really want it?  What is it?  I want to lose the 45 more pounds I need to lose to get to my goal. I reconfigured my goals on BodyMedia today and it said my goal would be met December 20, 2013.  My personal goal is by the end of the year.  Since I have lost 64 pounds so far, you'd think it would be easy...but it's really not.  So how bad do I want it?  Am I willing to stick to my daily calorie allotment...say NO to junk food and things that do not fuel my body? Am I willing to put my workout in at my highest intensity even if it has to be low impact, day in and day out? Time will tell...but as of this moment my answer is a resounding YES!  I love the feeling of being able to wear smaller sizes, trying on new smaller clothes, looking in the mirror or at pictures and seeing the results! So I have got to put that in front of me at ALL TIMES!!

So how bad do you want it? Are you willing to make the changes that are necessary to get the body you want?  You have to do it for the right reasons.  What do I mean by that? Well, are you trying to lose weight or get in shape because society says you should be a certain weight or size?  Are you doing it because your family is making you feel bad, like you need to lose weight to gain a certain level of acceptance in their eyes? If you're not doing it for reasons that come from deep within you...you will  NEVER get there.  You have no motivation! Outside pressure is not enough to keep you from eating that entire
pan of peanut butter fudge when no one is looking. It's not enough to make you push play on your workout or go outside and get moving when the ones pressuring you aren't there to support you or do it with you.  YOU HAVE TO DO IT FOR YOU! And if you don't want it bad enough, you will never accomplish anything.

Get in touch with your real reasons for getting fit.  Are there underlying emotional issues that keep you turning to food for comfort? Get help for those. Is it that you are tired of feeling heavy, depressed, stiff and uncomfortable in your own skin?  Really think about that and concentrate on how that feels for a few minutes...and resolve to change! 

I believe if you have the right reasons, you can do anything you put your mind to.  So, do you have the right reasons?  If so...then do you have the tools?  Did you know that I can help you reach your goals?  If you didn't...then ask me!! 

Together, we've got this!!

Love and hugs,
Dee

Still here...

Wow, I have been so busy lately, I haven't had time to post new blog entries! I'm in another 90- day challenge group and I'm also running one. I took the plunge and decided to become a Beachbody coach again. So I'm learning all about how to help other as reach their health and fitness goals while working hard to reach mine.

I will work harder to post here. So far I'm at 63.2 pounds lost. :-)

Love and hugs,
Dee

MILESTONE!!!

Another milestone I have to share...I'm at 60.8 pounds lost...48.7 pounds to go! I'm finally at 60!! Yay!

GUILT

I have been thinking about this post for a couple days.  It's related to feeling guilty taking the time to workout.  Let me tell you how I came upon this train of thought.

If you have ever done a Turbo Fire workout, or any other of Chalene Johnson's workouts, sometime during the workout or cooldown she'll say that you need to put your workout on your schedule just like any other appointment.  If it's important to you, you will schedule it into your daily routine.  Then when something comes up, you're supposed to treat that as a standing appointment, just as you would a Dr appointment or anything else.  Here's the thing though with those of us who care for spouses and/or kids, pets, homes, spiritual responsibilities...we view exercise as a luxury...as a secondary thing that's not important.  JUST LIKE WE VIEW OURSELVES!!  I used to feel guilty for taking that 45-60 minutes per day to exercise.  It was time I was taking away from my family...how dare I? But here's what I came to realize...do my kids get upset now that Mommy can play outside with them and not get too tired?  Are my kids upset that I have more energy and can take them to the park more often? Is that taking away from them????  The answer is no.  My kids know that the time I take to exercise, whether it's early in the morning or in the middle of the day, or afternoon or evening...that's time Mommy gets better...FOR THEM!!  So I no longer feel guilty.  Yes, while working out I still have to stop arguments...spell words,  pause and make cocoa,fix boo-boos, etc but they understand that I need that time.

My point is, so do you.  If you have committed to getting healthy and you need to exercise, don't feel guilty.  The time you use is something that makes you better for those you care for.  They can spare the hour a day of your time to have you live years longer.

Okay...sorry that has been on my mind and I just felt like I needed to share.
Love and hugs,
Dee

Calling all challengers...

Hi friends. So I'm still psyched from the 90 day challenge and I had an idea this morning. To those who would like to...I'd like to invite you all to do another one with me...my style!!

For 90 days you would commit to the following:
1) follow an exercise program for 90 days. It could be whatever you choose...walking, a program like Turbo Fire, Hip Hop Abs, P90X, running...whatever.
2) Every 30 days do measurements and weigh. Pics would be great too. You don't have to share your numbers, but it'll help you see the progress you've made.
3) Commit to a new eating plan. Whether it's a set calorie limit for the day, or a specific diet you want to follow...just commit to eat that way for 90 days.
4) Encourage and support others challengers. We do so well when others encourage us...it gives us accountability and motivation. For Facebookers we have the Friends Getting Healthy 90-day challenge page we can also post to.

I hope you will join me. I'll be sharing things I learned from the challenge we just finished.

Starts Monday April 22nd. That will give everyone time to prepare themselves. 

I'm excited to do this again!! I'm hoping for bigger and better results this time around!!

Love and hugs,
Dee

90 day challenge results!

I'm so happy that I stuck to the challenge for 90 days!! My results aren't astronomical, but I'm proud. I lost 12.2 pounds and 28 total inches. I've dropped a pant size. This is despite stomach problems and other obstacles. I'm motivated to get the rest of my weight off. My body seems resistant, but I have learned consistency, dedication and self-worth. I'll take that.

Today I embarked on my own 90-day challenge.  I'm basically starting all over...with renewed gusto!! I will continue planning my week's workouts and cheat day on Sundays. Anyone that wants to join me...let me know... We'll motivate each other. I like doing it in increments of 30 days, in batches of 90 and that keeps me focused on the short term instead of the long road of 52 more pounds to lose. I will measure and take photos every 30 days. It's so encouraging to see inches lost when it seems like all else is not going right.

So...I'm gonna go ahead and post a before and after pic. The results aren't super noticeable... But I'm happy and this is a good catalyst to keep going!

Love and hugs,
Dee

Consistency

Have you ever heard something over and over again and maybe even told it to someone else...but then one day you just get it? That's how I feel about consistency. In our challenge group one of our challengers is super close to her goal and our coach said something to the effect of "consistency is key"...and it hit me like a slap in the face. Well applying that has gotten me down to 57 pounds lost!! I'm so excited to get to 60 lost. This weekend I missed a couple workouts because of happenings but yesterday I got right back on schedule. I burned (insert drumroll here) 3673 calories!! I think that's an all-time high!! I did Turbo Fire 30 and Upper 20, cleaned house, mowed for 4 hours, took kids to the park, fixed picnic table and had an awesome picnic lunch in the sunshine. I went to bed exhausted but happy.

So in have decided not to post my daily numbers on here as I am sure they're wicked boring. I will just keep you guys updated on milestones, epiphanies, tips, etc.

Love and hugs,
Dee

Tuesday, March 19

The post that posted earlier was about Monday.  I thought it posted but the post had failed.  Yesterday I did well with clean eating.  I need to work on my water intake...I just get busy and forget to drink as much as I should.

Ok...numbers time!! :)

Burned: 2565/2550
Eaten: 1378/1550
Deficit: 1187/1000
Workout: Stretch 40
Water: 53oz/100oz

Food:
Breakfast:
Coffee
4oz Orange juice
Oatmeal

Snack:
Toast
Banana

Lunch:
Shakeology w/coconut milk

Snack:
1 oz swiss cheese

Dinner:
Taco salad (ground turkey and refried beans with tomato sauce, 2 cups of romaine, 1 cup spinach, 1 bell pepper)

Snack:
1 cup grapes

A rocky start

***FROM MONDAY***

 

So yesterday was going to be super clean eating and for the most part I did good. But then there was the mishap that happened last night. My subconscious brain took over, the brain who wants comfort food hijacked my hand and mouth and ate a slice of pizza. I'm not gonna beat myself up about it,I mean I stayed under my calories for the day but that wasn't the point.

Here are the numbers:
Burned: 2622/2550
Eaten: 1514/1550
Deficit: 1108/1000
Workout: Turbo Kick round 42
Water: 40/100 oz

It was made up of:
Breakfast-
Coffee w/1oz half n half & 1 TBS sugar
Banana
Oatmeal

Lunch:
Kashi GoLean crunch cereal
4oz 2% milk

Dinner:
Shakeology w/8 oz coconut milk

Snack:
1 cup pineapple
That evil, evil slice of pizza

Doing well so far today. Hope you are too!
Love and hugs,
Dee

Plateau

I have been stuck at one weight for about a month. I'm working on eating super-clean and maybe that'll help. Tomorrow I will post numbers again and post everything I eat. That'll keep me accountable for what I decide to put into my body.

See ya tomorrow!

Busy few weeks

Wow this month and the end of February sure have been busy!!  But it's been a good kind of busy, the kind of busy that leaves you feeling happy and satisfied that you are doing what you're supposed to be doing. 

As far as the weight loss, I've been accomplishing my workouts daily, eating under my calories except on my cheat day.  Andy and I started the Couch 2 5 K program yesterday and it was really fun.  I'll tell ya though, as much as I thought I was more in shape, that running still left me winded. 

I have been debating whether or not I'd post my numbers again and I've decided that I really do need that accountability.  I hope it's not too boring for you, my readers, but you can always ask me to take you off the direct mail list and I won't be offended -- promise!! :) 

I'm just gonna start with Sunday instead of catching you up with the whole week.
Sunday:
Burned: 3087/2500
Eaten: 1148/1500
Deficit: 1939/1000
Water: 100oz
Workout: Fire 45 and C25K

Hope everyone is doing well.  This week is our 60 day deadline for photos and measurements so I will post those results as soon as I get it all done.

Love and hugs,
Dee

MILESTONE!!!!!

I'm so excited! I'm halfway there!! I have lost 55.3 pounds and have 52.4 to lose!! It has taken 3 long years with lots of obstacles but I'm confident that the rest won't take that long.

Sorry so short was so excited just wanted to share!!
Have a great day!!

MIA

Sorry about the lack of posts.  I have been trying to get my head in the right place since being sick and trying to get back on track.  Since I have been able to eat real foods again, I have been having a hard time controlling myself.  But I'm back and ready to go!

I'm gonna start with yesterday's numbers, because quite frankly one day's numbers are boring enough, much less a week's worth!

Saturday:
Burned: 3086/2500
Eaten: 1693/1500
Deficit: 1393/1000
Workout: Hiit 20 and Tone 30
Water: 80 oz

Hope everyone has a great week!
Love and hugs,
Dee

Sickness is not fun!

Duh right? But I really feel sorry for my kids especially now that I'm dealing with it!! All week it's been getting worse and yesterday afternoon was just my breaking point.  I had to take a Nyquil to sleep so I've got that in my system today making me super sluggish.  OY!

Wednesday:
Burned: 3215/2500
Eaten: 1435/1500
Deficit: 1780/1000
Water: 100oz
Workout: Fire 45ez Stretch 10

Thursday:
Burned: 2513/2500
Eaten: 1494/1500
Deficit: 1019/1000
Water: 40oz (my bad we were gone a lot of the day and I didn't get my water in)
Workout: Core 20 Stretch 40

I'm a little frustrated because I've hit yet another plateau.  I will lose some weight, then stay still for a long time beofre I lose again.  Working on eating every 2-3 hours to see if that helps. Also gotta get better at water consumption.  Today I've down 60oz already...let's go for 120!

Shorter today

Okay so the last post was super long...so I'm gonna make this one short.  Kids are still sick...my stomach feels better but I'm super congested. YUCK..

Monday:
Burned: 2366/2500
Eaten: 1075/1500
Deficit: 1291/1000 (for any new readers, my goal is 1000 calories so if I go over or under calories eaten or burned, that's what I'm shooting for)
Workout: Fire 45ez
Water: 100oz

Tuesday:
Burned: 2784/2500
Eaten: 1776/1500
Deficit: 1008/1000
Workout: Fire 30 Stretch 10
Water: 80oz

Hoping we get over this cold soon...it's no fun. 
Love and hugs,
Dee

Vacation Time...

Hi everybody! I hope today's post finds everyone happy and healthy and having had a great weekend! We went on vacation Thursday to Atlanta.  Sydney had a concert to go to and so we decided to stay over and make it a vacation.  We had a really good time. I packed for success and brought my Shakeology and coconut milk, my blender and my Turbo Fire DVD's.  I even brought a small DVD player. Although we had fun, it wasn't without a fair share of hangups.  I'll give you the deets down here with the numbers.

Thursday:
Burned:  2447/2500
Eaten: 1492/1500
Deficit: 955/1000
Workout: Core 20
Water: 40 oz
Water was a big hangup on the trip.  I didn't pack any drinking water, figuring we'd go to a store and pick up a gallon or two.  Big mistake. Didn't see any grocery stores near our hotel and we got busy and didn't have a chance to stop afterward.

Friday:
Burned: 3144/2500
Eaten: 2695/1500
Deficit: 449/1000
Workout: Fire 45ez
Water: 40oz
Friday the hotel had a HUGE continental breakfast, I mean it had everything: danishes, muffins, waffles, omlettes, cereals, bacon, etc.  But I stuck to my oatmeal and mixed in some slivered almonds and dried cranberries.  Had a glass of water to go with it and I felt good.  Did my workout, went and swam with the kids in the pool, walked around IKEA for a couple hours and while there could just feel my blood pressure plummet.  By the end I couldn't hold my own head up.  We came back to the hotel and I took like a 3 hour nap.  Friday, eating was my nemisis.  First we went to IKEA and had lunch before shopping.  Well, we got the cinammon rolls and I looked on the box and it said 170 calories...not too bad.  It was only after eating it that I re-read the box and the serving size is HALF a roll.  OOPS! Okay...not tragic or anything....the tragedy happens when we go to dinner.  Bailey is begging for pizza and we found a Mellow Mushroom.  Wow their pizzas are top-notch.  We got a medium, and well, pizza IS my weakness.  As you can see I really overdid it. 

Saturday:
Burned: 2005/2500
Eaten: 1035/1500
Deficit: 970/1000
Water: 20 oz
Workout: NONE
Okay...so I get up have my healthy breakfast downstairs again.  We come up and get packed and leave the hotel...go to the mall for some shopping.  I'm in Claire's with the girls and I start feeling this BURNING in my chest...wow it was really bad.  I took the little kids to Daddy and left Sydney in Claire's because I had to go sit down on the bench.  We get to the car and I'm scrambling around for a plastic bag to hurl in.  I'm throwing up on the way home.  It's bad.  By the time I get home I'm done for.  The crappy thing is the kids are all sick too and I don't know if the problem I had was related to my stomach illness and the pizza or what they have. 

Sunday:
Burned: 1759/2500
Eaten: 1502/1500
Deficit: 257/1000
Workout: REST DAY
Water: 40oz
I felt like crap all day.  I got up and took some generic Thera Flu because of sore throat and body aches and man that stuff knocked me out.  I went back to bed and slept until 1:30! That deep dead person sleep.  Not fun.  I was out of it the rest of the day.

So...as this very long post shows...yes I mess up.  I guess the only good thing is that it has been a while since I've messed up this bad.  I used to do this quite often then wonder why I wasn't losing weight.  I put on 2 lbs of water weight this weekend...my rings are super tight.  Oh well.  Today I'm back on track...got my workout schedule all rearranged to make up for lost days and am drinking water like it's my job.  I'm feeling better today other than some congestion. All I can do is get up, dust off and keep on going.

Love and hugs,
Dee

Monday - Wednesday

It's funny, last week I was super hyped, energetic but this week I have been kinda grouchy.  Maybe my happy pills stopped working.  I stopped taking the ulcer medication from the Dr because it made me feel so much worse.  Yesterday I ate real food and was okay...no pain.  I did wake up with some reflux in the middle of the night but so far so good.  Maybe I'm getting better.

On an even happier note...Tuesday was time to turn in our 30 days photos and measurements for the 90 day challenge I am in.  Although I'm not sharing photos just yet...I'm SUPER HAPPY to report that in 30 days I lost 8.1 pounds and 17 1/4 inches!!!! YAY!!  If you are working to lose weight I HIGHLY recommend pics and measurements.  I have a link to a video that will help you take accurate measurements every time.  If you don't see too much movement on the scale...the pics and measurements will make you feel better!! TRUST ME!!  I was hoping to lose 10 pounds the first 30 days...but I am happy because I can see the results of all my hard work.

On to the numbers:
Monday:
Burned: 2836/2500
Eaten: 1507/1500
Deficit: 1329/1300
Workout: Fire 30 Tone 30
Water: 100 oz

Tuesday:
Burned: 2922/2500
Eaten: 1351/1500
Defict: 1571/1000
Workout: Fire 55ez
Water: 40 oz

Wednesday:
Burned: 2842/2500
Eaten: 1712/1500
Deficit: 1130/1000
Workout: Fire 45
Water: 80 oz

Love and hugs...
Dee

Always having to catch up from the weekend...

I really should be more regular about posting but it's been a busy weekend.  When are they not?  Anywho...today was a weigh-in Monday and I'm at 181.1.  I was hoping to hit that 180 or even 170's but not yet.  Soon I hope.

Friday:
Burned: 2920/2500
Eaten: 1427/1000
Deficit: 1493/1000
Water: don't remember
Workout: Fire 60

Saturday:
Burned: 2631/2500
Eaten: 1511/1500
Deficit: 1120/1000
Water: again no idea
Workout: Fire 30 Sculpt 30

Sunday:
Burned: 2047/2500
Eaten: 1680/1500
Deficit: 367/1000
Water: 50 oz
Workout: REST DAY
As you can see, Sunday I did pretty bad in my calories, intake and output.  Very nauseous yesterday...felt sick most of the day.  It was my cheat day and since I usually shoot for 300-500 over my 1500 goal that was fine but because I felt so bad I wasn't as active as I usually am.

This week ends our first 30 days of the 90 day challenge and so I have to take measurements and pictures again.  I was thinking maybe at the end of the 90 days I'll post my pics here...we'll see how much I've changed and decide then.

Love and hugs,
Dee

Out of the downy dumps...

Ok everybody, sorry for the Debbie Downer post yesterday.  Better today!! Still in pain but hey...gotta focus on the positive.  Like...I finally beat my lowest weight since I had Bryson!! WHOO HOOO!!  I actually beat it yesterday by .2.  On 9/7/11 I was 182.4.  Yesterday 182.2 and today 181.8.  YAY!! So who can be grouchy with that going on?  I've devised a new strategy.  Most of my nutrition is coming from Kefir, vitamins, instant breakfast, oatmeal, cream of wheat...you know...my baby mush diet.  Today hopefully I'll get my Shakeology!! YAY!!  But I'm trying to just have more snacks to stay closer to my 1500 calorie target.  Back a few weeks ago when I was only getting 900 or so calories I wasn't losing weight.  Even when I'm at about 1200 I'm not losing.  But now I'm trying to let my body relax and know that "Hey, you're gonna get fed so chill!"  Seems like it's working.  I'm also drinking water like it's my job.  The happy music helps too with the mood...who can be sad when you've got "Don't stop till ya get enough" by Michael Jackson playing?? (click and see!!)

Okay...numbers time...
Thursday, Feb 7, 2012
Burned:  2557/2500
Eaten: 1566/1500
Deficit: 991/1000
Water: 80oz...short of my 100 still!!
Workout: Core 20 Stretch 40 -- I used to hate these 2 workouts but I'm beginning to enjoy them more.

Okay friends...keep on keepin' on!
Love and hugs,
Dee

Anger and pain...

Weird subject, yeah?  Well that's kinda how I'm feeling.  Been throwing down the feel good music lately to get myself to feel better but deep down I'm angry at my body because I'm in so much pain.  Yesterday I did my workout, same as I did Tuesday, same as I will today but in pain.  I'm so exhausted from the pain that I feel dead afterwards.  I feel good while I'm working out except for sometimes my stomach hurts and sometimes that punched in the stomach feeling. But it makes me happy to workout.  So I'll continue.  Plus I made a 90-day commitment and I plan to stick to it...come what may.

Numbers:
Burned: 2925/2500
Eaten: 1257/1500
Deficit: 1668/1000
Water: 80oz
Workout: Fire 45 and walking around the track at the park

Sorry this post isn't uplifting or upbuilding...I just don't have it in me right now.
Love and hugs,
Dee

Tuesday

Yesterday was so busy! I had so much housework to catch up on since I was unable to do it on Monday.  I also had to go grocery shopping and run some errands...squeeze a workout in, study for meeting, and go to meeting.  Busy!!  But I managed to get it all done.  Because we ran out of time I picked up frozen pizzas for dinner and overindulged.  I burned off the calories but my stomach really hurt and hurts today.  Stupid me...You know, part of me thinks I'm angry and was just trying to punish my body for making me have to live with this stomach illness. I have been trying to keep positive but yesterday I failed.  I know I gotta take care of my stomach if I want to get better, but it's just tough. Today...happy thoughts...happy, happy, happy!

Burned: 2962/2500
Eaten: 1889/1500
Deficit: 1073/1000
Water: 80oz
Workout: Fire 55ez

Love and hugs,
Dee

Catching up again

I've been really busy and not had time to post.  Friday I went to the doctor and he scheduled an endoscopy for yesterday.  It went well...I guess, didn't really find a whole lot out except that I have inflammation in my stomach and some polyps.  My esophagus muscles were constricted so they stretched it out.  Creepy sounding.  Cassi took me and drove me home and I am so thankful!(Thanks friend!)  I was a lot more awake afterward than I thought I'd be (and giggly).  I have a follow up appt in 4 weeks so we'll see what they say then.

Okay...on to my numbers.  First of all yesterday was a weigh-in Monday and I gotta say I wasn't too happy to see 184.4 on that scale.  Today though I'm back to 182.8 and so I'm cool with that. I was hoping to be 181 by yesterday but maybe it'll catch up this week.  I'm back to my mush diet with occasional real food until either the pain goes away or the Dr tells me what's up with my stomach. He's got me on some DOG PILL medicine I have to take an hour before I eat.  That pill is nasty.  I also have to take Nexium.  I hate taking pills.  I'm up to 5 regular daily pills now...annoying.

Thursday:
Burned: 2830/2500
Eaten: 1238/1500
Deficit: 1592/1000
Workout: Core 20 Stretch 40
Water: ?? don't remember...my phone reset so all my info from my Water Your Body program got erased. 

Friday:
Burned: 2564/2500
Eaten: 1358/1500
Deficit: 1206/1000
Workout: Fire 55ez

Saturday:
Burned: 2692/2500
Eaten: 1023/1500
Deficit: 1669/1000
Workout: Fire 30 Sculpt 30

Sunday: (normally my rest day but I did Monday's workout because of the procedure)
Burned: 2632/2500
Eaten: 1735/1500 (my planned cheat day)
Deficit: 897/1000
Workout: Fire 45ez

Monday:
Burned: 2161/2500
Eaten: 962/1000
Deficit: 1199/1000
Water: 40oz -- wasn't allowed to drink anything before procedure

Wednesday

Yesterday I was really hungry.  Like all day.  I'm not sure what that was about.  I haven't been drinking my 100oz of water like I need to, so today that's a goal for me.

Burned: 2831/2500
Eaten: 1772/1500
Deficit: 1059/1000
Water: 60oz
Workout: Fire 45

Sorry so short, not a lot to say today. xoxo

A minor victory

I'm beginning to think I owe a lot more to this stomach/esophagus illness than blame.  Don't get me wrong, it's not that I like it at all.  I hate the nausea and pain, the feeling I can't breathe, etc.   But because eating hurts, I've lost interest.  I only eat because of hunger and sometimes not even then.  I've even fallen out of love with coffee...can you imagine???

I've explained it to a few people...but have you ever eaten something dry and not chewed enough and you can feel it travelling down your throat? Have you ever had the wind knocked out of you and you have that pain in your chest and the middle of your back and feel like you can't breathe?  That's what it feels like when I eat solid food. I mean, I can handle the oatmeal, cream of wheat, etc pretty good but for instance last night I had a turkey sandwich for dinner and was miserable after.  I burped and my stomach burned.  Last night my esophagus spasmed and kept me from sleeping.  This morning it still feels closed up.

So after all that, why in the world would I say that I owe this sickness more than just blame??  Because last night I had a small victory.  I was emotionally upset. In the past, this would have sent me straight to the kitchen.  In the days before we found out Bryson had allergies to corn, soy, garlic, latex, etc...we would have had plenty of snacks to choose from.  Whether it was cookies or chips or even nasty old fruit snacks.  I have been known to eat a full sleeve of fig newtons when I'm upset.  Something about that sweetness, the soft cake-like texture...but I digress.  But last night...not only was I not feeling well physically but there's nothing to eat.  Who stress eats grapes or apples, or a bowl of raisin bran?  LOL...just not the right kind of comfort food.  Sadly, that still means that if we had those things in the house I may have eaten them...but maybe not.  So I'm gonna call it a victory.

So on to my numbers for yesterday:
Burned: 2807/2500
Eaten: 1304/1500
Deficit: 1503/1000
Water: 80 oz
Workout: Fire 55ez

Love and hugs,
Dee

Another short post...

Burned: 2532/2500
Eaten: 1351/1500
Deficit: 1181/1000
Water: 60 oz (gotta do better with this today)
Workout: Fire 30

Sick kids, not feeling well...trying to keep positive.  Gotta run!

New week...

Yesterday's post was awfully short, wasn't it? That's because I was in a pretty lousy mood.  I was gonna go off and vent about how bad I felt, gripe gripe gripe.  But that's not good for me.  I'm not saying venting is bad, I'm saying for me, it's just too negative. I seem to get stuck in a cycle of negativity so it's better to let those bad days or moments go and move on.

I had a doctor's appointment today but I had to reschedule because my poor Sydney is very sick.  I'm not sure when I'm going because their computers were down at the Dr's office and so they have to call me back with an appointment time.  This weekend wasn't too bad with pain...basically Saturday I didn't eat until half the day was over and felt fine.  I wish I could get away without eating! LOL  Feeling that TOM today and yesterday, lots of pain but gotta push through and do my workout for today.  They say exercise is supposed to help.  (BTW...who are "they" and won't they just shut up!!?? LOL)

Okay...here are yesterday's numbers. Nothing spectacular or even great because I did NOTHING yesterday.  It was a rest day and I rested with a heating pad...and chocolates....shhh!!

Burned: 1883/2500
Eaten: 1382/1500
Deficit: 501/1000
Water: 60oz
Workout: Rest day

It's a weigh-in Monday and on that note...weight is 183.6. 1.3 pounds and I'll be at my lowest since I had Bryson. September 7, 2011 I weighed 182.4 which was my lowest at that point...so I am really striving to get past that and keep moving on.

Love and hugs,
Dee

Saturday

Burned: 2802/2500
Eaten: 1408/1500
Deficit: 1394/1000
Water: 80 oz
Workout: Fire 30 Sculpt 30

Planned cheat day

I finally learned from my challenge group how to do a planned cheat day. I always thought it was an "eat whatever you want all day" kinda thing...but it is not.  That's a good thing.  It is a day where you plan a meal...a MEAL you can consume no more than 500 extra calories.  Maybe you've got a party coming up or KARAOKE lol...you can choose that as your cheat meal and just make sure you don't go over 500 calories extra.  Although I haven't been able to eat a lot (good thing), I have been kinda lax towards the end of this week and have been off my GERD diet.  I am so tired of consuming nothing but kefir, instant breakfast, cream of wheat and oatmeal.  I need food with substance.  So I had some chips the other day...just some...and last night I had pizza.  Yesterday was my cheat day...and I only went less than 200 calories over my allotment, so it wasn't that bad.  I enjoyed that pizza to death...lol. But the pizza didn't enjoy me! hahaha  Also for some reason I woke up with a bladder infection.  Weird since I've been taking garlic (antibiotic properties). OH well..my crazy body.  I wonder if it was the extra sodium.  Other than the chips, I don't eat much sodium in oatmeal, etc.  Hmmm....

I'm home with sick kids today again.  They're always sick. :( My poor kids. One has stomach issues, 2 are coughing like crazy still.  Hubby not feeling well either. 

Friday:
Burned: 2868/2500
Eaten: 1669/1500
Deficit:  1199/1000
Water: 100oz
Workout: 55ez

Have a great weekend all!

Okay...so forget it

I didn't even remember to blog yesterday. It was a busy day. One thing I did do is call the doctor and make an appointment.  I didn't even last a day with the juice.  It burned on the way down and it burned in my stomach. I did it again and same results, plus overwhelming nausea and the feeling that I'd been kicked in the chest.  Very painful and hard to breathe.  I decided this thing is bigger than me and I need professional help. So I have an appointment for Monday with a gastro doc.

Wednesday:
Burned: 2203/2500
Eaten: 671/1500
Deficit: 1532/1000
Water: 80 oz
Workout: Core 20 (missed stretch 40 since I was feeling so bad)

Thursday:
Burned: 2959/2500
Eaten: 1428/1500
Deficit: 1531/1000
Water: 70 oz
Workout: Fire 45 Stretch 10

Yesterday I had good sustained energy and I'm sure I owe it to the juice.  I wish it didn't burn so bad while drinking and after. I know the nutrients are just what our bodies need in this world full of GMO and fake foods.  Fruits and veggies are what Jehovah God gave us to start with.  I am trying to incorporate them more into our family's life everyday.  Whole, natural foods.  I just wish I could eat them!!

Love and hugs!!
Dee

Change of plans...

So in my last post was about how I was going to go to the Doc...but I'm gonna try one last ditch effort to heal my body before I go.

What is this concoction, you ask? It's vegetable/fruit juice.  Precisely: 6 kale leaves, 4 celery stalks, 1 cucumber, 1/2 lemon, a piece of ginger and 2 apples.  I added some aloe juice in there too for cleansing properties.  I'm going to drink 3 glasses of this size everyday for 1 week. If I feel better than great, if not I'll go to the doc.

On to the numbers:
Monday:
Burned: 2609/2500
Eaten: 1518/1500
Deficit: 1091/1000
Water: 80oz
Workout: Hiit 20 & Sculpt 30

tuesday:
Burned: 2575/2500
Eaten: 1199/1500
Deficit: 1376/1000
Water: 90oz
Workout: Fire 55ez

Felt really bad yesterday all day...but life goes on.

The weekend

Our weekend wasn't what we planned, but it was still good.  Saturday we went to a farm to get raw milk for Bryson's eczema.  Loved petting the animals. I hope it helps him. Yesterday was meeting, followed by a walk at the park on a beautiful day...then washing and vacumming out Goldie...boy she needed it, shopping and KARAOKE!!  FUN!!

Friday:
Burned: 2843/2500
Eaten: 1248/1500
Deficit: 1595/1000
Water: 60 oz
Workout: Fire 45 Stretch 10

Sat:
Burned: 2280/2500
Eaten: 1328/1500
Deficit: 952/1000
Water: 60oz
Workout: Hiit 20

Been trying to eat a little more to not allow my metabolism to slow too much.

Sun:
Burned: 2605/2500
Eaten: 1367/1500
Deficit: 1238/1000
Water: 80oz
Workout: rest day...took 1.82 mile walk with a friend.

Weigh-in Monday: Weight 186.7  That's only .8 lbs down from last week but seeing I lost over 4 lbs last week, I'm not complaining. 

I have also decided to go to the doctor.  I tried to eat normal food during the weekend just one meal per day, and since yesterday I have been non-stop nauseated.  I feel that awful feeling in my esophagus again and I've had enough.  So tomorrow I'll be calling around Dr offices for an appointment.  I hope I don't get the run around.  I just wanna know what's going on so I can heal and get back to my life.

Love and hugs...
Dee

Short post...

Well now T doesn't work on my laptop at all so I'm posting from my phone.

Yesterday numbers:
Burned: 2834/2500
Eaten: 933/1500
Deficit: 1901/1000
Water: 80oz
Workout: Fire 55ez

I've stopped losing weight. I really hope it's just because of soreness and DOMS and not because I'm in starvation mode. Although I guess starving people end up losing weight too right? I know that's not the best comparison but I just can't eat regular food yet. I'm so tired of oatmeal and cream of wheat. I've added snacks of bananas and kefir but I am still short in calories everyday. Hmmmm. Maybe once I'm not sore, I'll start losing again. We'll see. 

Blessing in disguise?

Ugh, this dumb keyboard! I'm gonna try my best...I actually took a key that I never use and put it where the T key is supposed to be.  But I have to hit it hard to get it to register.  OY...it's like using one of those old-timey typewriters.

So, back to my original statement. As horrible as this stomach illness has been...I've noticed something today.  My cravings are gone.  Weird right?  I mean I may see something and think, "oh that would be good", but I don't crave chocolate or pizza like I used to.  So, something good has come out of all of this. It sure has catapulted me into losing weight and that's a good thing.  I'm 3 pounds away from a 50lb loss (again). I guess in all our trials, we can learn something and use it to improve our lives in one way or another.

So...here's my numbers from yesterday:
Burned: 2535/2500
Eaten: 1358/1500
Deficit: 1177/1000
Water: 100oz
Workout: Core 20 Stretch 40

The stretch workout was a lot easier than it usually is and I enjoyed it a lot more.
Ta-Ta For Now!!
Dee

Playing catch-up again...

Wow it's hard to type without a physical T key on the keyboard.  There's a plastic nub where the key used to be, so I can't type quickly, unless I wan all of my senences o look like his...<----- hehehe="hehehe" p="p">
Monday:
Burned: 2545/2500
Eaten: 877/1500
Deficit: 1668/1000
Water: 90oz (been keeping track...great little program on my phone called Water Your Body. It's available for Android and IOS!)
Workout: Turbo Free Hiit 15 and Tone 30

Tuesday:
Burned: 2728/2500
Eaten: 1220/1500
Deficit: 1508/1000
Water: 80oz
Workout: Turbo Fire 45ez and Stretch 10

Notice anything about my burn numbers? They're finally at or above target! That's because I started working out again. I did an experiment today and had a cup of weak instant coffee and I thought I was okay...didn't have too many problems right away but about an hour later there was some burning in my stomach. Not near as bad as before...but it was still there. I had a regular bowl of rice chex with skim milk for lunch and that's killing me. So, experiment over, back to my old diet. I wasn't feeling as bad so I just wanted to test if I was actually getting better or not.  Apparently not...yet.

 

But despite how crappy I feel today, I've got my game face on and am determined to DO MORE!!

Finally making progress again in my weight going down...even though right now my body is SOOOO sore from working out again.  But sore is good, sore means I'm changing my body.

Love and hugs,
Dee

Weekend woes

So all the kids are sick. I'm not feeling great either, which isn't surprising since Bryson coughs in my face all night. :-/
Saturday:
Burned: 2094/2500
Eaten: 1167/1500
Deficit: 927/1000
Water 60 oz
Sunday:
Burned: 2087/2500
Eaten: 822/1500
Deficit: 1265/1000
Water: 60oz
This weekend I really just rested. My body ached and I had a sore throat. Off and on stomach aches too. Today starts day 1 of Alli's 90 day challenge and I've got my meals for the week planned (pretty easy when all you can stomach is cream of wheat and oatmeal), my workout schedule ready and I am excited to see the changes in my body.
The good news? I'm at 187.4 today. That's 4.7 less than last Monday. I'm nervous because usually when I start exercising again I retain water but I've gotta remind myself to look at the big picture and what I will have accomplished at the end of 90 days. As sick as this esophagus/GERD thing has made me, I've committed to this challenge so I've got to workout when scheduled everyday. Maybe I'll start feeling better overall and can go back to normal life.
OK...speaking of workouts, mine is cued up and ready so I'm gonna try to drink this herbal lemon tea and ease into it.
Love and hugs...Dee

For Friday

Burned: 2258/2500
Eaten: 1105/1500
Deficit: 1153/1000

Didn't burn a lot yesterday... sick kids, not feeling so good either. Today's burn numbers aren't looking so great. I hope I have energy for workout on Monday. I am getting a sore throat too. :-(

Missed a day...sorry

I forgot to post yesterday...sorry.  It wasn't the best day...didn't get much sleep Wednesday night and no caffeine is killer.  My stomach hurt a lot too.  This post will have to be short cuz my T key is giving me a hard time!!

Okay..Wednesday:
Burn: 2481/2500
Eaten: 1205/1500
Deficit: 1276/1000
Water: 80oz

Thursday:
Burn: 2068/2500
Eaten: 917/1500
Deficit: 1151/1000
Water: 80oz

Yesterday I didn't feel well and didn't do a whole lot.  Monday I'll start TurboFire for the 90day challenge...excited!!

Love and hugs...
Dee

Surprisingly not hungry...

Hey guys...one more day done and I'm not really eating a whole lot.  Yesterday it was whole grain oatmeal for breakfast, dinner with Carnation instant breakfast and skim milk for lunch. I also had the Carnation after meeting last night.  I'm not sure if I'll keep going with the Carnation, or at least not before bed, because my stomach hurt last night.  I also had a major headache. So did my poor honey.  He had to do the Bible reading with a migraine last night...poor guy! He did great though, as usual.  I did some massages for hiatal hernia last night, because I keep reading that it inevitably comes with GERD, GastroEsophigialRefluxDisease, which is what I really think I have.  It hurt really bad afterward.  Maybe it helped, I have no idea.

Calories eaten: 1034/1500
Calories burned: 2473/2500
Deficit: 1439/1000
Water: 60oz

I think I may either add another bowl of oatmeal or something to bring my calories up to 1200/day. I don't want my body to go into starvation mode.

Bye for now!

You live, you learn...

I'm learning a lot.  I'm learning for instance that as much as I love coffee, it's time for us to part ways.  Yes I know I was supposed to,before but it's part of my morning routine. It makes my day feel complete.  OY...but then it burns like a @#%!! Then I remember why I can't have it.  Ok...lesson learned!!

On to yesterday's numbers:
Calories Eaten: 1136/1500 I was on the oatmeal diet yesterday. I did have some coffee in the morning and some rice and a few baked french fries at night.  It hurt...my esophagus feels like there's something in it stuck all the time.  (Wow I've used the word esophagus a lot lately! EW!)
Calories Burned: 2214/2500 I was doing okay, got a lot accomplished, beds made, rooms cleaned, laundry done and folded, etc..but toward the afternoon I just felt worse and worse.  I couldn't move because of the pain and headache.  I was miserable. 
Deficit: 1078/1000. 
Water: I lost track.  I think it was 60oz but honestly I'm not sure.  Gonna work on that. 

Well, hope everyone has a terrific day!

Who's up for a challenge??

I'm so excited guys!! I was invited to join a 90 day challenge, hosted by one of my favorite people, Alli Vaughn.  I know Mom & Dad, you don't know her and Andy has never met her but Cherish and Susannah, you guys know how awesome she is! :)  I'm nervous but really excited.  She's allowing me in without Shakeology for now, but I do need to get some ASAP...maybe if we get a tax return I can get some.  I may buy a week's worth before then from Alli.  But I'm excited to take my before pics and measurements and see results! Although I had to take a break from Turbo Fire, I'm gonna start where I left off and hope I don't keep getting nauseous after my workouts. Maybe the accountability from being in the group and making the commitment is just what I need to get outside my comfort zone and seeing great results! You all know I LOVE Turbo Fire, but if I start getting sick after my workouts again, I'll switch over to Chalean Extreme with walking as my cardio. 

So I guess I'll be posting my calories eaten and burned and deficit again. My weigh-ins are now Mondays because of the challenge.  Today I'm starting at 192.1. I'm still dealing with the weird "something is stuck in my throat" feeling and so I've gotta go back to really simple and bland foods like oatmeal, etc and give my digestive system a rest. I'm on my 2nd week of the Prilosec and hoping it'll start working soon.

Ok, got a million things to do...so bye! :)

Two-thousand thirteen

So, here we are, at the dawn of a new year...again.  This is an inevitable day which occurs every year. A day filled with promise, hope, new beginnings, resolutions, etc.  Last year I was sure that by this time I would be at my goal weight.  I was sure of it! But I allowed life to get in my way.  Last year, as this year, I went through a VERY bad depression which ended up turning into a small family crisis. But, things turned around...Andy got a full-time job, we were able to move out on our own, and although things were hard, it was starting to go uphill.  Then the low-blood pressure thing crept in (remember that?) and between that and then the problems with the house that caused us to have to move, we're here.  Now I am dealing with what I have self-diagnosed as an inflamed esophagus.  When I eat or drink, it feels like something is lodged in my throat or in my chest.  Very uncomfortable.  I've been researching things that are safe to eat and am experimenting.  Right now it looks like oatmeal, rice, bread, apples, bananas, low-acid foods are not going to irritate it and are what are on my menu.  That means giving up coffee.  Yes, I know...and today I did fall off the wagon and had a cup of very weak instant...but it hurt so I know I need to lay off it for a while.  So, bland it is.  Maybe my stomach will shrink and I won't get so hungry. I know these are excuses and that other people have lost weight despite much worse than this and I can beat myself up about it but why? What good does that do? All I can do at this point is move forward.

I have, yet again set a goal date for my weight loss: August 31, 2013.  After my 37th birthday and our 17th wedding anniversary.  Maybe I'll try to get there a bit before then.

Monday I will start doing Chalean Extreme again, since a lot of activity makes me feel sick with this esophagus thing going on.   I will do walking for my cardio days. 

Here's to a better, more productive year.  May everyone reach their goals and then some!!
Love and hugs,
Dee