Lets be HONEST!!!!

I have been messing around with this weight loss and fitness thing since January 2010. I've had some success, down 66 pounds so far! I've also had some set backs, but thankfully despite it all, I'm still plugging a long.

That's the thing...I'm pluggin'.....

Weight loss is so slow for me. It's frustrating!

Here's my story....

I'm doing all "they" tell me to do and I do what I know is best for me...I'm exercising (when not injured), I'm journaling my food, I'm drinking water, I have a good attitude...yada yada yada!

But the scale is hardly moving....

I want to tell you that "I just don't know why this is happening to me. I'm doing EVERYTHING I can..." But the reality is.....it's simple.....I'm still eating waaaay more than I need to, to lose weight! That's my reality!!!

So I decided to do a little research and went to my favorite source Google! I put in the following words in the search bar...."How many calories for 208 pound body". The first source that comes up was:

Calorie Calculator

So I plug in my info and I found that to maintain my weight at 208 pounds, I need to consume 2527 calories.

It also told me....

To lose one pound per week, you might decrease your required calories by 500 per day.

(-500 calories X 7 days per week = -3500 calories)

 

Interesting....because my food journal says that I'm averaging around 2000 per day.....You know what that means? I'm fudging!!!

That is the REAL truth!! I'm fudging....I'm a fudger!!!! I can't say anymore that I don't know why things are not happening...why the scale is not moving....Can't say that anymore because I know the truth and that is I'm simply eating way too many calories and obviously I'm not recording everything I eat. I can't fool myself. This is fact!!! It is!!!

So my BRILLIANT Friend Jessica is after me! We started doing a Fitness Challenge together that has really helped me stay focused on my fitness goals. Unfortunately with this back thing she's smokin' me on the challenge, but I will be back soon.....Heh heh heh Jess watch out!

Then after some time and I guess with all of my whining about not losing weight, she suggested we exchange food journals.

Ahhhhh what? 

To me that's like standing in the middle of a crowd naked.....Why...I can't show my journal....Well for crying out loud, my dirty little secrets would be revealed. Well fortunately for me, not all my secrets are secrets because the reality is....I'm not doing all I can and I've been revealed by having no weight loss. So I could not really hide from what I'm doing.....But to share my journal.....Well that's really EXPOSING my deeds!!!

So I had a choice to make. I could blow her off and give excuses why I could not join with her and be accountable to her....Or I could be a big girl, put my big girl panties on, suck it up and share the good and the bad of what I'm really doing....

So what did I do?

Run like a coward?

Nope....I sent it to her and have done so each day! 

WOW ARE MY EYES OPENED!!!!

You know when you expose yourself to others, or should I say open yourself up to others, it really puts a spot light on you.  By doing what I'm doing and sharing this part of my journey with my friend, do you think that I think first before I put something into my mouth? YOU BET I DO!! I really can't lie about what I'm doing, my body will tell on me.....by not losing weight. So I have incentive to be honest and truthful with what I'm doing and oh....I need to make some changes and eat less!! There is just no way around it!!

Just like I'm counting every minute of exercise I do so I can beat Jessica and the other challengers in the Fitness Challenge, I am also motivated and accountable to Jessica and myself to keep my diet clean.  I want that scale to MOVE!!!

Now I am expecting some results to come in...I am now TRUTHFULLY doing the work!!!

Yesterday I had a friend who was whining about her weight. I told her what I've been doing and I asked her if she would like to get together and be accountability partners.... As soon as she got a break from me, she literally ran out the door.  WOW!!! It's scary and hard to be accountable, but I feel it's a great way for me to get my stuff out in the open. That way I can really see what I'm doing. Helps me to also make improvements where needed and it helps motivate me to stop procrastinating and to get to work!!

Are you truthful with what you are doing? Do you have an accountbility partner?

Keep focused!

www.my-calorie-counter.com/calorie_calculator.asp

 

Setback

Went to the physical therapist for my back. During the examination, she would ask me to do certain things. After I did it she would kind of giggle (under her breath). She did this many times! Finally the examination was over, and I was thinking, I had a nut case for a therapist and she finally says...."Well you are probably wondering why all the giggling." And I said, "Yes, I'm curious..." ~ Secretly wondering if I should run away!! She said, "Well, you are quite strong and you totally put me to shame." I told her of my exercise and activity level and she giggled again and said she wished that I worked for the company she works for because they are having a fitness challenge and she wanted me on her team. (Well she would not want me now....still having trouble walking and I'm not doing well with my own fitness challenge) But hey, I know, when I'm better, I will be right back at it. Anyway, it was an encouraging time talking with her. She gave me my stretch info and just a few restrictions in the gym. So I'm happy!

Went to the gym later that afternoon to work with my trainer. We were very happy to see each other! After some time, my trainer informed me that she's 12 weeks pregnant....with twins!! She is very excited, except one of her babies is not doing well. PLEASE PRAY FOR HIM ~ Baby B (She knows he's a boy!) I had a great workout with her. It was fun being back at the gym!

Today....my back REALLY hurts! Woke up in the night with pain. So frustrating! I feel like I went backwards a little. Anyway, I am going to do all I can to get this taken care of. Dang it, I want to beat Jessica in the Fitness Challenge. She's been kicking our butts for weeks!!!

That's it for now! Take care my Friends....Do all you know to do...Work your plan and stay focused!

Feeling like somethings happenin'

Today I feel like I have a fresh new start....

My 2 week vacation is over...

My gym's 2 week maintenance break is over...

I'm going to physical therapy for my back today...

I'm going to my trainer (It's been about a month!)...

I feel rested...

I have a plan for my food today...

I'm ready for success!!!

How about you...Are you ready?

Keep focused!

Pluggin Along!

Yesterday I had a fabulous day! I ended up not having the MRI's, as my insurance company did not get in the authorizations needed to get them done. Kind of glad because I had a wonderful stay at home day and got lots done. I'm kind of sad too because I would really like to know what's going on...I guess I will have to wait!

Fitness Challenge ~ ~ I am quite sure that Jessica will kick my butt this week.....

Workout Summary:

Sunday: Total 0 Minutes

Monday: Total 35 minutes ~ Treadmill

Tuesday: Total 30 minutes - Treadmill

Wednesday: Total 0 minutes

Thursday: Total 35 minutes

Friday: Total 0 minutes

Saturday: Total 0 minutes


Sunday: Total 0 minutes
Weekly Total:  1 Hr 40 minutes   (100 mins)


Work Out Reflection
Would you say there's room for improvement? I sure would!!!

Work Out Goals for This Week
My back was quite painful this week. Days where walking was difficult!! I am anxious to get past this pain! Physical therapy starts tomorrow and my gym will finally be open!! And I will get to see my trainer!! Can't wait!!! I know she will be gentle!! 


Really hope to improve my exercise this week!! Fortunately I will go back to my trainer 2 pounds less then the last time she saw me. Yeah!!!


Loretta from Loretta's Journey....wrote something...OK many things on my post, "All Around Me..." dated 9/5/11, (sorry I can't figure out how to link it) that I thought were amazing. I've reread her comment many times. But the one that stands out the most is..


Remember... the SuperHeroes of weight loss are simply farther down the road as some of us. So, don't compare yourself to them. When you get all your stuff worked out, and it "clicks", you'll be one, too! 


Oh I soooo want to be a Super Hero in weight loss....How about you?

Keep Focused!

Things on my mind...

Random thoughts for a Friday night.....

Yesterday I decided to wear my dress pants. I had not worn them since last spring. It's been nothin' but skirts, dresses, capri's and shorts for me this summer, but as fall is creeping in, I decided I needed a change. As I was digging through my closet I found 2 black pairs of pants. I checked out the tags and I picked the pair I thought I should wear. I tried the pants on, got them up...almost buttoned, but they did not fit....OH NO!!! Then I tried on the other pair...they fit, but were quite loose!! I was a little perplexed and could not figure out what was going on...Then I realized the pair that fit and are too loose are my pants. They are size 16. The other pair that did not fit, are my daughters, they are size 13. What's so exciting is, I'm already thinking I should be in size 13 ~ they were my first choice!!! I thought I was already there. The neat thing is....I'm close!!! YEAH!!

Today I'm feeling more in control and a lot better. I've lost all of the weight I gained on my vacation and then some. My body is feeling so much better, I don't feel like a stuffed sausage anymore. Whew, that was miserable! Calories are right where they should be. Exercise is not so good yet, as my back is still hurting. I had a great day yesterday and I think I over did it. Today it was really painful!

Tomorrow I go to the hospital for tests. I've had some issues with my ears and I was diagnosed with vertigo a while back. I also have some tingling and pressure above my right eye....So I get to go for 2 MRI's tomorrow. Woo hoo for me....They are doing one MRI on my ears and one on my facial nerves. I had no idea you could have 2 MRI's in one day. It's going to take over 3 hours. Pray for me!

Fall is here in Oregon. The weather is cool, the skies are cloudy and the trees are turning colors. I did not think I would be ready for this season change, as we've barely had a summer. But I have to say, that I am quite excited for fall...It's my favorite time of year! I love the smells, cozy fires, pumpkin patches, pumpkins, scarecrows, candles, fall decorations, pumpkin bread ~ did I just say that? Anyway, I love it!

This malware thing is getting on my nerves. I've had to delete a couple of people from my blog, as I kept getting the warning message. Please don't be offended!! If you get the issue taken care of, let me know and I will add you back. Sorry it's a pain!!

Today I went to two stores. At each one, I saw 3-4 people in wheelchairs. I mean really big people. It was sooooo sad to see them, trapped in a chair, unable to maneuver in the aisles. I saw this one lady, kind of get trapped in the check out line, between her wheelchair and a cart. How frightening is that to be trapped? I so prayed for their health to be restored! That is no way to live for sure!

Take care my Friends...Keep fighting the good fight...Don't quit!! 

Stay focused!

Spreading the Love!!!

So excited to receive this blog award from my friend and Fitness Challenge buddy Jessica at See How She Runs. She gave me the Liebster Blog Award. Jessica is awesome ~ be sure to follow her blog!!!  "Liebster" means "favorite" or "love" in German and can be presented to bloggers you love that have under 200 followers.

I am super excited to pass this award on to....


Sarah @ Fat Little Legs - She is pregnant and getting ready to have her 2nd child. She has had an extremely difficult pregnancy, but has come through this experience amazingly! I think of her daily and when I'm struggling, I think of her and say, "If Sarah can do what she's doing, then I can do this!!!" Also prior to her pregnancy she lost over 100 pounds. This Sister gets things done!! She truly is an inspiration to me!! Good luck my Friend, I'm praying for you and your precious little one!!!


Lori at My Journey through the Deepest, Darkest Weight Loss - This Sister is a fighter!!! She's lost over 80 pounds and is almost to her goal!!! I love her because she is a faithful Friend and encouraging!! She is someone who will reach her goals! She's got what it takes!


Michele at Ruminations and Uncovering: Toward a New ME! ~ I love this Sister!!! She is inspiring. She does not let ANYTHING get her down. She faces her fears daily and pushes through all obstacles. I like that she's not afraid to try new things. She's inspiring!!


Margene at Believing it's Possible ~ This Sister gets things done!!! She has lost over 100 pounds and looks great. I know it because I've met her. She's my Oregon buddy!! I was privileged enough to be able to run two 5k's with her, her family and friends. We had a blast. I might add, that she totally kicked my butt both times, but that's OK, she deserves to win....because she is a WINNER!! She has since moved to Utah....I miss you my Friend!


Sharon at Gains and Losses: Life through Sharon's Eyes ~ Sharon is a Sister who is very creative. Her writing style and pictures are amazing. I think she should write for travel magazines ~ She's that good! I also love that when she writes, she gets to the bottom of things and really touches my heart. She is inspiring!!! Also, she's near her goal weight and is looking good!!!!


Sam at Believe In Yourself ~ I love this Sister! She is a sweet and kind...but also a fighter! She is very supportive to me and I value her friendship so much! This girl is going to reach her goals. She's got what it takes!!!


Kimberlynn at Minding My Weigh ~ My dear Sister has not posted in over a month and I'm worried for her. She is such an amazing woman! She's intelligent, funny, inspiring and just a really nice person! IF YOU WOULD SPREAD THE LOVE AND VISIT HER, I WOULD BE MOST GRATEFUL! She's just amazing and I would love to see her back! Love YOU my Friend!!!!


Other bloggers I love....but they have over 200 followers... 


Chris at A Deliberate Life ~ She is another Sister who sets me straight! If I get off track and flounder, she's the one I ask to kick me in the hiney to get me on the straight and narrow. She's lost over 100 pounds and is now learning how to maintain her weight. She's doing awesome and is very thoughtful and inspiring!! 



Kristin at Bringing Pretty Back ~ I love Kristin!! This Sister looks at things in a beautiful way. She's very talented, funny, and inspirational. She has helped me learn to see myself as pretty and inspires me to make my surroundings pretty. Plus she's beautiful herself ~ Inside and Out!! 


Mary G at A Small Loss ~ I love Mary because she is faithful - She's there for me! I also love that she's a risk taker....she just moved across the country for work! This girl has tenacity and is also a big loser. She's lost over 146 pounds and looks great! She is a Sister that will go far in life. She's got what it takes!!!!


Sue at  Mrs. Fatass - This Sister cracks me up!! I love her sense of humor. Plus she's going to be a Super Star...I just know it!! She's so real, I feel like I've known her for years!! 


I would love to give everyone this award!!! Take it and spread the love!!

Love you~

KEEP FOCUSED!!!!!

Just Realized Something....

I am not in the greatest place right now...Still struggling with my back (can't get into Physical Therapy until next week - Frustrating), I have not seen my trainer for 3 weeks (I've been on vacation) and my gym is closed until Monday, September 19th (Should not be an excuse....as I have a home gym).

None the less - yes all of this is happening, but I've chosen to go back to my old ways. I have slipped in the past 3 weeks before my vacation. Week one of my vacation, I did great!!! The second week I held my own pretty well, only added a bite here and a taste there. This week....I'm back to January 1, 2010!!!!!!!! Fat, sluggish, stupid old woman!

The past 2 days my calorie intake has been 2000 and I've been barely able to move. Today...I feel like a stuffed sausage....wanting to and sometimes...I've even stuffed my face with something.

Let me remind you of how this disgusting behavior feels.....

• I'm hot and sweaty....can't get relief!
• My tongue is fat and lazy and all the little bumps are standing up. It feels like a cats tongue - gross!!
• My back hurts, so I'm walking hunched over....I look like a fat old woman!
• My feet, legs and hands are bloated....
• Oh and my stomach is bloated. I can't even hold it in, it's too heavy!!
• I have acne again!
• I am sleeping well, probably because I'm in a food coma!
• My energy level is super low!!
• My thinking is sharp and then sluggish many times during the day....
• Right now I could use a nap!

SUCKS!!!

I want to get back to feeling....

• Energetic
• Sexy
• Mysterious...there's just something mysterious about a person who takes care of themselves....Don't you think?
• Want to feel good in my clothes....I have no fall clothes in my closet. None!! I would love to go shopping, but I can't do it feeling this way....
• Need the swelling to go down so my shoes won't be so tight and I can get my rings off.
• I want to be able to get back into the gym and reach my fitness goals!
• I want to get my calories down to 1600!!
• I want to drink my water!!
• I want to reach my goals!!!

There.....I feel better and dang it, I'm fighting back!!

ARE YOU WITH ME?

Keep focused!!