Why oh why must mother nature come along and play with my heart!?

So this has been a VERY uneventful week for me as far as the scale goes. I had a kick ass month last month and I was stoked! I've been exercising (although I did skip Tuesday this week, I know, I know) and I've been exercising twice a day some days yet the scale says, "Woman this time of the month you shouldn't even be stepping on here!" We weigh in every monday at work to see the progress and well this monday i was up 2 pounds from Friday. It's very discouraging especially since I've been staying away from all proccessed foods, breads, pastas, candies, sweets. I've been so good!! I know the scale will show it in a week but I'm just frustrated now. Rant over!

So let's dive into this week's workout's:
Monday - 1.40 miles on the treadmill at 3.0 and 4.0 incline at lunch
Tuesday - SLACKER!!
Wednesday - 1.50 miles on the treadmill at 3.2 and 4.0 incline at lunch, 2 miles of a walk/run at night with the family and kettlebell
Thursday - 1.30 miles on the treadmill at 3.3 and 4.0 incline at lunch, I also did 2 miles on the treadmill at 3.3 and 4.0 at night.
Friday - (Planning on a walk/run with the family around the neighborhood)
Saturday - (Planning on a walk/run with the family around the neighborhood)

So far I've walked 8.2 miles this week and the scale has gone UP! BOO!!!
I will not weigh in again until I'm "back to normal".

Now on to some awesome recipes I made this week:

Paleo Banana Tapioca Crepes:

Ingredients

•  7 large eggs
• 5 large, ripe bananas
• 1 (403 mL) can of full fat coconut milk
• 1 tsp salt
• 2-1/4 cups tapioca flour (about 10 oz)

Instructions

1. Mix and mash all ingredients together to make a pretty soupy batter (a hand held mixer works well).
2. Meanwhile, heat a large, non-stick pan over medium low heat.
3. When the pan is hot, cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of batter (about 1 cup or so).
4. Flip when bottom is golden brown. Cook until both sides are lightly browned.
5. These crepes are great plain, or use them to wrap meat and veggies.

If anyone is interested in trying some paleo recipes these are, by far, my favorite breakfast recipe! They taste just like banana pancakes. We had coconut shrimp again for dinner on Monday. Tuesday was meatloaf made with 97% lean ground beef and a little fresh cut up tomatoes, some almond flour, seasonings and it came out awesome!! Wednesady was cornish hens with roasted asparagus and it was awesome!! Thursday my inlaws are making dinner but they eat pretty much as healthy as we do so no worries of eating badly tonight. Friday my hubby has a soccer game at night so I'm cooking some dippy eggs! :)

Well I was hoping to be able to do the glow run this Saturday with my girls but I have no one to watch the kids so I'm not going to be able to do it. I'm dissappointed but since I  know the girls will be able to do the Christmas in the Oaks walk I'm signing up for that next weekend. That will be my first walk! FINALLY!
I had sushi last night and I actually ate raw tuna, raw salmon and seared scallops all without rice and I LOVED it! I'm so excited I ventured out and tried something new.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and that hopefully next week I can actually report a weight LOSS! :)

"I feel like I know you."

No, no you don't.  I had a run in with a bat shit crazy client this week.  After listening to her ramble for about ten minutes, she proceeds to tell me how she feels like she knows me.  During another call, she wants the spelling of my last name.  Not a chance.  During her office visit, she wanted to know where I live.  Now, I was tempted to giver her Shannon's address, but I just said "across the river" and walked out.  CREEPER!  She reminded me of Jim Carey in The Cable Guy.  I think I need to hire some private detail for a while. 

I have been doing ok on my walking.  I developed a huge, painful blister on my heel from a certain pair of shoes.  This shit looks like a water balloon!  I'm trying to let it heel on its own, but I have the Glow 5K on Saturday and need it to hurry the hell up. 

Walking on my lunch breaks has been going fairly well.  I have been sticking to the parking garage.  I kind of like this better.  I still get out, and I get in about 2-2.5 miles in 40 minutes.  I know the time is not as fast as everyone else, but it doesn't bother me.  I'm looking more for the distance walked than anything.  Also, I have to walk up 7 floors of an incline.  I can really feel that in my legs. 

Food intake has been going well also.  I was able to pass on quite a few things that I normally would run to.  Now, I have yet to have bread pudding or flan cross my path, so I don't really know how I'd make out with those.  Chances are, I'd splurge and have one helping.  I know that I will eat that shit again in my life time.  I just need to learn that ONE serving is all I need.  And, if I want to have that as a desert, maybe skip on an appetizer and make a better meal choice.  Thanksgiving will be a real test.  I plan on drinking a TON of water throughout the day to help keep me full.  I also keep reminding myself that I can make a to-go plate and have some later or the next day.  I don't have to have some of everything now.  I can taste some now, and the rest at a later time.  It's all about re-training the brain!

I wish I had the extra money to invest in protein shakes.  I would like to use them for breakfast and lunch and then have a normal dinner.  They just cost a fortune and we are on a TIGHT budget.

A side note, I now have health insurance!  Yay me!  I have been without since the end of February.  All regular insurance companies denied coverage due to my medical condition.  Well, up yours BCBS and Coventry and everyone else!  I don't even remember how I found out about them, but I am now insured through PCI Plan.  Great benefit coverage and affordable premiums.  Now I can start going to the doctors on a regular basis if need be.

The Glow 5K I signed up for is this weekend.  It is going to be my first race!  I'm excited.  I'm not nervous at all.  It's only about 3 miles.  I will be doing it with friends.  I just hope this stupid blister cooperates. 

November 14th is this coming Wednesday.  That means I'll have results from my weigh-in and measurements with Shannon.  I really hope SOMETHING went down the number scale.  I'll fill you in next week!

Be Stronger Than Your Excuses

But it’s just one cookie! That turns into 5.

But it’s just one day! That turns into a week.

But it’s just one piece of pizza! That turns into half a pizza.

No more. No more excuses. I know how to do this, I have the want, I have the motivation, and so what the hell is my problem?!?! One of my problems is that for once in my life I have a person that stands beside me that loves me big or small and that in its self is a blessing and a curse. That alone can make one comfortable enough to sit back and have that extra bag of popcorn or a coke, whatever.

I know what I want and I know that I don’t have to eat salad every day to get it. I don’t need to kill myself working out every day to get the job done. I do however, need to recommit. I need to accomplish my goals.

I never in a million years would have thought that this is what my life would have become (meaning physically only). I wish that I knew then what I know now. But I didn’t and I need to get over that.

Anyhow! On a lighter note (no pun intended) the hubs and I started juicing with our new #MagicBulletJuicer and it’s just a little piece of wonderful. So far the recipe’s that we have tried are:

1 red apple

1 green apple

½ cup of grapes

(Husband’s favorite so far)

1 red apple

1 green apple

½ cup of strawberries

(My personal favorite so far)

1 carrot

1 large tomato

1 celery stalk

1 small lemon

1 hand full of spinach

(Organic V8!)

So, so far so good. They make for a good breakfast or dinner (when you don’t want something heavy) and keeps you surprisingly full. UNLESS you freaking spill it in the car, then it sucks pretty bad. I’m sure my car will smell FRESH this afternoon. I guess I need to get a cup with a lid and straw because driving while sitting on a towel that’s covered with a plastic table cloth is slightly GHETTO!!!

In the Workout World things haven’t been so bright and shiny for a second week in a row although my contract with Snap Fitness started up again on the first.

11/5

1.71 miles

Leg machines

Abs machine

Total Miles: 1.71! *that’s less than Nicole’s so I guess I get the slacker award!

I don’t want the slacker award anymore! Back to snap tonight! I have my mind made up that I’m going to do this and regardless of today’s veggie debacle I WILL have a good day! Week! YEAR!!! And I hope you do too!

Breaking Point...

Has a whole week really passed??? Sadly, I have little to show for it...Time to FESS UP!  I have been a total slacker lately and its just been getting worst as the days go by.  I thought last week was bad only getting it in 4 out of 7 days...Yeah well this week Tops the Slacker Charts!!!! Here we go; Monday-Nada, Tuesday-Treadmill 2.04 miles/21:44 (and I sooo didn't want to do it!), Wed-Sunday-Nada. YUP that's right, I got in a WHOOPING 2 miles last week! Took me longer to type it than to do it :( and along w that..I ate everything in sight! HORRIFIC!!! Last week I was 174 (which is on the high side for me the last few months). This week, Monday I weighed in @ 179!!!!!!! 

I've officially hit my breaking point..Ive decided Ive had enough! I do not want to see the 180s again (if not already too late). I can just feel myself slowing slipping back...JUST LIKE I ALWAYS HAVE DONE IN THE PAST! We all know its not easy loosing the weight by any means but that's never the hard part for me. I can start a routine and follow through with it, seeing the great results keeps me motivated and I  loose a ton of weight.  But for me,  its keeping it off and continuing to see improvements over the loooong haul, that I struggle with. I know its because I get in that phase of being "comfortable" w myself.  I feel good, way better than I have in years. I can breathe.  I can walk/run with out getting winded. Everyday life  is just easier.  I like shopping and getting dressed to go places. Ive realized, Im getting too comfortable!  Im eating bad on the regular day after day, working out less and less. It needs to stop!

My fear is that with the  holidays right around the corner if I don't re-gain control now I will sink in over my head and be right bk in the 200's before you know it! Holidays come with a lot of down time, shopping, spending time w the family, celebrating and over eating/drinking on many occasions...and Im not giving that up.  I want to be able to enjoy myself with out the guilt, that by doing so it means Im giving up my golden ticket to ONEderland!  
HELL NO...IVE COME TOO FAR...THAT TICKET IS MINE!

All I can do is set some new goals and follow through with them, So here goes.
This week I will run Monday-Thursday & Saturday. Sunday-Will be lagniappe.  

I have TWO races this weekend, both on Saturday! I am SUPER excited about both. So, I need a rest day on Friday. 

Saturday morning, I am signed up for the Fall CCC and will be running it with Chad, our first race together. :) Goal: Beat my previous 5k race time (Spartyka Wounded Warrior 5k: 3.1/33:58). 

Saturday evening, I will be walking the Glow Run 5k with a bunch of great friends! (Courtney, Amanda (& Tony?), Angela, Shannon & Tyler (Stephanie & Jackie hopefully?)  
Goal: Act a fool, Have lots of fun & G L O W! :)


Pics & Race updates to come next week.  Good luck meeting your goals! 

 

I Only Get Better With Time

Good Monday Morning Everyone!  I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!  My weekend was filled with too much food and too much sinus pressure! 

So let's get right into it:

Activity Since Last Week's Post:

Monday

3.32 mile walk @ lunch (5 laps)

2.52 mile walk @ home

3.14 mile bike ride @ home

Tuesday

1.44 mile walk @ lunch - Sinus headache...left work early

3.50 mile bike ride @ home - Sinus headache, family dinner, too late to walk by myself

Wednesday

3.51 mile walk @ lunch (5 laps)

Halloween trick-or-treating

Thursday

1.00 mile walk @ lunch - Walked to lunch and back from lunch (celebrated b-day)

1.50 mile walk @ home

Friday

30th Birthday - Not a thing!

Saturday
5 mile bike ride
Joined local health club and swam laps for 45 minutes

Sunday
Walked the Twin Canals Trail - 1.2 miles
Walked the Ring Levee Trail - 1.2 miles

THAT'S A GRAND TOTAL OF 27.33 EXERCISE MILES FOR THE WEEK!
*(This does not include the pool laps b/c I have no idea how far I went or how many laps I did in 45 minutes)

I'm proud of the exercise I DID get in because this was a crazy week with birthday stuff, a day off, and family stuff.  It's safe to say that I DID NOT meet the goals that I set for myself this past week, but the fact that I did 27 miles with all the extra activities I had going on, I am proud of that. It's time to get back on it and get back to doing the damn thing for this coming week!  So here we go:

Goals for this coming week:

1. Workout at the gym every day this work week (bonus if I get a workout in at the gym on the weekend)
2. Walk around the Superdome at least 3 days this week
3. Ride my bike at least 3 nights this week
4. Vote!!!

New Developments

1.  The health insurance at my work is doing a research program on obesity.  They were asking for participants to apply for the program to be part of the study.  I signed up a year ago and never heard back, until last Tuesday.  The program had two options:  The first was surgical weightloss.  The second was intensive medical intervention.  The surgical weightloss speaks for itself.  The intensive medical intervention was the option I signed up for.  This option involves a 16 week diet consisting of protein shakes that are provided by the medical research facility.  During the 16 weeks, veggies and fruits are introduced to your diet.  After the 16 weeks, you are back on solid foods.  Every 2 weeks during the 16 week program you have to visit with the medical staff for a checkup.  After the 16 week program, you enter into group sessions where you are guided by dietitians and doctors to reteach you about food, exercise, reading food labels, learning what is right for your body, etc. 

The entire program kicks off with a complete physical.  My physical is in January.  I am looking forward to getting started.  This is not a green light to eat however I want and not exercise until January when the program starts.  This is a huge motivator for me.  I'm looking at is like this....if I stick to my current exercise and eating plan, come January, I'll be X amount of pounds down and will have that much less to lose on the program! 

I will keep everyone updated!  For now, I am waiting on a call back at the beginning of January to schedule my screening for the middle to end of January. 

I struggle with the notion that I am taking the easy way out.  Plenty of people use diet and exercise to achieve their desired results.  There's no secret that I'm a food addict, and having a dietitian/nutritionist and therapist guiding me is a blessing!  There's also no secret that diabetes and heart disease run in my family either.  I've struggled with being overweight for 30 years and I'm at the point where I'm ready to shed the pounds and move forward.  My main focus is having a baby and if this program puts me closer to dropping this weight and getting healthy so that I can go into a pregnancy healthy, then I'm all for it.  I've gotten a lot of encouragement from friends and family, and some discouragement as well.  Going 16 weeks on protein shakes, fruits, and veggies won't be a cake walk, but all the additional benefits (therapists, dietitian/nutritionist, doctors, and nurses) I think I'll be better for it in the long run. 

2.  I joined a local health club since my membership contract at Anytime Fitness was coming to an end.  I had the option to continue with that membership on a month-to-month basis, but I really wanted to take advantage of the features that were available at the athletic club close to my house.  Plus, I got in under the "student" discounted membership because I have my Tulane school i.d.    The place is AWESOME!  First off, it's HUGE.  As soon as you walk in the door there's a smoothie/cafe that serves all kinds of stuff, including Starbucks coffee.  This could be dangerous for me and counterproductive.  They had a feature that allowed me to scan my access card in order to pay for drinks, products, etc., rather than have cash or debit on hand.  I QUICKLY opted to NOT allow my access card to purchase items.  I also don't bring my wallet with me in the gym, so I don't see this as a problem!  They offer childcare for those with kiddies.  There's a regulation sized indoor saltwater swimming pool with lanes for swimming laps.  There's a massive women's locker room complete with a 12 person jacuzzi tub, sauna, 6 showers, tons of nice wooden lockers, a sitting/t.v. area, and access directly to the pool.  Downstairs there are 2 racquetball courts, a ping pong table, and a women's only exercise room that is massive.  There are 3 separate classrooms, each devoted to a different exercise; one is for yoga and Pilate's, one is for cycling, and the other is for Zumba/aerobic type exercises.  All the classes are free and come with the membership.  Upstairs there's a basketball court, a massive fitness area where the free-hand weights/co-ed machines/cardio machines are located.  There are treadmills, stair climbers, rowing machines, and ellipticals.  I've always wanted to use a rowing machine but was never able to because no place I knew of had those machines.   

I went for my first workout on Saturday after my bike ride and I opted to do laps in the pool.  I didn't count my laps.  I left the locker room at 9:22 and left the gym at 10:30.  I swam laps for 45 minutes and then went to the jacuzzi tub for about 5 minutes.  Loved it.  Part of my membership includes two one-hour sessions with a personal trainer.  I plan to take advantage of that in the near future.

VOTE on TUESDAY!

Last, but not least, I'm 30!!!  I summed it up pretty good on my FB page:

Today I left behind my twenties and embraced thirty. I am excited about my thirties and look forward to all the memories that I'll make along the way. My twenties were amazing to me: I bought a house, got married, became a college graduate, and started working at the Supreme Court. I met a lot of awesome people that I now call friends. I learned a lot of lessons and discovered a lot about myself that it took being in my twenties to discover. Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes; they made an exciting day just that much more special. 

Here's to being 30...like a fine wine, I only get better with time!
Cheers!

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!

Good Friday morning!!

This week has been an awesome week because on Wednesday I won $20.00 for winning the Biggest Loser contest at work!! I lost 5.36% of my weight  for the month of October and I'm stoked!!

I weighed in this morning at 263.00 so just 3 more pounds and I'll be done with the 260's!! Whoo hoo!!

As far as workouts this week, I went to the gym Monday thru Thursday and I'll be back today. I didn't do my kettlebell at all this week so I was slacking...I will have to do better with that next week.

I was able to stay away from prossessed food all week and I find it's getting easier and easier because once I quit eating it I find I don't even crave it. So...I attempted to make pumpkin muffins on Sunday with coconut flour and I totally left out the coconut oil. Have you ever tried to eat a muffin made with NO oil? HORRIBLE!! So for next week I'm going to attempt banana tapioca crepes. I'm going to actually follow the recipe this time so wish me luck.

My goal for next week will be to workout 5 days a week at the gym and to try a little harder to get my kettlebell done in the evenings. I seem to make up too many excuses at night as to why I don't have time.

Today is Shannon's birthday so lets all wish her a VERY happy birthday!!!!

I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!!

I don't know what, but that's going to do something to your body.

Well, I sure as hell hope it does!  I'm not expecting a drastic change on the 14th when I weigh in and take my measurements, but I sure hope that this walking will have had some sort of positive impact.  I have been doing really well with walking.  I walk at least 2 miles at least 3 days a week.  That's far more than I have done before.  It makes it easy to just get up at lunch and go walk around the neighborhood, or even just in the parking garage.  (It was WAY too windy for me one day, so I just walked from level 1 to level 7 and back down to level 1.)  I think I am going to throw in a yoda dvd into the mix.  I want to make sure that my muscles (ok, more like the remains of muscles that I once had) get toned and maybe this combo of walking and toning will help my skin to keep up with the rest of me?  We'll see.  Besides, flexibility can be fun.  lol
Over the weekend, I went to Fountainbleau with the girls for the Halloween thing.  We probably did about a mile of walking.  I also got to work out my arms.  I got to hold Stephanie's youngest baby for a while.  I'd switch him from hip to hip.  He seems to prefer to be on the left.  Every time I moved him to my right, he'd ask to go to "the other side" after a few minutes.  Oh, too cute and have to share, after we went through a little haunted house, he tells me, "Run away!  Run away!"  lol  He's so cute. 
Ok, so I was just reading over what I had typed already and noticed that I typed that I plan on doing "yoda" dvd's.  Allow me to clarify - by "yoda", I mean "yoga".  lol  It was too funny to delete.  I had to leave it.
Nothing spectacular happened this week.  Sure as hell didn't win the lottery.  If I had, my ass would have already scouted out a trainer and dietitian.  Damn the man!  At least no one else won either!