Week 9 weigh-in - Final results

March 23:
Weight: 207
Weight Lose = -7 pounds
Total weight loss = 37.6 pounds
BMI – 35.7
Body Fat % - 36.9%
Total body fat lost = 7.9%

Starting/Janurary 20:
Weight: 245.4
BMI: 42.1
Body Fat %: 44.8%


Target body fat – 27%
Target/Predicted weight – 179.8 lbs
***I didn’t get a chance to get my measurements this week after my weigh-in or take a picture, so I will post those in the next post tonight or tomorrow.***

For those of you who are not on facebook, I did not win the biggest loser contest. Originally after my weigh-in I became so excited for my results that I felt like I had already won the contest. I was in 2nd place, and due to win the second prize. As long as no one came in and took out the person ahead of me, I’d be the 2nd winner. Then, at noon I was informed that this is exactly what happened. Someone weighed in and had a higher weight loss percentage then the person ahead of me, taking me out of second place and into third. I was devastated. All the excitement I had for my results, for my hard work, just flew out the door. It was never conceived in my mind that I wasn’t going to win. I had worked so hard for the past 9 weeks, and felt like I had made a huge effort to make sure I was going to win. But, two people did better then me. I couldn’t even comprehend how to react. It was a complete loss of something important to me, and I went through all the stages of grief. I am still grieving, and lost a huge part of my confidence in myself due to this. It is no one’s fault, and I have to be okay with that fact that I didn’t finish first. I have to appreciate the work I put in, and see it for what it truly is - a success.

About 12 weeks ago is when I decided I was going to do this contest. I felt completely led by the Holy Spirit, that this weigh loss journey was not over and I had to complete something before going onto another path in my life. I kept feeling like this is what God wanted me to do, that I was to win the contest and have confidence in myself and my abilities. I knew the 50 pound weigh loss goal was an unattainable goal, but again it wasn’t just pulled out of thin air, it was from God. I began to read scripture on how my body was a temple and I had to treat it that way, and how anything I did I did for the greater glory of God. All of these messages came to me and made me see myself as someone who was going to take on this contest full force. Along the way I struggled, just like any journey, and so many people came alongside me to encourage me and lift me up to keep reaching for my goals. I slowly saw the ability I had to do the same for those in the contest who were struggling much more then I, those who were just beginning their weight loss journey. I ran next to them, told them my story, and gave them tips. I never once told someone they couldn’t do it, I just always made them see their abilities. By week 8 of the contest I had a support group of people who cheered me on, ran with me, encouraged me, and became closer in friendships then I had ever expected in such a short time. I ran a 5K, I worked out with professional athletes and trainers, and I did it all without stopping; complaining; or just not being able to do it. So, once the anger and sadness lessened from my loss, I realized something very important that God was really trying to teach me. I wasn’t in this contest to win; I was in this contest to help others and to find connections with people who needed my guidance and encouragement. I was guided into this contest not to win, but to lose and to see that I can make an effort so strong that other people will follow my lead. That this is how I should lead my life in all that I do, not just in my exercise and weight loss, but in my spiritual life; my family life; and everything that surrounds me.

I am not at a stage in my grief yet that I am content with my loss. Contentment will come, when I meet my own goals, but I am at a stage to see that I am a part of the win. That without me there, the winners might not have done as well. They might have still won, but maybe without such an effort. Maybe they wouldn’t be as please with how hard they worked, but with me there I set a fire under them and lead them to know they can push themselves into new directions in life and it will be rewarding.

So, where do I go from here? I cried about that too. I wasn’t sure at first; I didn’t know how to keep going without the prize and victory I had expected to follow me through the rest of this. But, the real prize came to me in forgiveness and love. These two things brought on such a huge emotional moment for me, that I realized that I can forgive myself and others and love all the hard work I have done without any conditions put on it. I can do this for myself and bring along those I love with me to make this journey even more rewarding. The real prize is at the end; this finish line, not in the middle. I am not done!

Goals:
I have so much more work to do, why would I think this what the end of the line? I have lose skin problems and I am not even at my goal weight. So, to the gym I go to keep on the path of making my body a temple. I posted at the top what my predicted weight would be if I hit my target BMI, giving me 28 pounds to lose still. That’s a good starting point for me I think. Let’s get to the healthy stage of this, and then keep going! I will work to lose 30 pounds (let’s just make it an even number) in 12 weeks or by my birthday (June 15th). This is 2.5 pounds a week, nothing I can’t accomplish already, right? I will NOT be going to the gym 4 hours a day for 6 days a week. Some days are going to be harder workouts then others, and I’m going to allow life to be in charge of what days those are. I might have to take a night off for family or allow myself some more rest. I’m not going to go at warp-speed this time, but I will continue to go just above the speed limit and find my own victory.

Goal Accomplished!

One day I put down on a list of things I wanted to accomplish this year that I wanted to run a 5K race, but it never occurred to me that I’d be able to do it like any other athlete could. I’ve never seen myself as an athlete, or sporty person, or even in shape. But, the last few weeks things have changed. My mind and body have gone through a transformation into this person who can put her mind to something and just do it (thank you Nike for that). And that is exactly what I did! I ran the 5K, faster then I have ever done it before, and without ever stopping to get a breath, some water, or to “tie my shoe”. I had no excuses to stop, I just kept going.

Last month I was encouraged by several friends, but one in particular to run the Shamrock run, and knowing that I was in the best shape of my life I thought about it, but was sitting on the fence. A few days later, my friend came up to me and said, “I’ll change my race to the 5K and run with you if you sign up.” Wow, that’s pretty powerful encouragement! How could I say no to that? So, there I was on the last day to sign up putting my name down as going to be running (rain, snow, or shine) in the 5K race.

About a month later I get my super cool green Adidas shirt and all the race accessories, and it all becomes a reality. I began to run outside a few times, and realize that “Hey, I can do that!” and then just days before the race I am finally able to just run a mile without stopping for anything. I’ve been pushed to become an athlete I realize, and that I am capable of running and that I am no longer the out of shape fat girl! It stirs so many emotions for me that I can’t help but cry off and on about it, but in the end I realize that I could never have changed that self image of myself without prayer and encouragement! God has blessed me with some amazing people in this journey.

The day of the race we get to the park and of course it’s freezing outside! I’m so cold I just want to run as fast as I can to get somewhere warm. We watched the 15K and 8K start, and then shuffle into the enormous 11,000 plus crowd for the 5K. I had a group of people cheering me on, and two great people to run with (as well as the Zumba party in my ears to keep me going!) I hit mile 1 and realized I did it again, just ran and never stopped, so I knew I could make it to mile 2. About a block before mile 2 I almost stopped, but all I heard in my head was “If I stop, I won’t be able to go again” because I knew I’d lose the confidence in myself, not the ability. So, I slowed a bit and then just kept going. I even passed up the water station! A huge hill (to me at least) to climb came just before mile 3, and I began to think about the finish line and wanting to find my husband. I envisioned being able to just run into a huge bear hug at the finish line, so as soon as we were down the hill I picked up my pace! I started to see people on the sidewalks, and looked up, but I had such huge tunnel vision that I couldn’t even focus on anyone’s face. I just hoped that he would see me. We crossed the finish line in a huge crowd of people and my legs were shaking, but I had this feeling that I could have kept going further. I wasn’t able to get that huge bear hug until a long search for each other, but I had high fives and hugs with my friends! That evening I found my race time and knowing that I ran faster and longer I was excited to see how I did. I ran the 5K in 36:06 minutes!

Now in my head all I can think about is how 3 miles is nothing, I’m gonna have to go longer then this next time. Jon and I joke that we’re going to do the 15K next year, so we can hear our names announced, and yes I’m going to have Jon run with me soon! No way am I doing this without him anymore, and I’m for sure going to run with great friends too! I can’t say thank you enough to everyone around me these days, life is pretty hard overall, but when you surround yourself with the right people life’s challenges can be much easier.

Week 8 Weigh-In

Weight: 214
Weight Lose = -3 pounds
Total weight loss = 31.5 pounds

Bust: 42” – 42”
Chest: 38” – 38”
Waist: 38.5” – 36”
Hips: 45” – 44.5”
Total inches lost = 3 inches

This week has been incredible! The amount of support I have received from friends and family has been amazing, and made me feel like I was already a winner. Each day of the week had a surprise filled with love and support from everyone, and by the end of the week I had a surprise “healthy” dinner prepared by all these great ladies that support me. I worked my butt off in so many different ways, and changed so much of my workout up to make an impact on my body and metabolism. Today I ran 5K for the first time ever! I feel so accomplished and proud of my body’s abilities. I would never have imagined that I could just keep going, and never look back at what I use to think I couldn’t do. It’s amazing to see God working through me, and continuing to allow me to grow through such an amazing journey He has put me through.

Week 7 Weigh-in

Weight: 217
Weight Lose = - 1 pounds
Total weight loss = 28.5 pounds

Bust: 43.5” – 42”
Chest: 39” – 38”
Waist: 38” – 38.5”
Hips: 47” – 45”
Total inches lost = 4 inches

This past week has been hard emotionally. I never once felt worried about my goals, but waking up in the middle of the week with an awful head cold/sinus pressure really threw me for a loop. I also felt pulled in many directions away from my workouts on top of the sickness, making me feel the need to shorten the workout. On top of all this I used these excuses to have extra snacks, and forget about the calories. These are all excuses, and I know I am capable of doing better. I also know that my body and mind needed a week with such a small number.

I’m excited for this next week; my running has really improved in the past 2 weeks, giving me some great accomplishments on the treadmill and outside. I actually began running outside when the sun came out on Friday, and I am going to try for 3 times this week to get outside before Sunday, which is the big 5K Shamrock race!

Some small accomplishments and excitements include the way my clothes are fitting, everything feels baggy and too big; my wedding ring is too big to wear when I workout now; and I have up coffee for 3 days to see how I felt! I ended up getting a small coffee late on the 3rd day though, I was lagging big time! 2 weeks to go!

Slow as a snail, but strong as a nail

I haven't been feeling so great this week, and something has been telling me in the back of my head to slow it down a bit in the workout department. So, I changed some things up, but didn't go overboard with exercise this week. At this point the 10 pound weight loss goal is off the table, and I'm just wanting some (a 5 would be great!). But, slow and steady wins the race, right? Let's hope so...there's plenty of ladies at my heals and one ahead of me in this contest!

Training in Session!

I have to say that there is such a difference from working out by myself as compared to working with a trainer. For a long time I have felt that I was capable of doing most of the work on my own, but in the past few weeks have felt that I was lacking in ways to challenge my body in ways I had not before. With the help of an amazing friend I was able to workout with a trainer today and the workout was brutal and challenging. With a mix between a cross-fit circuit and some great weight lifting sets I had 2 hours of serious calorie burning and muscle building.

My hope for the next 3 weeks is to be able to workout with this trainer 1-2 times a week and especially the evening before or day of my final weigh-in of the Biggest Loser contest! The workout was challenging, but at the same time I was capable. I felt amazing being told by a professional that I’m in great shape and needed to be pushed even more then this. I have an ability to be a great athlete for myself, and it feels amazing to know that I am so close to such a huge goal. My muscles are sore and tight tonight, but nothing a good stretch and some ice won’t fix. I have no problem pushing myself to this level of intensity, and am glad to have such an amazing opportunity to do so.

Goal for the week: I’m going to put this out here for all of you to know – 10 pound weight loss this week! I’m going for a huge number, and even if it’s an 8 or a 6, I know that if I push for that 10 I will succeed in any way possible. Bring on the pain!

Week 6 Weigh-in

Weight: 218
Weight Lose = - 5 pounds
Total weight loss = 27.5 pounds

Bust: 43.5” – 43.5”
Chest: 39” – 39”
Waist: 39” – 38”
Hips: 47” – 47”
Total inches lost = 1” inch

I hit another huge jump this week with 5 pounds, and I’m feeling strong and dedicated to my journey now. I have so much support flowing in at me that I am overwhelmed with appreciation and love for everyone. God has sent me some amazing people into this journey to lift me up and bring me to the end of this amazing journey I have been on. I am so blessed and thankful, and will continue on strong through this because of Him and these amazing friends!

Weigh-In (Finally)

Weight: 223
Weight Lose = 5 pounds
Total weight loss = 22.5 pounds

Bust: 43.5” – 43.5”
Chest: 39” – 39”
Waist: 39.5” – 39”
Hips: 48.5” – 47”
Total inches lost = 2” inches

I have so much to share that I can’t possibly bring it all into one complete thought at the time of night and in such a hustle to get this post shared with everyone. So, I’m excited for the 5, not as much as I could be for 6.5, but it’s a great loss and it’s going well! I have lots to share, and hopefully will get some great tips and stories posted for you all to read soon.

I conquered the Jacob’s Ladder this past week, and this is the picture I have to share today!

Fear of the machine

This week I've been eying the dreaded Jacobs ladder, and realizing that I need to get on there and conquer my fear of the machine. Here's a post over a year ago about using the Jacobs Ladder for the first time - Click here (Side note: look at how much my body has changed since then! So exciting!)

I find that when I add a new machine/exercise to my routine I get more excited about it and get more results from my hard work. So, here's to trying new things and working hard and having dedication to a challenge!

Revised Workout Schedule

I’ve got an altered schedule going on, so I’d thought I’d share with you all what’s been going on at the gym. And, if anyone wants to join me I’m more then open to have someone keeping me accountable! My hours in the gym sometimes get less because of transition times and checking in with other people around the gym. It's safe to say, by adding in the extra 30 minutes on some days I'm actually getting 4 hours of real exercise.

Sunday:
7:00-8:00 am: Gym workout/Treadmill
9:00-1:00 pm: Church
2:00-4:00 pm: Grocery Shopping/Workout: Circuits
6:00-8:00: Church Units bible study

Total workout time = 3

Monday:
5:30 -7:30: Wake-up/Coupons & House Work
8:00- 11:00: Julia up - Preschool & 9:30 - 10:30 Gym Workout
11:30-12:15: Gym – Calisthenics
5:30-8:30pm: Biggest Loser Class; Pump & Zumba, stretching & Sit-ups

Total number of hours = 4.5 hours

Tuesday:
5:30 -7:30: Wake-up/Coupons & House Work
9:30 - 11:30: 30 min Treadmill & Body Pump
5:30 – 8:00: Biggest Loser Class/Stretch & sit-ups/Body Combat

Total number of hours = 4.5

Wednesday:
5:30 -7:30: Wake-up/Coupons & House Work
8:00- 11:00: Julia up - Preschool & Housework
1:20: Pick-up Ashleigh to babysit Julia!
2:00- 3:30: Gym: Treadmill & Circuit
5:30 -8:30pm: Biggest Loser Class/Pump/Zumba/Stretching & Calisthenics

Total number of hours = 4.5 hours

Thursday: Last Chance workout!
5:30 -7:30: Wake-up/Coupons & House Work
10:30-11:30: Story Time @ Library
11:30-12:30: gym/Treadmill
5:30 - 8:30: Biggest Loser Class/Spinning Class/Yoga and/or ½ Combat &Treadmill

Total number of hours = 4

Friday: Jon’s day off!
8:00-11:00 am: Gym workout/Treadmill 9:00 - Yoga Class
11:00- Weigh-in!
4:00-6:00pm: Family Gym time/Workout OR Date night!

Total number of hours = 3-5

Saturday:
REST DAY – work in daycare in the morning & catch up on any housework!

Week 4 Weigh in

Week 4:
Weight: 228
Weight Lose = 4 pounds
Total weight loss = 17.5 pounds

Bust: 44.75” – 43.5”
Chest: 39” – 39”
Waist: 41.5” – 39.5”
Hips: 49” – 48.5”
Total inches lost = 2.25” inches

It’s amazing how much better I feel about a 4 then I did about a 2 this week. I’m excited for next week, and know that I will have to keep charging forward to keep up my momentum. From a percentage stand point; there is one woman ahead of me in weight loss. She started out lower then me, and has lost more then me. I’m determined to win, so my goals will be stronger and stricter this coming week. I’m going to put it out there for all of you to know – I’m shooting for 6.5 pounds a week from this point forward. These past two weeks have made for some catch up!

For those who missed it, I posted a challenge on facebook to get me on the treadmill and be accountable. I would go 1 minute for every like I had on that post. I got up to 40 likes, and then I doubled it. This was an intense workout – where my hamstrings were burning and adding in 1 minute sprints added to the challenge. I will do this again this week, giving you all a longer time frame to get the time up on my workout.

I’ve really appreciated all the support everyone has given me over the past weeks, and continue to need it and thrive from it. You all are my cheerleaders, and keep me so accountable for what I am doing. If anyone wants to workout with me, challenge me, or just help me in anyway let me know!

Hitting the wall and making it through

Why is it on our weight loss journey we have to experience such a difficult time with so many emotions? I watch it every season on The Biggest Loser, where contestants hit a wall and then suddenly break down with emotional pain and make a huge break through, but I suppose I thought I’d already done that. So, when that wall hit, and then the pain, and now the break through came I was not in any way ready for the turmoil it would bring on.

My wall came on when I had only a -2 for last week’s weigh in, and I just couldn’t get past the disappointment. Then, I began to make poor food choices, not completely abandoning my diet, but just didn’t think clearly about what I was eating entirely. Two days like this, and then birthday cake hit me hard! Yes, birthday cake was my ending point in poor choices. I completely fell to the temptation of frosting and fluffy goodness. Doubt and guilt began to creep in to my thoughts, taking over my ability to think clearly, communicate, and even process my feelings. The lack of self-control I had made me feel incapable of success, that I could not accomplish my goals anymore. I then, for the first time, had negative reactions and attitudes while in a church bible study, and knew that I was overcome with evil trying to break me down! I finally had to cry really hard, realize what was going on with me and after about a day of facing the emotions head on I got myself back into the gym and began to work off the heavy burden I had felt for 4 days (and the extra calories).

So, why did the wall come up in the first place? It’s hard to explain when we will hit a wall of frustration and lack of focus, but it will always come on. I think for me, the dedication of entire focus on weight loss and exercise is something I have never fully done. My focus has always been split on other tasks and responsibilities in life. That’s not saying I am 100%, like they are on The Biggest Loser ranch, but my family has lost time with me and many of my mom/wife daily tasks have taken a back burner to that of exercise, calorie counting, and a mind/body overhaul! I think this is what brought on my wall of emotions. That green monster in my head that has always kept me overweight and filled with depression and lack of energy reared it’s ugly head to tell me it wasn’t going away so easily, and I had to find a way to kick it’s butt back against the wall and say “No, I am going to WIN!” Today and every day is a struggle. I struggle with temptation of foods, temptation of doing something other then making it the gym, and temptation of listening to those negative thoughts that find away around my will power. I will conquer my temptations! I will win this battle! I will lose more weight, and will continue to be a healthy, productive person always!


To keep me focused I’m signed up for the Shamrock Run in Portland on March 18 for a 5K run. Not only is this motivating, but I have people running with me – to encourage me and keep me going through the race! Right now, I am running/walking a 5K in about 50 minutes, and am working on getting my time down to 40 minutes, and aiming to make my time in the race 35 minutes! That’s about an 11 minute mile! So, let’s get moving and run!

Week 3 - Weigh-In

Week 3:
Weight: 232
Weight Lose = 2 pounds
Total weight loss = 13.5 pounds

Bust: 45” – 44.75”
Chest: 41” – 39”
Waist: 43” – 41.5”
Hips: 49” – 49”
Total inches lost = 3.75” inches

Wow, what a hard week I’ve had! Only loosing 2 pounds really put me down today, but as I’ve been reminded I have to celebrate the small victories and the large ones. So, the amazing inch and half lose on my waist and 2 pounds are being celebrated, but will be a reminder for how much harder I need to push myself. With only losing 13.5 pounds in the first 3 weeks I did not win the Subway Challenge by losing the highest percentage of weight lose, and came in about 4th place (2 males and 1 female ahead of me). I’ve had a difficult time with snacking this week, always choosing well but going off meal plan occasionally. I also have not purchased any whey protein yet, so my breakfasts were always changing. Added to all this I had some stressful days, missed workouts, and am still battling with a bad cough. The major part of all this though – I’m at my lowest weight yet in this journey!

Meal Planning for the week

I’m back from the death of the cold virus. Man, it’s amazing how just one virus can put you down for so long even when you try to will yourself into not submitting to the sickness. But, alas I still managed to lose weight through it all, and gather strength in my weakness. I’m going to begin another phase to change my eating habits with an all protein and vegetable diet for the next two weeks, and wanted to share the meal plan I have put together.

My motivation behind this phase of my diet comes from a diet program called the PINK method. Without going into much detail about it (look it up if you are interested) the key components to for the next two weeks is to eat lots of plant foods, including slow carbs and slow fruits and eat light/lean proteins. Since I’m trying to burn a lot of fat in a quick amount of time and get lean and toned, taking in plenty of protein is essential to helping me reach my goals.

So, my choices can be pretty endless, but I’ve made a list of foods I prefer and are easy on my budget.

Low-Cal Veggie snacks:
- pint of grape tomatoes
- steamed/raw carrots
- celery
- small salad
- sliced bell peppers
- broccoli/cauliflower
- Cucumbers

Low-call Veggie Sides:
- Large salad
- Spinach raw/steamed
- Steamed green beans
- Steamed broccoli/cauliflower
- Roasted peppers & onions
- Asparagus
- Spaghetti Sauce (use on roasted veggie)
- Steamed carrots
- Sautéed Mushrooms
- Zucchini

Light Proteins:
- Eggs/egg whites
- chicken breast
- turkey breast/ground
- pork chops, lean
- Tilapia
- Tuna, chunk-light (low sodium)
- Shrimp
- Salmon
- Halibut
- Greek yogurt/non-fat plain yogurt
- Low-fat cottage cheese
- Black beans/kidney beans
- Brown rice
- Nuts


So, here’s my meal plan I’ve designed for myself for the next week. I’m including a whey protein shake in the morning as my breakfast, but I have yet to find one to purchase. So, as for Monday, it will probably be egg whites.

Monday:
Breakfast Smoothie: 1 cup Fat Free Milk; 1 scoop Whey Protein Powder; 1 cup frozen/fresh strawberries (any berry)
Lunch: Tuna Salad: 2oz tuna on lettuce & 1 tomato chopped, 2 tbsp onion chopped, 1/2 red bell pepper sliced, 2 tbsp LF dressing
Dinner: Chicken Breast; Steamed Broccoli & Cauliflower (Family Meal: Chicken/rice/veggie casserole)
2 Snacks: 1 serving size of a vegetable

Tuesday:
Breakfast Smoothie: 1 cup Fat Free Milk; 1 scoop Whey Protein Powder; 1 cup frozen/fresh strawberries (any berry)
Lunch: 2 oz turkey roll-ups, grape tomatoes & steamed carrots
Dinner: Large Chicken Salad (Family: Chicken Salad & rolls)
2 Snacks: 1 serving size of a vegetable

Wednesday:
Breakfast Smoothie: 1 cup Fat Free Milk; 1 scoop Whey Protein Powder; 1 cup frozen/fresh strawberries (any berry)
Lunch: Hard Boiled Egg sliced onto lettuce leafs, cucumber slices & baby carrots
Dinner: Tilapia, baked; steamed carrots
2 Snacks: 1 serving size of a vegetable

Thursday:
Breakfast Smoothie: 1 cup Fat Free Milk; 1 scoop Whey Protein Powder; 1 cup frozen/fresh strawberries (any berry)
Lunch: Left Over Chicken Salad
Dinner: 4oz ground turkey pattie; broccoli (Family Meal: turkey burgers & veggies)
2 Snacks: 1 serving size of a vegetable

Friday:
Breakfast Smoothie: 1 cup Fat Free Milk; 1 scoop Whey Protein Powder; 1 cup frozen/fresh strawberries (any berry)
Lunch: Tuna Salad: 2oz tuna on lettuce & 1 tomato chopped, 2 tbsp onion chopped, 1/2 red bell pepper sliced, 2 tbsp LF dressing
Dinner: Chicken breast; sauteed spinach & roasted vegetables
2 Snacks: 1 serving size of a vegetable

Saturday:
Breakfast Smoothie: 1 cup Fat Free Milk; 1 scoop Whey Protein Powder; 1 cup frozen/fresh strawberries (any berry)
Lunch: 2 oz turkey roll-ups, grape tomatoes & steamed carrots
Dinner: Tilapia; Caesar Salad: 1 cup chopped romaine, 6 tbsp shredded carrots, 1/2 cup chopped cucumber, 1 tbsp light Caesar dressing
2 Snacks: 1 serving size of a vegetable


Well, there it is - I hope you can take a few ideas and change your diet for the week to make it more fat burning for you! I'll try to post some calorie counts each (or every other) day to give you an idea of how much each day is. Happy Weight Lose this week!

Week 2 weigh-in - on track!

Week 2:
Weight: 234
Weight Lose = 5 pounds
Total weight loss = 11.5 pounds

Bust: 45.75” – 45”
Chest: 40.25” – 41”
Waist: 44.75” – 43”
Hips: 50.25” – 49”
Total inches lost = 3 inches
* The gain in the chest area could mean many things. We could have measured wrong, I’ve been coughing a lot, so my muscles were very constricted, or I just gained some muscles.

This week has been difficult in many ways, but mostly due to catching a pretty fierce cold from my daughter (and all the other kids around me). For a good part of the week I felt great, but by Wednesday it had hit me and Thursday was the worst. Today I sit here coughing about every 2 minutes and falling asleep to the wonders of Nyquil. Hopefully I will post soon about my meal planning for this coming week, and how to conquer the common cold during weight loss.

Weekly Weigh-In

Week 2: (will post a picture later!)
Weight: 239
Weight Lose = 6.4 pounds

Bust: 46.5” - 45.75"
Chest: 42” - 40.25"
Waist: 47” - 44.75"
Hips: 51” - 50.25"
Total inches lost = 5.5 inches

Amazing weight lose this week! I’m so excited to see the results so quickly, and give myself a boost of confidence and energy! This week has been a huge struggle, and I know it won’t get any easier from this point on. Only once this week did I actually manage to get 4 hours in the whole day, and I felt so great afterwards I knew if I just had a better plan I’d be able to accomplish it every day! Here’s a break down for the week, Sunday is a short workout day, and had zero hours because I was still fasting, Monday I got in 3 hours, Tuesday was another 3 hours, Wednesday was 4 hours, and Thursday was the hardest for me with only 2 hours. Today I’ve already been at the gym for 1.5 hours and then walked/jogged at the gym for 2 hours! Tonight I’ll do a little gym time, and then Saturday will be my rest and recuperate day.

My emotional strength this week wavered several degrees each day, and I struggled a lot with how difficult the limitations I had put on myself were becoming. On Thursday I met some of the competition during the Biggest Loser workout class, and realize that I do have to bring my A-game always! There will be no slacking, excuse making, and lots of dedication and hard work! I am so grateful for the amount of support I have been given, and the people who are uplifting me with help with their time, efforts, and their daily challenges!

Weekly Calories/Burned:
Monday – 1435/1724
Tuesday – 1223/2553
Wednesday – 1355/2186
Thursday – 1288/1024
*Friday – 1200/2144 (this is just projected for the day)

1st Challenge of the Contest

Got my first Biggest Loser E-mail today (I'll be getting them each week with tips and support) and this first challenge is on! Winner is who has lost the most weight in the first 3 weeks and the prize - a $50 subway gift card!! I'm on it even more now! I love free food and if I have all the control in getting it, then I will get it! I would say that 15 pounds will be a pretty large number for 3 weeks, I'm hoping it's even more!

Sassy Water is all up and ready, except today without any mint (store was sold out of it...how many of you are following this diet?). My other exciting treat is Agave Nectar for my coffee, it's an organic sugar substitute and made my coffee taste the same with less calories and sugars!

Today's food:
Breakfast: 1 cup cornflakes w/ 1 cup 1% milk, 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce, 1 glass of sassy water (I didn't buy more milk, because I had 1% on hand and didn't want to waist it, and I didn't go to a store with a bulk section so could not purchase sunflower seeds.)

Lunch: 4 oz deli turkey, rolled up; 1 low-fat string cheese, 1 pint grape tomatoes, 1 glass of sassy water

Snack: Blueberry Smoothie: blend 1 cup 1% milk, 1 cup frozen blueberries for 1 minute. Stir in 1 TBSP cold, flaxseed oil

Dinner: 1 cup cooked green beans, 4 oz grilled tilapia, 1/2 cup roasted red potatoes drizzled with 1 tsp Olive Oil, 1 glass of Sassy water

Will post tonight calorie counts and burned calories, along with how the day went! Make today count!

Week 1: Weigh-in

Today was weigh-in day! I’m so excited for this contest and know I’m going to completely rock it! I’m also feeling a little disappointed in my past performance in the last 6 months, knowing I’ve put on weight and haven’t focused on staying as fit as I could be. When I ended the contest last year I was at 242 pounds and a 45.5% body fat, and this year I am at 245.4 pounds and a 44.8% body fat. To me, this shows I built muscle and due to that I gained some weight from that muscle. So, I’m going to look at that as I have a huge step to take in making this next part of my journey so much more important!

Each week I will post my weight & measurements along with a picture! So, these are the main measurements I’ll have.

Bust: Place the measuring tape across your nipples and measure around the largest part of your chest. Be sure to keep the tape parallel to the floor.
Chest: Place the measuring tape just under your breasts/pecs and measure around the torso while keeping the tape parallel to the floor.
Waist: Place the measuring tape about a 1/2 inch above your bellybutton (at the narrowest part of your waist) to measure around your torso. When measuring your waist, exhale and measure before inhaling again.
Hips: Place the measuring tape across the widest part of your hips/buttocks and measure all the way around while keeping the tape parallel to the floor.

Day 1/Week 1:
Weight: 245.4
Body fat %: 44.8
BMR: 1,884
Predicted Weight: 185.4
Weight to lose: 60 pounds

Bust: 46.5”
Chest: 42”
Waist: 47”
Hips: 51”

Workout Schedule

So, here’s my workout plan for each day of the week. I’m in need of some child care on a couple of days since the gym’s daycare is not open during the early afternoon times. It could be that some days I’m only able to get 3 hours in due to no one able to watch my daughter, or if the weather is willing I’ll be able to take it outside with her. This will be the only hinder and obstacle to getting my workout in most days, so here’s to leaving in God’s hands.

Sunday:
7:00-8:00 am: Gym workout/Treadmill
9:00-1:00 pm: Church

2:00-5:00 pm: Grocery Shopping/Workout: Treadmill

6:00-8:00: Church Units OR Workout

After J’s bedtime: Home Yoga
Total workout time = 4

Monday:
6:30 -7:30: Wake-up/Coupons & House Work

8:00- 11:00: Julia up - Preschool & 9:30 - 10:30 Gym Workout

12:30-1:30: Gym: Treadmill (child care)

2:00- 4:00: Julia's Nap (if needed)

6:00-8:00pm: Pump & Zumba

After J’s bedtime: Home Yoga

Total number of hours = 3-4 hours

Tuesday:
6:30 -7:30: Wake-up/Coupons & House Work

9:30 - 11:30: 30 min Treadmill & Body Pump

2:00-4:00: Julia's Nap (if needed)

5:30 - 7:30 Biggest Loser Class/Treadmill/ Body Combat

After J’s bedtime: Home Yoga

Total number of hours = 4

Wednesday:
6:30 -7:30: Wake-up/Coupons & House Work

8:00- 11:00: Julia up - Preschool & 9:30 - 10:30 Gym Workout

1:00-2:00: Gym: Treadmill (child care)

2:00- 4:00: Julia's Nap (if needed)

6:00-8:00pm: Pump & Zumba

After J’s bedtime: Home Yoga

Total number of hours = 3-4 hours

Thursday:
6:30 -7:30: Wake-up/Coupons & House Work

10:30-11:30: Story Time @ Library

11:30-12:30 - gym/Treadmill

2:00-4:00: Julia's Nap (if needed)

5:30 - 7:30 Biggest Loser Class/Treadmill/ Body Combat

After J’s bedtime: Home Yoga

Total number of hours = 3

Friday:
8:00-10:00 am: Gym workout/Treadmill 9:00 - Yoga Class

2:00-4:00: Julia's Nap (if needed)

4:00-6:00pm: Family Gym time/Workout (5:15 Zumba)

After J’s bedtime: Home Yoga

Total number of hours = 4

Saturday:

REST DAY – work in daycare in the morning & catch up on any housework!

Notes: On days I need childcare and don’t have anyone I will take long walks outside, use my Wii fit or Zumba games to get in an hour of exercise, or use the time to spend stretching and relaxing my muscles.

Goals: When using the treadmill I am reaching for 5 miles a day on the treadmill, in order to get in 30 miles a week. I’m hoping to run a 5K in March just before the end of the contest.

Quick tips to sucess

Here's some of my off the cuff quick tips that I'm using for succeed in the Biggest Loser Contest!

1. Count Calories - I'm using my fitness pal on IPhone to keep track, best AP I've found for this!

2. Stay Accountable - I'm using a few methods for accountability. My instructors all know my plan and will keep me going, this blog will be my daily/weekly check in on my progress, and all my friends who will be cheering me on.

3. Get enough sleep - read about that here

4. Limit the stress - my stress generally includes daily life, so my plan this week has been to get life in order! Have my house clean, laundry all put away, and then use my "motivated mom" AP on my IPhone to keep me on task with daily chores. Blogging will also help with stress, as well as a weekly yoga class.

5. Limit caffeine & Sugar - other diets I've read and liked have had a huge decrease in sugar and I will be reading and working more on that area as I am generally drinking many cups of coffee a day with a lot of sugar! This can easily pack on the pounds over a long period of time!

6. Keep a schedule & Have a plan - I'll be posting my workout and daily schedule soon, and have it all planned out on my IPhone to help me stay on task and not miss my classes/exercise times.

7. Keep a food budget - it's easy to throw out the budget when you're on a diet and eat all organic and name brand foods, but this isn't a reality for me. I will be feeding my family other foods outside of my diet and have to keep to our budget on food & eating out in order to be successful!

8. Have fun - with all this exercise and planning it can be hard to remember the fun stuff. Going work in date nights, play dates with Julia, and special times with my friends!

9. Chew sugar free gum/mints - don't drink water all day, it can cause water retention, so just stick to the 8 cups a day and when you are feeling thirsty/hungry then it's time to chew some gum and produce some saliva in your mouth (it will trick your mind into thinking you are eating).

10. Every day is a new day - if you didn't get everything in that you had planned, then tomorrow is a new day, so don't stress!