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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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)

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”

100 pound milestone!

Current Weight: 232.5
Total weight loss = 100.5 pounds!

WOW, I did it - I lost 100 pounds. It feels so good to know that I went from my heaviest weight and lowest point mentally to this amazing feeling in my life now. Now, I am by no means finished here! I'm not even in wonderland yet (in the 100 pounds range). I have work to do, and I have to keep it at a slow and steady pace. My primary goal at the moment is not to lose a huge amount of weight actually - I am in the process of trying to get pregnant you see, and my body needs to learn to maintain now in order to be ready for a 9 month change! I'm so exhilarated to have reached this goal before becoming pregnant, and feel so ready to take on the next phase.

Here are some of my goals to keep me going every day...
I will keep exercising like a mad-woman!
I won't over-indulge in food and junk!
I will keep a healthy and low budget meal plan for my family.
I won't over-eat due to stress!
I will find outlets for my emotions!
I won't forget to stretch!
I will run a 5K in 2012!
I won't let pain get in my way!
I will love myself!
I won't criticize myself if I make a mistake!
I will keep on fighting!

Photo of Me (on the left) and my Workout Buddy Candice

Here are some of the ways I hope to keep going in my exercise...
The gym: I of course don't see any reason I'd ever give up my passion for exercise, and that passion is strong when it comes to my group classes. Zumba, Body Combat, and Body Pump are 3 of the main ways I burn calories and keep my body moving for an hour or more each day!

Everyday life: I have a 3 year old, so let's face it I'm always on my feet! I take walks, many, many walks to the park, the library, or just around our town. I work in the yard, chase the dog, and kick a ball around! We go hiking, or trail walking often. Special days include trips to the Zoo or OMSI, or any other amazing children's activities we have in our great Pacific NW! We love farmer's markets, and work in our church gardens. I'm always cleaning something in our house, climbing the stairs, or just plan scrubbing! I rarely stop, and that's all before I make it the gym in the evening!

The Future: I hope to be pregnant soon, and that comes with complications to weight loss and extreme exercise. Of course with a normal pregnancy you can do just about the same routine as before, but as many of you know I won't be having a normal pregnancy. Due to my previous pregnancy I will be watched very closely, as well as have a low impact rule applied to me for exercise. My plan already includes adding in water Zumba once a week, and with my increased weight loss since the doc since last saw me I'm hoping I will be able to keep up on a moderate level of Body pump (weight lifting) and some Zumba and Combat. If all else fails, I'll just sit on a bike, walk on a treadmill, and use the elliptical as much as I can to keep active and healthy!

BRING ON THE NEXT STEP OF WEIGHT LOSS!

Quick Check in

Well I haven't been updating a lot, and really do not have any real reason as to why. The inspiration isn't there anymore to write, I'm just focused and working hard all the time. I am trying to find some more ideas to keep all the motivation and inspiration going for you and myself. I recently saw a sport injury doctor because I have been battling with knee pain for about 2 months and started having shoulder pain too. After a complete check-up without any scans or x-rays it appears I only need to stretch better! I have very tight calf muscles and an old injury to my shoulder has caused some remolding to the area that will need some extra TLC and stretching.

Since beginning Body Pump about 4 weeks ago I've been watching my body transform. I've lost some pounds and my waist, arms, and shoulders are really changing. I am not seeing a lot of change in my butt or legs, so I will need to focus more there.

My Current weight is 236, which means I've lost 6 pounds since March. Not a huge lose, but still a lose. Since my diet has change so much back into a very budget friendly one I've had to reteach myself how to portion control high fat foods (because unfortunately high fat foods are less expensive). I'm learning more tenchniques on cooking completely from scratch as well, which is helping lower sodium levels and allowing me to have more control over what goes into my body.

Hoping for new cross trainer shoes for my 30th birthday! Watch for stretching/yoga moves to help with muscles pain along with some diet and health posts.

Weekly Weigh-In

Weight: 242.2

Total Weight Loss: I’ve lost -5 and I’ve lost 65.7 lbs since January 1, 2010.

No, picture today since the scale is broken! I give you this number from my weigh in at the gym. Read from my previous post here for more details.

Weekly Weigh-In

Weight: 247.2

Total Weight Loss: I’ve lost -3.8 and I’ve lost 60.7 lbs since January 1, 2010.

Still fighting the cold, and fluctuating a lot in the past couple of days. My goal is to drop my calories a bunch in the next week (already began yesterday) and lose another 7.2 pounds in a week. This will take some dramatically hard work on my part, including no extra bites or tastes of foods! It’s the final week of the contest and my starting weight was 259. If I lose those 7 pounds I would have lost 19 pounds during the contest, so I will need to work extremely hard in the next week to see these kinds of results. Please pray and encourage me as much as possible!

Weekly Weigh-In

Weight: 251 Total Weight Loss: I’ve lost -3.2 lbs since February 4. I’ve lost 56.9 lbs since January 1, 2010.I’ve been super sick this past week, and had so many stresses come upon me. I’m very proud of myself for sticking to my diet cleanse, my overall diet, and my 2 days of exercise this week in spite of all this. As for now I am in recovery mode from a repertory infection, and have doctor’s orders to not exercise for at least 3 days (until I begin to breath better). So, we shall see if I can keep up the diet part without much burn for the weekend.

Weekly Weigh-In

Weight: 254.2

Total Weight Loss: I’ve lost -4.4 lbs since January 28th. I’ve lost 53.7 lbs since January 1, 2010.

WOW, I’ve reached the 50 pound range! This feels so good, and even with all my complaining I can tell the flat belly diet cleanse has done me some good! I don’t feel so bloated in my stomach, I’ve lost 4.4 pounds, and I’m down another pants size! I feel fantastic! If I keep this weight loss up, at the end of the challenge I will have lost over 26 pounds in 9 weeks!

**The scale at the gym that I had my official weigh in for this week was not as welcoming. I weighed in at 256.5 (giving me only a 2.5 pound loss for 3 weeks), but they tell me that I will be weighed in on the Body Comp Scale in the very end.**

Weekly Weigh-In

Weight: 258.6

Total Weight Loss: I’ve lost -.4 lbs since my first weigh in on January 15th. I’ve lost 49.3 lbs since January 1, 2010.Last week’s weigh-in was not posted (I forgot) but I had gained back my water weight from the flu (about 4 lbs/263) and this week was playing catch up to lose that weight and then some. So, I’ve lost 4.4 lbs this week, which is what I’m looking for, but since it was due to weight gain it was not an exciting number. I spoke with a trainer about where I’m getting stuck, and he suggested shocking my system with a cleanse since I’ve been in this plateau for awhile, and he also said that I should see my doctor and have a physical/blood work to rule out any problems physically (primarily my thyroid). So, that is where we are at folks…hoping for a more successful week coming up.

Biggest Loser Contest Weigh in & Tips

Here’s the slip of my weigh in today at my Biggest Loser weigh in.


And here is my weigh in on Wednesday.



There is a -6.8 loss in three day! Not exactly a great time to loss that much weight, but I can’t complain.
My one question for the trainer was how to you lower your body fat at the same time as losing weight? His advice was about turning your body fat into your energy by lowering your simple sugar intake through high protein diet and a lower carbohydrate diet. Now, I kind of flinched at the low carb diet phrase, but he explained to me that the carbs you ingest need to be complex carbs – those with WHOLE WHEAT! Do not mistake multi-grain for whole grain please, they still posses simple sugars and bleached grains. So basically, a simple carbohydrate is a surge of sugar that will spike your insulin levels that can result in lowering your metabolism and weight gain or stored fat. Complex carbohydrates are more complex for your body and take longer to be digested – giving you a lasting fullness and energy. Research has shown that a complex carb enters the blood stream slower and only rises your insulin levels gradually, which can evens out your urges to eat and less stored fat. Now, some white bread and white rice can still be seen as a complex carb, so we have to be safe in choosing the right carbohydrates over the wrong ones. So, the basic step to choosing the right foods in not to just label simple or complex, it’s about finding the foods that are less processed and ones that are more whole or unrefined. Fiber and nutrient-rich vegetables, fruits and beans, which also contain carbohydrates, make a great source for health and weight loss. So, limiting your intake of processed foods that are sweetened and sugary and choosing foods that are wholesome and natural (not canned, bleached, or processed) will help with your weight loss goals and help you to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

So, instead of just being vague with this, I want to give you some ideas of good food choices and bad ones. I also want to help you find them in a way that doesn’t cost a ton of money either.

Good Choices:
- Fresh fruits (apricots, oranges, plums, pears, grapefruits and prunes)
- Oats
- Bran
- Barley
- Wheatgerm
- Brown Rice
- Root vegetables & greens (Broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, turnip greens, eggplant, potatoes, yams, corn, carrots, onions, all types of lettuce, celery, cucumbers, cabbage, artichokes and asparagus)
- Pita bread
- Whole grain cereals & breads
- Beans (lentils, kidney beans, black beans, peas, garbanzo beans, soy beans and pinto beans)
- Carbs with the good fat: nuts; seeds (flax seed, sunflower, pumpkin seeds); avocado

Poor Choices:
- Limit intake of high sugar fruits (apples, banana, and berries) but do eat them for their sources of vitamins and minerals, but in moderation.
- Syrup
- White bread & white rice
- Bagels
- White Potatoes (these can have some benefits to them, so in moderation only)

Tomorrow I will be taking a sports nutrition class for my Biggest Loser Contest. So, look forward to some helpful information coming from that soon too.

Weekly Weigh-In

Weight: 265.8

Total Weight Loss: 42.3 since January 1, 2010


I have lost -.2 pounds since December 1, 2010 and a total of 42.3 pounds in over a year. This of course is not a huge number, but it does say a lot about how I spent my holidays. I did not over indulge, and was able to maintain my weight the entire time. A little secret – the day after Christmas I was up 4 pounds from my December 1 weigh in, so I guess I could say I’ve lost 4 pounds in 2 weeks. But, to be official that is all I’ve lost, -.2 pounds. We shall see what next week brings us!

December 1st Weigh in!

Weight: 266

Total Weight Loss: 42.1 since January 1, 2010.

Well, it appears the Thanksgiving holiday has caught up to me and given me an extra +3.4 pounds. I think for the lack of exercise and the non calorie counting days I am in good standing right now to lose that weight and more in the next couple of weeks. I have been asked several times in the last few weeks when I plan to have another baby. Well, my ideal time would be right now or this spring. So, my goals are more related to this spring and my main focus is loosing 30 more pounds before I get pregnant this spring. Let’s keep up the hard work!