Quick Post

I weighed in at 180.5 today, hooray! Still holding on. That's all for now.

Who Cares About Weigh-Ins Anyway?

I'm sitting in my bed, for the last time for at least a month. I'm thinking about how tomorrow is the last weigh-in I will participate in until we get settled into our own house in Hawaii. Hopefully it will go okay... For now I'm just trying to be careful about what I'm eating. Upon our arrival in Hawaii I'm assuming we will be walking at least a mile a few times a week. I'm going to pack a few workout dvd's and will try to get them in whenever I have time. Wish me luck tomorrow, and in the next few weeks...

June = Stable

I'm holding on strong this month. Even though I haven't lost weight I'm managing to stay balanced within a pound or two. On Wednesday I weighed in at 180.7. That's only up one pound since last week. That's okay, things have been crazy... no exercise, ice cream more often, but I have still been keeping an eye on the diet.

I'm thinking that when we get to Hawaii and get settled in our own house I will be able to refocus on an exercise program along with many outdoor activities I want to try to do regularly. Skylar will enjoy being outside, playing at the beach, and I will be happy to chase him! After all, we all know that chasing your kids is awesome exercise.

6/9 Weigh-In

So, I got back down to 179.7 this week! I hope to keep maintaining the steady progress I've had lately through the move. We'll see... Regan has been home a week now, I've been doing well with my diet but have done hardly any exercise. I will try to get back on that train soon. Today I am sick, so that's all for now.

6/3 weigh-in

So I gained this week. Not too bad. I was , afterall, expecting this. I gained 1.2lbs which puts me at 180.7lbs. Still not bad considering where I started in January (196lb). I'm not looking for an overnight miracle. I just want to be healthy. Slowly, but surely I am getting there!

5/26 weigh-in

Just a quick post to say I weighed in at 179.5 last week. I missed work today so I will weigh in tomorrow. I'm sure I will show a gain because of the camping diet I was on this past weekend. What's a camping diet? LOL! It's when you are out camping so you eat everything in sight. YIKES, I know! I'm sure by next week I will have that stuff gone. Well, until tomorrow...

Summit Fitness

I went to the gym with my mom and Meghan today. It was pretty nice. They just joined Summit Fitness and have a few free guest passes, so why not take advantage right? I did 20 minutes on the elliptical, then did some machines and other exercises with Meghan. They have child care available so Skylar went in there for the hour or so we were there. He did not like it at all. I'm not sure if it's because he was hungry, thought we weren't coming back for him, tired, or just plain didn't like it. At least I got a chance to get a nice work out in. I managed to do a little over two miles on the elliptical, and I even kept a quicker pace than when I'm out jogging. I probably could've done another mile but thought I would take it easy since I haven't been working out much lately.

I'm super hungry tonight so I'm hoping to avoid eating anymore... especially since it's already almost 11 o'clock. I'm also hoping to at least maintain last weeks big loss at weigh-in tomorrow. We'll see how it goes. I feel good, that's what matters most. Plus, we all know that one weigh-in does not make or break us. I know I'm doing well and I will continue to do so far beyond tomorrow's weigh-in!

Iron Deficiency Sucks

I've been super tired for a while now, and had recently found out that my iron is very low. I've started an iron supplement, and strangely enough I have never felt more tired. I don't know if my body is just playing catch up from the weekend and previous week or the because of the iron. Anyway, I had every intention of working out today but I am too tired. I feel like it would just be a waste. So tomorrow I am going to rehydrate, try to get a good night's sleep tonight, try to play my cards right and either work out tomorrow morning or tomorrow evening before I pick up Sky from daycare. I don't want to lose all the work I've done because I feel like being lazy, at this point that's how I'm viewing the tiredness. Pure being lazy, an excuse to sit around. I do know that my diet has remained in check other than having a few sodas on Saturday. I've probably been under my calorie goal because I've been so busy. I don't know why, but it just hit me that that's probably why I am so tired. LOL!

Well, I have to go pick up my man now. He went swimming with his Aunt Meghan. Let's see if I can get him to come home with me...

Me... In the 170's!

This is me on 5/19/10. Warning: I didn't have make-up or hair done, so I look a bit scary. I promise I was sucking in no more than I do on a normal day. Not too shabby though. We'll see how I look in another four weeks...

Yeah Baby!

I DID IT!!! I am actually in the 170's... Even though I'm just barely there, I feel great and so proud. I honestly do not remember the last time I weighed under 190 let alone 180! So today I weighed in at 179.7lbs!!! That's a loss of 3.5lbs!!! It's been 4 weeks since my last measurements. So here are the new numbers, they aren't much improved but I am pretty jazzed about the loss in the thigh!

neck- 13.5"
bust- 40"
upper arm- 13"
waist- 34.5"
hips- 43.5"
thigh- 25"
calf- 15"

I am now 5.7lbs away from my first goal!!! Not bad at all, considering I have 6 weeks to work before the move. Look out babe! Look out Hawaii! Look out anyone who may have doubted me (which sadly includes myself)! I feel like a busted through a plateau that was only in my mind. IT'S ON NOW!

Slacking

So, I have been slacking since Friday. My diet hasn't been super awful... So I'm hoping that tomorrow I will be able to get a workout in.

*Crossing my fingers!

Belting It

So, I'm totally wearing a belt with my size 12 jeans! These jeans are from Target too, which means they run a little small!!!

I'm loving my "getting healthier" life! I didn't work out yesterday, but I did Monday-Thursday. I will try to get a work out in today and hopefully tomorrow. i'm also hoping to get some swimming in, we'll see.

weellll...

Things could have been a whole lot worse at weigh in today. I weighed in at 183.2! That's minus .1lb. Isn't that silly? At least it wasn't a gain. I won't be adjusting my ticker since it's not even worth taking the time to do so. LOL! Next week will be better!

I'm 9.2lbs away from my first goal! Man, it seems like so far away!!! I will get there though. Next week, hopefully I will be down 8 or less away.

Cookie Doughn't You Want Some?

I think that's one of the flavors at Cold Stone Creamery. Right now though, it's the thought that's been pulsing through my brain for the past 24 hours, literally. I was in need of sweets so bad last night (there is a lack of them in my house due to my new eating habits) that I went to my apparent last resort: chocolate chips. That wasn't enough though, it wasn't sweet enough. I proceeded to make up some cookie dough and eat a few spoon fulls. Which I also did throughout the day today. I feel so sick, that at this very moment the only thing I can think is how much I can't believe I allowed myself to do that. I let myself make a horrible choice. Because of how I'm feeling at this very moment I know it won't happen again. In fact, typing this right now is making my stomach turn in ways I haven't felt since I was pregnant. (don't worry no chance of that, as I am having my cycle now) My cycle, I think, is part of the reason... Although I truly don't know why I thought I needed that sugar. I'm glad I worked out tonight, afterward (right now) my body is screaming: "THAT WAS A HORRIBLE CHOICE! THAT WAS A BAD IDEA! ALL THIS WORK, AND THAT'S HOW YOU EAT??? WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?" My response? "I guess I wasn't."

All I know is I've got my game face on now, and I know I will pay for my actions at weigh-in tomorrow. As if being on my cycle wasn't enough, I had to eat like a cow. Smart one Ashley. It's behind me now, or at least it will be once I get that crap out of my system. As for weigh-in tomorrow I will be completely honest with whatever horrible number is on that scale. I'm guessing I packed on four or five pounds with all the junk I ate on Sunday and the cookie dough binge yesterday and today. Judging my bad behavior the past week I will be lucky to weigh-in equal to last month's final weigh-in at the end of this month. Does that make sense?

I'm disgusted with myself, mentally and physically.

The Fanny Lifter

So, I finally ordered a fanny lifter! The cardio workout I've been doing is a FIRM work out and you are supposed to use the fanny lifter for "optimal" results. I didn't have one so I've just been using my wii fit as a step. It was effective as far as I was concerned and at least I had something. I had been looking on ebay but they were all so expensive, considering they are used, and the shipping was also horrible. Well, I finally found one that was decent and had $10 flat shipping! It came in the mail today!



You use the fanny lifter in three parts. The purple portion is about 6 inches, the blue is about 8 inches.



So, together that's 14 inches of step aerobics action!



Compared to the puny wii fit action of about 2 inches!!! At least I knew the steps because if not I would be even sicker than I am feeling right now! I have to get used to it not being so wide because I was on the edge a few times. The surface is also more rough than the wii fit, which means I've got to get a little lighter on my feet as to not tip it over like I did a couple times tonight... Yikes! It was a little rough, but a great workout.

bad choices

It's been a long weekend of making bad food choices. Hopefully I will be right back on track to hit the 170's this week. I've definitely got my work cut out for me seeing as how it's also my cycle time! YIKES! That's okay.

Tomorrow, the name of the game is "Exercise, Hydration, Discipline."

Wish me luck!

Skinny Jeans

I bought skinny jeans today. Skinny jeans! I'm not sure if I will wear them right away or if I still have some figuring out to do as far as whether I can pull them off or not. Just in case, I bought some awesome heels that have a little bit of a platform look. I've seen people wear shoes like that with the skinny jeans, we'll see how it ends up working. Another option is the boots I bought to wear on Halloween... I will have to take some pictures. I got the jeans from CATO. I just love their jeans, they are by far my favorite in both how they fit and how much they cost. The ones I bought today were $17.99. I also bought a pair of capris and the shoes. Shopping went well today. I also bought smaller size capris than normal! It's good to know that no matter what for jeans size 16 is gone, 14 works sometimes, and 12 is becoming normal. For tops XL is a thing of the past, L depends on where I shop, and so does M. I don't expect size 9's or S ever, but where I'm at is great!

Holy Ma-Joly!

So my mother and I went to Dillards today on our lunch break. She needed to find some new jeans and a top for some "outing" tonight. I was perusing and stumbled upon the formal section. Now that there's a chance I may get to go to a formal I decided it would be a good idea to try one on. Definitely not some pink, poofy, frilly, sequined one like "Prom Night Skipper" would wear. There were some decent "younger" ones, but then I found it! My first formal dress! I've never worn a style like this and thought it was worth a shot. I guess it looks a little like a cocktail dress but I loved it. The problem? It's a size 10...



I decided to try it anyway. This is me, fully zipped in a size 10!!!






There are a few areas that are snug. I need to tone the arms, and do something about my legs... but I know the style of dress I want now. That's right, I didn't buy it. It was originally $180, on clearance for $100. It was a decent deal, but not right before the move. That's why I took a picture. I can look back and compare when I pick. Get a pair of nice heels, hopefully my hair will be longer, I wille smoking. Maybe I will be able to buy a size 8, hmmm...

A Small Victory

For the record: I just did my wii fit body test and it has me down 2lbs from yesterday! The time difference was only about an hour too... That means I lost since my weigh-in last week! I know it's just my wii fit, but still that was an awesome feeling. One thing I have to remember is that I always say my clothes weigh one pound. That way I know there is one thing constant. I never take the body tests naked or anything, but sometimes I am wearing heavier clothes. Who knows. I just know that's at least one pound and probably a couple of ounces lighter than yesterday.

Here we go 170! Watch out, cause I'm gonna' get your ass!

Mug Shot... Kinda

This is me on 5/5/10. Sorry for the sweaty face and weird look. I rushed home to work out before I had to pick up Skylar. Pair that with hot air in a hot car, no cooler, and a warm house and what you get is SWEATY! I had a compliment about how thin my face was looking and decided to see for myself. I always take a half profile shot, I'm a little like Paris Hilton... She knows how she likes her face to be angled in pictures and so do I. Next time I will try not to look so icky.

whoops-a-daisy

The title says it all... I gained 1.1lbs this week. That's okay, I know that gain won't hang around for long. I've been eating better this week, not sure I've been taking in enough calories but still making better choices. Have also been working out the past few days and I have no intention of letting up. Next week I'm going to kick that scales butt!!!

Bottom line: 183.3lbs, 8.8lbs away from goal #1...
FYI: I can still taste the 170's, I still feel they are closer than ever!

Sore Quads

I'm getting really close to the 170's! I can almost taste it! I know I had said that I wanted to do the workouts everyday, but due to sore muscles I decided to play it safe and go at least every other day and once I'm stronger and more up to it I will work out everyday. My quads are actually still a little sore from Thursday! Regardless, today I will be working out again. Skylar had a very rough day yesterday, as a result I'm very tired. It's still early, so I'm hoping to shake the exhaustion soon. I was thinking about taking Sky out but he's still a little sick so we will be staying in probably all day. For starters I've got to clean up a bit, then a cool shower sounds good. After that, I'm hoping Sky will be down for a nap... providing me with at least an hour of workout time. Oh! I just thought of something else I'm in need of, WATER! That's probably another reason I'm so tired.

Checklist for today:

*clean up
*shower
*water
*work out
*nap
*fresh air

Another thing I've got to try to do is control my food intake. Skylar being sick has thrown my in an almost out of control spiral. I'm not thinking about what I'm doing. I'm eating whatever I can whenever I can almost as if I'm just trying to get energy to make it through the day. I just want sugar, like it will give me the energy I want... Luckily there isn't much snack/junk food left in the house. Wish me luck. It's about 230pm and I've got a good portion of day to make it through still. We'll see how it goes.

Another Week Down

Well I weighed in at 182.2 today! That's minus 1.5lbs! Hopefully 1.5lbs that's gone forever. I had wanted to work out tonight but I am exhausted. My exhaustion is stemming from an extremely long day of work, health center visits, cleaning, and preparing the next few dinners for Skylar and I. On top of that Sky has been strung out for who knows what reason. I want to blog more, but I'm too tired. I will blog after my workout tomorrow. I will be doing the Cardio Sculpt Blaster and wii fit again. It's been very hot out so I'm thinking that jogging may not happen this week. I most definitely want to get out at least on Saturday, even if it's just around the neighborhood, for Sky and I to get some air. For now though, it's bedtime. I hope that this "mini roll" I'm on keeps up.

*crossing my fingers

Nervous

I have to be honest, I haven't been as active as I could've been this past week. Although on Friday we went and played at the mall playground for a little over an hour and on Sunday we went for a swim, also a little over an hour. Today I did The Firm Cardio Sculpt Blaster video (30min) and wii fit(30min). I'm not sure that will be enough to salvage a loss at weigh-in tomorrow. My diet hasn't been out of control, I've been pretty religious following my caloric goals. I think the thing that's killing me is water intake. I've got to do something because I'm just not getting enough water in, and I know that can hinder weight loss. We'll see though, I'm keeping my fingers crossed. It's actually just after six pm and I'm going to eat dinner now. I want to try to get a few glasses of water in before bed, and if I have a snack tonight it's going to be light and before eight like always.

It's getting hotter outside which is preventing me from jogging. I came to the conclusion today that from now on I will try to get either aerobics or jogging in each day. If I get both in... more power to me. I did aerobics this afternoon, but I'm going to be doing that in the mornings. If the weather is okay I will try to go jogging in the evenings. I'm also trying to do wii fit every other day for at least 30 minutes, no planned time for that to happen. I'm just going to fit that in wherever I can. Another thing I want to try to get out and do is just walk with Skylar in the jogger, he's actually been asking me to go for a ride but the timing hasn't worked out. If we can get out at least two times a week I will be happy with that. Not tonight though, I need to get him to bed by nine. He's been staying up so late the past four or five nights and the result is keeping mom up as well. So it's time to get going. Wish me luck tomorrow!

Not too bad!

I am happy to report that I lost 1.4lbs this week! What a feeling! I am almost half way to my goal weight, and it feels great to know I am slowly but surely making progress. The thing that really gets me is that I notice how much better I feel when I am active and making healthier eating choices, it's like a kick in the head. Why would I want to feel the way I do when I'm not paying attention to what I'm eating? Why wouldn't I want to stay active when it helps me sleep better, and makes me feel more comfortable in my own skin. I guess these questions are a bit rhetorical because the answer is a big "duh." That's what rhetorical means right? I've heard it used, but have never actually used that word before... at least I don't remember if I did.

So, my weight right now is 183.7. At my heaviest I was close to 210! Yikes! That was right around the time I got pregnant with Skylar. So in a few years I've lost about 25lbs. It doesn't seem too impressive now, it's taken a while. I just can't believe I used to be that big! I weighed myself on my scale at home this morning before the weigh in at work and am also happy to report that the difference was less than .5lbs which makes me more comfortable weighing at home and considering it reliable.

I see my GI doctor next week, she knows I'm on a mission for weight loss but doesn't push it (which I really appreciate). I wonder if I can make it to 181 or less by my appointment, I wonder if she will notice my weight loss. I do know, though, that is the least of her worries when I am there for a visit. I actually got a notice in the mail saying it's time for my biannual colonoscopy. I know, it's gross. The thing is that I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 2008, not long after Skylar was born. I got sick in the beginning of the pregnancy, and lost 11 pounds within a two week period! Because I was pregnant they chalked it up to hormones. So after Sky was born and I didn't get better the investigation began. I've been doing well since then, only one flare. I am working up the courage to tell her that I haven't taken my meds in like 6 months and am doing great, I just don't' want her to be angry. We'll see how that goes.

I said I would post measurements and weight, the weight you've already seen. Here are my measurements, for those with weak constitutions I urge you to skip this part of the blog...

neck- 13.75"
bust- 40"
upper arm- 13"
waist- 34"
hips- 43.5"
thigh- 26.75"
calf- 15.5"

I hope to improve those numbers. It's been a while since I've done any toning/strength training exercises. I will try to get that going within the next couple of days. I am content right now, happy with the progress I've made since January and I'm hopeful things will continue in that direction.

bring it on weigh-in!

Tomorrow is sort of a dreaded weigh-in for me. I had been slacking for a few weeks and now I'm sure that I will pay for it. It doesn't matter though, it will not break me. Now I will actively be heading down the weight loss hill. Tomorrow I will post my weight and measurements and hopefully they will not get any larger than what I post tomorrow.

I only have nine official weigh-ins left for the weight loss competition at work, so today I went and bought a weight watchers scale... it's not the exact same model as the one we have at work, but at least it's the same brand. Until we move my official weigh-ins will continue to be on the scale at work, after that I will start with my at home scale. Hopefully the difference isn't too much! This is the scale I bought:



I wish that was the weight it's showing! Someday I will be close... Someday!

Into the Groove

I feel like I have finally kicked the jetlag. I did go for a jog today and I did manage to keep decent pace. I did it in 15 minutes. I am trying to avoid aggravating the shin splints I've got going in my right leg. So I'm planning on doing two laps each day I go out this week, and upping it to three laps next week as long as my shin is feeling okay.



I am planning on doing part of this different. I'm going to try to get out everyday if possible. I'm not trying to be over ambitious... I just want to stay active and I feel so much better when I am active.



I also got to pull out my new "dedicated" running shoes today! I wore them for the Combat Medic Run and the Race for the Cure last week... I figured they needed to be broken in so I wouldn't feel like crying after my first jog in them. Here are what my shoes look like:



They felt great!!! Well, I will be back tomorrow with a new post and more about my journey tomorrow. FYI: I will be measuring once a month and weighing in on Wednesdays. See you tomorrow!