195.2

Woo hoo!!! That's all I can say. The scale junkie in me keeps climbing on, and today was a HUGE surprise. I didn't expect to be down another pound - not at all. But hooray for me! And the timing couldn't be more perfect either, because I'm leaving tomorrow for a 10 day trip to Florida.

I haven't mentioned it up until now because I needed to stay focused on losing what I could before I left. I am nervous, but I am also completely committed to this weight loss, and have no intention of letting this trip stop me in my tracks. My plan is to continue eating my 1350 calories, and to get in as much exercise as I can. I have the great BIG advantage of having my drill sergeant with me, so she'll bust my chops if I don't walk or swim or get some other type of activity. The other nice thing is that she'll do it with me, so I won't be alone. Yay. That's all I can say. YAY!!!

The hardest part about going out of town, not just this time but for the past several years, has been figuring out what clothes I have to take with me. It pretty much forces me to clean out my closet and see what fits by trying on everything. THAT'S painful. I totally despise trying on clothes. The saving grace, if there is one, is that I'm am not looking at a three-way mirror in a department store. And then I make three piles: too big; just right; next size down. It's rewarding and depressing at the same time, but a necessary step. The only thing more depressing is thought of having to strut around a beach or pool in my swimming tent. You know, my gigantic swimsuit? Praise God for terry cloth cover-ups! lol.

Alright, so you probably won't hear from me tomorrow or Thursday, but I'll try to post on Friday. I'll be going through scale withdrawals. Seriously. I can't get on my scale again until the day after Easter. And I NEED that number, which is almost two weeks from now, to be lower than 195. I don't care if it's only two pounds. I need to keep losing. If travelling from one state to another is the sole reason for me to "fall off the wagon," then what's the point of this whole program? So, yea. I have to be like glue while I'm gone, and really stick to it.

Please offer up a little prayer for me. I am pretty confident, but every prayer helps. :) And until I come back, I'll say a prayer for you all too. God is good. He's stuck by me this far, and I trust Him. Woot! I'm over and out.

196.4

Greetings friends! If you noticed my number, you already know how happy I am to see it pop under to 196. I had sincerely hoped to get to 194.5 by the last day of March, but obviously that wasn't meant to be. But that's okay - I am pretty pleased with my results so far, so I am certainly not going to complain.

One of my commenters asked what I was eating everyday. I can say that there are some things that are my "staples" but otherwise I am only limited by my taste buds. I eat between 1200 and 1400 calories a day, with a target of 1350. I also try to eat 4 servings of veggies, 3 servings of fruit, and 80-90g of protein. Like I said, there are only a couple of things that I do every day.

During the week I jump start my metabolism every morning at 7:00 with a protein bar or low fat yogurt. I eat the citrus or almond bars from Herbalife. I like the taste, they're only 130 calories and have 10g of protein. After that, I get in at least one protein shake per day. They have an average of 24-29 grams of protein and at least one serving of fruit, depending on how I make them. And they're really filling, so I can eat them as a snack or meal replacement. Either way works and they're only about 200 calories. If I'm hungrier than normal after dinner, I'll eat one then. Completely satisfying.

I generally have at least one 3-4 oz. chicken breast every day. I marinate them, bake them and keep them in a baggie in the fridge for quick and easy snacks or meals. Then I wrap them in leaf lettuce, "flatout" bread, or a low fat tortilla. I add spinach leaves, tomato or salsa, a little shredded cheese and some light mayo or fat free sour cream. These odd little sandwiches are typically between 150 and 200 calories each. I switch up the chicken with tuna salad or egg salad made with light mayo, onion and celery every couple of weeks. All of them make great little quick sandwiches. My dinners are not a whole lot different. I don't want to cook two meals - one for family members and another for me. So I keep mine easy. I will often have soup and fat free crackers, or my homemade chili as my dinner meal. I also heat up chicken or white fish and add a big serving of veggies. My favorite are the "Steamers" brand. Throw them in the microwave for 7 minutes, 45 calories per serving . . . super!!! Baked veggies with a spray of extra virgin oil are also really good. And then of course I have my wonderful grilled fat free cheese sandwich. Yum!

Okay. I am never without either fresh cut veggies or fresh fruit. I reach for the veggies before the fruit, and usually have 2 measured tablespoons of dip, like ranch. If I haven't had enough veggies, I substitute with V8. Other things I keep on hand are almonds. I eat those as a snack when I'm feeling what I refer to as "desperate hunger." You know, when you're really hungry and have to have something quick. Just a handful or two does the trick. I also keep rice cakes and english muffins on hand. They're a great snack with a little peanut butter. Cooked ham, deli roast beef and turkey are also good on english muffins. Add a handful of pretzels and it is really filling.

The great thing about counting calories as the means for losing weight is that you get to eat whatever you want. You just have to count the calories. Subway without dressing, for a 6 inch sub, is only 350 calories. Yogurt from McDonald's is 60. You can eat what you want, literally. But when you hit your calorie limit, you're done. Period. So you learn to spread your calories out over the course of the day, and you find you start to choose foods with lower calories or higher protein. For example, an Oreo is 56 calories. I can have 4 Oreos or I can have two rice cakes with either peanut butter or tuna salad. No brainer for me.

I don't really eat the 100 calorie snacks. I just think they're a tease for real food and they aren't filling. I'd rather have a little sugar-free pudding cup for 60 calories than two little muffins in a 100 calorie snack package. Or I can have a whole plate of veggies with a little dip for 150. It all comes down to what I choose. And I like that freedom.

Other tidbits: if you're eating a salad, keep the dressing on the side. Dip your fork in the dressing and THEN stab your salad. There is NO difference in the taste, you use 1/3 the amount of dressing and cut out 2/3 of the calories. The only other thing I would add it that if you decide to eat pre-made dinners like Lean Cuisine, watch out for the sodium. It causes water retention and will sabotage your weight loss. Cool beans.

Alright -- this has been VERY lengthy. I have learned lots of tricks along the way to help me. But that's the story I have today. The food story. That's what I know so far, anyway. Feel free to share anything you think will make the journey smoother for all of us. :)

And until the next time, God bless and God love ya.

197

Solid number. It's been ages since I've had a solid number dead on. I've been watching it all week of course, and had hoped it would pop over to show me a 196 number, but I also know it's coming. And quickly. I've had a spectacular food weekend. Not so great on the exercise, but my eating is just great. I've only had a few days here and there in these last few months when I've struggled with the food. I am really grateful for that.

My struggles since the beginning of this journey always take me by surprise. I am not sure why. Its easy to figure out what the struggles are going to be. I mean, helloooo! I don't LOVE exercise, and I'm going to have cravings for foods that aren't good for me. Duh! Why the surprise then? I have NO idea. So there. I just don't know. Oh well. Who says I need an answer?

Frankly, I would rather like the answer to a different question -- which is why it is that the two alternative exercise choices I have grown to love are the ones that make their top athletes squish into teeny, tiny little outfits? Swimming and skating. Oh yea, I know. I could put on hockey gear instead of a little skating dress, but then I wouldn't be Dorothy Hamel would I? And the swimming suit? Well, let's just say that top swimmers may be wearing tiny little speedo suits, but in my case there are pool covers smaller than the one I've been putting on. They had to use a LOT of sparkles to decorate my suit. Haha. And at some point I intend to fit into one of those puny little ones. We shall see . . . not whether I do . . . but rather, how long it will take until I do. Yea!

So tomorrow is the day of rest, but I've had two in a row, so I need to get busy. Didn't feel very well Friday. I actually had a fever. And then came a headache. I hate that!!! So no skating. No swimming. No walking. But I felt 100x better today. I just didn't get to the exercise part of the day. So sad, isn't it? I thought you'd think so. lol. Tomorrow I need to get a move on. Thankfully I get to start it with church. That way I get all my prayers in right away in the morning. Hah! So, I will check in with you again. Maybe I will just offer up my prayers for all of you tomorrow, and put everything else aside. Good idea. And a pleasant way to sign off, don't you think? Me too. Peace.

197.8

My weight loss has been such a great change in my life that I couldn't, even if I wanted to, focus on anything unpleasant right now. It's only been a few months and that huge starting blog number, 224.5, seems far, far away already. So here's the thing: if you'd really like to lose some weight, I want to tell you to stop waiting. Be done with putting it off. There's always a party, or a vacation, or a special dinner. There is always a reason to start a diet next week instead of today. But listen. Next week comes and goes and you will still be in the same place. WORK with me. I have 50 more pounds to lose. I want to lose them by this fall. And you can be losing right along with me.

I started this program Jan 2. I have lost almost 30 pounds!!! You can do the same thing. June 1st and July 1st are going to come no matter what. But if you start counting calories today, you might be 30 pounds lighter when they do -- assuming that's what you want to lose. If it's less, it's going to happen sooner, and then YAY you! Okay. So let's do this thing. Don't wait until Monday. Just count your calories over the weekend. See where you are. It's easier than you think. Honestly. Here are two GREAT websites for keeping track: http://caloriecount.about.com and http://www.myfitnesspal.com. It may seem like a hassle, but it IS effective. Weight watchers uses points, but the reason it's effective is because it's tracking what you eat. You have to keep a journal. That's what works. And it will work for you. I promise!!! My friend D. started just the exercise part with me and has lost 15+. That could be you . . . . . .

Okay now that you've had your lecture we can move on. Hehehe.

I had two great workouts today and yesterday. One on the ice and one in the pool. Not getting any closer to Vegas, but I'm getting great exercise! And I am genuninely lovin' it. I'll be pretty sad when the ice comes out at the rink next month. BUT, it goes back in again in June and will be a fabulous place to go this summer. Plus, I'll get in more walks when the weather warms up again. You know. In July. Hah! In the meantime, I'll keep eating right. The sandwich up in the corner is about the most JUVENILE sandwich I've had in ages and it was sooooo good! The only thing that might be better is if I put a little butter spray on it and grilled it. Either way, we're talking t.a.s.t.y.! It's a little higher in calories than I'd like (425), but oh, so, worth it!

Alrighty dighty. That's the report for today. God love ya for tuning in. You're my life line. My skinny life. Haha. Have a happy Friday. Blessings!

198.4

Another one bites the dust!!! I suppose you're wondering how I know that - since I'm only suppose to get on the scale every few days or so. Yes, I know that optimally I should get on the scale only one time per week. But here's the lowdown people: I've been a very naughty girl, and it's time to 'fess up. Did I mention to you that I'm a scale junkie? Yea, I thought I did. And it's really, really true. Beyond what is reasonable and normal, I'm afaid. It's a genuine addiction. And true to that addiction, I have been getting on the scale almost everyday.

Okay so I'm not talking about hopping on the scale two or three times a day. I'm just talking about my complete and utter inability to start my day without seeing that little black digital number. Don't tell me I'm crazy. I already know that!!! But you know what? I know I'm not alone. I know it just as sure as I know that I'll get right back on again tomorrow. I think there are many, many people out there who do the same thing. And they probably check those numbers more times in a day than my measly ONCE.

I have considered this curious little addiction of mine more times than you can imagine. I have turned myself inside out trying to find the little magnet that puuuullllllls me to get on. What is it about a scale "fix" that I can't avoid? It's not like its a pleasant experience. More often than not it's disappointing or depressing. More often than not I have some sense of what the number is going to be. In fact, I once read an article about how the scale really only confirms what we already know about our weight -- that there are no surprises on that little bugger. But we continue to submit to the whim. Let's "just see." MmmHmmm. You know it's true. Yes you do!

And stranger still is that it doesn't matter whether I'm fat or skinny or somewhere in between. It's there waiting for me every morning. Calling my name. Taunting me. And I WANT to get on. Maybe that is where the problem begins. I don't know. What I DO know, however, is that I don't see myself giving up this last sad, sad little addiction anytime soon. But I'm thinking that it's partly ingrained in my system, routine and life. I've been doing it since I was probably 18. It's the gauge that tells me what I look like. Not literally, I know. But for sure in every other sense.

Puleeeaaaase don't tell me to stop this. That's part of my confession here. I can't and know myself well enough to know that I won't. I just thought I'd better get all of my cards out on the table. It felt like I had a secret and I wanted you to know the WHOLE story. So there it is. The whole sha-bang. So if absolution is what I need, feel free to sock it to me. In the meantime . . . you know I'll just keep working. Like my hour in the pool tonight -- good times. lol.

Well I'm going to sleep a whole lot better just knowing you know me a little bit better than you did 10 minutes ago. Hah! And that's what I need. Sleep. So I'm over and out! G'night!

199.5

Greetings!!! As you can see, I had a major victory this weekend by managing to maintain the weight I have worked so long and hard to reach. I am so very happy about this, I am sure I don't even have to tell you. And let me just say that it was a truly, truly crazy weekend. Super fun, but busyyyyy.

So I ended up passing on going out to dinner Friday night. My fan club was disappointed (hahaha), but I I felt I needed to do a little weekend damage control before the catastrophe ever hit. That was good. Then on Saturday night when I did go out, I scanned the menu for something lo-cal. No way. Deep fried alligator cheeks? Super nachos? I don't think so!!! I ordered a hamburger with no bun, no fries and no chips. The dipsy doodle waitress brought the bun anyway, so of course I HAD to eat it. I totally justified it though- you would have loved it. I decided I needed something to soak up the 64 calorie beer I was drinking so I didn't get a buzz. lol. Then I nursed the beer for the rest of the night and ended up the designated driver. Perfect. No more calories. No worries.

Unfortunately, I didn't get any exercise this weekend either, but I did manage to eat well the rest of the weekend. One of my favorites has become my chicken taco. It's a lowfat tortilla with fat free sour cream, salsa, chicken, shredded cheese and spinach leaves. It is soooo good and you can eat it hot or cold. Marvy, I'm telling ya!

But the recipe aside . . . I was secretly hoping to drop even 1/2 pound over the weekend. That was a pipe dream. I am faced with hormones that want to do the jitterbug these days, and it completely messes with my weight loss plan, not to mention my psyche. I'm crying like a baby as I'm watching The Biggest Loser on T.V. I mean seriously. Can you spell "ridiculous"? Pull yourself together lady!!! Someone has to be eliminated for Pete's sake! Good gravy! The irony is almost too much, isn't it?

So this week I have keep on it, get to the gym, eat right, and shake off the extra water weight. And I'm distracted because I'm surrounded by water. Inside and out. No. Really. I have flooding around my house of biblical proportions. Water is NOT my friend this week. Gurgle. But I'm grateful for the victory of maintaining my weight from Friday. And I am grateful for the strength to continue to journey. God doesn't give us more than we can handle, and I strive to see in myself what He sees in me. And when I do, what confidence and strength I shall have then, eh? Yea. Biblical.

Alright so I'll be back tomorrow. And a big shout of congratulations goes out to my friend R., who I ran into over the weekend. He's lost 26 pounds of his own since the beginning of January by giving up the five C's: cola, chips, cookies, candy and cake . . . AND his beer. Woohoo for brandy, I guess!!!

And I'm out. Blessings and peaceful slumber to you all.

Gurgle, Gurgle

It is amazing to me what a HUGE role water plays in my weight loss journey. Of course anyone who has been on any weight loss program knows that you have to drink at least 8 glasses of water every day in order for the program to be effective. I'm not familiar with the mechanics of this. I have NO idea why this is true. I only know from personal experience that it's absolutely, unquestionably true.

Now I don't know if you read the comments on different days that I blog, but one from yesterday was really interesting. I was shocked to read it. And plenty irritated to boot. Here's the gist: I took a day off from exercising to let my muscles rest and repair because they were incredibly, unbelievably sore. My commenter indicated that generally water fills in and surrounds damaged or sore muscles in order to protect them from injury. Translation: a possible weight gain due to water weight. My response: No, no, no, no, no, no!!!! I need to avoid that scale like it's FAT itself that's going to seep into my body through my feet. I can't handle the disappointment of a gain. I JUST got to one-derland. I can't be jumping in and out like that. So I'm going to try and stay off the scale until Monday. Oh, and that makes water my newest fair-weather-friend.

Meanwhile, I got back in the pool tonight. Another thumbs up for water! It is truly a fantastic form of resistance exercise. It can also be a great cardio workout. Did you know, for example, that jogging in the water burns over 330 calories for just 30 minutes? It's probably pretty comparable to regular running, but it's soooo much easier on your joints, and on your body generally. And honestly, it's a lot more fun. So you tend to work longer and harder. Because you can. So I was in the water for about 55 minutes. My legs were all squishy and wobbly when I got out, so I knew it was a good work out. I was happy that I got some exercise. I woke up feeling pretty worn out again today, and wasn't sure I wanted to hit the treadmill. So getting in the pool was perfect.

Tomorrow I'm headed to the skating rink again. I'm looking forward to that too. Works all different muscles. I just have to remember to mummify my feet, or I am going to be saying hello to Mr. and Mrs. Blister again. Haha. But it will kick off a very busy weekend. I have mixed feelings about it because while it will be a fun weekend, I will be going out for dinner twice. Never good. There's no place like home for eating right! :) So please say a little prayer for me.

And I'll say one for all of you. For whatever you're needing or wanting in your life today. And I'll try to check in before the weekend's over - if nothing else to maintain a little balance and accountablility. Until then, be safe and be happy. :)

These Boots Are Made for Walkin'

Whew! What a ride this has been so far! And it's only going to get better. And you know what they say? Well, you know what someone said?

Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, champagne in one hand - strawberries in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOOHOO - What a Ride!"

That's how I want it to be!!! I just want to do it in a smaller size!!! And with that sentiment in mind, I have plotted my walking course to Vegas. I sooo loved the idea, and think it's such great incentive that I intend to share my progress with you as I go. Now let me know if you want me to meet you somewhere on the way. I can't say I'll slow down, but I'll swing by for ya!

So it's 1,496 miles from God's Country to Las Vegas. If you can believe it, google maps allows you to get directions if you intend to walk, drive or take public transit. Who knew? Crazy! Well anyway, I walked six of those miles yesterday, so I only have 1490 to go. This is going to be good, isn't it. Yea. I can tell. But let's put this in perspective here.

- if I walk 3 miles every day, I will be in Vegas in 497 days
- if I walk 5 miles everyday, I will be in Vegas in 298 days

With those numbers in mind, I am thinking I will hit it closer to one year from now - which is sort of a mid-way point. St. Patty's Day in Vegas? Yea, I could handle that! Hahaha. So I've begun that journey and I'm in it for the long, long, long haul. Just like the mailman! Hah!

Meanwhile, my story for today is a sad one. My body was so exhausted, I could hardly lift my arms. I honestly was so tired I felt like I had influenza or something. Achy, tired, crabby. Not good. But I am learning my body's cues, and I decided to take a breather from exercise today. My legs ached like crazy last night. I iced my right one because it feels like I have shin splints. I look a Tylenol pm later and it didn't do much good. So my muscles need rest and repair. Today for sure. We'll see about tomorrow.

Okay but just so we're on the same page of my story, I am NOT complaining about the pain. I don't like it, but it means something is happening. Something is improving and building and shaping. You know when I'm complaining. And it's not now. :) Besides, my eating is great. Am trying to cut back a TEENSY bit on the bread, but you know how I love that, so I'm not trying particularly hard. I have mostly switched types - like pita instead of two pieces of whole grain. It works for me. So okay.

That's it. Just another day and another plan. Hope you are all well and enjoying time outside, soaking up all of that Vitamin D. Don't forget the sunscreen! I'm over and out.

199.5

Woooooo hoooooo!!!!!!!!! 199.5! Finally, finally finally! Goodbye twoderville!!! I am so thrilled! Now you and I both know that I have a loooong way to go. But this little number brings my weight loss so far to a cool 25 pounds! I have 50+ to go, but getting under the 200 mark is a HUGE milestone for me. And despite the fact that it's St. Patty's Day, luck had nothing to do with this accomplishment. It was sweat and determination, combined with God's grace. Period.

The weather is beautiful again today. A teensy bit cool for a wife-beater "t" but I didn't really care. I was out there today like it was 70 degrees. I am not completely convinced my feet ever touched the ground! :) I'm off for another walk later this afternoon while I wait for little family members to finish their detention. Hahaha. My very, very skinny friend and my blister -ridden friend are on a mission as well.

Oh! And by the way -- I took commenter galynn's advice about the weights. Guess what I got? A weight vest!!! I'm going to play S.W.A.T. while I'm walking to spice up my life a little. (We'll talk more about THAT on another day.) And I'm going to plot my course, as another commenter suggested. The idea is to track the miles I've walked heading toward a specific destination. So far I'm in the middle of a corn field in rural Minnesota. I have to walk another 3 miles to get to a gas station for a snack! lol! Then it's onward toward Vegas!!!

Okay folks, that's my story today. No corned beef or cabbage for me. No green beer or green milk. I'm going to settle for some green veggies and green tea! May God look after you today on this marvelous feast day of St. Patrick of Ireland. And may St. Patrick intercede for all of us to drive the "snakes" out of our lives too. Top 'o the day to ya!

200.6

Another bit of weight off, another smile upon my face! I think it goes without saying that I'm am VERY happy about the loss, but I am as frustrated as all get out that I am STILL not past that 200 mark. Its just sooo close!!! I just have to get over that hump! I know that my exercise is going to pay off. But when? I'm not terribly patient right now. Go figure! lol.

My exercise has been wonderful! Yesterday my friend from Saturday came out again and we sat outside basking in the sun and enjoying the warm weather. My friend had a blister (heh heh heh -- we know all about those!) so we decided to swim instead of walk. We got in the pool and managed to eke out over 45 minutes of some pretty tough water aerobics. I led, and was huffin' and puffin' as we went. It was fabulous! So strange to sweat while you're in a pool!

Anyway, today was another gorgeous day. So after lunch I called another friend and asked her if she wanted to walk. She did, and we did. This was a good idea and a bad idea. It was quite the workout! Because the thing is, my friend has long legs. I mean, my kneecaps are probably level with her mid-calf. So she would walk 'stride-stide' and I would try to keep up with 'step-step-step and step-step-step.' I felt like a litte stubby wiener dog walking next to a graceful great dane. She asked me if we should slow down on several occasions, but I insisted we keep the pace. Of course she had to hold most of the conversation because I couldn't breathe, let alone talk, but it was invigorating and really good for me. 45 minutes and 3 miles later I was a ball of sweat. So awesome!

Then it was back to the pool tonight for more water aerobics. 45 minutes of it. And the time in the pool flies by, so it only felt like a few minutes. But I was all pruny and rubbery when I got out, so it must have been positive in some respects. If it wasn't cardio, I had 45 minutes of some pretty good resistence exercise. And every little bit helps.

All in all a great exercise day. I haven't worked out with weights but fully intend to. The funny thing is, I don't know if they'll fit me yet. When I went in a couple of weeks ago to take a look at a set, I ended up pulling them out of the box and trying them on. I was shocked to learn that my ankles were too fat for them to stay securely, so I didn't get any. The friend I had with me about wet her pants because of my "fat ankles." I don't know if they'd fit me today, but I'll eventually get them on! :)

That's about all I know now. I will let you know if anything radical changes for me this week. My intent is to just keep working out and keep eating right. The weight will come off soon enough I guess.

Have a good one! And God Bless---

Taking It Up A Notch

Another great day in God's country. It has been such a long, cold winter. It started early, snowed and snowed and snowed, and the temps have stayed at subzero levels for months. So when the sun came out today and the temperature pushed toward 40 degrees, I was ecstatic. I knew I wanted to walk outside instead of getting on the treadmill. And that's exactly what I did. A friend came out to visit and we hit the highway. Okay well, we hit the paved country road and walked for almost an hour. Fantastic!!!

The time flew by. I could easily have kept right on going. Easily. But the friend I was walking with got a blister (sounds familiar?). So we turned around and headed back. We got the wind in our faces on the way back, so it ended up being quite a little work out. Honestly. I know because I stink. Hahahaha. I haven't quite gotten around to taking a shower yet. lol.

Anyway, it was a great change from the gym and the scenery on my garage treadmill. I'm going to hit it again tomorrow. As a matter of fact, I'm REALLY looking forward to it. Surprise, surprise. Huh? I know. Me too!

And I kind of think it might be time to try and take it up a notch. Try and get in two exercise times a day. This could get interesting for us. I mean, I could hardly get to once a day up, and now I'm suggesting two. But I'm serious. If the weather stays good and my friends keep calling me when they're ready to groove, it could actually work. And even if this plan doesn't get off the ground right away, the very fact that I'm open to it means I'm ready to take it up a notch, right? Say "right." Thank you. :)

Alright, well I'm going to sign off here. I'll let you know how the weekend goes. Have a good one!

Ahhhhh

Well I have had an amazing day! I started off with a great workout - 50 minutes of skating. It's such a great way to exercise. You work up a sweat, but not really because it's so cold. Strange feeling to have the back of your head wet and sweat trickling down your back but you have to keep your sweatshirt on or you'll freeze. But I like that when I'm finished my legs feel kind of like jello. I also like that different muscles are aching than the usual ones. And at this point, my muscles ache all the time. It's a good thing, but again, it's a little strange too. It's the sign that I'm making progress. I can't SEE the progress yet, but there's something going on way deep in those legs of mine.

After my workout and one of my protein shakes, I headed to the gym where, as a HUGE treat for myself, I had scheduled a massage. This was an extravagance for me, and one that I was really looking forward to. To relax. Soothe the muscles. Ease the ache. Ahhhh.

Unless of course your muscles need a good soothing. Or they ache. Or they're strained. In which case, you don't get that relaxing "spa" massage. What you get is Helga's House of Pain. Seriously. And the more work the muscles need, the more pain you can expect. Because you have to work out those kinks and smooth those knots somehow. OUCH!!!!! What happened to the "relaxing" part of this deal???? Oh, and it's twice as bad when you're a two-ton-Tillie because you gotta mooooove the fatty skin out of the way to find the muscle so you can work out the knots! DANG! Helloooo??? Didn't you hear me?? What happened to the "relaxing" part of this deal???? Hahaha.

Well I think it goes without saying that although my muscles are probably smoother now than they were before my massage, I won't be making another appointment anytime soon. I think it's best if I wait until you can actually FEEL the muscle somewhere in all that skin. That's my plan anyway. :)

My meals and food plans are still on course. I am still at about 1350 calories each day. I want to say that the appropriate amount of calories you should take in when you want to lose weight is your weight times 7. For me then, it's 201.8 x 7, or about 1412. Interestingly, my Lose It program on my iphone says I can only have 1276. I'm right in between, so I feel pretty safe. And I guess as long as the weight keeps coming off I'll stay with that plan. I won't try to fix it if it's not broken.

Okie dokie then . . . that's my scoop today. I'm off to slumberland -- or at least a shot at it. Haven't slept well all week so we shall see . . . Happy Saturday to you everyone! God Bless you real good. :)

201.8

Waaayy down! Woooohoooo!!! I complain and complain and then, ca-ching! The number drops! I am so very happy about this. I am getting closer and closer to one-derland and its making me work harder. Well, its making me work hard. As hard as I have so far, anyway. It keeps me on track and that's what I need. I need to stay on track. And not just for me. I need to stay on track for you, too.

I started this blog January 2 with the intention of tracking my weight loss. So far so good. But I want to tell you that I am one of many, many people who blog about their weight loss. There are so many out there it makes your head spin. Some are are wildly entertaining. They are funny and have some great links. Some of them have hundreds of followers. Some of them have hundreds of ads. There are sites that are listed in "Top 10" lists here and there. And they all started with the same intention: to blog as they lose. They all had the intent to lose weight. And therein is the sad problem. It doesn't quite happen.

I'm am so sorry. I'm not condemning or criticizing. But some of these people have been blogging for two and three and four years. They start out great. They lose 20 or 30 pounds over six months. And that's where it stops. The blogging continues, the weight goes up and down. Mostly up. The struggle continues and the topics shift. They shift topics because there's no more loss. They stop mentioning what they weigh and what they ate. It comes up every now and then. The rest might be hints and advice and good intentions. But no moving forward. I mean, downward.

And I don't want that to be me. I don't want to hover. I don't want to hit a mark and stop moving forward. I want to keep spiraling downward - the more dizzying the pace the better. Yes, I know slower is healthier. But stopping is fatal. And I was sincere when I said it's for you, too. How dull to listen to someone who doesn't do what she said she was going to do. How dull to see 203, 203, 203, 203, 203 . . . you get the point. You WANT me to keep going. You WANT me to lose. As much as I want it. And I love, love, love that about us!!!!! I feel like we're a team. We're a team because I am doing this for me, but I couldn't do it without you. Do you honestly think I'd bust my big butt to break 200 if all of you didn't check in on me? OF COURSE I WOULD!!! But I wouldn't get there until June! Hah! And then maybe I'd get to 190 by August. Maybe 180 by next Christmas. Like the rest of the bloggers. And I'd be hopelessly, aimlessly blogging for the next 2 years without ever making progress.

No thank you!!! We deserve better. You do. I do. And we're going to make it. I promise. Really. I promise you. I won't let you down. I'll be like the mailman - getting it done under any circumstances and in any kind of weather. Except my mail bags are gonna get lighter and lighter. lol. So yes, my loss is good. But we're not done. Today I walked for an hour. Yay! And as soon as it starts to get warmer and the snow melts - which at this point looks like June - I'm going to double my efforts. And I just keep thanking God for having my back. He really is the rock. Yea.
And I thank God for you. My team. xoxoxo.

A is for the Alchohol....

. . .that I should just avoid. I mean for pity sakes. Really!!! I'm hardly a big drinker. Not exactly a lush if you know what I mean. But two nights in a row with 2 glasses of wine each night put me in a bad place and a bad mood. My weight after the weekend was 203.8. That's just wrong! I even counted in the calories and made adjustments to my intake because of the wine. But nope. My body has decided to punish me for what it considers to be "decadent." Booo!!!

So here's the "skinny" on alcohol my friends. It makes you retain water, which causes your weight to fluctuate. It also slows your metabolism, causing your body to burn less calories, which causes your weight to fluctuate. And last, it causes a spike in your blood sugar, which makes you hungry, which makes you eat, which causes your weight to fluctuate. Are we seeing a pattern here?

Unfair as it may be, alcohol is NOT good for the dieter. All the planning and counting and anticipating doesn't prepare you for the wretched number that shows up on your scale after you've been drinking. I know we had a little visit about this issue a few weeks ago. But it's apparently something I need to repeat to myself over and over. Somehow it didn't sink in. I guess I just need to keep reminding myself: three drinks and you're on your way to fat-so-ville, honey!

My fingers are still fat and swollen from the weekend. I didn't go and indulge my appetite after my blood sugar spiked either. I'm just retaining that much water. And I'm not sure how long I'm stuck with the effects of this. I'll let you know. For me, this is not a worthwhile sacrifice. I just can't justify having wine if this is what I'm left to deal with.

In the meantime, I'm back at it in the gym. Was there tonight and on treadmill for 30, bike for 30. Then it was out the door to an incoming winter storm and BOOM!!! I hit the pavement like an medicine ball dropped from the sky. Thankfully my butt is big enough to handle the impact. No bones broken and no muscles strained. Whew! That's all I would need!

Tomorrow is a new day. New scale numbers. Hopefully better. So it's nighty-night for me. Sleep tight all!

Rose Colored Glasses

Great day today. Really great. I got back to the gym. I didn't have a whole list of things to get done, so I spent over an hour there. Now, you know as well as I do that I didn't want to go in the first place. My two day break, or any break for that matter, just makes the next trip seem like such a chore. But you also know, as I do, that without the gym the speed of my weight loss will be significantly less. So I sucked it up and went. I spent 35 minutes on the treadmill and 30 on the stationery bike. Woo hoo!!!

Now I have to tell you that I was wearing a new pair of sweat shorts. Well not new. Old. But they're a "new" size going backward from where I was. They're a regular XXL. I know, that's a big number. But you know what? It's not a 1x or 2x in women's sizes. You may or may not know this but when your weight hits the big time, you can't shop in regular departments or regular clothing stores anymore. It works like this: you have small, medium, large, x-large and xx-large. Or you have 10, 12, 14, 16, 18. But when you hit that xxl or 16/18 range there is a lot LESS to choose from, if there's anything at all. So you have to cross the aisle to the "women's" department.

Okay, can we just talk about this? The departments are kids, juniors, misses and women's. Exactly what is the message here???? That once you're married you're gonna pack on the pounds? That anyone who moves into the later stages of life is destined to be 200+ pounds? And who is a "misses" anyway??? The whole system is warped. It's sooo ODD! I mean, the women's department has sizes 16 and 18 too. The difference is that there's a magical "W" after the size number that changes everything. MUCH roomier! And I know the "w" is suppose to mean "women's", but I can't help secretly feeling that it actually means "wide." lol. And it's the same for the size 1x or 2x -- waaayyyy roomier. It is truly the most ridiculous system. It's like a little wink and a nod to all of us fat gals out there. Permission to, I don't know, expand!

Okay well anyway --I am pleased to say that I have to suck it all back in again because I have officially moved back across the aisle from "women's" to the misses' shopping section. My 18 wides are too loose, and I fit into my xxl's again, as opposed to my 1x's and 2x's. Hooray, hooray! And the rose colored glasses I was wearing when I first crossed that aisle? I left those in the women's section too. Hopefully I will hang onto the healthy self-awareness I've acquired over these last couple of months. I don't want to find myself where I was. You know. Across the aisle. :)

Alrighty-dighty. I'm signing off here. Happy Saturday everyone!

Blah Blah Blah

Hello folks! So sorry to be so long getting back online. I am a little surprised and a little shocked too. I don't know why but I thought I was on here Wednesday. It's spring break around here so I have lost track of time and days. Everyday feels like Saturday this week.

It's been a busy week too. Honestly. So busy that I couldn't get to the gym on either Wednesday or today. I know I made a commitment, but I literally didn't have time on either day. I suppose I could get on now -- at 10:00 p.m. -- but I'm not going to do that. It would be a pathetic effort and I know it, so I might as well wait until tomorrow and go like gangbusters. I was able to do that earlier this week and was very happy with myself. I'll do it again tomorrow.

Today I had to hustle around the greater metropolitan area for a couple of meetings. I was so busy yesterday that I didn't plan and didn't bring along any healthy snacks. I started my day with a protein shake, snacked on a clementine orange later, but I was craving a hot hoagie sandwich. Since I hadn't had too much, I went ahead and ate one. Then I just counted calories the rest of the day. I have done well, and I DON"T want to go backwards. It is not worth it. Not at all.

My post today is as bland as melba toast, but I wanted to touch base and let you know that I'm doing good. I am constantly amazed at whatever unseen force is sustaining me -- aside from my commenters, that is!!! I am as motivated today as I was the first day I started this, and it surprises me every moment of every day. I keep waiting for a major melt down or some other crash, but it's been so long now that I am beginning to believe it might not be coming. Yay!!!

Alrighty -- I am fidgety and antsy and think I will try and relax a bit or I'll never sleep. And I need to sleep. Yawn. So I'm off. Take care, sleep well. I'll touch base again over the weekend!

203

Holy Hannah Banana! Got on the scale today and wow!!! I was completely shocked to see that number. Thrilled, of course. But shocked! I keep thinking I don't deserve it, but that's not true. I DO deserve it. And I am happy, happy, happy!

I have to tell you, that picture of Miss Piggy from yesterday had me chuckling all day today. Every time I thought of it I burst out laughing. "What If You Were Miss Piggy?" I mean, for heaven's sake -- I AM Miss Piggy!!! The irony of it is just a hoot. Maybe you don't think so, but I do. Cracks me up!!!

Anywho . . . good day today. Back to the gym for day 2 of my two week goal. I worked really hard. Got on the treadmill and alternated running and walking. The running is what my bod' wants to do. My knees have a STRONG objection. But it gets easier as I lose the weight. If those people on the Biggest Loser can get on a treadmill and run at a speed of 15, then I can certainly get on mine and run at 4.5 or 5.o1 Right? Right! So I alternated between walking at 3.8 and running at 4.5 or so. I tried to bring it up, but didn't do so well sustaining it. Still, its a far cry from the 3.3 I started at in January, so I am satisfied. When I was finished I biked for 15 minutes. Sauna. Shower. Bliss.

I know I have to keep going back to that gym. Right now I'm just like that little engine that could -- I just have an extra large caboose! HAH!!! And there is some unseen force motivating me to do that right now, so I feel like success is just around the bend, or over the hill, or whatever it is. It's not far off, anyway.

Well friends, I am truly exhausted tonight. Had a little too much energy tea before I went to bed last night and I tossed and turned until 3:00 in the morning. Booo!!! I hope to sleep better tonight. So I'll sign off here, with a big THANK YOU JESUS for the super-dee-duper drop in my weight. You're awesome! And so, my friends, are all of you. A peaceful slumber to you all! :)

Gym-Bo

Hurray for me! I did the one thing I avoid on a daily basis -- went to the gym. Day one under my belt. What's the saying? "Once begun is half done." I truly believe that's true. Especially for me. I was pretty pleased with myself.

So I've been agitated the last few days. I think I told you that. If I didn't, now you know. Unfortunately I couldn't really shake that when I got to the gym. I was able to get rid of it AFTER my work out, but not before or during. And let me just apologize right now for being such a naughty little sinner-person. But I just have to get this off of my chest. There was a lady at the gym who was so irritating I wanted to wring her neck.

She was on the elliptical in front of me -the WHOLE time I was there and well over the 30 minutes you're suppose to spend on any given machine. And this particular elliptical is the only one at the gym that doesn't have arm bars that you have to work at the same time as your legs. It has rails only. And its the most popular elliptical there. For me included. And this girl was a complete elliptical hog. I thought I was going to jump off the treadmill and yank her off. People would come in, look over and see her on it, and get on a different machine, all the while continuing to look over at her (a sure sign they want to get on it). One man stood behind the machine next to it watching TV for almost 10 minutes after she hit the 30 minute mark. She was either completely oblivious or just that rude. Oink, oink. He walked away.

And then I couldn't help but watch her. I was directly behind her. She hadn't signed in on the white board. She covered the time information with a magazine. And she clucked her head forward like a chicken with every step she took, leading with her chin to get the rest of her body in motion. Out and in. Out and in. Oh. My. Gosh. I thought I was going to freak out. I have NO IDEA why!!!

I managed to get through the rest of my time on the treadmill and hopped on the stationery bike. I kept hoping that either she's be done or that someone would tattle on her. How immature is that??? 15 minutes later she was still clucking and stepping and I hit the road. So ridiculous. I can't say anything except "I'm sorry." Sorry for being so petty, and sorry for dragging you down with me. But sometimes, my friends, ya just gotta share. lol.

So. Note to self: don't be a machine hog. It's ticks people off. Bad. And just maybe I can get on that special elliptical tomorrow. Because you KNOW I have to go back. I can. I can. I can. . . . . .

A Sad, Sad Day

Yes it is. A sad day indeed. I gained a pound. I'm back at 206. Sooooo sad. And soooo irritating. And I really want to gripe and complain to you. I really, really want to do that. But that long bony pointer finger keeps turning itself back around toward me. I have no one to blame but myself for this and I want to SCREAM!! And stamp, stamp, stamp my feet. And have a complete and utter tantrum. Ughhhh!!! I know I have to go to the gym. I know what I have to do. I know, I know, I know. Ughhhh!!!

You know what though? Other than the gym thing, I don't deserve this. Not at all. It's not like I've been stuffing my face with all sorts of goodies. Well wait. I have. But "goodies" might not mean the same thing to me that they do to you. For example, the grilled cheese right there? 150 calories. VERY tasty. Whole grain bread @ 80 a slice, fat free cheese slices (american and swiss) at 30 each, and I Can't Believe It's Not Butter spray @ 25. Dreamy, actually. My kind of "goodies" these days. I have a couple of them.

Protein shakes are another. All different flavors. They're fantastic. It's just insane that they could possibly be so healthy!! But they are. And I'm so LUCKY for that. I make one using vanilla shake mix with extra protein powder (also vanilla), add a capful of rootbeer extract, water and ice. Blend. It tastes exactly like a rootbeer float. 200 calories. 24 grams of protein. Sometimes I add a capful of almond flavoring. Tastes like a big sugar cookie. And then there's the chocolate-banana, or chocolate-cherry. They're all about the same in calories and protein. It's like going to the Dairy Queen every single day! I make them with Herbalife products, and I can tell you with all certainty it's worthy every dime I spend.

I don't spend a lot of time talking about food. I don't think it's good for anyone. Tends to make us ALL hungry. Also, it bugged the bajeebers out of me when I read a dieter's blog that said she "cheated" by eating Puppy Chow, and then proceeded to provide a link for the recipe. I mean, helloooo???? Thanks for push lady! You might as well put a donut in my hand and say "I ate one. You can too." Dumb. And I want to avoid doing that to you. But if I can give you some healthy alternatives, then I will. So be honest . . . doesn't that grilled cheese look mighty good? Yea.

Okay. So tomorrow is the start of another week. I had hoped to be at 204.5 by February 28 - which would have put me at about a 10 pound loss per month. But I missed it. Humbling, to say the least. I had wanted to get to one-derland by the second week of March. That's seems too aggressive now, I know. Over 6 pounds - 3 pounds a weeks. But I can set the goal and do what I can to hit it. That means the gym. So my goal is two FULL weeks of working out. That's cardio every day plus extras. It's the only way. And I can do this. I can. I can. I can. I've done it before and I can keep on doing it. I can. And I will. And I will keep you posted.

Lord, I pray today for strength and perseverance. Keep me strong on my journey, and help me get skinny quick! I pray too, for anyone on the journey with me, that they have strength and perserverance. And for everyone else, I pray for whatever intention is in their hearts. God Bless and goodnight, all.