126.6 post Christmas

----which is good due to the insane amount of chocolate I ate, and the lack of exercise! I am hitting the gym hard again, I am making a new workout schedule and daily diet and will post it soon. Although I have lost some weight, I feel really floppy and flabby, so I will be trying to get everything to that goal stage of being tight and toned... Happy New Years!!!

125.6

Well, it took the most stressful week of my life... but that did it... Not having an appetite, and only running a few days(outside in the freezing cold) made me drop 5 pounds in a week. My belly is noticeably flatter, but not gone. So, now my goal is to keep that weight off, to work on the remaining belly and to work on perking up the backside. Juddson is only how old now??? Oh well, at least I am getting it done.

130 and holding

Well, Thanksgiving didn't hurt me as bad as I previously thought, and I am back down to 130- although tomorrow is date night, and fajitas do me in for my Friday weigh in... but it's a much needed refresher with my husband, so I will splurge on white cheese dip and fajitas, and tomorrow he wants to get chili rellenos for an appetizer... yum..

Anyways, if anyone wants some size 27 boy cut 7 jeans, for $28 bucks including shipping, let me know.... My sweet husband got me some off ebay, and they are a TAD, just a TAD ha ha ha ha Tad bit too small.. Thanks for the thought baby!

And, my trainer, Don, has talked me into training for a triathlon that is in February. I stink at swimming and have never biked, so I am a little nervous. I can do the running... got that down... I ran 3 miles in 24 minutes today... Could have gone a little faster I think, because I had already done a mile on the elliptical and ran a warm up mile before that... I would like to get it down to 20ish though... The triathlon is running 5K, swimming 500 yards with is 10 down and backs in the pool (down back1, down back 2) like that... and biking 10 miles... I think... The scariest part of this whole ordeal is now I must purchase a swimsuit. First of all, I don't even know where to purchase one in December, second of all, I am white white, no tan left, 3rd of all... just the whole swimsuit thing... maybe I can wear a full body wet suit or something.. ???

Jeans

Oh dear, we went to try on jeans the other day because I have literally nothing in my closet that fits me... Shirts are still too little around the belly and pants are falling down because they are too big. Well, the whole experience was depressing. I could squeeze into a 27 because the lady working at the Buckle told me to go a size smaller because after wearing the jeans for a little while they stretch out... So, that was ok, but the top of the jeans, oh my.... of course they were low rise, so my belly hung over the top and my muffin tops rolled over the sides. My husband did like how they looked in the back though. I tried some high rise on, but the crotch bagged up something terrible and they flattened my butt, so they were out too.... Needless to say, we left an hour later jeanless. Blah... better step it up a notch or 2.

Running is paying off~ hooray!!

Well, I am finally steady at 130. Last Thursday Don trained me for an hour and a half and I got down to 129!!!! But, of course back up to 130 after I drank some water. He kicked my butt, I am still sore from that workout.... But, my husband is really happy with the way my body is coming along, he says it's tighter than before kids... well, except for the belly part. It's still there, but maybe going away a little bit. I still need a girdle, but my legs and thighs and muffin tops are trimming up. I still want to get to 125 by Thanksgiving, I don't know if it'll happen, but I have been running 7 miles every other day (M-F) and running 3 and doing toning on the days in between. I have also cut calories down to 1200 per day and have added going to the gym on Sunday afternoons which has made a difference as well. Also, instead of 2 or 3 diet cheat days, only 1- on Thursday night date night... and no drinks... just water... But, at least it's finally started to pay off... About 10 more pounds and I am getting new jeans!!!!

131 Still!!!

Yeah, last week I was 131 all week... except one day I was 130 and I was so excited... but, Josh and I had a date at Red Lobster and even though I tried to behave, I went back up to 131. But, that's ok, at least I am not back up to 136! I have been running, running, running. Friday I ran 7 miles, then did 1.5 on the elliptical to try to run the Red Lobster off. I am going to run tomorrow too. I have been running 5 on Monday, 3 miles on Tuesday... like that all week and taking the weekends off, but Josh thinks I should only take one day off, so I am going to go in and run tomorrow.... I am excited, hopefully this is working.... well, I have been counting calories too... and eating every 4 hours. Trying to only eat 1200-1400 per day.... I really, really want to break 130 this week!!! Wish me luck. And people at the gym have started to tell me that they can tell I have lost some weight... Man, it's only been 5 months..... but, results are finally starting to be seen.

131

Still at 131!!!! I was shocked... hmmm, I wonder where I am losing weight from because my belly is bigger, doesn't make sense. it feels like someone attached a rock to my belly and i am carrying that weight around.... anybody want to donate to a lypo fund?? I was very strict today and only ate 1200 calories, eating small, tiny meals every 4 hours. I ran 5 miles, did the elliptical for 150 calories, and then did a little toning. I am dying to go into my kitchen and eat about 2 or 3 Reeses Christmas trees and then chug milk from the gallon container.....I need self control.....

Starting over

Well, I was down to 131, and now know I am way up... with the kids being sick and me missing the gym so much, I have gained at least 5 pounds. I will weigh in tomorrow... and I have to start over and get back in the 5 mile a day routine... because it was working for awhile. I saw on Biggest Loser that Bob says to eat small meals, every 4 hours, so I am going to start that tomorrow too. I would really, really like to lose weight by Thanksgiving.

133

Well, not too bad, considering the pizza and cookie cake eating weekend, and the fact that I hadn't been to the gym in close to a week. I did take a couple of 3 mile runs, but that was it. I always plan to do a Pilate's tape at night, but always sit on the couch and watch a Curb instead... I am too mentally tired by the time I get the kids down and just want to veg out. I did watch a great infomercial on a colon cleanse... maybe that's what I need to jump start the weight loss.... Any one use it? Any experiences you can share? Also, while I am asking questions-- I have terrible shin splints and running kills my legs-- anyone know of good shoes to help with that problem?

Something always goes wrong

Well, I was doing so well, being down in the 132 department, but the kids have been sick, and I haven't been able to work out for about 4 days now. Ugh, I know I am back up to the 136's or so.... blah... I did talk Josh into watching them today, while I went for a 3 mile jog. It was freezing and windy and my ears are still hurting... missing the gym.

Well, 2 pounds down...maybe

Usually I weigh in between 134-136 and all last week it was 131 or 132, so maybe my running is starting to pay off. My belly still hasn't gone down, but I guess something has gone down somewhere! I JUST CAN'T STAND THE BELLY!!!! UGH, I need to vent... I am seriously working my butt off at the gym, but feel like nothing is changing. I try to eat good... I haven't had any cokes, I have a half a cup of coffee, and a small breakfast, sometimes lunch, sometimes not, and I really don't snack during the day (except for today) and I eat an early dinner now instead of a late dinner... I drink water, but it doesn't matter, I think I am destined to have this great big kangaroo pouch forever. I was drinking those Fuse's everyday and think that helped. They contain chromium which is suppose to help get energy from food or something. Maybe it was a placebo effect, but while I was drinking them, I felt like my tummy went down a little...a little... I need to buy more. A little is better than nothing, right? Plus, last week at the gym, 2 guys mentioned that I had lost weight-- hey, if other people can tell- that's ok by me!! I have been running 5 miles one day, the next running 3 and doing elliptical for 2, the next running 4, doing elliptical for 1.... then I am suppose to do 5 the next day, but the kids have been sick, or have had field trips, so I have only been going like 3 or 4 days a week, which really bums me out. Oh well, Josh is just going to have to start watching them a little so I can get there 5/5 days.

Weekend

Well, I haven't gotten to weigh since Thursday. Friday I skipped the gym because Noah hates to go, and he has long weeks, so I like to give him a morning break on Friday. Josh did watch the kids while I took about a 3 mile jog on Friday afternoon, which was nice. Saturday I was bad. We had my parents and my sis and her boyfriend over for a football game and cookout, and I ate really bad. Today I walked the kids after lunch, and I am going to clean the rest of the day-- that burns calories right? Tomorrow, I have to miss the gym again because Noah's class is going on a field trip to the pumpkin patch, and I can't miss that!!! Ugh... I will have to be very good tomorrow... I wanted to be under 130 by the end of last week, but don't think I made it... We'll see how bad the scale looks Tuesday.

131 on a MONDAY

That is just unheard of for me. Usually, I do so bad on the weekends, I come in on Mondays at 134 or higher..... so, I am hoping to get out of the 130 department by the end of the week!!!!! I need motivation-- I got a little little bit depressed today. On of my good friends had a baby on 10/3 and he weighed 10 3 (how cool is that??) anyways... her belly is FLAT... totally flat, no pouch... ok, I am really jealous and it makes me sick... not fair..... at all... good for her... I just don't understand... 10/3/2008, yeah, like less than 2 weeks ago...ugh.. I run and run and run and run and run and nothing.... nothing.... it's starting to get frustrating..........and my youngest is 18 months... hello!

Steady

Well, the past few days I have been super busy, and my shin splints have been KILLING me from changing running surfaces. I ran outside for 3 days this week and it did a number on my already sore legs. But, I went back to the gym today. I have been at 133 for a few days now. I just wish I could break the 130 mark... Every time I get to 131, I go back up.
I have noticed how much of an emotional eater I am, and need to get that under control. I wish I could have Bob from the biggest loser come stay with me for a month or so, and just lead me all day..... I want a bobpod too, I am going to google it and see how much they are. And, next time I am at Wal-mart, I am going to get some good insoles...maybe that will help.

Nothing is working

OK, my belly is bigger than ever. I am slim through my arms, neck, chest, and waist. Once you get to belly, it bulges out... stays out through the thighs, then slim again down the legs. I am running alot... I am eating so/so... Ok, I know eating right has a lot to do with it... but good grief, is there anything that will shrink this belly besides starving myself???? Running ain't working.... Anyone want to donate to a tummy tuck fund???

oh dear

It's been a while since I have been to the gym... not by my own decision of course. Friday I asked the kids if they were ready to go to exercise school and Noah said "Stay home!" and for him to voice his opinion like that, he means it... plus, they haven't felt that great... so, we stayed home. I fully intended on jogging them around the neighborhood in the triple jogger, but one thing led to another, and well... that didn't happen. And it didn't happen Sat, or Sun or today either. Noah was sick, and got sent home from school, so I didn't get to go to the gym today. Josh said when he got home from work, he'd watch them, so I could go run, but as soon as he got home, he got called back in.... So, I have eaten pizza and bread sticks 3 times.... and tonight had beefy cheesy wonderful homemade enchiladas.... I dread the scale tomorrow....

Running

This is getting really boring without pics, so here are some random ones!


Noah and Harper Jane... my 3 and 2 year olds.
Juddson, my 1 year old.

Our 5th anniversary, May 10, 2008.

Me and Noah, mother's day... He WOULD NOT look at the stinkin' camera...
Judd and Harper, Easter... got the 80's hair styles goin'.

Easter, all 3 of them.... they do love each other.

Me and Harper "cheezin'" for the camera.

What I wish I was doing.My hot hubby driving Noah on the mower... what fun!

My new plan started off well today. I got to the gym, walked a couple of laps to get warmed up... and waited on a treadmill to become unoccupied. After about 10 minutes, I got one... started running at 7mph and ran my 5 miles straight For the last 2, I knocked it down to 6.5, then 6mph, so it took me just over 40 minutes. Miles 1 and 2 were the worst for some reason... 3-5 weren't bad at all. I have got to get new ipod music... I am sick of the same stinkin' 12 songs! Luckily, Don stood by me and talked from mile 4 to 5... so that was great. I had 30 minutes to spare, so I did some leg machines and the gravitron. I ate decent today. Small breakfast, tiny lunch, and a bowl of Josh's stewp or stoup for dinner. I did have a couple of pieces of cornbread... and I did just eat a ding dong... but it was eaten in secret, so it doesn't count right??

bad bad bad

I skipped the gym today..... boo... I did attempt to take the kids for a walk/jog. After a few blocks they were complaining it was too hot and they wanted to come back home, so we came back home. I ate really well today and didn't over do it. I am dying for a reeses mix with extra reeses from Braum's, but have refrained. I painted all day and cleaned and cleaned and cleaned, so I feel like I did some good calorie burnin'... I am going to eat good all weekend and start hitting the gym hard again on Monday... 5 miles a day baby!

131 Again

Back down to 131... man, I fluctuate. I have been trying to cut back on my food intake.... This week I have been a little sluggish at the gym... like everyone else, I am fighting a cold or allergies or whatever and just don't feel 100%...so, instead of burning 1000 I have been burning about 700.
Josh made me remove the beautiful "before" pics, but he did take current pics and I compared. My waist is smaller and my thighs have gone down. The spare tire (or belly) is still the same... ugh... I have heard run run run, so that is what I shall do. I just bought some new running shoes for that purpose, and have them... guess I will try some insoles. My new goal is to run 5 miles a day and lose 10 pounds by Thanksgiving...

134 for 3 days straight and finally........ the before pics

Well, at least I haven't gained!! Josh informed my that my belly looks like a beer gut/pot belly... Thanks honey!---- you carry huge babies in a 5'4" frame for 3 years straight and let's check out your belly!!! Well, I am not trying to be mean, but just making excuses for myself... he is not mean either, just very very honest.. but I would rather him be honest than be like-- oh yeah, you look hot, and not mean it... so, anyways... I burned 1000 on Tuesday; ran 4 miles, walked 3.5 miles on incline... burned a thousand yesterday, some on elliptical, some on treadmill... today my blisters were killing me (getting new shoes tonight woo hoo-- finally!) so I will run tomorrow.... I only burned 700 today, then did arm toning... I am going to clean all day and burn some cals that way.... better get to it....


Started watching biggest loser this week.. I want Josh to get me one of those arm bands that calculate how many calories you burn throughout the day and then it plugs into the computer or something and you type in what you ate and it calculates how many pounds you've lost/gained... pretty cool... I think it might help with my calorie counting...

And, the long awaited, as promised... before pics!!! If those biggest loser people can get into a sports bra on National TV.... I can post my before pics on my piddly little blog. (Ugh) You will be able to see why I have procrastinated so long putting them up..

The following pics are not for the weak of stomach... Yes, they are vulgar and gross... They are from June of this year... My sister in law informed me I could've done bikini pics... Yes, that is a good idea, much more modest... didn't think of that.... but I "bleeped" out the bad parts... so... note the belly (it's actually bigger now) ~ and I am not sticking it out, that's just how I stand. I will have Josh take more pics... bikini pics...

MY HUSBAND MADE ME REMOVE THESE GLORIOUS PICS (9/25/08)

The back view surely looks better now... surely... gotta have Josh take those pics.... Yikes and sorry for spoiling your dinner... And yes, I am very embarrassed by these pics... maybe next time I want to eat some chips, I will think of what I have shown the world.... and by not eating the chips I may be able to one day, post some hot "after" pictures!!!

3 miles, and being too honest

Friday I was back down to 132.6... Yeah! But, Monday I was back up to 133.4-- argh-- those weekends get me... When I have company I cook alot... Steaks, twice baked potatoes, apple pie, caramel bars-- which are INCREDIBLE!!! Choc, caramel all layered-- let me know if you want the recipe, they are worth running the extra mile to run them off!! Ha :) Ok, anyways...Sunday-- my parents came over after church and we ordered 4 large pizzas! Friday I ran 3 miles and almost burned my 1000 for the day... Monday I walked a mile, ran 3 in 27:45, then walked another. Had 300 left to go, so I did the elliptical and finished burning my 1000 calories in 90 minutes... Well, a little less than 90 yesterday. So, I tried to count calories all day. By noon, with breakfast and lunch down I was at 670. I did eat a caramel bar, ok 4 caramel bars, (to be totally honest) and I don't know the calories on them because the are homemade and I can't just look on the package... So I looked on the package of cupcakes, and they are bigger, but, they are 200 per, so we'll add 800 to the 670 which is 1470, then I ate like a handful of fritos... so let's make it 1570.. then, for supper, I only had a grilled chicken breast with bbq sauce... so maybe another 400?? I have no clue.. I need to look it up... 1970... yikes... If those stupid caramel bars weren't here... I am giving them away today....
My belly is so big... Anyone know how to target that and just make it go down some???? I just think all my fat goes to storage right there, in my pooch...I am going to have to start wearing a girdle to go to the gym, it's getting ridiculous... Oh well, at least I have started counting calories... back to the daily plate to find out how much a caramel bar really has... dum dum dummmmm..... (that was that scary music segue')

133

Back down to 133 yesterday, although my belly is still huge... I swear, if my husband wasn't neutered, I would think I was pregnant again.... Seriously, in one week, my belly bulged back out... and my hips are wider-- I can tell by how my pants fit. Yesterday I burned 1000 calories during my workout... I guess I am just going to try that for a while and really really try to eat right. It's time....I have worked out to hard to look like this, and I know if I would eat food to live, not because "that looks good" it would help my weight go down.... hopefully right?

yikes

I haven't posted in a week because I am really depressed and mad. I know I promised before and current pics and didn't do those either. Probably because I gained 5 pounds in a week and am up to 136-- which is more than when I even started this. I am really discouraged and am praying I am pregnant-- even though my husband is "fixed" and it would be a miracle of God, but at least it would explain all the weight gain and emotionalness!!! I don't know what happened. I don't think I ate that much worse than usual last week, although I did have a coke and hardly ever ever drink cokes... 5 pounds!!!! That's amazing....I am really sad. And my precious, oh so honest husband told me the weight gain was "extremely obvious" in my belly and hips. I am very thankful he told me that even though it hurt my heart a little. Then we had to eat fast food for dinner last night and he ate 2 double stackers from BK-- one of my fav's and I ate a bowl of Honey Bunches of Oats, and was pissed the whole time!!! HA :)
My husband told me to start trying to burn 1000 calorie a day and not worry about toning right now, just to focus on cardio, so I will start that today... and I need to go get groceries today-- so only healthy stuff, blah.... I was talking to a lady at the gym yesterday and she was like being nice "oh, I am sure it's just water weight" and I said "no, I think it's spaghetti weight" and she said "you ate white pasta??" and had a little freak out on me and was like "no, no-- you can eat nothing white!" and went on to tell me to eat cabbage and onions and squash-- disgusting!!! Ok, so I sound like I am 10, but I really don't like vegetables except beans and corn and fried okra- does that count oh and the best vegetable, potatoes??? She gave me a mini-lecture about eating right....so, I am going to look up recipes til the kids get up and get healthy stuff to make healthy foods... Note the time 4:53am!!

131.4

Back down 3 pounds... I know I am a big fluctuator, but I think, I really think that these green tea capsules are helping. Maybe it's a placebo effect, but who cares!! I really don't feel as hungry, and feel like something is working away at my fat cells... It doesn't hurt, it's a weird feeling, that I can't describe... But, I am down 3 pounds, and would like to be down 3 more next week. I ran 3 miles in 27 minutes today, did some leg/thigh machines, then did 3 miles on a glut program on the elliptical.... I know I know... pics soon--- I will get my husband to take some this weekend and I will post some before pics too...

Green Tea

I weighed in at 134.4 at the gym this morning. This hard core worker outer guy was on the treadmill next to me and he jokingly asked me if I'd gotten a six pack yet... I told him that I quit doing abs for now, because it was building my ab muscles up and pooching my belly fat out more. So, I am concentrating on cardio to get the fat off first, then I will work on those muscles. He said get Green Tea extract, take 500mg per day, you'll lose weight. He said make sure it has EGCG in it. He also said calcium and vit C supplements are good for you and are easy on the body. I can't take calcium because I get kidney stones, but after I worked out, I rushed to Walmart and bought a big bottle of Green Tea capsules. I would like to lose a couple of pounds by the time Josh (hubby) gets back from his golf holiday....We'll see how it goes.

Nothing new

Sorry, it's been a while. I am swamped at home with the kids, and trying to work on some photography stuff, and my husband is on a golf trip- so working out and counting calories hasn't been on the top of my list this week. I have still been hitting the gym hard and trying to watch what I eat-- make sure I stop when I am full, not snack throughout the day, etc.... Also, I have been drinking ALOT of water-- and that makes me feel so much better, and keeps me from eating all day. I will find most of the time, when I wander into the kitchen and start looking in the pantry, if I just get a big drink of water- that satisfies me-- and saves a bunch of calories... It seems the more I drink, the more I crave and that's a good thing... I will weigh today-- the gym won't be open Sat-Mon, so I am bummed about that... I have been recorded workouts on my DVR and will have to try to do it from home for a few days... we'll see if that happens.

Blah Blah Blah

Is really all I have to say... My weight is like at 136 right now, how it's gone up so much I don't know. I am not really eating any worse than I have the past month.. . I do look pregnant again, but I am not, at least I shouldn't be-- Josh is fixed... I am seriously, seriously going to have to make a meal plan and stick to it. It's so hard to do with pizza parties and family gatherings, and date night, and this and that... ugh.. I am not the kind of girl who can go to a birthday party and be like "no pizza, I will just have salad..." I am like, "heck yeah, gimme a sausage, a pepperoni, a coke" then of course Great American Cookie Co. choc chip cookie cake for dessert-- you think I am going to pass that up? Gimme a break.. Now say "quit complaining about your fat belly, fatty" That's what I need to hear...

belly bulge

I haven't weighed this week, but I know it's up.... My belly is big right now, really prego and bloated looking again, Josh even mentioned it... My theory is that all the eating made me put on a couple of pounds, and all the sit-ups and ab work I have been doing have pushed it out more... Not a good combo. I am just going to do mucho cardio and calorie count for a while and try to get my fat percentage down. Yesterday I did elliptical for 1000 calories, which was about 8.5 miles, then I rowed on the machine, then I ran a mile. Today, Don was bored- and made my day because he trained me, and worked me out hard... I loved it, except the ball/wall squats-- those killed... Yesterday I ate about 1800-2000 calories... a little over, but at least I counted!! HA!!! Today I haven't kept track... slap on my hand... We are stressing about my husband's job situation/money situation and when I am stressed I graze, and haven't logged all my grazing today....

Gaining

I have gained 2 pounds, I am up to 133, muscle weight? Doubt it, probably pie weight.... Hey, when I spend hours in the kitchen making homemade, from scratch pies for people for their birthday, don't think I am not going to make one for me... So, yeah, I ate a piece of lemon pie yesterday and a piece of chocolate the day before...

Anyways, on Tuesday, Don took my measurements again-- I didn't believe Emily's... Just kidding, I did believe Emily's, she just measured in different spots than Don... So, let's compare:



Original:

• Weight 132.4
• Right Arm 10.25
• Chest 33.5
• Waist 34.5
• Hips 36.5
• Right Thigh 22.75

Current:

• Weight: 133
• Right Arm: 11.25
• Chest: 34
• Waist: 29.5
• Hips: 37
• Right Thigh: 23
• Right Calf:13
  

Hey hey, look at the waist measurement. I have lost 5 inches!!! Whoo hoo, a little progress there! Maybe the extra inches and weight gain are from muscle, Don said that would be the case for my arm size???? Who knows, anyways, after this weekend-- a lot of eating going on this weekend... tonight going to the Sizzler to meet my new inlaws (well, my sister's new inlaws) and then tomorrow night going to Red Lobster for Josh's birthday date... Yum-- scampi here I come... Anyways.. next week, Monday the 18, I am cracking down on calories... I shouldn't have any big temptations between then and Thanksgiving... So, I want to lose 10lbs. by Thanksgiving.... (I will allow one splurge on date night only.)

Splurge

After splurging on pizza, pies, ribs, and twice baked potatoes this weekend.... I think I should set some new rules for myself....

#1 Big protein packed breakfasts are a must
#2 Medium sized lunch-- nothing too greasy/fatty
#3 Small, very small dinner
#4 NO Cokes/Dt. Cokes (I usually never ever have coke, but sometimes, I will drink a diet if I need some caffeine, but I have heard they are just as bad)
#5 NO high fructose corn syrup (I read an article about a new study that shows that this automatically turns to fat when consumed and also turns other things you eat into fat more quickly... or something like that...) Anyways, it's bad bad bad for you.....
#6 Cut back on the chips, I swear I could eat a whole bag.

And-- A LOT OF WATER DURING THE DAY.... which for some reason, even though I love water, I have not been drinking that much of lately.

So, I am not going to "count count" calories, just "watch over" them.... keep them in check-

However, I will allow 1 splurge a week-- on our out to dinner date night.

Today after my half hearted work out, I weighed 131... By Thanksgiving I want to be 120.... Everyone read that... hold me to it!!! I am going to have to step it up a notch. On ESPN I heard them talking about the record breaking, gold medalist swimmer- PHELPS and he has to eat like 10,000 calories per day just to MAINTAIN his weight.... I am sad I can not do this... (Because, believe me, I could) They said all he does is eat, sleep and swim....

Anyways, I am going to look on www.thedailyplate.com--- (an awesome website that keeps up with calorie intake, water intake and how many calories you burned in your workout... ) and figure out what burns the most calories... I have the before pics ready... I am too embarrassed to put them up... Maybe I will work up courage.

I've come a long way BABY! Literally

This big and only 6 months along... Jan 07


Harper's birthday, Jan 07, still just 6 months.


Finally, 9 months, my face too swollen to show!


Nope, not a basketball under the gown, it's my belly.


"NO MORE PICS, Kara!!" -- this is awful and embarrassing...

I just ran across these photos... From last January and April.... and remembered I looked just like this for 3 years straight... with all my pregnancies, my BELLY got HUGE!!! And since, I haven't been eating that great and have only been exercising for 2.5 months, I have decided I am doing ok-- Josh is going to take some new pics, so we can compare... So, I am going to keep truckin', start eating better, and realize, it's gonna take some time....


(Ahh, I miss being prego.)

Still the same

I am still at the same weight and am getting very frustrated... I know I need to cut my calories.. ugh...Also, people at the gym are telling me to colon cleanse, and that will jump start my weight loss... Emily does it, but it's like 100 bucks a month or something outrageous like that.... maybe I can find a cheaper one!! Doesn't sound like a bad idea. Today Kara and I did the 300-- an easy version of the 500... then I did my usual butt and thigh work and then I walked with high incline on the treadmill for a long time... long enough to burn 450 calories!!! Woo Hoo-- it was awesome... I need to add that into my workout more often..

132.4

132.4... how many times can a scale say the same number? I am getting frustrated. A few people from the gym, my sis, and Josh have been telling me they can tell a difference in my body--- I think they are just being nice. Like, when I stand up and suck in, my belly looks flat, but when I bend over or sit down, or dear, it all comes bulging out.... yuck... I want lipo... surely there's some rich man that would donate to the cause of a flat tummy..... MAYBE I NEED TO EAT BETTER... hmmmm

I have had great workouts all week... Since Monday, I have been adding more cardio. Yesterday I jogged 2 miles, then did toning and today I jogged 2 miles, did the elliptical for 2.5 miles, then did thighs, butt, arms, and abs... I need to find better ab exercises that really crunch that fat off... Mine don't seem to be working; or maybe I should spend more time on them.

Ok, so I just worked out with Kara and Emily and we did an assessment.... Emily's was much more in depth than Don's... and the number are.... drum roll.....

After about 2 months of working out for 5 hours a day, 2 days per week, and NOT counting calories....
old numbers/new numbers:
Weight 132.4/131
Right Arm 10.25/ 11
Chest 33.5/34 -- I was probably wearing a looser bra today
Waist 34.5/34
Hips 36.5/38 1/4 This can't be right
Right Thigh 22.75/23

Hmmmm... Hopefully Don and Emily measure in different places, which Emily did say was a possibility.... OR maybe I added muscles... hmmmm at least my husband says I feel tighter, that is a good thing... and the weight is back down a little, another good thing. I am really surprised, I can't believe they went up!!
Our assessement today also measured:
Heart Rate: 78 (at rest)
Blood Pressure: 117/72
Body Fat 22% (Emily told me anything around 20% is good.)
Neck: 12.5
Shoulder (one inch below, all the way around) 38.5
Right Calf: 13.25
Right Forearm: 8.5
Pullups (1 min.): -- I cheated and used gravitron on level 5 : 24
Sit ups (1 min): 30
Jump squats (1 min): 43
Push ups (1 min): 10 boy, 16 girl
Leg Levers (1 min): 35
Hamstring curls (with ball): 30
Triceps with 10lb. weight: 37
Plank hold: 2:05 minutes
Forward lunges (1 min.): 29
Bicep curls with 8 lb. weights (1 min.): 31
3 lap run: 1:38
Steps (1 min): 41
.5 mile on bike: 1:54
Flexibility reach 10.75

And that's what we did today... before that I did the elliptical for 30 min., burning over 300 calories, and I had done the thigh and hamstring machines before they got here.

Got a long way to go............................................................................

It's official-- it's cellulite!!!

OK, well, since working out, my belly hasn't really gone down much at all... So, I was like, maybe it's a tumor and that's why my belly is big....So, today was the appointment and it was confirmed-- cellulite and just plain old fat is what the belly is-- no tumor! I knew it!! So, Dr. Laws said, it's just going to take hard work-- it took you 3 years to put it on... blah blah, same stuff... he did say that some people can NEVER lose that little lower belly pooch... Maybe he was just saying that to make me feel better?? But then I said "Tummy tuck time!" and he told me I did NOT need a tummy tuck, he said a tiny bit of lipo right there would do the trick! So-- that is good news, little incision and cheaper-- sign me up!!!! But he didn't worry or say anything at all about the muscle separation or corsets or anything like that-- he said good, old fashioned cardio and crunches... (and not eating like a cow...)
OH yeah, speaking of eating-- was I supposed to start calorie counting yesterday-- whoops... AHH!!! I JUST CAN'T DO IT.. I need some encouragement from you all, well, if anybody is actually reading this... Anyways, I think I ate what I wanted and didn't count calories just to SPITE the whole calorie counting concept... it makes me feel so deprived....I have no willpower whatsoever.
On the positive note: I had a great workout, and almost finished all I had to do on my sheet. I should have done more cardio, I only could fit 25 minutes in, but I worked EVER muscle-- 15 reps, 3 sets on every muscle (triceps, biceps, shoulder, chest, rear deltoids, more arm and back stuff I don't know the names of, hamstrings, inner and outer thighs, butt cheeks, calves, abs, abs, and abs...) is that all? The list is in my car.. but this morning I am feeling a little sore all over, which is a good thing, and means it WORKED! So, today I am doing more cardio and starting with the things I didn't get to finish yesterday, specifically being another rear delt machine and the captain's chair and my squats.. gotta love the squats.
Oh yeah, ya know like a couple of weeks ago I lost 2 pounds, but put it back on rather quickly and was up to my original 132.4 or whatever, I thought I gained at least 4 or 5 pounds this weekend (on our mini-vacation) but I didn't, I was just up to 133... Dr. Laws said I need to lose 10 more and I should be as skinny as I need to be. I was thinking more like 115, like I was in high school, but we'll see....probably that is just wishful thinking.

Mini- Vaca

We went on our first family vacation this weekend... well, mini-vaca... We just went NW about an hour or so to Rogers, AR and stayed in a fancy hotel that my sister's friend owns. I admit... it was a vacation from everything, including diet and exercise. I ate what I wanted, when I wanted and let me tell you, I am sure I put on 5 lbs. this weekend. So-- today-- I am starting anew... New diet rules, new exercise plan.... which I am currently making... The diet is calorie counting... 1200 a day, big breakfast and smaller snack/meals the rest of the day. No cokes... only water...I will post my exercise plan once it's done.

Birthday

Yesterday I turned 29. I decided to stop the bad attitude and start getting back on track. I had a good workout, about 30 minutes of cardio and then some thigh and butt and shoulder exercises on the machines. I had to cut it short at the gym because the kids and I were supposed to meet Kara at the mall. Since it was my b-day and all, I splurged on a piece of pizza and coke for lunch... then, came home and ate a chunk of cookie dough and then my husband took me to Landry's and I ate Cajun seafood pasta and had a couple of drinks and a shot. I, unfortunately didn't start calorie counting, I will save that for Monday.... Tonight my mom is cooking me a Mexican dinner, and this weekend we'll be going out of town, and I will be eating bad again...so, until then, I will just workout, and start the whole calorie crunching thing on Monday.

Attitude Check

Had to take the baby to the doctor for a check up this morning. Skipped the gym, ate cookie dough and fried squash... up to 133....

Starting anew tomorrow... gotta get back on track... oh yeah, and starting calorie counting too!!!! And buying Relicore, or whatever it is!!!

Blah

I am depressed.... I gained my whole 2 lbs. back this weekend, so I am back up to 132.4, and seem stuck on that weight. I am just really discouraged. I have been working hard at the gym and have seen no improvement. My husband tells me my rear looks great, but I am like- I am not going to be happy until the belly starts to shrink, so don't talk about the rear, it doesn't even matter to me right now....So, I am frustrated, and I guess I am just going to start calorie counting, even though that puts me in a very grumpy mood... I have also heard to try Relicore for getting rid of belly fat. A couple girls at the gym told me it works....
Will look into that today.

Today Sucked

Well, today sucked, to put it bluntly... I was planning on doing my usual Friday routine of pilates class, then cardio, but Kara and Emily were there and wanted me to work out with them. First we tried Zumba, which I simply can NOT do, and for some reason, I just burst out crying and had a slight little emotional breakdown-- due to other things on my mind, not the Zumba necessarily... Anyways, that sucked... then we ran stairs, then walked on the treadmill at the highest incline at 3mph--no holding on allowed (instead of running sprints), then we did a little ab work... felt like I didn't get a good work out in today.

I was going to upload my pics, but when I originally planned it, I thought, only women are going to read this, so it's not a big deal... Then I realized it's linked to my family blog and that like, my dad or preacher or someone my accidentally stumble upon it and see half naked pics of me and that would be quite embarrassing... So, I am trying to think of a better way to do progression photos... Any ideas??? Bikini? Ahh, just the thought of that makes me sick to my stomach-- me, in a bikini on the great WWW!! Yikes... I do realize it's getting boring with out pics... will work on it.

Two a day

Hit the gym as usual this morning... did some cardio first, then worked on toning, all over toning. I was spent after 2 hours and came home and drank a ton of water... which was smart, because usually when I come home, I am starving and eat a lot, but the water curbed my appetite and I wasn't hungry at all. I was supposed to meet Kara (my sis) at the gym at 3:30 because her trainer was making her do the 500 for the first time, and she wanted me to do it too... So, I ate a peanut granola bar thing and had more water and went back... I still needed to work off that pizza from last night and tonight was date night.... so the extra burning of calories was much needed today. My arms were still sore from Don's workout Tues., but I made it through the 500, much easier than the first time.... but Em did spot me a little with some arm exercises... I am an arm wienie, I admit... I didn't eat anything all day, except that bar... until supper... We ate chips and salsa and cheese dip and split an order of fajitas... I am sure that meal alone put me over my calorie limit for the day... I have got to start counting those stupid things... thedailyplate.com is a good place to do it... check it out.

YEAH!!

Finally, RESULTS!! After 1 month of working out, I am starting to see results. My clothes are fitting a little differently and Sunday at church, Katherine Willis told me she didn't recognize me because I had lost all my baby weight... aahhh, sweet girl... Monday at the gym, Tina, a trainer stopped me and told me I was really looking good and I actually lost 2 lbs... Finally, the scale has moved. Also, a guy at the gym told me I had a nice butt and I caught another one looking at it!! Well, it's not like I caught him, he was rubber necking it very obviously, so I saw him checking it out... then he smiled at me.... oh brother... gimme a break... Hey- I know it's a little naughty, but it's still nice to know all the hard work I have put in is paying off... at least on my butt..
Also-- the greastest thing is that no one has asked me if I am pregnant for like 1 week now!!! Yippy!!!
Anyways, I fell a little better about my body. A LITTLE better... still a long, LONG way to go....
Yesterday I did awesome, good workout, small portions for lunch, cleaned mom's and moved furniture-- burnin' more calories... then dinner.... it all went downhill... I ate about 6 slices of pizza at about 700 cals per slice... I gotta do some major calorie burnin' today to get all that off.... Kara and Emily want me to go in this afternoon and do the 500, but I want to go this morning...

Belly

Well, one person asked me if I was "having another one" and 2 people (Don and Kara) told me it was looking smaller.... hmmm. I wonder who I believe. It doesn't look much different to me, but it's not for lack of trying. Actually, I still need to eat better....
Today, I walked at 4mph for 30 minutes, burning over 500 calories, after that I did machines, the inner and outer thigh, some arms machines, and the butt machine. I was doing lunges with weights on my shoulders and Don asked me if I wanted to work out with Sue, which I did. We did 20 reps of girl push-ups, 20 roll-ups and 20 bicycles (on each side) then next set was 18, then 16, all the way down to 2.... it was a pretty good workout. After that, I was talking to Don and he said he need to work on my back and shoulders to hold myself up straighter and told me that being more defined and "square" on top makes you look like you have a smaller waist, so I am all about that... We did some exercises to get me started, then my 2 hours were up. Didn't eat much at all today til dinner... date night--- chips and dip and fajitas wooo wee!!

Hittin' the gym

Ahhh, it felt so good to be back in the gym. I was like 10 minutes late for Pilate's because Josh came home for breakfast, but, it wasn't a big deal. After class, I did the elliptical for 200 calories, then walked a mile and a half at 4mph on full incline... then I ran sprints on the straights and jogs on the curves for a half mile... after that the step mill for 10 minutes on level 8... whew... that one kills me. After the step mill, back to the elliptical for 50 cals, then worked on the abs. Did the capt. chair for 45 reps... then to the mat for double crunches, bicycle, leg lifts, and some ball work....

Didn't eat so great to day-- need to work on that this week... Really need to concentrate on dinner... and start counting calories. I hardly eat through the day, then gorge on dinner-- not good.

Oh yeah, I also started wearing a girdle to help pull the abs back in, to try to retrain them. It was really tight and I only wore it for 4-5 hours. Will have to build up to wearing it 24/7...

Corset

I have been grumpy all weekend. I missed the gym terribly... they can't shut down child care like that anymore... I ate pretty bad this weekend. Josh and I fought a lot and I was still pmsing and just depressed really, so I ate whatever I wanted and didn't really care. I will regret that come tomorrow.
I have been researching more about using corsets to get the stomach muscles to tighten up. I ordered some off ebay for pretty cheap- they don't look very comfy- but if it works, it'll all be worth it, right? I am hoping the $25 bucks worth of corsets save me from like 5 grand in tummy surgery costs next year. That's want Josh wants to get me for my 30th birthday next July-- boobs and a tummy.... hopefully I can do the tummy on my own, but I am having doubts....
Will keep you updated on the corsets...

Tried to be good

The gym didn't have child care today, so I couldn't go. I tried to make my own "home version 500", it looked pretty good, but I didn't get to try it out... the kids were pretty needy today. Tried to eat good, since I wasn't able to work it off. I did alright until dinner- pizza... Tried not to go overboard though. I really really am wanting to eat some of that choc chip cookie dough that's sitting in the fridge. I will refrain. I feel really depressed today... I am pms-ing and hopefully really bloated or that pizza just put 5 lbs. on my belly. Can't wait to get back to the gym!!!

Almost all day

I did so good, eating-wise until the very end of the day-- my biggest challenge. This morning I felt kind of blah and p.m.s.ish, so I just ate a half of a bowl of Life cereal and about 2 sips of coffee. I met Emily at 10 this morning and she had an awesome 500 planned for us. She and I did it together and we completed (all 500 this time!) in 29 minutes... Not 15, but we were proud to finish. After the 500 she worked with me on abs, then stretched me, then I did some cardio. I weighed and still weigh the same as the day I started. Don suggested I don't try to lose weight, just shift the weight I have to other places... I was like, shift my belly fat to my boobs? Ha! That would be nice, to bad impossible.
Anyways, for lunch, another bowl of Life and a small banana with a little pb on it. Ate a couple of the kids chips in the afternoon, but didn't go overboard. For dinner at like 9:30 I ate a homemade burrito with some tortilla chips and guacamole. Then- the kicker, for dessert I ate a big scoop of choc. chip cookie dough... ugh... regret that... Plus, the gym doesn't have childcare tomorrow, or all weekend, so I can't get back in there til Monday... ugh, will have to do some major cleaning or take a big walk tomorrow to work that off...

Measurements

I just found my measurments that Don took on my first day of working out 6/10/08.
They're not pretty, but are as follows:
Weight 132.4
BMI 117/75
Right Arm 10.25
Chest 33.5
Waist 34.5
Hips 36.5...... are we seeing a pattern here? Can you say PEAR?
Right Thigh 22.75

Now that we all know my private secrets, we should be BFF's by now.

The 500

Since my Tuesday workout with Kara's trainer, Emily, my mind has been consumed by the 500. A workout she taught me where you time yourself doing 500 reps. Actually, we forgot one on mine, so my first 500 was really a 475. It went like this:
25 Captain's Chair, 25 push ups, 25 roll ups, 25 lunges, 25 reverse sit-ups, 25 pull ups, 25 reverse push ups, 25 jump squats, 25 windshield wipers, 25 pull ups, 25 reverse push ups, 25 jumping lunges, 25 mountain climbers, 25 lunges, 25 double crunches, 25 lunges, 25 lower legs, 25 push ups, 25 low back, 25 lunges.... I did it (all but the 25 pull ups we accidentally left out ) in 26.5 minutes. I looked it up online and it's supposed to be done in 15 minutes! HA! Yes, I have a long, long ways to go. After completing my 475, my head was spinning. I couldn't focus or concentrate on what Emily was saying, except that she felt my stomach, and confirmed, I do have Diastasis Recti - separation on the stomach muscles from pregnancy... Yeah!! I am sure it's one of those "cosmetic" things insurance won't cover to repair either. Anyways, my muscles were so fatigued, I tried to do cardio, but was just out on that, I burned 50 more calories on the elliptical and went to get the kids. That proved to be a huge challenge because they didn't have shoes, so carrying two 25lb. kids from the nursery to the car exhausted me the rest of the way.
For supper, I was bad and Josh's mom cooked a platter of fried squash and zucchini, which is one of my favs, and she cooked it perfectly, and I went to town with that stuff. So- yesterday I was determined to work it off, and pushed myself really hard. I did June's Pilate's class for 45 minutes- we mainly focused on abs, then I did cardio. I did the elliptical for 150 cals, then got on the treadmill with the incline all the way up and walked at 3.8mph for a good 30 minutes. Then I hit the track and sprinted the straights and slowly jogged the curves, I didn't count, I just ran, I am guessing it was .75 of a mile... then back on the elliptical for 50 more cals, and my 2 hours were up- I picked up the kids and headed out. We went to McD's since the kids were good, but I didn't order anything for me. I wanted a fried chicken sandwich and a big, huge Dr. Pepper, but I refrained. I ate one of the kids chicken select strips and probably 10 fries, so it wasn't terrible. For supper, a reasonable portion of spaghetti, 2 unreasonable slices of garlic bread, and a small Caesar salad... but, I ate too late and went to bed within an hour of eating... not good, I think...

Well, I can't do it alone~

I am chubby for now. I am trying to lose weight from being pregnant, like so many women are. I don't have anyone close to me to help me with this, so I am blogging it, so I can have a record of my progress, or not, depending on how the journey goes. Well, I shouldn't say I don't have any one close to me to help me. My sister is actually trying to lose weight too, and she and I are tight, but she hasn't had any kids, so her body hasn't gone through the pregnancy changes yet...

Up until a few weekends ago, I have wanted another baby very badly, but after our third was born, my husband got a vasectomy, and he informed me he has no plans of getting it reversed, and he was very serious and adamant about that decision... So, since I am not going to be pregnant again, unless it's a miracle of God~ then I might as well start trying to get back into shape.

Some background info: I am 28, almost 29. I have a three year old boy, a two year old girl and a one year old boy. It seems like I have no time to work out, but I have just started going to the gym Monday -Friday from 8:30-10:30. I love to eat, so I have to burn a lot of calories to not gain weight through out the week. Being prego for pretty much three years in a row- I ate everything in site, and was still doing so, up until last week, when I decided that I can't do that any more if I am to get "tight and toned"-- which is the ultimate final goal.

I am 5'4" almost, my starting weight was 135. My boobs are non-existent from having the life sucked out of them, literally, for the last 3 years; my arms and legs are in ok shape, my butt is saggy and flabby and my thighs are pretty big, especially right under my butt. My love handles are out of control big, and my hips have spread wide, thanks to the 3 kiddos. The worst thing, is my BELLY. I can fit into my pre-pregnancy jeans, but my belly hangs over the top, way over the top, and no shirt looks good on me. Every week someone asks me if I am pregnant, or when my baby is due and it infuriates me. Well, really, I do look about 3 or 4 months along, and I guess people around here are used to seeing me pregnant, so I can't get mad at them..... maybe just a little....

OK-- so, the plan has been working out, and cutting back on my huge portions of food-- my trainer(Don-- he works at the gym, he's not my personal trainer, but he helped me get started) wants me to cut back to 1000-1200 calories a day, but I haven't started counting them just yet. Hopefully, I will work up to that or I should say down to that. So far, the past 2 weeks, I have been doing an hour of cardio and an hour of Pilate's on MWF and on TT I have been doing circuit training, doing 10 reps on a machine, running a lap, doing 10 reps on another machine, running a lap. Don set that up for me and I hated it the first time, but after that it wasn't so bad. My sister, who works out at the same gym tried to get me to do Zumba, which was awful, since I can't dance and have no rhythm. I will stick to the machines.

During my life, I have fallen off of a treadmill 3 times and swore I wouldn't get back on one. But, a lady from Pilate's class told me that to get your butt perked back up, you need to walk hills.... so I ventured onto a treadmill last week and put the incline up as high as it would go and set it on 3.8 mph and off I went. It was an awesome workout, I was sweating up a storm and burning almost 1000 calories per hour. I stayed on it for 30 min., and burned major calories. The other 30 minutes of cardio time I do the elliptical, which burns quite a few as well. The other machine I like is the step mill, it kicks my butt, and I can only stay on it for 10-15 minutes, but it's a good work out. I over heard another gym member talking and he said that his weight was stuck at 265 and he added the step mill into his workout and lost 25 lbs. that month... so, I will definitely have to keep with that one.

Today I am not going to the gym this morning, my sis is out of town and said I could use her pre-paid personal trainer while she's gone. So, I am meeting Emily there at 3:30 this afternoon. She's gonna make me a kick-butt ab workout.... wooo hooo, I am excited. I am going to take body shots soon.... and post pics.... I know you can't wait!! Ha!