Missing the treadmill

I find myself missing the gym and all things related to working out. I miss Zumba. I miss swimming laps in the pool. And when I have the okay to work out again post partum, remind me of what I am about to say........I even miss the.....TREADMILL!

I miss the endorphins of working out. I miss the feeling of (literally) sweating my buns off.

My body is turning to mush and I am losing my "good" curves that I was starting to get back.

For health reasons this will be my last pregnancy. I am so grateful that I am able to conceive a beautiful baby and carry her in my tummy. And I am over the moon excited that we broke the Gardner curse with getting prego with a girl.

But, I find myself having twinges of jealousy when Dan goes out to ride his bike. Or when I see a Zumba commercial, I honestly feel depressed.

So please remind me in August, when I have recovered from the c-section, and I am cursing the walls of the gym.....please remind me how good it makes me feel. And remind me how much I missed it. ;)

Pregnant at holiday times and attemtping to make good choices

So, I am trying to get out of the mentality of good food vs bad food. As Paula Dean once said, "If I ate this type of buttered and fattening food every day, I would be 400 pounds and having a heart attack. This food is not for every day food. " Not her exact words, but you get the idea.

My main goal to work towards, pregnant or not....is portion control and stop eating when I am full. And to not beat myself up for eating a cookie. But to stop at 1 or 2.

It helps that I am still in the first trimester.
Nauseous + Low energy = No desire to eat or cook.

But those sugary temptations creep up on me. And it does not help that when I do have a desire to eat, holiday food is out in full force. Every commercial and Costco sample is trying to get me to eat fudge, cookies, or nougats.

Oddly enough, last night at Costco I wanted a big bag of brussel sprouts. Not so surprising, is that the bakery section won the battle of the day with cookies and bagels making their way in to the cart.

This explains so much!

I am pregnant! Due July 4, 2011!

Here's to a healthy pregnancy!

Back from low point

I had a really bad experience at Zumba about a month ago. I have not gone back since.

Long story but it can be summed up by saying this - A rude and mean lady was telling her child to beat up mine. Another lady chimed in her bold opinion. Race was also brought up. I left in tears.

Just as I was gaining back my self confidence. Zumba toned my body and helped me lose inches so easily. Of course my muscles were killing me at times and I was sweating like a pig........but I had so much fun, it did not feel like exercise. I was down 12 pounds!!!!

I looked forward to attending the class. I did not feel like the biggest gal in the class. I felt a unity with the women that attended the class with. Military wives that lost themselves were getting their groove back. And it felt good.

Now I find myself back in a slump. I went to a friends wedding. I felt huge. I wore an unflattering shirt that I did not realize was unflattering until 2 minutes before leaving for the wedding. So there was no time to find another shirt because I was on I vaca away from my closet. Because I had to travel 8 hours to the wedding, I was also bloated and retaining water. It happens every time I travel. Unfortunately I had no time to lose the water weight before attending the wedding.

So, I went through a few weeks where I was not exercising and eating horrible processed, sugary food. I gained weight. And then I felt like all the hard work of Zumba was a waste. Then something snapped in me and said, "Hey! Get it together! Stop eating all the crap!"

So, had I blogged 2 weeks ago....... I would have said I was at a very low point. But, today I am working on getting my groove back.

So basically back to ...
Step 1. Starting with making healthier choices. And what a time to choose right? The candy month? But I am actually proud of myself. Listening to my body when I am full. And I am also working on eating healthy snacks. Now to master the portion size situation.
AND
Step 2. Working on being more active with the boys and Dan. Trips to the park and doggy park. Getting out of the house. Turning off the TV.

I am back baby

Life has been busy. But I am now officially back to blogging. I am not sure if anyone follows this blog anymore. This will at least help me to stay focused on my goal.

I am slowly becoming more comfortable in my skin. I am working on taking more full body pictures with my family. I still feel like my middle area is my most insecure area. I am working on not hiding in pictures. I think I did okay in this one. This picture was taken this past Saturday. My hubby, the boys, and I, all went to a Rodeo on the Army base we are living by. More active family outings is another goal I am trying to reach.


I am so happy to say that I am down 12 pounds since June. I have lost 6 inches off my waist. And a few more off my hips, legs, and all over.

It is about getting healthy. Bottom line. I have to find what works for me and keep working toward my goals.

Right now it is making sure I get off my tush each day(except Sunday) and exercise. Get up and do something. That is my goal each day. Cutting back on the ice cream and pizza has not hurt either. :O)

Checking in

So a few days ago, the hubby and I made a huge decision. We decided that we are going to move to a bigger place. We move on Saturday! So exercising has temporarily switched from lifting weights at the gym to lifting boxes at the house. Still trying to be as healthy as possible. For the next week, we are eating out more than I would like. But this helps us pack faster. It eliminates dishes. And we are in paper products mode right now. So, I have to work extra hard to make smart choices. But, I am still trying!

Our house is filled with fruit from Costco, and bottled waters. Mini crystal light travel packs are ready. Trying to not drink any soda. I just threw away Halloween and Christmas candy!!!! Drinking protein shakes in the morning. And the boys have healthy snacks.

Does anyone have any smart ideas or tips for staying healthy during a move?

*Megan - Good luck with Weight Watchers! Thank your for the comments. The support really helps me!

Back to life...Live the Life that is!

Wow.....September! That is the last time I was on this blog! It was probably also the last time that I had the desire to stick with healthy eating and exercising. After my stroke in September, I was told by my Neurologist, that I was not allowed to do any working out... AT ALL! Until they figured out what was going on with my body. This frustrated me big time. I was on a roll. I was down 12 pounds. And I was feeling GOOD about myself! And then fast forward to today and I am like the opposite of that feeling.

I know that when I work out, I have the desire to eat healthy, and toss the garbage/processed food out. And when I don't...well lets just say..... I gained back the weight I had worked so hard to lose and then some! Dan having surgery, the holidays, football food, and my birthday, did not help matters either! Boo! I have been so down on myself. Low point..... However, my wonderful husband has inspired me to get back and get healthy with him. He is also at a low point when it comes to self esteem. He has also gained a lot of weight from poor eating choices and not being able to work out post surgery. He helped me turn things around. A Christmas present from him to me was Your Shape for Wii. Then my birthday presents were focused on a healthy lifestyle.

Well, today we are fresh and ready to go! Today is day 1, week 1 of our Live the Life program. Dan has also purchased his Men's Health big book of exercises. He will be following the work outs from that book. I will be following the exercises from the Live the Life book in moderation. (Until I get the EEG, I am being smart about not over-doing it.) And as for food, well I am on meal 3/day 1.... and clean food never tasted better! Sugar makes my stomach hurt. Fried and greasy foods just make me feel yuck. Clean eating gives me energy and a desire to be healthier!

So happy that Dan got me a new IPOD for my birthday! My old one broke a few months back. Oh, how I missed you hot pink IPod! Dan and I are hitting the free family gym on base in a few minutes. The boys can play in the play area. And Dan and I can work out! And when Dan is at work, I can use Your Shape Wii fitness work out and dumbbells.

5 pound dumbbells - another birthday present from my wonderful hubby! So to anyone who feels down and is tired of starting over AGAIN and AGAIN. I say that I feel your pain! But, the fact is that if I want to be that healthy example to my boys and active person that I miss......then I need to get my booty in gear! Let's get it in gear together!

What works and What does not

Things to work on next week (week 6) -

Getting to bed earlier and waking up earlier

Drinking most of my water earlier in the day

Remembering to take Glutamine after work out and before bed time

Take it easy and do not over do it with working out(until DR gives okay)

Have food made ahead of time

Next time I go on a mini vaca -

Weigh in day will be Friday prior to leaving as opposed to usual Sunday.

Pick 1 treat for the weekend. Incorporate it with healthy food.

Lose the all or nothing attitude!

Last weekend my hubby, 2 boys, and I went on a camping trip with a few people from our church. I was feeling really great about myself. I was wearing clothes that were fitting loosely. My track suit that Dan got me as a anniversary present was quite flattering.

My mistake was going to Costco the day before we left and getting "campy food". Tried to keep it healthy, but still got off track. Trail mix with m/m's, beef jerky, Costco cookies, gummy bears, items to make Smores. I didn't go crazy when camping. I had 1 smore. A few handfuls of trail mix and gummy bears. The cookies were the biggest mistake. They are my weakness. When returning home I ate like 4 in 1 day! Awful!

Dan and I went into the weekend with the mind set that we would not be following the meal plan on the weekend. So when returning from camping Saturday night, I was in the mind set that we were not doing the meal plan that weekend......so we could order pizza. Naughty me! :) We felt totally gross after eating the pizza. Sunday we were so ready to make a healthy dinner. And we were SO very ready to get back on the plan Monday. And I am proud to say we did. Yah us! We also got a new scale. It reads Body Fat percentage, weight, and H2O. And as of today, I am now officially down - 11.8 pounds in 5 weeks! That is totally a healthy loss ratio.

On Tuesday when working out, I was having chest pains. I was also having chest pains on the drive up to the mountains last Friday. I have a DR appt on Monday. And a neurologist appt on the Monday after that. I am trying to really follow the food plan. But I am not focusing on the exercise until I figure out what is going on with my body. I still do not know the reason for having the stroke a month back. Hopefully I will find something out soon.

REWARDS

So Dan and I have decided to reward ourselves. Each week that we finish a week, we each get a $20 or lower prize.

My rewards have been:
Week 1 - Eyebrow Wax, nail polish, and a polka dot make up bag
Week 2 - Puffy vest from Costco
And this week after finishing week 3, I got a Fall wreath! I have wanted one of these for SO long. And Costco had one on sale! YAH!
Dan's week 1 reward was this work out jacket! Looking good Dan! Our goal is to complete this 12 week program. November 22nd is the last day of week 12! At the end we will be rewarding ourselves with getting a family picture to hang on the wall. And my personal reward, is if I lose the weight I have set my goal for, then I get a full spa day! Either way I am getting new jeans at the end of 12 weeks!

* Final Goal * After 29 weeks, I should be at my goal weight. If I hit that goal, then I will be buying a bikini. And Dan and I will be going on a cruise! This should be around June 2010! So that is motivation!

Week 4

So I am in week 4 of my program. My main goal is to become a healthier person and example to my family. Dan and I are both doing this together. And as nice as it is to drop weight. Let me tell you how good it feels, to drop points in my cholesterol!

Back about a month and a half ago, I decided to be pro active and get a physical with my DR. I had all my numbers ran. BP, weight, blood sugar levels, and cholesterol. Everything was great.....except that my main cholesterol number was borderline high! EEK! My DR suggested that I take fish oil supplements, and eat a high fiber/low fat diet. And guess what's included in this program?? All that! And guess what? After having the stroke, I had blood tests. One of the numbers was my cholesterol. And it was down 36 points!!!!! Just in a month and a half.

So last week, I kept it mellow. I got back to the gym after a crazy week 2 and recuperation. And, I kept it mellow. At the end of the week, I was down another pound, and some more inches lost all over my body!

So now I am in week 4. I am doing the best I can. I am so proud of myself. And I am so proud of Dan. We are truly changing our lives for the better right now. And it feels great. :O)

Week 2 down - On to week 3

I stuck to eating and exercise Monday and Tuesday. Then Wednesday am ended up in the ER. I had a blood clot go to my brain and had a mild stroke.......not even kidding....seriously...not kidding. As you can imagine, last week I took it easy. I have been completely exhausted and wiped out. And on Sunday when I weighed in I only lost .5 pound. But that is okay. I am alive and I am okay.

So, tomorrow I will be getting blood tests up to wazoo to find out what is going on. And this week is week 3 of the program. And so far Dan and I are both doing great.

Here's to healthy living!!!

PS I will keep you posted on what is going on with the test results.

Week 1 completed!

Yah! I lost 4.2 pounds this past week!

And lost the following in inches:
waist - 1.5 inches
neck - .5 inches
hips - 1 inch
L thigh - 2.5 inches
R thigh - 3 inches
L arm - .5 inches
R arm - .5 inches

Total body fat percentage lost was 2.55 %! Dan has been doing this with me. He lost 5 pounds! He has been my rock. We have been able to keep each other motivated. It feels so great to be able to look back at the past week and be so proud of myself. YAH!!!! We are finally becoming that healthy family that I have always wanted us to be, but never knew how to get there.

My goal is to be at my healthy/goal weight by June 2010. But, I just might get there faster at this rate! Put your protein glass in the air and le'ts say CHEERS to health!

After the completion of 12 weeks, I will be posting my before and after picture. Then after the final goal has been completed, I will post a before and "final" after picture!

Let's try this one more time

So starting a rigorous work out and eating regime right before going on a 2 week vaca to Cali is a BAD IDEA! Prior to leaving we were doing great. We had not followed the work out part of it. But we were doing great with the eating. We had finished 4 days of clean eating. We had pre cooked our food and put it in a cooler for the road trip. And then the food went bad! :( So then we got frustrated. We ate the hotel catering food that was provided for free. Then after LA we headed to my Mom's house for a week and a half. Carne sada burritos, soda, In n Out food, Nothing bundt cake, rolled tacos with guacamole and cheese, pepperoni and mushroom giant size pizza, gyros sandwich, were some of the horrible foods I ate. I felt awful! Not guilty awful. But un-healthy awful. I was irritable, and short with the boys and Dan. I was im-patient. And worst of all, I looked in the mirror and hated what I saw. I was bloated. And felt sluggish. Why did I eat like garbage? Mostly because I had this feeling of being deprived of San Diego food. I know it sounds silly. But there was a part of me that thought, if I don't eat this In N Out food or carne sada burrito then I am going to not have it for a very long time. What was I thinking? We are going back there in November.

I have to stop this mentality that I have. An all or nothing attitude.

I know that it sounds worse than it was. Because I did attempt with all my might to start the day off right each day. I would have my protein shake when waking up. I even got on my Mom's treadmill one night and jogged for 30 minutes. I resisted a shaved ice. And we did do active things while in San Diego. I walked a lot! Balboa Park and Museums, Sea World, downtown San Diego Midway ship, ect. So it wasn't all lazy and eating garbage. I just know that I could have done better.

But it is a new week. And this week back from vacation has been great! Dan and I re-started the Live the Life week this past Monday. We have worked out every day. And eaten our meal plan to the T. When my shins were hurting on the treadmill, I listened to my body and stopped. When I was full at dinner and still had food on my plate, I stopped. Major accomplishments for me! :)

I start up week 1 of Live the Life program tomorrow!

I am pretty exicted. Dan and I will both be doing this. For more information go to www.kristiapproved.com It is clean eating. It's a 12 week program. My friend Heather told me about this. She lost 10 lbs and 5.5 inches in 4 weeks. And her husband lost 17 pounds! I wanted to do something that was healthy, and would teach me how to be healthy for the rest of my life. I am so excited to have the support of Dan in starting this up! The ultimate goal is to be healthy. Eat and live a healthy lifestyle. To be examples of health to Ben and Zach. Will let you know how it goes!

One healthy habit at a time

Last time I posted, it was February! And that was around the same time that I was thinking about healthy eating. I stopped thinking about losing weight. Surgeries, bills, Dr's appts, possible move, Mom visiting, possible job change for Dan, school...they all took priority. And my health in the mean time was left in the dust. No more excuses. I can still have a busy life AND be healthy at the same time.

I need to find a balance. I am trying to start one healthy habit at a time. My main motivation to "get back on the saddle" was when Dan told me his weight. He has not been able to exercise due to his ankle injury. And we have been eating garbage! Hearing how much weight Dan had gained, made me take a look in the mirror. I then told him my weight. I then looked at my two adorable boys. I realized that I can have them eat healthy food, and eat garbage myself right now. But soon they will be mimicking our eating habits. And I want healthy eating to be a regular lifestyle for all 4 of us. Dan and I have both always struggled with our weight. We both are currently making changes to prevent that from happening to Ben and Zach.

And then my friend Heather, told me what eating changes she was making in her own life. I was so proud of her. And it lit a fire under my rear. It motivated me to go home, talk to Dan about our eating habits. And make some serious changes.

So here we are at the beginning again. Starting with a few changes at a time. And trying to make them habits.
Change 1 - No eating any food after 7 pm at night. We had a late dinner one night at 7:15. So our cut off time was 8 that night.
Change 2 - It is not all or nothing. Give yourself wiggle room to accommodate your lifestyle. Do not beat yourself up over a mess up. You are not perfect!
Change 3 - Water, crystal light, light lemonade, herbal tea, sugar free hot cocoa, juices are OK. No to any other drinks.
Change 4 - Ignore the 330 calorie ice cream bars and 230 ice cream sandwiches in the freezer. They are special treats/bribery for Ben only!

These are the strict rules for us for the first 2 weeks. Or until we feel we have turned these changes into habits. We have also been working on other things. But the main focus are the 4 changes above. I personally am trying to eat within an hour of waking up. This gets my metabolism going.

Next week, Dan and I both have appointments to speak with a nutritionist. Yet another free military perk!

It's been tough. But the pay off is SO worth it! I am down 6 pounds. And Dan is down 17 pounds now!!!!!

This past week and then some

This past week and a half I have had shingles. They are a form of chicken pox. SO NOT FUN! I haven't been able to work out. For the most part I have still been following my food plan. But to say I am discouraged or frustrated is an understatement.

For one - Dan was supposed to get to come home early. Because the shingles are a form of chicken pox, and Zach can not be vaccinated until he is 1 years old....I was told by the DR to limit my contact with my newborn! HA! Also, they put me on 3 antibiotics(one makes me dizzy) and percocet for the pain. This lovely pharmaceutical mixture makes me un-able to drive and care for my kids. So, originally Dan was approved for emergency leave, but was told he would have to return to the sandbox after he had helped me. Then he was approved for an early return and that somehow also fell through. So, THANK HEAVENS for the wonderful women in my church and here on base. They saved me. Taking the boys and allowing me to take my pain meds, grocery shopping, giving me rides, and bringing dinner. I am filled with so much gratitude at the help we have received while Dan has been gone.

For two - I honestly feel like ANYTIME I try and do something for myself, or better my body something happens that knocks down my ambition. And that my friend is quite frustrating. I find it so ironic that my post before this one was all about how proud I was of myself to have gone to the gym 6 days in a row. I guess someone is trying to humble me.....well it worked.

The good news is that I think I have managed to keep off the weight I have lost so far. And I will be starting back to the gym in a few days. My shingles are just about gone. And the pain is 99% gone. Also, my wonderful husband will be returning home for good rather soon. And that makes me happier than I can express in words.

So here's to staying healthy...and working out like crazy until the hubby returns! ;)

Still here

I am still here and doing great! This past week I went to the gym 5 days in a row! I am definitely feeling it and it feels great.....well not really.....(my legs are killing me from lunges and squats)but you know what I mean. :) I am feeling toned and have more self confidence. I have a lot of weight to lose and I am just taking it one day at a time.

I am following the meals plans from the BIGGEST LOSER CLUB website. I signed up for that and have been loving it. It really helps to keep me aware of what I am eating. It keeps track of my calories, protein, fat, fiber,and carb intake. And I don't feel deprived AT ALL! YAH!

This cheese lovers favorite breakfast ~

2 oz cheddar cheese, 1 whole wheat English muffin, 1 Cup of strawberries (half slices)

Another favorite breakfast of mine is (2) 2/3 C of multi grain cheerios, 1 C skim milk, 1 C strawberries.

Lunch idea ~

10 raw baby carrots, 2 C romaine lettuce mixed with spinach leaves, salmon burger grilled and cut up, 1/4 avocado, 2 TBSP of ranch dressing(suggested KRAFT light but I only had regular), and 2 C smart pop popcorn.

I am giving myself 1 cheat day a week. I am giving myself 1 rest day a week from the gym.

Mon, Wed, and Fri are my intense cardio days.

Tues, Thurs, and Sat are my Strength Training days. On strength training days I will do a 10 minute cardio warm up first.

I am also stretching before and or after every work out to help with my flexibility.

I drink at least 64 oz of water a day and on most days more than that. I am one thirsty momma! This is the bottle that helps me stick to drinking lots of H2O!

NOT just another manic Monday........

I followed my food plan, stayed within my calories, and ate healthy today. I just got back from the gym. 10 minutes on the bike and 15 minutes on the eliptical. I wish it could have been longer. But I went late tonight and I had to get home to get Ben to bed. But at least I went!!!!! I won't feel as guilty now when I eat out tomorrow at Cafe Rio! Happy Birthday to me! Only 1 year away from 30. My goal - I am saying it now and putting it out into internet world......my goal is to be in top shape and marathon ready by the time I turn 30!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5 down, 84 to go

I weighed myself yesterday and and I have lost 5 pounds. I was really proud of myself. I have a lot of weight to lose to be at a healthy BMI. But, I know I can do it! And, I am doing it the healthy way. So in the end it will stay off! It might take longer to come off than a low carb diet or a no sugar diet. But, I am not depriving myself. And most importantly....................................
I am not on a diet, I am changing my life. (This quote came from a man who was on the Oprah show.) When I heard him say it. I thought, that is my new mantra!

Proud moments this past week:
*Losing 5 pounds
*I was invited by a spouse in my husbands unit to eat dinner at the Village Inn. I had never been there before. And this would be my first sit down restaurant since starting my healthy lifestyle change. I looked online the day before and researched the healthiest option on the menu. I got a grilled chicken salad. And then Ben and I took a piece of pie home and split it. I was proud of myself for ordering the salad.
* Went to the gym 4 times this week and improved my calories burned each time.
* Today at a church function that had food, I ate a big salad, half a baked potato, chili, and half a slice of pie. I threw the roll, rest of the potato, and rest of the pie away. I did not finish eating them because I was full.

Ways to improve next week:
*Get better at sticking to meal plan for the day.
*Get better at recording food I eat, so I know how many calories I am eating vs burning.
*Prepare food ahead of time so I am not too busy to eat. This leads to starving and eating too much at next meal.
* Remember the great advice that a delicious meal is just a few hours away. I don't have to stuff myself at one meal. Stop eating when full.

Weighing in

I am feeling good. Even though it was blizzarding and 7:00pm at night......last night I packed up the boys and made it to the gym!!! I had a moment on the treadmill where I made it past the pain, shortness of breathe, and burning of the lungs and it felt good to be running. I burned 301 calories in 30 minutes. So I was pretty excited that my calories burned are going up! :)

I am measuring and weighing the food that goes into my body. I am eating fruits, veggies, protein, and fiber rich foods. I am getting in at least 64 oz of water a day. It has only been 1 week today and I feel so much better already. I am still pretty exhausted. But I am currently taking care of the house, newborn, and toddler on my own right now. So I think exhaustion is to be expected. And the exhaustion usually doesn't hit me until about 10 at night. So yah for healthy eating! My healthy dinner last night was a bean burrito on a multi grain tortilla with 1 oz of cheddar cheese and a little cholula hot sauce. It was nice to be full after 1 bean burrito. And I listened to my body and stopped eating.

Today is weigh in day. I am nervous. I don't want to see the same number as one week ago and get frustrated. I will try to remember a few things:
1. I made a conscious effort to slowly get back into the swing. Nothing is instant. Be patient.
2.. Only 2 days ago did I get strict on the measuring of food.
3. This past week I made it to the gym 3 times. So be proud of that and don't give up!
4. My clothes are fitting looser and are more comfortable.
5. The most important - no matter what the scale says, I am feeling better physically and mentally. I told my friend the other day that I feel like the old Leah again.