Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Weekly Weigh In : Week 5


Starting BMI:  25.9  (computed here)
Starting weight: 196 lbs
Goal weight:  170 lbs

Last week's weight: 191.5 lbs
Current weight:  190 lbs

Last week's BMI: 25.3
Current BMI:  25.1
Goal BMI:  22.4

Pounds Lost this week:  1.5 lbs
Total Pounds Lost:  6 lbs
Pounds until goal: 20 lbs

1.  Reiterate my goal(s) and where I stand in reference to this goal.

- I want to focus in on this more and find ways to remind myself and build willpower.  I want to be healthy and eat healthy so that I can teach my children good habits as well.

2.  Discuss what I am going to do to achieve my goals.

-  I will only eat one sweet/dessert each week
        * I eat less sweets but def not one a week; work on this more
-  I will learn more about portions and portion control
        * I've tried to limit my portions and try not to graze between meals. 
-  Drink more water; drink water when I want to snack 

3.  Try to motivate others to join in on trying to become more healthy.
-  Joined FitnessPal on new android tablet and trying to get a friend to re-join with me (let me know if you need a friend)

4.  Post a (reasonably healthy) recipe that I've tried, a cooking tip, a new idea for working out, a photo update of my weight loss or anything else I feel like sharing.
-   I will be getting a hair cut this time next week (if I don't change me mind about going shorter).  Pictures to come.

Still finding it a challenge to feel in control of my diet and other health goals while living with the in-laws.  Hopefully we will hear more affirmative news on the house this week.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Weekly Weigh In: Week 4


Starting BMI:  25.9  (computed here)
Starting weight: 196 lbs
Goal weight:  170 lbs

Last week's weight: 194 lbs
Current weight:  191.5 lbs

Last week's BMI: 25.6
Current BMI:  25.3
Goal BMI:  22.4

Pounds Lost this week:  2.5 lbs
Total Pounds Lost:  4.5 lbs
Pounds until goal: 22 lbs

1.  Reiterate my goal(s) and where I stand in reference to this goal.

- I want to focus in on this more and find ways to remind myself and build willpower.  I want to be healthy and eat healthy so that I can teach my children good habits as well.

2.  Discuss what I am going to do to achieve my goals.

-  I will only eat one sweet/dessert each week
        * I passed on dessert a few times this week; I did eat some fruit instead
-  I will learn more about portions and portion control
        * I've tried to limit my portions.  My weakness for seconds is usually bread (oh how I love bread)...need to work on this. 
-  Drink more water; drink water when I want to snack 
        * I tried to do this but need to hit it harder.  Saw a pinterest pin on labeling water bottles to divide the water among the day.  Maybe try something like this.


3.  Try to motivate others to join in on trying to become more healthy.
-  My sister and I signed up for a Mud Run (5k) in early September.  Looking forward to this.

4.  Post a (reasonably healthy) recipe that I've tried, a cooking tip, a new idea for working out, a photo update of my weight loss or anything else I feel like sharing.
-   I have a new Nexus tablet in the mail (thanks to hubby).  I have been playing with his since mine was delayed.  I want to use some apps for healthy eating.  On a side note I am finding it challenging to attempt this while the hubs and I are living with his parents (selling our home and hopefully buying a short sale in the next month or so).  I have some control over food but some not so much.  I probably eat more veggies and fruit as they are always around.  But my mother-in-law is a great hostess and frequently offers large meals (at least every Sunday) and indulges in dessert frequently.  My in-laws are avid walkers so this works for them but the hubs and I need to pick up our pace before we get chubby.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Weekly Weigh In - Week 3


Starting BMI:  25.9  (computed here)
Starting weight: 196 lbs
Goal weight:  170 lbs

Last week's weight: 190 lbs
Current weight:  194 lbs

Last week's BMI: 25.1
Current BMI:  25.6
Goal BMI:  22.4

Pounds Lost this week:  0
Total Pounds Lost:  2 lbs
Pounds until goal: 20 lbs

1.  Reiterate my goal(s) and where I stand in reference to this goal.

- I want to focus in on this.  I have definitely floundered and done poorly all around.  I want to focus this coming week on not eating more than one sweet a week.  Also I want to focus on portion control and making healthy food choices.


2.  Discuss what I am going to do to achieve my goals.

-  I will only eat one sweet/dessert each week
        * I will not cave and have something just because those around me indulge
-  I will learn more about portions and portion control
        * No second and smaller portions; avoid eating out. 
-  Drink more water; drink water when I want to snack 

3.  Try to motivate others to join in on trying to become more healthy.

-  My sister and I signed up for a Mud Run (5k) in early September.  Looking forward to this.


4.  Post a (reasonably healthy) recipe that I've tried, a cooking tip, a new idea for working out, a photo update of my weight loss or anything else I feel like sharing.
-  I have been a slug this week so no words or wisdom to really share.  I need to go refill my thyroid medicine as I know this will effect how I feel and my weight if I put it off.

Friday, July 6, 2012

Rewards...

I am into rewarding myself (or others) when goals are accomplished and kept.  I have decided that this blog and health improving goals should be rewarded.

Level 1 Reward:  Lose total of 5 pounds and keep it off for minimum of 2 weeks...Get a haircut.

Level 2 Reward:  Lose total of 10 pounds and keep it off for minimum of 2 weeks... $10 to spend.

Level 3 Reward:  Lose total of 15 pounds and keep it off ... Craft or home improvement project (yes it's a reward).

Level 4 Reward:  Lose total of 20 pounds and keep it off ... Purchase an entire outfit (shoes & accessory included).

Level 5 Reward:  Lose goal weight (26 pounds) and keep it off ... *coming soon* recommendations welcome.

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Wednesday Weigh In - Week 2


Starting BMI:  25.9  (computed here)
Starting weight: 196 lbs
Goal weight:  170 lbs (maybe more if I reach this)

Last week's weight: 195 lbs
Current weight:  190 lbs

Last week's BMI: 25.7
Current BMI:  25.1
Goal BMI:  22.4

Pounds Lost this week:  5 lb (I credit this to hormones and 'that' shift)
Total Pounds Lost:  6 lb
Pounds until goal: 20 lbs

1.  Reiterate my goal(s) and where I stand in reference to this goal.

I want to become a healthier me.  I know that weight isn't the all-in-all indicator of health but it is a focus I want to work on.

-  Participate in a 5k this fall (ohhh...Turkey Trot?) and run an entire 5k by the end of Summer 2013
-  Exercise 2 to 3 times each week
-  Eat healthier and practice portion control and self control
-  Eat more natural food and less refined sugar (one dessert or sweet each week)
-  Drink more water; drink water when I want to snack


2.  Discuss what I am going to do to achieve my goals.

-  I will only eat one sweet/dessert each week
        * This is my weakness especially with the 4th...focus more on this
-  I will learn more about portions and portion control
        * Eating out on the 4th screwed this one over
-  I will eat more fruits and vegetables and practice healthy meal planning
        * I eat more F&V but prob not enough.
-  I will exercise and try to find family, friends and others to join
        * Went swimming, walked 1 mile+ to the fireworks, etc.  Goal: Alternate swimming and walking at night.
-  Drink more water; drink water when I want to snack (new this week)
        *  Did pretty good with this.

3.  Try to motivate others to join in on trying to become more healthy.

-  I am inviting my husband to join me.  My family will benefit from healthier grocery shopping and options.
       * Jeff says he will join the cause of trying to eat better and exercise; we've been walking together but need to do more.
-  I will try to invite family, friends and others to also practice healthier habits
       * So far it is the hubs and me.


4.  Post a (reasonably healthy) recipe that I've tried, a cooking tip, a new idea for working out, a photo update of my weight loss or anything else I feel like sharing.
       *  I have always heard that when going out to eat either split a meal with someone or ask for a to-go box right away and remove half of your meal.  I really need to do this next time I'm out.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Wednesday Weigh In - Week 1


Starting BMI:  25.9  (computed here)
Starting weight: 196 lbs
Goal weight:  170 lbs (maybe more if I reach this)

Last week's weight: 196 lbs
Current weight:  195 lbs

Last week's BMI: 25.9
Current BMI:  25.7
Goal BMI:  22.4

Pounds Lost this week:  1 lb
Total Pounds Lost:  1 lb
Pounds until goal: 25 lbs

1.  Reiterate my goal(s) and where I stand in reference to this goal.

I want to become a healthier me.  I know that weight isn't the all-in-all indicator of health but it is a focus I want to work on.

-  Run a 5k by the end of Summer 2013
-  Exercise 2 to 3 times each week
-  Eat healthier and practice portion control and self control
-  Eat more natural food and less refined sugar (one dessert or sweet each week)


2.  Discuss what I am going to do to achieve my goals.

-  I will only eat one sweet/dessert each week
        * I've eaten two this week but been more aware and gaining self-control with this.
-  I will learn more about portions and portion control
        * I have not had seconds and have tried to limit portion (still need to learn more on this); eating my     
           toddlers "leftover" food may need to be added in as a goal not to do.
-  I will eat more fruits and vegetables and practice healthy meal planning
        * I looked for healthy meals to create with grocery shopping but haven't shopped yet.
-  I will exercise and try to find family, friends and others to join
        * I have not started an exercise routine but am considering trying yoga and other stuff from Netflix.


3.  Try to motivate others to join in on trying to become more healthy.

-  I am inviting my husband to join me.  My family will benefit from healthier grocery shopping and options.
       * Jeff says he will join the cause of trying to eat better and exercise but not sure he'll log it.
-  I will try to invite family, friends and others to also practice healthier habits
       * No progress yet


4.  Post a (reasonably healthy) recipe that I've tried, a cooking tip, a new idea for working out, a photo update of my weight loss or anything else I feel like sharing.
       *recipe to come (I took some out of women's health magazine)

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Starting Stats

Starting BMI:  25.9  (computed here)
Starting weight: 196 lbs
Goal weight:  170 lbs (maybe more if I reach this)

Last week's weight: -----
Current weight:  196 lbs

Last week's BMI: -----
Current BMI:  25.9
Goal BMI:  22.4

Pounds Lost this week:  ----
Total Pounds Lost:  ----
Pounds until goal: 26 lbs

1.  Reiterate my goal(s) and where I stand in reference to this goal.

I want to become a healthier me.  I know that weight isn't the all-in-all indicator of health but it is a focus I want to work on.

-  Run a 5k by the end of Summer 2013
-  Exercise 2 to 3 times each week
-  Eat healthier and practice portion control and self control
-  Eat more natural food and less refined sugar (one dessert or sweet each week)


2.  Discuss what I am going to do to achieve my goals.

-  I will only eat one sweet/dessert each week
-  I will learn more about portions and portion control
-  I will eat more fruits and vegetables and practice healthy meal planning
-  I will exercise and try to find family, friends and others to join


3.  Try to motivate others to join in on trying to become more healthy.

-  I am inviting my husband to join me.  He will benefit from better cooking but we've talked about being "better" for a while.
-  I will try to invite friends and others to also practice healthier habits


4.  Post a (reasonably healthy) recipe that I've tried, a cooking tip, a new idea for working out, a photo update of my weight loss or anything else I feel like sharing.

- I took a "starter" photo we'll see if it makes it up on this post.

So it begins...

I am starting this blog as a journal for myself.  A journal to track my progress towards becoming a healthier version of myself (and my family).  I hoping to make this site so that my husband could join in with his own entries if he ever wants.  I want to do weekly weigh ins, share healthy recipes, exercise routines, and other tips that I hope to pick up and make habits along the way.

The story of me:  I used to be fairly skinny growing up.  I am quite tall (6'1") and I think this attributed to it as well as a high metabolism / thyroid problems.  I weighed 145-150 lbs through high school without trying and having major bad eating habits (cookie dough, chips and just junk).  When I was out of high school I went to a doctor in 2003 (I believe) to have tremors in my hands checked out.  I weighed somewhere around 165 lbs at the time and was 23 years old.  The doctor did some checks and it was determined I had Grave's Disease (hyper-thyroid).  Grave's will definitely keep you skinny in a not so good for your body way.  I decided to have RAI (radioactive iodine) treatment which radioactively removed or killed off my thyroid.  Once my thyroid was gone I gained weight rapidly and became bloated because my doctor didn't put me on any thyroid medicine immediately.  I came to his office 3 weeks to a month later having gained 30-35 lbs and just crossing the 200 lb threshold.  HOLY COW!!  I felt like crap too.  I had no energy, my face and hands were puffy, friends commented on how I didn't look good and I generally just felt a malaise about everything.  The doctor didn't believe that my thyroid could be "burnt out" so quickly and ran some blood work.  I had no TSH/thyroid hormone circulating.  That sucker (my thyroid) was toast!  So on the thyroid replacement hormone pills I went and I started to feel better but weight was definitely more of an issue.  I got back down to around 175 lbs for a few years and then my weight started creeping up again and settled around 185 lbs for a couple years.  I married my sweetheart and of course gained some "happily married" weight and probably some depression weight (we found out I wouldn't be able to have kids the 'old fashioned' way just before getting married).  And for the last 4 years I've settled in between 190-195 lbs...sometimes getting around 185 lbs when I focus my efforts but not much lower.  We went through infertility treatments a little over 3 years into marriage and were blessed with beautiful twin girls.  Luckily I didn't gain very much during treatment due to my case and I actually lost A LOT of weight just after the girls were born.  I went down to 165-170 lbs again for a couple short months...I attribute this to my thyroid hormones and female hormones finally being somewhat normal and also to the fact I couldn't keep enough food down the last few weeks of my pregnancy.

But anyway that brings me to today.  I weigh 196 lbs and I know that I am inching closer to that 200 lb mark.  I'm not going to do it!  I will be taking control of my diet and lifestyle.  I don't have a bad self-image but I want to be happy with my body.  Completely happy.  Okay well completely might take a while but I want to get there.  So that is my story and history in a nutshell.