Mamavation Monday--Down Another Pound(ish)

I'm not usually one to brag about myself, or even speak highly about myself, but this week I'm really proud of myself.

I've lost another 1.2 lbs this past week.

I can't believe it!

I started working out again this past weekend, but after our move, our basement is still not quite in order. Oh, let's face it, it's still kind of a hell-hole. So my once avid Turboing has taken a backseat this round of weight-loss. That's why I decided to take my workout outside, and started running. Granted, it's starting to get a little chilly, but I'm going to adjust. I hope. Otherwise, I'll be driving across town to my dad's and hopping on the treadmill.

Either way, I downloaded this super cool app, the C25K app, or Couch to 5K. I love it! The first time out, I felt like I was going to die. But I finished and feel stronger every session I do. I put my phone in the cupholder of the jogging stroller (because being a mom means taking your child every where in my instance), and it you start walking for your warm up, and then the phone "dings" and then you run until it "dings" again. It really makes working on intervals easy. I always dreaded having to time myself following the couch to 5k plans in various fitness magazines, but this totally takes the dread out.

Image courtesy of buycheapshoesale.com



I also went and invested in some super new kicks to help my over-pronation. So I'm not dying of achy ankles everyday. Thanks to Running Fit, for fitting me, and showing me what shoes I needed--the FABULOUS Brooks Adrenaline. Aren't those shoes sexy? And they feel wonderful. It's such a change going from a being runner with the wrong shoes, to a runner with the right shoes. I love it.

Anyhoo, I think my goal is going to be to run the 5k in the Detroit Turkey Trot this Thanksgiving. That gives me a little over a month to train. I think that's do-able. Any tips?

Aright, enough jibber jabber about my elation over my new running regime...it's time for...

THE MAMAVATION QUESTION OF THE WEEK!

What parts of your body are you especially proud of right now? What makes you love them?

The parts of my body that I'm expecially proud of right now are my legs and my lungs. My legs always carry me around, and I've thought nothing of them, up until I started running this past week. They are the biggest muscle group in my body, incinerating the most calories during my run, and they are strong enough to carry my big, yet shrinking, behind around. I'm sorry that I've taken them for granted until now.

I'm also proud of my lungs. I smoked from age 13 to 22. I quit when I found out I was pregnant with my little man 28 months ago. I love that my lungs are resilliant. They have forgiven me for the damage that I did to them and they help me to catch my breath to power through the next mile.


"This post is sponsored by Grunt Style and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway hosted by Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women. All of my praise for the C25K app, and Brooks Adrenaline GTS 11 is my own, and not associated with Gruntstyle."

Mamavation Monday-How to (or how not) eat out on a diet.

Well, at my WW meeting last week (Thursday) I was told that I lost 1 lb. This week, I maintained though. And I know exactly why.

A smorgesboard of fried food from Max and Ermas.

Let me start by saying that I can count on one hand, hell, half a hand, how many times my husband and I have been out to eat since we had our son almost 19 months ago. Once to Max and Erma's when our son was still small enough that he slept through most of the day (he was asleep in his carrier when we went), and once last thursday night. Yes, we do like our Max and Erma's.

Since we were out to eat, I knew I was going to have a "cheat day" (and what better day to do it--after weigh in), because I refuse to eat salad at a retaurant. I eat "rabbit food" all the time at home, I sure as hell am not going to go out and pay top dollar for it. So I eyeballed the Tomato Mozzarella Chicken Sandwhich

Image courtesy of Max & Ermas

Because it looked like it was just about the healthiest thing on the menu. (There aren't any "healthy cheat symbols" on the menu as far as I could tell. And then I ordered. And this is what came out of my mouth:

Cheese Skewers- Deep Fried Mozzarella cheese cubes with Dijon mustard mayo sauce & marinara.

Tortilla Soup-Our secret recipe chicken cheese soup with a spicy kick, topped with cheddar, Monterey Jack & freshly made tortilla strips.

Crispy Chicken Tender Dinner-With seasoned fries and cole slaw. Served with BBQ sauce. (I got ranch.)

And I ate it. All. Well, 2 of 4 of the cheese skewers, and a cup of soup, not a bowl. But still. I used up all of my Points+ weekly points in one sitting, and about half my day! And then I got sick. REALLY sick. I started having gallbladder pain, and almost an instant bout of IBS. Yowza.

So it's no shock to me why I'm maintaining this week. BUT, the most important thing is that I got right back on track--which I'm pretty sure I've never, ever done. I'm just hoping that I'm back on track enough to at least put a microscopic dent in the scale come Thursday's weigh in. Wish me luck! And I apologize if I made you want to eat crappy food by posting those pics.

Good luck to all in this new campaign!

Mamavation Monday- I got my butt in gear. FINALLY!

Not only am I on time with my post this week, but I'm back on the weight loss wagon.

I dug out my Weight Watchers stuff, and started going to meetings again. And it's really helping. As of Wednesday, I'll be on plan for a week straight with no cheating! I've got my mojo back. So far, I've lost 1lb. But I'm focusing on the small victories. After eating crap for what seems like months on end, one week on plan is a big deal for me. And after weeks of gaining and gaining. 1 lb down is a big deal for me as well. I've just got to keep up the work. So, I'm going to be ever present in my goals, and start thinking about consequences before I put something in my mouth.

Looking forward to a good week, and wishing you all a good week too!

Mamavation Tuesday. AGAIN.

Well. I unpacked the scale this morning. Eeep. Moving and eating like I've been starving for the past 25 years of my life has apparently made me gain a CRAP TON of weight. Ugh. About 9lbs to be specific.

I'm praying that most of the weight is water weight. I'm coming off my monthly visitor, and am praying to God that the weight miraculously melts off this week. I'm in need of a miracle hardcore on this one.

The next step after unpacking the scale, will be to unpack my weight watchers materials. I need my points calculator, pedometer, and tracker really bad right now. I have to get back on track. And I have to do it now. Wish me luck--both on the weight loss, and on finding my weight loss materials burried in boxes.

Quicky Mamavation Monday--On a Tuesday.

Well, it's Tuesday. And I'm writing this post at work on my break. Why? Because I have no Internet. Or computer at the moment. Ugh.

This past weekend was The Big Move. Ya know, the one where DH, Lil Man, and I moved in with my mother in law. We're living out of boxes, and have yet to set up our computers.

Anyhoo, this week I didn't weigh. Why, because my scale is in a box that my husband packed somewhere. Hopefully, I'll be able to weigh next week and assess my progress.

In the mean time, I'm trying desperately to eat healthy--when most of my good eats are packed away. And I've started walking with the Lil Man in the stroller, since all of my workout gear is inevitably stuck in a box as well.

Can you tell I hate moving? Here's hoping were settled by next week. Wishing you a wonderful week of losses and without chaos!

Mamavation Monday--What's going on

It's just going to be a quick post this week. For starters, I maintained. No loss, No gain. So I guess that's good. However, what I thought was a painful IBS attack, turned into a doctor's appointment this morning and a potential diagnosis of gall stones. I had to go to the hospital for an "emergent" ultrasound of my abdomen, and now I'm waiting on results.

In the mean time, I'm waiting out the pain, and hanging on the couch.

Mamavation Monday- I'm BAAAAAAAAck!

Hey all. Sorry to have disappeared on yall like that. But my life fell apart. Really. From my last post with my aunt passing away, until now, a lot has changed.

For starters. My husband and I started Dave Ramsey's financial freedom. And upon learning to make a household budget, learned that the reason we have no money is because our out go is higher than our income. As you can imagine, this is a BIG problem.

So we are currently in the process of moving in with my mother-in-law. I'm not sad yet, I'm sure the sadness is forthcoming, but I'm trying to keep my eyes on the prize. Saving money, paying off debt, and creating a better life for our family. I've had many sleepless nights, and many an eating bender over this. But I'm putting on my big girl britches and moving on.

I'm also looking for a new job. Desperately, at this point. I have over 68 applications in at one place alone. 60 jobs of which I am more than qualified for. So I'm constantly praying that the phone rings and I get an interview. Because that would make the money problems less of a problem too.

As for the weight loss front. This week, I lost 3.4 lbs. I really had my head in the game until last night. I ate an entire sleeve of Oreos while packing boxes. An awful whoops. But today, I'm back at it. I've regrouped, and refriended Fiber One 80 calorie cereal, and salad. And I hope to duplicate my results next week. I'm determined to get out of the 170s. And come hell or high water, I'm going to.

And now for.....THE MAMAVATION MONDAY QUESTION OF THE WEEK!

Why do you think exploring intimacy is an important part of a healthy lifestyle?

My answer is simple. It torches calories! And typically the hotter and wilder, the more calories are burned. And I'm down for any and all of that! :)

Mamavation Monday--Finally, Success!

Whew! It's Monday, and I almost missed it! I'm determined to be on-time with my post this week. Score!

Anywhoo, this past week I lost 2 lbs! I'm pretty excited! Now, I just have to keep going.

I've been eating less, and eating more fruits and veggies when I do eat. That's about it. I worked out once last week, less than I planned--but at least it was something. I'm determined to get more in this week. I think I'll hula hoop through the Bachelorette tonight. And then I'm going to hop back in to TurboFire.

I only have one issue, I've recently started knitting and crocheting--well learning, and screwing up quite frequently. While I started dabbling in "the fiber arts" as I found out that knit and crochet are called by the fancy pantsers to keep my hands busy at night so I wouldn't eat, I've found that I'm sitting on my ass more--and in turn my ass is growing bigger. Does anyone else have this problem? How are you solving it?

Wishing you all a fab week!

Mamavation Tuesday? I'm late again. At a loss for words.

This post will be super short. I'm back on plan. We'll see how this week goes. I weigh on Thurs morning. I don't really have a lot to write. One of my aunts is currently passing away from terminal cancer. It's really stressful, but I'm still not binge eating. In fact, for once, I'm not hungry.

It's Monday, Monday, Monday!

Another week has passed. And now I'm another 2 lbs lighter. Apparently, I dropped most of what I gained back last week. THANK GOD.

But, things are starting to get weird. I've been getting better at tracking my food, though I will admit that I'm not being quite perfect. I just can't keep my darn mouth shut when it comes to eating sweets at night. 

This phenomenon is not weird unto itself. Particularly, for me. It's the main reason I got fat in the first place. What's weird, is that I started getting headaches after I ate some snack size Oreos, or a spoonful of frosting. Turns out, the headaches were from my bloodsugar being high. Ugh. So now I'm going to have to start eating for diabetes again. And lose enough weight and be active enough until blood sugar is no longer a problem. I was never diabetic, except when I had gestational diabetes.

Which leads me to my next conundrum. The case of the missing period. I'm a little too young for menopause, so this is particularly disturbing. But every pregnancy test I've taken is negative, so I might be in for something particularly crazy. I think it might be time for a trip to the doctor...

Mamavation Monday--On Tuesday--With An Air of Defeat

Just a short lil check in. I'm losing my mind this week, since summer reading registration started at work. This past week I really watched what I was eating. REALLY. I watched my portions, made only good food decisions, but I didn't track my calories, or points+. BIG MISTAKE. I gained back another 3 lbs! AND I worked out 5 out of 7 days. I was really defeated after my weigh in.

BUT I'm writing down everything I put in my mouth this week. AND I'm working out. So there's got to be a light at the end of this weight gain tunnel. At least I hope there is.

Mamavation Monday --Try, try, again.

Well...this week, I did a much better job watching the food I was putting in my mouth. And lo-and-behold. I didn't gain weight.
A miracle if you ask me!
I'm keeping my head in the game. I've figured out that constantly reviewing my weight loss materials--i.e. reading about fitness, healthy eating, and learning new techniques keeps my head fresh and focused.

Lately my biggest challenge lately has been tracking my food. I can't make up my mind about whether I want to track on myfitnesspal.com or track with Weight Watchers points plus. I suppose deciding one way of the other would be greatly beneficial at this point.

I am also getting better at making sure I work out. Even if it means that I didn't get a "regular" workout in during that day, I'm hula hooping in front of the TV at night. Tonight, I'll be hoopin in front of the Bachelorette as I watch the guys make fools of themselves for Ashley's affections. My pick to win is J.P. btw! :)

And now for the Mamavation Monday Question of the Week brought to you by Together Counts!

How often do you and your family eat meals together and get active together?

As of right now, I have to admit. The answer to this question isn't a very good one. But, I'll be honest. Sure, we eat together about 4 out of 7 days a week, but it's not always healthy. And our family's numbers on getting active together are even worse. My husband and I put the baby in the stroller and go for a walk, hum let me think, ummmmm maybe once a month. These numbers make me uneasy, and are embarrasing!

So I took the Together Counts pledge. I've pledged 3 days of healthy family eating AND excercise per week. That's pretty do-able if you ask me! Cheers to a healthier, more active, AND more family oriented lifestyle!

This post is sponsored by Together Counts and I’m writing this to be entered into a Qlip Any-where Pedometer giveaway hosted by Mamavation

Mamavation Monday-What the hell is wrong with me?!

Happy Mamavation Monday All! I'm super excited this week because I lost 0.2 lbs! Which is a major feat for me since I've been gaining the last couple.

BUT I FINALLY have my head back in the game! And for me that's darn near the whole battle.

I'm at the point where I think I know everything about healthy eating, and exercise. Calories in vs. Calories out. Whole Grains. Lots of fiber. Even more water. Fruit and veggies. Lean protiens. Move your ass.

It's just that my biggest problem is actually doing it. I love the bad stuff, and I have to get back into the balance of "Yes, I love the things that are bad for me, but I love myself more than that". And I want my husband to want me more than I want that damn piece of cake. And I'm there. Again. The only problem is that this is a repetitive cycle that I need to break.

Prior to getting my head back in the weight loss game, I made a mental revelation this week. Every time, I reach a major weight loss milestone, usually every 5 to 10 lbs depending on my motivation, that I reward myself--WITH FOOD.

With every milestone, I get the "screw-it" mindset. I'll have Pizza, Chinese, Mexican, or (Insert other non-friendly food here) because I've earned it?!? And I justify that meal with "I'm not going to gain all that I've lost back with one meal".

But, that one meal, turns into many more. Which sends me back into a "bad food" addict spiral, and I eat and eat and eat until I've gained back at least half, sometimes more, of what I just lost! What the hell is wrong with me? And the sickest part of this cycle is that even though I feel like I know every thing there is to know about diet and exercise, I don't know how to fix this cyclic self-sabotage that I keep embarking on. (If you've won this battle yourself, please share your insights with me, I would greatly appreciate it!) When, I figure out how to fix this within myself, I will definitely let you all know my secret.

But now it's time for....

The Mamavation Monday Question of the Week by Omron Healthcare!

What gaps in your nutrition knowledge do you want to fill?

Hummm...let's see. This is a hard one! 

.......Thinking .....................

......................Thinking.......

My "staple" veggie

For me, the biggest gap in my nutrition knowledge is vegetables. I don't particularly like them, so I typically only eat green beans. Well, yeah, I guess in all seriousness I ONLY eat green beans, mostly out of a can, but sometimes frozen. I could eat potatoes and corn all day long, but I count those as starches-not as veggies. When I've tried to cook veggies in the past, well anything other than green beans, they usually turn out mushy, flavorless, and green. I can live with the green, but is there a "best" way to cook veggies so that they actually taste good and retain their nutrition? What are the best ways to season them, so that they don't taste nasty? And finally, is there a "best" veggie for you, I assume it isn't the green bean, particularly a canned green bean. :)

Wishing you all a wonderful week! Can't wait to look at every one's fitcation pics! I've already snuck a peek at a bunch on Facebook! If we aren't friends, we should be!
 

**This post is sponsored by Omron Healthcare and I’m writing this to be entered into a Omron Go Smart Pedometer giveaway hosted by Mamavation**

Let's take a short break for a PSA

Keeping our families safe on the road is a very important task that we undertake as parents. We drive carefully, keep our cars in tip-top shape, and make sure everyone is buckled in safely on each and every trip. Unfortunately, we can’t control what other drivers on the road are doing. We must rely on the police and essential safety equipment, such as red light safety cameras, to help keep us safe.

A recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that 113,000 people were injured and 676 were killed in crashes that involved red-light running in 2009 – two-thirds of the victims were pedestrians, bicyclists and occupants of vehicles hit by the red-light runners.

The study also showed that red-light safety cameras helped save more than 150 lives in 14 of the biggest U.S. cities from 2004 to 2008. Had the cameras been operating in all 99 U.S. cities with populations more than 200,000, more than 800 lives could have been saved.

Each time we enter an intersection, our families are at risk of becoming the victim of an accident – whether on foot or in a vehicle. Red light safety cameras help to change driver behavior and reduce the risk to our loved ones, however many people are unaware just how valuable these cameras are to those on the road.

The National Coalition for Safer Roads has created a powerful video, showing just how tragic the consequences of running a red light can be.



You can find the National Coalition for Safer Roads on their website, Twitter and Facebook pages, for more information about this important initiative.

Join the Coalition in spreading this important message. You may save the life of a loved one or spare a family the heartbreak of losing a life to a tragic intersection accident.