Weekly Goals - #5

Each week, I'll set a few small goals to achieve and build upon. After all, you can't sprint from the starting gate and expect to win the race, right? The emphasis may change from week to week, but all the goals are a continued effort. I'll share them here and would love to know what you think of them. Let me know if I'm giving myself too much slack, or not enough credit.

Weight loss GOALS for week three:

- I must eat Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & a Snack.
-- Replace one meal with a shake, fortified smoothie or milk.
- I must drink at least 25 ounces of water.
- I must acknowledge everything I eat in a daily journal.
- I must get at least 5 hours of constant sleep each night.
-- Two nights this week, I need to get 8 hours of sleep.

Exercise:

- Stretching arms, legs and back every day.
- Walk 10-15 mintues on the treadmill, twice a week.

Well...sometimes life gets crazy and hectic. I've missed being able to get on last week. Once again I'd like to take another week to dig into these basic goals that I outlined last week. Anyone can drink shakes, and work out three times a week. I did, and I lost weight...initially. But my weight always came back, and I sit here just as heavy and still unhealthy.

I'm looking forward to seeing the new season of The Biggest Loser tomorrow. (Its always a great initiator for me to keep on track each week.) I definately feel if they can do it then I can! Also, we have alot going on in our lives. I am looking for a new vehicle right now, and we're also planning on moving in the next six months. Lots of great things to look foward to, but I'm also ready to shed my fat suit. On a positive note, being more critical of myself has made me want to look better overall. Isn't it amazing how much we can let ourselves go? I don't want to become vain in any stance, but I'm ready to be one hot momma!

So bring on the waxing appointment, the haircut, and a overdue hair dye treatment. I love that I want my nails buffed, shined and published. I can't wait to find a great sale and get some new, flattering duds. And make-up? Oh, how I long for thee! I even want to wear the gooey-goopey lip gloss. :-) Spring is coming and I'm ready to feel and look great. How about you...are you ready to start week six running?

Weekly Goals - #4

Each week, I'll set a few small goals to achieve and build upon. After all, you can't sprint from the starting gate and expect to win the race, right? The emphasis may change from week to week, but all the goals are a continued effort. I'll share them here and would love to know what you think of them. Let me know if I'm giving myself too much slack, or not enough credit.

Weight loss GOALS for week three:

- I must eat Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & a Snack.
-- Replace one meal with a shake, fortified smoothie or milk.
- I must drink at least 25 ounces of water.
- I must acknowledge everything I eat in a daily journal.
- I must get at least 5 hours of constant sleep each night.
-- Two nights this week, I need to get 8 hours of sleep.

Exercise:

- Stretching arms, legs and back every day.
- Walk 10-15 mintues on the treadmill, twice a week.

Okay! I don't know about you but I am refreshed and ready to tackle WEEK FOUR! Thats right my blogging buddies. I have been commited to my new healthy lifestyle for almost a month. For me, week three was so long, and difficult. Stress wanted its binges and then its Release wanted its celebratory cake fest. But overall I've been hanging in there and am ready to begin challenging myself again. How did you guys do? What other goals have you added to your weekly agenda?

What I've lacked in some facets I've made up in sleep. I've really stuck to trying to get more sleep of late. And not just any sleep but consecutive hours of snooze-time. There have been many studies describing how weight loss is aided by getting SLEEP. Something so simple and yet always overlooked. My biggest challenge is simply to have the energy to do anything. I am normally so tired, fatigued, and beyond exhausted on a daily basis. Forget getting on that treadmill, I could barely climb the stairs. All I ever wanted to do was take a nap. But something happened Sunday that hasn't occured in nearly two years. I woke up in the morning, and actually got out of bed instead of rolling over and snoozing longer. I just got up, and it felt soooo good. I'm throwing off the crutches people. Watch out!

What ways have you discovered this plan working for you? I'd love to hear it!

Off The Record

What a great weekend. :-) This past few days have been some of the most sorely needed respite hours I have ever needed. And the thing is I didn't do much, go far, or eat myself into oblivion. Things were simply set up and then left run, roam, and unfold as they may.

The end result was one that felt odd (at times) without stress, drama or anxiety. Can you believe it? Tension from not being wound tighter then a ten-day clock. I find that I want to go away again with hopes that (theoretically) more of my baggage would be lost. Is this zen attitude demonstrate what the end result of this diet will find for me? Just pure peace, relaxation of mind, and an honest inclination to what is healthy and good for me. I hope so...

Freebie Friday

A Late Day

So how did your day go today? Amazing how busy our lifes becomes. The batteries in my scale are kaput. I think I squeezed the life out of them. Ha. Its a blessing in disguise. I didn't want to know how well I was doing anyways. (Insert sarcasm here).
Overall, I am chugging along and am wondering how the world is treating my other dieters. I have been really quizzical of late...A) How did I ever get this FAT or B) How do other people ever stay so thin? Because honestly. This whole diet thing is SO much work. I see the size zero and just wonder how they can eat all the larded, salted, breaded, fried and hugely plated meals out there and am dumbfounded. What am I missing here?

The Right Type

So what "diet" is your favorite? I've been on them all. And its most likely that you've tried every one out there as well. The most beneficial eating plan that I've found is called the Blood Type Diet by Dr. Peter D'Adamo.

Overall, there are many books within this series. The first one is "Eat Right for Your Type". What I like most about this diet is that it creates a way of life that is feasible. Each blood type must eat along a certain guideline. For me, an blood type A-, I need to eat primarily a vegetarian. The food categories are listed as "beneficial", "neutral", and those you should "avoid". I mean, how easy is that?

And no fears here, I can (and do) enjoy red meat or poultry. But once your body gets rid of the products that are the most taxing to digest,  you'll may find as well that you really just don't care to eat them. Have you heard or read of this program? What are you thoughts on it?

Weekly Goals - #3

Each week, I'll set a few small goals to achieve and build upon. After all, you can't sprint from the starting gate and expect to win the race, right? The emphasis may change from week to week, but all the goals are a continued effort. I'll share them here and would love to know what you think of them. Let me know if I'm giving myself too much slack, or not enough credit.

Weight loss GOALS for week three:

- I must eat Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & a Snack.
- I must drink at least 20 ounces of water.
- I must acknowledge everything I eat in a daily journal.
- I must get at least 5 hours of constant sleep each night.
-- One night this week, I need to get 8 hours of sleep.

Tasks & Research:

- Find a great breakfast smoothie recipe.
- Begin stretching arms, legs and back every day.

This week I'm staying strong with the same goals. The same goes for all of you too. One shouldn't advance to more challenges until the current ones are old hat. Changing a lifestyle isn't a game, and I don't want you or myself to be set up for failure. Instead lets set ourselves up for winning the war on FAT rolls! So take this week and address each goaled aspect. Make sure its under your belt, and tone up on the facets that are less then desired.

So for me, I had a host of complications and PMS issues. Don't worry, I won't go into more details then that. But with life comes cravings and I am learning the best ways to deal with them. The greatest thing is that I can share all the great snacks, tips and tricks that have worked. There by helping you too. I have been craving Thai food like none other! And I am soooo hooked on Spring Rolls. Perhaps its my body wanting the best of both worlds. Deep fried veggies. Gotta love 'em! What foods are you craving now that you've started this journey? Anyone else having sugar withdrawls?

With that, here's to planning on the third week being the charm. I've added some "homework" to my agenda that will help with the goals I'll add to next week. Do you know any great (and easy) smoothie that would give breakfast back its ease? And limber yourself up...pretty soon we're going to need it!

Strawberry Fields

Do you have a favorite restaurant? Oh, I do. And now with raising a toddler, dining out is quite the luxery. So for Valentines Day this year, my request was to go out for breakfast. Don't bother with roses or candy...just give me delectible riccota pancakes with berry garnish and fresh squeezed orange juice. MMMmmmmm! Doesn't that sound heavenly? It takes a great chef to make breakfast the best meal of the day. And I realized after I'd collected half of it to take home, that I've really upped the ante. A pound may still equal 3500 calories, but a calorie to me now means a whole lot more!

After years of emotional eating, random binging isn't going to stop overnight. But what I have realized this weekend, is that I never had a chance with diets in the past. Willpower isn't just about willing myself to into self control anymore. In order for long term success, you have to be listening to your body...not just dictating it. I've discovered the natural cues are really there, asking for healthier food. By not skipping meals now, I have become much more picky with what I eat. Well I was picky before, but now its in a good way. Now I want it to be worth every calorie, taste great, and with a new qualification. I want it to sound delightful enough to share with you!

So with all this, I look forward to my ricotta pancakes again today. I look forward to finding other new meals that let me look forward to food, but leave it later feeling just as happy. And I really look forward to being equally satisfied with how I look in the mirror.

Freebie Friday

Will + Power = Happy

I did it! I passed the first test. I got "fast food" yesterday and still ate healthy. Considering all my being wanted a burger and fries, I am pretty proud of myself. And isn't that the point we all need to work towards? To be your own #1 supporter?

Thus, I had quite the amount of satifaction savoring my Wendy's baked potato and a 1/4 cup of chili. That is till the PMS cravings came storming in around 3pm. Now, its bad enough that men get to lose weight so much faster then us women folk. But seriously, do we really deserve the added monthly sabotoge? Talk about diet disaster. I was digging thru our cast-off candy drawer faster then you can say "Hershey".

Thankfully, I had already eaten everything of great chocolate quality prior to assuming this challenge. But sure enough, I found what I was drooling for. After a quick concoction of milk chocolate and peanut butter I felt much more myself. And then after the Pizza Hut stuffed crust super supreme and breadsticks I was hormonally vindicated. But did I fail today? I don't feel that way.

What was great about today (besides getting hopped up on sugar and carbs) is that I allowed myself everything I needed, but not in the amounts I wanted. I kept it reasonable. And thus kept my calorie intake feasible. Willpower isn't just about not eating something entirely, its also about knowing when you can stop eating said amazing thing as well. By utilizing what I've established within the Weekly Goals, I could recognize when I was actually full. And I realized what wasn't satiated was my emotional need for chocolate, peanut butter, salt, cheese, and carbs. It was in understanding this, that WILL got its POWER.

Sure, I didn't have to eat any of it to begin with. But I'd still be craving the same things tomorrow. (My pizza fix was brewing since last Saturday.) The point of my confession isn't that we can cheat our diets, its that sometimes you need to listen to everything your body tells you. And by doing that, I learned alot more about myself in the long run.

Skinny Fever

I am dreaming in a Size 6 people. Given that I'm a size 16, you may relate to my excitement. Ten clothing sizes...I can't even picture it...until I'm casting myself into the latest Greek espisode. And as winter looms directly overhead my mid-western town, I find my absent minded moments increased. All daydreams are filled with drooling over tiny threads that I have long avoided. Its officially skinny-fever for the diet squad!

Honestly, I'm an autumn season person. But this year I am actually looking forward to Spring weather. I even went out to Old Navy and bought some lace trimmed cami tee's to wear...by themselves. (Insert the shock here please.) I give fair warning, the arms will be unleashed!

Seriously though, with the increased focus on what I'm eating this week there is also a increased focus on my appearance overall. What about you? What other things about life and body do you notice more? Considering its only been two weeks for me, I was shocked that I even thought about getting on the treadmill. See, exercise and my butt are ever barely in the same sentance. The thought of getting them both in the same room voluntarily? (Just insert more shock here.)

So I'll ride the dream wave and see how much momentum it will toss me. Though I'd love to Biggest Loser this weight right off, I am well aware that real life doesn't drop 100 pounds in eight weeks. But I will expect Spring...and those cute cami's.

Weekly Goals - #2

Each week, I'll set a few small goals to achieve and build upon. After all, you can't sprint from the starting gate and expect to win the race, right? The emphasis may change from week to week, but all the goals are a continued effort. I'll share them here and would love to know what you think of them. Let me know if I'm giving myself too much slack, or not enough credit.

Weight loss GOALS for week two:

- I must eat Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & a Snack.
- I must drink at least 20 ounces of water.
- I must acknowledge everything I eat in a daily journal.
- I must get at least 5 hours of constant sleep each night.
-- One night this week, I need to get 8 hours of sleep.

So how did I do with Week One? Not too bad. Excitement is always a great motivator. I think the trick is to start small and grow accustomed to the healthy lifestyle that I'm trying to adopt. Namely, eating healthy while getting lots of water and a good night of sleep. Hence the small weekly goals. To some they may seem evident and dense. But low calories, exercise, and willpower only go so far with me. I need more then a diet. I need the whole package...and that needs one strong foundation.

This week it was trying at times to make the effort to eat three times a day. (I'd rather just drink some milk or have coffee.) So with adding a snack during my day as well now, I'd really like to find a great smoothie recipe to fill the meal void. I also got back to drinking SmartWater. Ever try it? Its really a great help to have the added electrolytes it provides. I feel so much better and hydrated drinking it. So that will help as I've increased the daily minimum I need to drink this week.

An additional challenge, is having to write down everything I eat in a daily food journal. Last week it helped to make that mental note, so this written feature should bring even more clarity to my diet-busting habits. Should you be doing this too, this just needs to be a quick line and note relating how well liked or needed each food item is. Last but not least, the roughest part of my weekly agenda is to keep getting five hours of constant sleep each night. Sleep is far under appreciated and I hope that I can increase this number over time. But to keep the pressure on, my new weekly goal is to keep my five hours of constant sleep each night and ante up one evening with a full 8 hours. Wow...that is something I've been working towards, diet or no, for 18 months!

So with that...bring on week #2.

A Sensible Solution

Okay. So I don’t quite know how to begin this post any other way then…OMG! I found my new favorite snack!!! They are Veggie Straws by World Gourmet. All natural, no trans fat, no cholesterol, no preservatives, and GMO free. They are part of a “Sensible Portions” campaign that creates healthy snacks with realistic serving sizes.

Seriously, I know what you’re thinking. The name alone does it no justice. It’s just so innocent and unsuspecting. And yet that is so you can gorge yourself on the entire bag without anyone ever "tsk-tsking" you. People…if you have ever loved French Fries then you have to try these. Think I’m kidding? I can go back and get a sworn statement from the check-out guy at GFC Marketplace. Because I’ll tell you what; he had me at “they taste just like French Fries!” And they will have you too.

Get this, they were so good that I had to compare them to the real deal. (I know! The things I’ll do for authentic proof.) So we swung thru and used a freebie coupon for a small fry. They were good, I won’t lie. But really, all you’re trading in now is the soggy grease for a delightful crunch. Normally, (as in two weeks ago) I’d snort those hot fries so fast I wouldn’t have any to share. But share I did and I even threw away the bottom few that remained. I simply didn’t care to have any more. For me, that really meant that I could finally cut the fast fry addition.

So it was in going out to find a healthy Super Bowl snack, that I found proof that I could really accomplish this whole life-change dieting thing. Because if your anything like me; then you need daily validation that you can find healthy, satisfying meals. And if Veggie Straws are any indication…I need to buy stock in World Gourmet. Fast. :)

Freebie Friday

**Photo Credit: Egilshay 10/2008

Realistic Directions

Choices. Every minute of every day comes down to them. For some its easier to let others decide everything for them. And I can certainly appreciate an obvious path or the well-lit walk way. As for me, I'm a laid-back Karma kind of girl. I know I'll get what I want when I want it. Therefore, the majority of the time I just want to co-exist happily amongst humanity. And when in doubt of a heading? Well, I look toward the Universe to stand there in a bright orange vest and flashlight me in the right direction. You may laugh...but it works.

The problem I've encountered; is that I stopped listening, looking, and consulting with the things that make me happy. The world is busy, and life gets busier. We want to make our loved ones smile and to keep our babies from crying. Slowly, we forget what we want most because we know what others demand anyway. And get this...we actually think we can always fit "me" in later. Newsflash. Ain't gonna happen. Your wants will only turn into persistant desires, and eventually rueful tasks. Last but not least, it will be all but abandoned in disgust or disdain...which ever comes first.

Sound like your last diet people? It sounds like my last everything. I can't remember when I've had time for a hobby. Nothing ever seems to get finished or organized properly. And forget about going out with friends. I'm just thankful for Facebook, dvd rentals and Jiffy Pop. Yes, I said Jiffy Pop. If you ever want to get yourself out of the doldrums go and shake your can-can for three to five over a hot stove. Gives "feel the burn" a whole new meaning.

But I will tell you one thing about the Jiffy Pop challenge. Afterwards, you realize just how long three to five minutes is. That the world didn't melt without you, and just how rewarding it is to making yourself smile. Guess we do have time for this diet thing after all. :)

Follow Me...

So I got my Twitter button today. See it over there? Well after scrolling thru 135 different ways to follow a bird, I got the subtle hint the Universe was teaching me today. That step-by-step, anyone on this weight loss road needs somebody with them. And whether its losing a hundred pounds or just one...it always makes things more valid when another person out there knows what your going thru.

That said, have you noticed how fast the world goes by lately? Today flew for me. I've started to give up the constant stream of sugar I normally ingest and wow, am I ever tired! Those Charms aren't so Lucky when the supply is cut off. I know that getting more done during the day is a big mental energy boost but I just can't get myself motivated. I find the safe, worn path of old so comforting. The fact that it leads to four pillows and a mountain of cozy blankets doesn't help. Coffee certainly didn't help today. Tea didn't touch "it" either. This fog of listlessness is incredible.

Thus I caved. My texted begging for a delivered Biggby latte was answered around 4pm. And sure enough, the hot, sugary Mint Mocha did the trick. But what I did notice is that with the pick-me-up came a snappy decline a few hours later. Guess you can't wind up the clock and not lose a spring here or there. Doesn't really excuse my behavior. And lately my make-up-for-it list is getting longer then Earls'. So I'm really left to wonder. Which is worse in larger amounts, sugar or caffine?

Weekly Goals

Okay. So how (and where) do you start a huge, year-long challenge? Just one small step at a time. Each week, I'll set a few small goals to achieve and build upon. After all, you can't sprint from the starting gate and expect to win the race, right? I'll share them here and would love to know what you think of them. Let me know if I'm giving myself too much slack, or not enough credit.

Weight loss GOALS for week one:
- I must eat Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
- I must drink at least 16 ounces of water.
- I must make a consious effort to acknowledge everything I eat.
- I must get at least 5 hours of constant sleep each night.

Does this give you insight to how badly I need this? I will strive to behave in all other manners of "dieting". (And you should too if your following this with me.) But the efforts that I must only succeed in this week, are are the ones outlined above.

I have been long wondering if not eating enough throughout the day can lead to weight gain. Very often I'll have a bowl of cereal at 10am, a snack of crackers at 3pm and two helpings at dinner. That is it...that is my typical meal habits. And I have to admit as well that I rarely drink more then a 16 oz glass of water a day. Sometimes, I don't even think I get that. A cup or two of coffee and a diet coke with dinner is about all I take the time for. As for my third goal, I must realize everything I eat and how I feel about it. I need to ask myself if I'm really hungry, if I ate too much, or if it really tasted as great as I'd hoped.

The questions are personalized but the end result is the same. For instance I ate a cookie today as an afternoon snack. I was half-way thru it when I realized it wasn't what I really wanted. So you know what that means. I was unsatisfied and back in the kitchen for a handful of mini Nilla Wafers. Those did the trick, but why did I still eat the rest of the cookie first? Ah-HA! And that is why I'm here...with you.

Last but not least. I must make sure to get at least 5 consecutive hours of sleep. We all have things that keep us burning that candle. For me, I have a glorious 18-month old baby girl. And I am still waiting 18-months later for consistant and constant sleep at night. Now over this past year and a half I have learned alot about myself. And one thing is predominant. Some people can not go without food, some without water...and some (like me) can not go without sleep. It just fogs me over and leaves me withered. It is definately the Kryptonite to my Super Momma self. And I bet...its also what keeps me more plumped up then a Thanksgiving turkey.

So with that I'm off with a bang. And like I told you, its a small start because I'm in it for the long haul. All eye's to the winners circle people, and I'll see you there.

My Challenge

Watching a movie recently inspired me. Not about blogging, but about revising ones' life thru a personal challenge. Her goal was about cooking...and my goal? My goal will be just as focused on food, but in a profoundly different manner.

The past few weeks I have had the distinct displeasure of seeing myself thru the camera lens of years' gone by. To say that I was unhappy with how I looked is quite an understatement. I had to realize that either I only found the "fat" camera angle or I was just fat. Ain't no "P" supposed to be on that either. Nope, we're simply talking about three very round letters. F A T.

The thing is, that its not just one photo that did it but the collection of them. Because I would have sworn that some years I had yo-yo'd the diet enough to get at least one good picture. But despite dieting efforts or illusioned opinions...I looked the same in every one. That said, I'm ready to start a new photo album.

Today, I am challenging myself to lose 104 pounds.

The standard, recommended amount of weight loss for one week is 2 pounds. Taking that, my weight loss challenge is calculated at: 2 lbs x 52 weeks = 104 total pounds in one year. My starting weight today is 225 pounds. My goal weight will be 121 pounds. This will put me square on the nose to the "ideal" body weight of a 5'4" woman.
So...lets begin.