Stepping away from the scale

For a little bit!!

I'm currently holding steady at 204.2 and can't seem to get past the 204's SO..

I decided to take a step back and look at my DIET:

A Dr.pepper here, heavy salad dressing there..a little taco bell here, mcdonalds there..

It all adds up.

Even when it's in moderation, it's still there. It's funny because I get told by my coworkers all the time "You are so dedicated! You eat so well!" When they are eating cheesecake that I so desperately want from the cafeteria.

While I do think I have a pretty good hold on the healthy eating bit, there's always room for improvement.

I'm currently on day#4 without caffeine and going to stick to it. I usually think I need that Dr. Pepper "pick me up" in the afternoon, but I've learned that a banana has the same effect. Who would have thought?!

I'm also going to be sticking to a low sodium diet. That means NO fast food, NO caffeine, NO smart ones (as convenient as they are they are outrageous in the sodium dept) NO chips..

Low sodium means..whole fruits and veggies and lean meats like chicken and turkey.

In the next few days I'll be sharing what I've been eating and some low sodium recipes.

Thanks for your continued support on this blog :)

Here's a picture of me and my 5 year old niece over the weekend. She spent the night and definetly kept me on my toes!!

 

What I'm Lovin' Wednesday

I haven't done one of these series in a while, so let's recap what I've been lovin ' :) warning, this is a lot of randomness:

{via Pinterest}

I'm working on some of these type pictures in my husband's office..he loves globes/maps so this is a cute feminine touch I could put on the office/common area.

{via Urban Outfitters}

How cute are these? Our monogram has been ordered for the office as well.

L'Oreal tinted lip balm..lovin' it. I start my day wearing lipstick, but end up using this throughout the day. My bestie introduced these to me. I now how 3 different colors. So soft and just enough color.

{via Bath and Body Works}

I loooove this scent!! I have used this everyday..correct me if I'm wrong, but this may be limited stock for the spring/summer? I may need to stock up.

Lovin this picture of me and my sissys (1993)..it is framed on my new desk.

{via Pinterest}

This is me and my hubby to a T.

These adorable babies are who I'm lovin the most..I had a wonderful weekend with my niece and nephew. To me, they are perfect angels and bring me so much joy. I love being Aunt Allie!

Knowing my body

One of the plus sides (no pun intended ;)) of losing weight has allowed me to really get "in tune" with my body. When I weighed 249lbs I:

• Had the longest menstual cycles ever..seriously..like 40+ days
• Had body acne
• Muscle aches and joint pain
• stretch marks appearing in places I knew they shouldn't be!
• Exhaustion all.the.time

Now I feel like I know exactly what my body needs, how it feels, etc. For example, I know I need 8hrs of sleep every night..no more, no less. Anything less, I feel unmotivated and have no desire to work out. I now know exactly when I ovulate (I don't even need to use those OPK's which are very annoying btw!) and have a very, very timely 28 day cycle (sorry if TMI!). I know when I need a break in a workout or when I'm just being lazy and not pushing myself to my fullest potential. I just know.

Have you noticed a change in the way your body reacts to your healthy lifestyle?

I'm sure you have :) What a great feeling, isn't it?

Weigh In {getting real} #3

204.6

Sigh, loss of .8. That brings me to a grand total of -.2oz for the month of March thus far. Sorry, missing another photo..who knows where the camera was Friday morning.

I am glad the scale is going down, not up, but I just wish it was going at a faster pace? I am also glad that I got my 2 workouts in throughout the week. This week is Spring Break from school so the plan is to be in the gym every night! I used to work out 5 days a week..I really miss that! I am going to be getting to the gym more regardless of my night classes..no excuses anymore!

Here's my weigh in picture, cheering on the Shockers..who sadly lost :(

This week I'm going to continue bringing my lunch everyday, resisting temptations, working out everyday and drinking 100oz of water everyday..that should do the trick for a bigger loss this week. I would reallly like to be in ONEderland by April.

In other news, I got some lowlights put in my hair yesterday and I'm lovin it!

What are your goals this week?

Whatever they are, let's make it a good one :)

Struggles

Have you ever had that moment where you think:

I need to eat that to get it out of the house!

...

Eek, what is my prob? This exact issue happened not once, but twice yesterday..my 1st occurence was when I saw there were 3 Girl Scout cookies left. I need to eat those to get rid of them, right? Wrong.. (but I did anyway=210 calories), thennn..there was some Pepsi left in a 2 liter. I helped myself to a glass (150 calories).

And..I was about 300 calories over my daily alotted amount (1410 calories daily)

Hmm..I wonder why..

Everyday is hard. I struggle so badly! I wonder if a healthy lifestyle is ever going to "click" for me. Like, am I EVER going to want grilled chicken, over fried..or water over Dr. Pepper? These are the types of struggles I have. Making the "right" [healthy] choices when it comes to food. Sigh.

I'm a complainer, I know. I'm going to continue to keep struggling until it does click and become easier though. More sighs. I am back to tracking on my myfitnesspal app though..WOW..I forgot how accountable that application kept me. I don't want it to be 3pm and notice "Oh dang I can't eat dinner tonight since I'm over my calorie intake!"

Struggles mean you're fighting the battle, right?

Former Fat Bride

Slim Away Adjustable Slimming Garment

Ok..Don't make fun of me :) But I purchased one of these:

hehe :)

So I had a $5.00 off Bed Bath & Beyond coupon and this product was only $10, so I don't see it as a huge loss even if it doesn't work. I think the main reason I got it is because I do have an issue with my mid section. I feel like I carry a lot of weight in my mid-section and hips/thighs.

I mainly got it to wear when I work out. The reviews are right; it is a very bulky material and it's uncomfortable so I don't know how anyone could wear it with everyday clothes.

That is a really awkward picture, sorry :) Unfortunately, or fortunately (however you look at it) it fits to the tighest zipper so I will only be able to use it for awhile. I wore it to Zumba tonight and I felt like I did sweat more (it is a really heavy material) and when I took it off, it was drenched in sweat.

So yes, this was a total off the wall purchase. J was completely embarrassed that I was buying it! But whatever, it's worth a shot. I'm a sucker for anything weigh loss related :)

**I was not compensated for this blog post**



Grocery Trip highlights

I try to go grocery shopping with Jordan every two weeks so we can get everything all at once based on our meal plan. It doesn't always work out that way. Sometimes I end up going solo (which I hate), but today we were able to go together so it was a success. We always grocery shop at Target; I think the prices are comparable to Walmart or Dillons (Kroger) and with the Target REDcard it's an additional 5% off even if you already have a coupon.

Here are some good eats I bought today:

Perdue Simply Smart Chicken Chunks

If you click the link; you can see the nutritional value. I think these will come in handy because let's face it; I love chicken strips. I could probably live off of chicken strips. The Perdue Simply Smart line is 40% fewer calories and 50% less fat. I mean, obviously boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the healthiest option, but these are quick and easy..and sometimes that's what I need: convenience.

We've completely changed from beef to turkey in our household. I honestly think ground beef and ground turkey taste the same, but that's just my opinion. All recipes I make that call for ground beef I just substitute ground turkey. We've also switched to the turkey bacon. At first j wasn't too pleased, but once he saw the nutritional value versus center cut bacon he was fine with it. Plus, turkey bacon has a lotttt less sodium which will help with blood pressure levels. I love the Jennie-O brand; I've never had a problem with their products.

I was so happy to see all the fresh fruits in the produce section today; especially the strawberries. J and I decided one of these nights we're going to make breakfast for dinner so we got some Fiber One cereal and some apple streusel pancakes. Should be yummy :) and as healthy as we want it to be.

**I also made another purchase, but that is for another entry** :)

Weigh In {getting real} #2

{Insert picture here}

205.4

Blegh, that's a gain of .6oz. Sorry I don't have a photo to share..it was early Friday morning and the camera was nowhere to be found! Next week I will be more organized! Promise.

Speaking of next week...

I need to lose some weight!

Goals:

1. Keep up with 100oz h20 daily

2. Be cautious of portion sizes.-I've been cooking at home, but need to be more aware of serving sizes-

3. Get in at least 2 workouts (I only got in 1 last week ;-/)

4. NO eating out

3-9-12

Alrigty, off to make a weekly meal plan!

Have a healthy, happy week!



Reminders

Jen, a PriorFatGirl posted reminders on why she wants to stay healthy. I need to do this post too, because just like her, Every so often I need to remind myself why I'm on this journey. Sometimes I lose sight of the goal and need reminded as to why I fight so hard for every single pound that comes off my body.

• Fertility; I really do feel like by losing the weight I have it has helped with infertility. Sorry if TMI, but because I lost some weight, I ovulate every month and have a very regular cycle.
• Babies; Kind of ties in with Fertility, but I want to be a fit and active mom. I want to be the mom out there running around with my kids. I also want to be that cute mom toting around some cute bebes. You know, that mom.
• Vanity; I want to wear cute clothes mostly. I don't want to have to shop in the stores that only sell plus sizes like I once did. I also don't want to have to hide my arms all.the.time.
• Money; Being healthier saves me $$..buying groceries instead of eating out, less frequent dr's visit to pay for, etc.
• To feel good about myself; I want to be able to go to family functions, school, out with friends and not be so self-conscious all the time about how I look. It gets old.
• The Doctor's Wife; This is a little ways off..good thing I'm starting early! My husband is only a year away from starting the interview process for medical school. An unhealthy physician's wife isn't a good look!
• Wifey status; Speaking of which, I want to be a hot wife. I don't want to be a lethargic, sloppy wife.
• Energized; I don't want to spend my days at home, lounging them away (which has been frequent lately) I want to be out and about, enjoying family, friends, movies, shopping, etc. I love my sleep, but I need to minimize to 8 hrs daily.

This list is ideal, but what I'm aiming for. Every day isn't perfect, so a little reminder is nice every once in awhile.

:)

Tomorrow: Weigh in #2 {getting real!}

oops

Well...I didn't exactly stick to my "no eating out" goal tonight.

My husband got out of class early, but we both had homework to get done in the evening so instead of going home and cooking, and then having to do dishes.. we met for dinner :)

We met at Doc Green's and I had the Dr. Fiesta salad. I looked up the nutritional value and it said it was 437 calories, but I'm going to round up to 500 calories.

Afterwards we stopped by Orange Leaf and they had my favorite back!! Birthday Cake Frozen Yogurt! I was so happy that I started clapping in the shop. No one was looking at me though ha. No worries :) I had a small portion..J even said "that's all you're getting?" So that must be a good sign.

It was a good evening with my love. With our schedules, sometimes we need a little time out of the house. I feel fine about it because I made healthy choices annnnnd...I got over 100oz of water in today.

Hallelujah!



Infertility {update}

• If you read here you can see my infertility timeline
• If you read here you can read about my 3rd miscarriage
• If you read here you'll see how I struggle with hypothyroidism
• If you read here you'll see why I decided to get healthy

My future family depends on it.

Kind of a touchy subject, I know. As you know, I struggle with infertility. THREE years now! I've seen 3 different OBGYN's and one Maternal Fetal Specialist. In July, I was referred to The Center for Reproductive Medicine. I felt very hopeful because I personally knew 3 girls who went to this particular doctor and have beautiful, healthy children!!

So, first in August they did an ultrasound that showed a normal uterus and ovaries..no abnormalities. Then I did the HSG test done as an outpatient procedure and it was perfect..clear tubes, no abnormalities. Last step was the Recurrent pregnancy loss labwork. Oh my goodness, 8 vials of blood from me, and 3 from my husband. We had this labwork drawn in September. In October, we received the results. I tested positive for the Lupus Antiphospholipid test, but everything else was normal for Jordan and myself. So, while this is a scary diagnosis, it is treatable and many people go on to have healthy pregnancies with heparin injections and baby aspirin daily. It's still upsetting, and expensive. The injections monthly are basically another car payment.

Everything that comes along with infertility is just depressing. I'm scared to get pregnant again, I'm scared of the costs associated with a "high risk" pregnancy, I'm worried about how many doctors I will have to see, etc. I know it'll be worth it though. It's all just kind of mind overwhelming. I try not to think about it too often, really. It will begin consuming me, and that's no fun.

What's sad thing with infertility is..if I were to get pregnant, say, next month..I would be on pins and needles basically until the end of it. That is not fair. I have a lot of emotions when it comes to this process. Basically, to sum it up..it's not fair.

But life isn't fair.

I have to keep remembering that I will have children one day. I will get to decorate a cute little nursery, and have family portraits taken, and go through all the ups and downs of parenthood. I don't know how and I don't know when..but, I will.

Thanks for listening.



H2O

I have a new obsession..

It's the strawberry-oranges-banana drink mix. It is freaking awesome.

It's the Market Pantry Target brand and it makes getting through my 100oz of water a day so much easier. I only drink one mix in 32oz, and it's sugar free and 5 calories. Perfect.

The girls and I have a little stash at work..I've got them on the 100oz h2o daily train :)

Here's our options:

I really like that Crystal light Green Tea Mango on the right...buttt it stains my thermos. Not sure why! But it does..it makes it look moldy which is way weird so if anyone has any suggestions with that, let me know! I'm not a huge fan of the Crystal light energy (it tastes like orange juice and kool laid mixed together..it's kind of thick tasting?) but it has a lot of B vitamins so it can be a nice little pick me up in the afternoons. and then of course, Benefiber for you know... :) They were on sale. They are usually kind of pricey.

so, needless to say, I'm getting my water consumption in. and of course, I drink plain water too. No worries there.

Do you find these type of drink mixtures help with your water intake? Pros/cons? Faves?



Weekly Meal Plan

In the past I haven't been a fan of picking out recipes, because..I can't cook! Seriously, I can't. I'll read a recipe and get confused and feel like it's waaay over my head. My husband is the cook in our little family, but with his new work/school schedule it's hard to keep track of when he'll be home, etc.
This week I wrote out on the calendar when he will be home/when I need to make something myself/when I have class, etc. Here's our tentitive schedule. Oh, and PS. the goal is to not eat out at all this week.
{Click the links for the recipe}

Tonight (Sunday):
Crockpot Lasagna
Makes enough servings for leftovers for lunch and throughout the week.

Monday:
Sandwich, or leftovers. I'm going to Zumba at 7:45 and J works until 10:30pm

Tuesday:
Mexican Casserole

Wednesday:
Leftovers. I leave for class at 6pm, J works until 10:30pm

Thursday:
Chicken Parmesan
I leave for class at 6pm to 10pm, and J gets out of class at 7pm SO I think he will be making it and I will just take for lunch on Friday.

Friday:
Leftovers. J works until 10:30pm

Whew! Yes, that is how crazy our schedules are. BUT I'm going to make it work! Because...I have weight to lose :)

Weigh In 3-2-12 {getting real}

3-2-12

Alrighty, that is the # on the scale that popped up Friday morning.

I guess this is my "starting" point with my new weekly weigh ins, even though I've seen a smaller number than that in prior weeks. I can get back to that! Hard work and dedication..must.keep.moving!

Bad picture..my slacks are way too baggy and show no shape.

So anyway, my plans for this week are to continue drinking a ton of water. The goal is to drink 100oz a day, but I've been failing the past 2 days. I'm back on it today. I'm also working on a meal plan for this week that I will share tomorrow. The plan is to bring my lunch to work everyday...save $$ and eat healthier, win-win! and I want to get in at least 2 days of exercise. Okay, let's get to it!

Have a happy, healthy week!

Where have I been?

Under a rock, right?

Actually, kind of.

When I took a slight blogging break, it wasn't planned. Honestly, life got in the way. Excuses, Excuses..I'm the queen of them these days, it seems.

But the truth is, after my miscarriage in June, I went downhill in my weight loss journey. I actually feel like I went downhill in general life. When I blogged about how I gained 12lbs in a year that wasn't even the worst of it. By October, when I started my new job, I had gained 13 more pounds with a grand total of 25 ponds. That is a little less than total weight lost when I was on Weight Watchers in 2010 (52 total pounds lost).

How was I supposed to come back to my weight loss blog and write about gaining weight?

That was my mindset, at least. I shouldn't have walked away from the blog, but I actually felt like it was detering me because I had all these expectations of myself and how much weight I should be losing, but then I'd gain and feel defeated so it was just a vicious cycle. I felt like I couldn't blog about the hard times.
But then I thought about it, who am I blogging for? Someone who googled "how to not be an overweight bride."? No. It's for ME and my journey.
From now on, I'm going to blog about the good, the bad and the ugly. Because that's exactly what my weight loss journey has been. I'm going to be getting real and honest.
:)

Thanks for all the support.