Good morning everyone! I'm posting late because I just got off the phone with my BFF. It was the most incredible conversation and got my day off to a great start. She started back to exercising last month, also, and is starting to feel better in her clothes, too. She noticed at bowling last night how much slimmer I was, but only brought it up this morning. I wore my skinny (skinnier) jeans last night for the first time, hoping for compliments, but didn't get one! Naturally I thought maybe I only looked better to myself, so I was disappointed. SO, she made my day by saying it showed big time!
We've been trying to get our other BFF into our newfound love of exercise, but to no avail. She's been stressed over finances, her son's problems at school, her tighter clothes, etc, and says she can't be bothered with any form of physical activity. I had challenged her at bowling a few weeks ago to go for a 30-minute walk the next morning and e-mail me when she got to work - she didn't go, saying it was too cold out. We don't know how to convince her that it is time for her to think of herself for a change, that she needs to MOVE if she is ever going to lose weight and gain some much-needed energy. I've avoided talking to her about my successes, but my BFF thinks that hearing what I've accomplished is just the boost she needs. Anyway, we'll see. In the meantime, I've got enough on my plate just focusing on my own progress. Sometimes you've just got to kick YOURSELF in the butt and get on with LIFE.
Bowling last night: I got to the alley early to practice with my new 11 lb ball. I scored 146 & 152 in 2 practice rounds (my average is 134), so that was good. Unfortunately I only scored 134-133-92 in regular play. No biggie - I'll get used to the new ball by the end of the season (April).
I think my body and I are finally getting in tune with one another. For instance, it wasn't too pleased with me last night for eating so much pasta. I didn't finish my plate because I was getting pretty full, but I should have stopped sooner because my body TOLD me very clearly to stop eating. Well, I paid for it last night with stomach cramps. Not to make everyone else suffer the wrath of my body in the form of excess gas, I took some Gas-X (extra strength). Sorry about the visual, but I really didn't want to pass wind while bowling!
Still peeved with me this morning, my body made me feel like the Pillsbury Dough Boy. It had its final laugh when I checked the scale - Ugh! Needless to say, I didn't update my weight log this morning. Well, I conceded defeat and treated my body to 40 minutes of yoga as a peace offering. Another 35 minutes of interval training at the gym rounded out the grovelling. My body accepted the apology, I think, because it gave me 2 bowel movements (I know, gross, but I was thrilled).
I was happy to read Sara's story, delivered to my Inbox this morning. It was really motivating for me to read about someone who was successful with her weight loss by changing her lifestyle. So few people actually accomplish a total lifestyle makeover that they can live with forever. I saw a lot of myself in her answers, so I'm glad to see I'm on the right track. For anyone looking to make permanent life changes, Sara's is the story to read. One day you will all be getting my profile in your Inbox, mark my words, and when you do I want you to take pride in the fact that all of you helped me to achieve that success.
Have an amazing, healthful day! I'm coming to check on you soon, SO YOU'D BETTER POST IN YOUR BLOGS!!!
Good morning! Let me begin my thanking everyone for their words of contratulations yesterday - I was overwhelmed by the support!
I was up very early this morning (4:30), and I'll tell you why...
There's this guy who is the president of our primary supplier who I have codenamed The Bird. He is 5 years younger than me, extremely handsome (but doesn't know it), and I've had a crush on him since we first met over 6 years ago. Don't worry, ladies, I am a married woman and have no desire to cheat on Hubby. Nevertheless fantasizing about this guy (nothing more than kissing) has been a major motivator for me. We attend a convention together once per year and it has always been my goal to feel attractive to him when we go. That said, the reason I was so early this morning was because he was stopping by my office at 8:20, so I needed the extra time to do my makeup after working out. But you know what? He didn't do it for me this time. Maybe it's because he just got married and had a baby - I don't know. Anyway, all this is to say I think my success is more a function of wanting to lose weight for ME rather than to be attractive to a fantasy man. I will continue to fantasize, of course, because in my visions I have the body I have always wanted - plus it is relaxing and makes me happy. But I digress...
This morning I did over 1 hour of strength training before heading to the gym where I did 15 minutes of each: bike, elliptical, and treadmill.
Update on Mom at WW: she was down another 2.4 lbs last night - WOO HOO!!!
Tonight is bowling night. Hopefully my new ball will improve my average a little. In any case, I'll be happy to see my friends.
Have a great day, everyone! I'll be checking in on you shortly, so please make sure you post in your blog today!!!
Oh, Happy Day! The first 10 pounds are officially gone, and I am walking on air! Now it is time to tackle the next 6.8 so I can get out of the 170's.
This morning my legs are EXHAUSTED. I did 3 sets of my new strength workout yesterday morning and I guess they were very effective. Nonetheless, I dragged myself to the gym for a 35-minute interval workout on the treadmill, then did my flexibility exercises. It felt great to stretch.
Last night I was totally pooped. After my 7:30 bath I passed out on my bed and didn't wake up until my oldest put a blanket on me. I had planned only to relax for 15 minutes but ended up sleeping until 8:45. Needless to say the kids were late going to bed. I was going to catch up on the tv programs I had taped, but decided to hit the sack instead. I guess my body needed the extra rest.
Last night I tried whole grain brown rice for the first time. It wasn't too bad, just a little plain. Hubby is on night shift at the fire station, so I made a quick supper of salmon, rice and green beans. I promised the kids we'd have spaghetti tonight - which is fine by me. Hubby is cooking the meals at work this week so he'll need the steamer tonight - so much for broccoli as a side dish!
That's it for me, folks. Now I'm off to read what all of you have to say.
Thought for today: it's easier to avoid temptation than to resist it (so throw away or donate those nasty snacks in your drawers!).
Good Monday morning!!! Well, I'm 176.8 this morning. Yesterday I was 176.6, for my first 10-lb loss. I didn't enter it into my weight log, but I did celebrate this little victory. Last night I went to Scores with my BFFs where I had chicken noodle soup and salad from the salad bar, 1/4 chicken breast, a little rice, and a glass of red wine. Afterwards I had a coffee, then another at the BINGO hall. Yes, ladies, we went to Bingo afterwards where I WON $150!!!!!!! I think I'll use the extra cash to pick up a few more dumbells and a new exercise mat.
Today is provincial election day in Quebec, so the kids are off school. I had to wait for Hubby to get home before I went to the gym, so I got to work late. I'll have to leave early, too, because he has to back to work at 3:00 on night shift. I think I'll take the girls to Club Piscine Super Fitness to check out the exercise equipment again. I never thought I'd look forward to that!
I did my strength training this morning for over an hour, then at the gym I did 15 minutes of elliptical, 10 minutes of rowing (first time!), 10 minutes of cycling, and 15 minutes of treadmill in Mystery Mode. Not bad - that's over 2 hours of exercise - Yay me!
I read a few blogs over the weekend and into this morning - way to go, guys! I'm glad to see that most of us are staying on plan, exercising, and REWARDING OURSELVES for even the smallest of victories. Thanks to everyone who wrote - your support means everything to me!
I've started spring cleaning - yay. I bought this book, Speed Cleaning 101, around 2 years ago and I finally cracked it open yesterday afternoon. I found a few interesting tips in there and decided to put them into practice today in the bathroom. You should know that I HATE housecleaning and haven't done anything resembling spring cleaning since I moved into my house 13 years ago. Anyway, I'm taking a break now, sitting in my apron with cleaning bottles, microfibre rags, and a tootbrush sticking out of it. If Hubby were here, I'm sure he'd take a picture.
This morning I got to the gym, where I did 15 minutes of elliptical, 10 of bicycle, and 20 of treadmill (random program). I spoiled myself afterwards with a quiet retreat into the sauna for a whole 15 minutes. Afterwards I picked the girls up at gymnastics, then met my Mom and her friend for a relaxing girls-only lunch. We then stopped at the video store where the kids each picked out a movie, and I got Casino Royale for Hubby and I this evening. We wanted to play cards at our friends' house (MG & EG), but EG has a fever of 101 and is bedridden. So much for that!
I had grapefruit for a snack today - can you believe that? I NEVER used to eat well on weekends, but all that has changed over the last month since I started with EP. I still enjoy having a decadent bowl of white pasta occasionnally with my friends, or a small piece of chocolate cake at the inlaws, but I finally got control over my portions and food choices. I never thought I would!
If you read my blog yesterday, you'd know my MP3 died and I had to get a new one. Well, I picked one up at Costco yesterday for $99 CAD. Of course when I got home and checked on my old one, it worked just fine. I am now debating whether or not I should get my money back, or give it to my daughter for her birthday next month (she'll be 9). Hmmm... Maybe I'll keep the new one and just give her the old. Hmmm... Then again, I don't want her to wreck her hearing by using it too often (and too loudly)... Any thoughts?
Thanks to everyone who has commented on my blogs this week. Your support means EVERYTHING to me!
Tomorrow is my DAY OFF, so I don't have to do a darn thing if I don't feel like it. I might call my bowling league girlfriends to see if they want to play a few rounds with me and the kids. We'll see!
Talk to you Monday - have a great rest of the weekend!
Me again! I just booked my massage for April 6th! My mom gave me a 1-hour gift certificate, so I'm all set. Looks like Good Friday will be very good indeed. I'm having my massage at 1:30 pm, then a facial at 3:00 pm. I'll call it my ME DAY.
Good morning, everyone! First I'd like to thank each and every one of you who took the time to write me. I don't think I'd be nearly as successful without your support. Usually my enthusiasm winds down after a month of eating right and exercising, but this time I'm still pumped full of motivation!
Today I started my annual spring detox. It is a 15-day system called Triolax made here in Quebec which cleans out the liver, intestines, and kidneys. Basically you take 2 pills and 15ml of liquid at breakfast, then at bedtime for 15 days. The only thing I don't like about this process is the stomach cramping and frequent trips to the bathroom. On the plus side, it makes me feel healthier and I get the bonus of losing a few pounds.
This morning I weighed in at 177.2 - my all-time low since April 2005! Also I did my new strength training workout - it's pretty simple, but effective. Unfortunately my MP3 died half-way through. I thought the battery was dead so I changed it, but it still doesn't work. Looks like I'm off to Costco tonight to buy a new one.
Last night I did exactly what I had planned and it was WONDERFUL. Grey's was a bit of a disappointment, but the bath, green tea, and fireplace were very rewarding. I don't think it is necessary to wait until a major goal is attained to reward myself this way. I like to think that after a day of eating well, exercising, etc., I deserve to pamper myself a little.
Someone finally noticed I've been slimming down! My former sister-in-law, who works for us, commented on it this morning. I think that wearing the smaller jeans makes it more obvious. Besides, she hasn't seen me in awhile. It sure felt good, though, and I thanked her for the comment. She has been struggling with her weight forever, so we discussed what we've been doing to shed the extra pounds. I told her about journalling, but didn't give her the name of this website. I'm not comfortable with anyone I know, except my Mom, reading my blogs. I suggested she look for a French one online (she is francophone, but can read a little English).
The snow is finally disappearing up here in the Great White North. I told the girls I'd like to get a basketball hoop so we can play in the driveway this summer. I'd also like to start riding our bikes after supper soon. The little one, who is going to be 7 next month, has to be weened off her training wheels this spring. So far she has refused but now has no choice.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone! I'll be going through your journals today, so PLEASE WRITE YOUR BLOGS!!!!
For those of you who are interested in my workout plan, check out Amazon.com for The A-List Workout by Alyssa Shaffer. I photocopy the pages I need in advance so I don't have to carry the book around with me.
Good Spring morning to you all! I am sitting here in my new, smaller jeans, and I can still breathe! The muffin top is there, but I'm wearing a loose turtleneck over it - voilà!
Bowling wasn't too bad last night: 125-128-157. I got a new ball! I'm going from a 9-lb to an 11-lb ball. I'll have to practice with it a few times before I get used to it, of course, but the alley owner is giving me lessons with my purchase. He says that once I get the hang of it, my average should improve. I don't suppose there's a money-back guarantee on that, eh?
Hubby made a great supper again last night: marinated chicken breasts on the bbq, asparagus, spinach, broccoli, carrots & cauliflower, and rice. I didn't have my usual glass of wine, because I was having one at the bowling alley (I won a free one last week for getting 4 strikes in a row).
So far I've been eating really well. I am NOT a fruit eater, but lately I've added a variety to my diet. For instance, I have started eating pink grapefruit, green grapes, and red apples. I bought a pear but have yet to try that. As for veggies, I eat raw celery and carrots in the afternoon, then one or two selections at suppertime. My goal with fruits and veggies is to eat a rainbow every day.
This morning I started Week 5 of my A-List Workout with a 35-minute interval program on the treadmill, followed by my flexibility exercises. I think I'll have to buy new shoes soon. The back of my right foot actually BLED this morning from the friction, soaking part of my sock and shoe (ouch!).
Tonight I look forward to a nice long bath, followed by a relaxing evening by the fire with my friends from Grey's Anatomy. Hubby will be gone curling, so once the kids are in bed the evening is ALL MINE!
Time to check on all of you now. I hope you've written!
Good morning everyone! I'm posting late because I just got off the phone with my BFF. It was the most incredible conversation and got my day off to a great start. She started back to exercising last month, also, and is starting to feel better in her clothes, too. She noticed at bowling last night how much slimmer I was, but only brought it up this morning. I wore my skinny (skinnier) jeans last night for the first time, hoping for compliments, but didn't get one! Naturally I thought maybe I only looked better to myself, so I was disappointed. SO, she made my day by saying it showed big time!
I've started spring cleaning - yay. I bought this book, Speed Cleaning 101, around 2 years ago and I finally cracked it open yesterday afternoon. I found a few interesting tips in there and decided to put them into practice today in the bathroom. You should know that I HATE housecleaning and haven't done anything resembling spring cleaning since I moved into my house 13 years ago. Anyway, I'm taking a break now, sitting in my apron with cleaning bottles, microfibre rags, and a tootbrush sticking out of it. If Hubby were here, I'm sure he'd take a picture.