One Step at a Time

Chronicling the journey to my healthiest self

My Profile

  • Name: findingmyway
  • City: Seattle
  • Region: Washington
  • Country: United States

My Support Groups

My Weight Loss

Height: 165.1cm
Start weight: 182.80lb
Current weight: 181.40lb
Goal weight: 145.00lb
Lost to date: 1.40lb
Remaining: 36.40lb

My Calendar

26
May '12
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My Photos

Before After

Should be a great day

Yesterday was a difficult day.  Not in terms of my eating, which was actually very good, but because it was just very emotional.  Got into a discussion with my ex-husband that made me feel really sad, and the tears were flowing on and off.  I did have a massage yesterday, which was wonderful, and then on my way back I got a flat tire.  Not what I needed at that point.  Thankfully someone at the gas station was really helpful and he offered to change my tire for me.  I am so thankful he came along.  I had a nice walk with mom last night at a nearby park by the water, and she let me pour out my heart, as she always does.  I am thankful for all the support I have in my life.  I a truly blessed, and I need to remember that on tough days.  Just a rough patch for me.

On a much happier note, my weight is continuing to go down this week, and that is awesome! My exercise yesterday was just my walk, and today I'm going to do a Firm workout, one that includes both cardio and sculpting.  Then I need to go get my tire fixed, and  hopefully they can just patch it.  I'm going up to Bellingham this afternoon, where my two oldest kids go to college.  I'm taking my youngest son, and we're all going to spend the afternoon together and have an early mother's day.  My two oldest aren't going to be able to make it down on the actual day.  After that we'll all go have dinner with my son's girlfriend and family.  It should be a really fun and special time with them.  I'm going to enjoy a glass of wine or a beer, and eat in moderation.  Off to get busy on my day!

Last week in review

I'm a little late getting this posted, but yesterday was very busy.  Last week I lost 3 pounds, and I got in 6 workouts, though some of them were short since I was feeling a little under the weather.  I had a few slips with the food, but got right back on track.  It just goes to show that the sooner we push the reset button after a slip, instead of beating ourselves up and saying, "oh, what the heck!" and just eating poorly the rest of the day, the better off we will be.  We can recover and still have a great week overall.

Yesterday I did the Firm's Hi Def Sculpt, and today will be some cardio. Going to get my food planned for the day!

Gorgeous Day Here!

It's beautiful weather here, and I'm about to have a healthy breakfast and then head out to Starbucks to plan my week and have some tea.  Then I'll take a nice walk by the water, and finish off with my grocery shopping for the week to get all stocked up on my healthy choices.  This afternoon I work at the bookstore.  I've had a good week, and my weight is down.  I will post tomorrow with my loss and my goal for the new week.  Hope everyone has a wonderful, on track day!

I'm Getting Back in the Swing

I'm finding that as I have more time to relax and focus on this journey I'm on, things are falling back into place.  I have the foods I need for success - lots of fruits and veggies, turkey, yogurt, whole grain crackers, nuts, and protein bars.  Just getting back to my staples, and making sure that I plan and pack my food each day before I leave.  It's creating these good habits and putting them way up high on your priority list.  Exercise, planning, packing my food, and getting my grocery shopping done each and every Sunday so that I always have my healthy food available are key to success.  My weight continues to move down, and I am feeling so much better and remembering that I know what to do, and I have the tools to do it. 

Yesterday I did a short cardio workout with 7 Day Solution.  That's an old workout that I used to like a lot.  I was low energy for some reason, as I felt like my body was trying to catch a cold.  I think I'm going to get by with just a little sniffle.  Really hope so!  Today I'm going to do a fun 60 minute workout from the Firm, Aerobic Weight Training.  Lots of fun cardio routines and good strength segments.  I haven't done that one in a long time and I'm looking forward to it.  I have the day free to work on my business, and just having some down time.  I'm really looking forward to it!

Tonight I have Bunko, and I am going to have to be careful with my eating and drinking.  There is always lots of high cal and tasty food, as well as lots of drinks available.  I plan to use moderation and just enjoy the company. I will post tomorrow on how things went.

The week is going well

Things have been going along quite well.  I've had a couple slips, but my weight is moving in the right direction.  I was reminded last night that it is so important to make your kitchen a user friendly place, and not to bring anything into the house that you know is a potential problem food for you.  Why make things harder for yourself?? The said crackers are now gone and I won't be buying anything like them again.  I'm going to set myself up for success.

Yesterday I did a great weight workout from the Firm, called Super Body Sculpt.  Love that one.  It's 40 minutes of total body sculpting.  Today I'm going to do some cardio, and Monday I did a great little 30 minute workout called Prevention Express Belly Blast.  I love Ellen Barrett.  She's a great instructor. 

Off to do my short yoga practice, pack my food, and get in my cardio.  That quiet time to myself to get centered and reflect on how I want my day to be has been so important to me.

The first of the month! A good time to recommit and begin again.

So much has happened since I posted last. I didn't really share anything personal about my marriage, but I have gone through a divorce, and it became final last month.  I know it was the right decision for me, and I am feeling very peaceful about it.  My kids are doing very well with everything, as my former husband and I are still friends and have handled everything amicably.  Yes, it has been a roller coaster ride emotionally, but things have settled down quite a bit. 

With the divorce came a return to a lot of emotional eating and weight gain as I tried to deal with the difficult emotions.  That has always been my go-to when I am upset or emotionally distressed.  Now that it is behind me I am ready to address my weight fully and head on.  A lot of my emotional eating in the past was related to my unfulfilling marriage, so now that I have a fresh start I can start putting that behind me.  I know that this will still be a very challenging journey, but my life is headed in the right direction now, and I don't have that undercurrent of sadness and discontent haunting me. 

I just graduated from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition as a health and wellness coach, and I'm super excited about that!  I've been working with two clients, and it has been a great growing and learning experience for all of us.  I'm going to be starting a group program in my home focused on creating a healthy life.  Starting from the place you are, and moving toward increased health and vitality.  Individuals will create their own weekly goals around eating, exercise, and weight loss.  I will provide information, support, and encouragement for the journey, and I will be learning and growing right along with them.  It will be scary but amazing.  I'm just going to set a date and then jump in.  Once I commit, I will just have to jump in and do it.  I think I suffer to some extent from analysis paralysis, and feeling like I have to be 100% ready before I do new things.  I'm going to set that aside and just go for it.  I have many healthy practices in place already, so I feel I can be a good teacher.  I just have to become consistent with my eating.

So, my goals are to reach a weight of 145 by the end of 2012, exercise a minimum of 4 days per week, and track my food and steps on the Fitbit web site. My calorie goal is between 1,600 and 1,800 calories for now, and I will adjust as needed. I'd like to lose 1 to 2 lbs. per week.  Step goal is 10,000 steps per day.  That can be challenging, but I have my Walk It Out for the Wii that helps on more sedentary days. 

Long time no see!

Life has been a bit of a whirlwind lately.  Working at the bookstore a lot, and very busy in general.  School is picking up, and I'm going to have to start dedicating more time to it.  Need to really get organized!  My daughter is graduating from high school, so I've been preparing for her party and all that is going on that busy weekend.  


I really got back on track with the food this week.  I had gained a few pounds but am back down to 172.2 this morning and expecting another loss soon.  I've been working quite a bit at the bookstore, which means lots of steps on my Fitbit!  Hitting 12 to 13 thousand 3 or 4 times per week.  I think that is helping me to lose weight even though calories are at about 1,750.  

Exercise has been my Walk It Out, some sculpting and barre workouts.  Really enjoying that combination right now, and since the weather is finally turning I can start walking more in the mornings.  I really miss being outside.

Overall life is very good, just a little busier than I would like!  Once graduation is over I think things will slow down a bit.  I may have to ask for less hours at the bookstore since I'm working more at our store.  I was really enjoying being home with  the kids more when my schedule was lighter.

Just wanted to check in and say that I'm still on track.  

Back to calorie counting

Well the 17 Day Diet just wasn't a go for me.  I didn't feel well at all by the 5th day and was weak and light headed.  I'm sure it was due to the low carbs.  I decided it just wasn't worth it.  I did get myself into a good groove with eating lots of fresh fruits and veggies though, and realized I don't need as many calories as I think I do. lol  So overall it wasn't a bad thing as a jump start.  Was back to calorie counting as of Tuesday, and weight was 172.4 yesterday morning.  Not bad considering there is usually a big jump from water gain after adding more carbs back into my diet.


I hit over 16,000 steps yesterday with my busy day of running around and working at the book store.  I was so hungry all day though.  I ended up eating quite a bit.  Hopefully today is going to balance out and my appetite will be back to normal.  My calorie goal is 1,400 to 1,500 calories.  Did a Firm weight workout yesterday, and a walk the day before.

Overall feel back on track and looking forward to hitting those 160's before long now.

Day 5

Yesterday went just fine overall, but I didn't feel very well.  I felt kind of weak and flu'ish, and I didn't feel strong enough to exercise.  I took a rest day, and also napped in the morning as I had woken up quite early. 
 
Eating was good, and I enjoyed my food. I had to stay at work until 1:15 in the morning due to the carpets being cleaned and the manager needing someone there to stay with her.  I was quite the tired girl!  Feeling groggy today as a result of such a late bedtime.
 
I got up and did some WIO on the Wii, as I still didn't feel myself.  I think I may be low on potassium, as that can happen on a lower carb eating plan.  The symptoms fit.  I had a banana with my breakfast today, and I will be sure to include some potassium rich foods every day.  Hopefully that will help and I'll feel back to normal soon.  It could just be that my body is feeling out of sorts from losing weight so quickly this week.  I was down to 171.4 this morning. 
 
Today I worked at our store, then home for a big salad with turkey.  Enjoying some coffee now, and think I'll lay down for a little rest.  I hope to do something tonight.  I really want to see the Bridesmaids.  Looks very funny, but don' t know if the hubby will be up for it. :)

Day 4

Yesterday went very well.  Eating was right on target and I got in over 15,000 steps.  I'm getting into a routine with my eating, so it's getting easier.  A big key is planning ahead and making sure I have the food I need ready and accessible. 


Feeling really sleepy this morning as I woke up at the crack of dawn.  I think I might go sneak in a little nap. :)

Weight today was down another 1.2 to put my at 172.  Edging ever closer to those elusive 160's.  But they won't be elusive for long!  Excited to finally see that new territory that I haven't been in for years.

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