Down to 275! 22 pounds- gone forever. FOREVER. I feel great and am looking forward to the next 20 pounds to be gone. I'm taking it all one day at a time.
Yesterday was a horrible cause I ate horribly all day for the first time in months. Yes yes... I totally splurged, and I don't feel THAT bad about it, because today is a new day and I'm back on track.
I need to get my ass to the GYM! Ugh... Ever since I got strep throat my workout routine totally got thrown off. It's so hard to jump back on. I know it's all mental- just like my eating... I just need to GO and not think about it at all. I do feel so much more active in general though- already. People have started to notice I have more energy throughout the day- and have also started to notice that I'm looking "slimmer". YAY!
I have been in the 270's now for a couple of weeks- and I'm so eager to get out. I'm not that far away- 5 more pounds... I have to do it within the next 2 weeks- that's my goal. Let's do THIS!
It's been a couple weeks- I've been SOOOO busy with work, I just haven't had a moment to spare to blog. Good news is, I'm still on the right track! Thank goodness. I'm down 20 POUNDS! YAYYY! I have been taking it one day at a time and that really has been the key for me. It's more of a mind struggle then a physical one. I am proud that I haven't had any moments where I've felt the need to indulge, and I really believe I'm on my way to really changing my lifestyle. I don't beat myself up over eating a cookie, or a piece of cake- I eat it and the next thing that's put in my mouth is healthy. I realized that in the past I would eat something not deemed good for you, then I'd get super depressed about "Cheating" and would just throw in the towel at that one moment where I "messed up." Why is beating myself up necessary? It's not that I should ignore it, but it's a sense of "its not a big deal" and just keep going about my business that I have realized I have started to not even want junk food anymore. My pallet is changing, things are now too sweet, too salty, too filling, and not worth eating anymore. I love that feeling. I love that I'm so satisfied eating veggies with dip and prefer an apple over a bag of chips. This is the point I wanted to be at... and know it's only going to get easier from here.
I'm also taking it 10 pounds at a time. This makes the goals more attainable to me in my mind. If I say to myself "I only have to lose 10 pounds! woah! 8 more pounds to go! 3 more pounds and your there!" it's more exciting and challenging for me. I get so proud once I've realized I hit those 10 pounds down and then I start the next challenge for the next 10 pounds. Thinking "omg I have to lose 90 more pounds- 86 more pounds!" that sounds SOOO large, so far away... and it's harder for me personally to be motivated with that. Everyone has their own personal techniques- this is just mine and it's been working like a charm.
I'm down a size! Goodbye size 22- FOREVER. I'm wearing my size 20 pants and shirts- things I haven't worn in almost 2 years! It's so exciting- almost like I have a new wardrobe... woohoo... I'm ready to be in a size 18!
That's the latest. I hope to blog alot more this month- I'm going to really try. I hope all you ladies are still going strong! I'll be by your blogs to check in. :)
BUSY! BUSY! BUSY! What a crazy week! T.G.I.F! I'm so glad the week is over. Being that I was off all last week, sick, I came back to work and have been non-stop everyday. Unfortunately I only went to the gym once this week- BUT I will be good and go tomorrow morning for sure and hop back into my routine next week for sure. I just have to. ESPECIALLY after reading this article! It hit home for me big time because I can relate so much. Maybe it'll inspire you too. This girl lost 110 pounds in one year, and went from a size 22 to a size 4! healthy eating and exercise. Her tips are also REALLY good. It's just proof that it CAN be done, it IS possible. It just takes time, dedication and patience. I must continue to remind myself of this. In the end it will be worth it....
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WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Growing up, Heather Davis wasn't the kind of kid people would have called fat or even chubby.
Like many children, Heather studied hard, did her homework and played sports after school. During elementary school, she remembers being thin -- but things started to change after her parents split.
"My bad eating habits began during my 'latchkey kid' years," says Davis. "In high school and middle school, I played sports, but with a diet of Doritos and soda for lunch ... large family dinners ... I became overweight."
During her senior year in high school, Davis, who is 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighed 200 pounds.
"We had a meat-and-potatoes family. We had dessert every night and I was a member of the 'clean your plate club,' remembers Davis. "It caught up with me."
By the time she was 22 and attending graduate school, Davis' weight had ballooned to 250 pounds. Davis says her weight gain was caused by major life transitions -- triggered by emotional eating, a junk-food diet and lack of exercise.
Davis dreaded shopping for clothes and said she found it hard to find stylish, age-appropriate clothing for her bigger body. She says it was a struggle to look neat and put together as most of her shirts "hugged every roll." Looser-fitting clothing, she says, made her feel as if she were wearing a tent.
The additional weight also began to take a physical toll. Everyday tasks such as walking up stairs or in the shopping mall started to become difficult. Davis says she was constantly hot and any physical exertion would cause her to sweat, even in below-freezing temperatures.
Life became a constant struggle.
"I would get hot a lot because of the extra weight I was carrying. Picture yourself with a 100-pound backpack on," says Davis. "That was what it was like climbing the escalator. My knees hurt. My back [and] shoulders hurt a lot."
Davis, who lives in Washington, says she had tried everything to lose weight, such as low-carb and low-fat diets and even starvation. But one day, something clicked.
"I was on the campus shuttle and saw the Gold's Gym," Davis says, "And, I said 'I can go down into the Metro and go home and eat my Ben & Jerry's [ice cream]. Or, I can go over there and really do this. Just do this!' "
Davis remembered her grandmother -- with whom she'd been extremely close -- who had died from heart failure brought on by years of unhealthy eating and lack of exercise.
"She will never get to see my wedding, children or experience other joys in her life," Davis says.
Davis says there wasn't any defining experience or "lightbulb" moment that forced her to make a change. It was the realization that after years of failed diets and the physical toll of obesity, she'd had enough.
During her first visit to the gym, Davis says she could barely handle 15 minutes on the treadmill. But she stayed on track by reminding herself that weight loss was going to be hard work and there was no easy way out.
She did cardio exercise for two weeks and began modifying her diet by cutting out starches, ice cream and pizza. Within the first two weeks, she had lost 8 pounds. She was motivated by the positive results and gradually increased her cardio, incorporated weight training and continued to change her diet.
Davis remained determined, and over the next 12 months, with the support of her family and regular check-ins with a gym trainer, she lost 110 pounds.
She went from wearing a plus-size 22 to wearing a size 4 or 6. The weight loss and healthier lifestyle boosted the 31-year-old's self-confidence and gave her access to a richer, fuller life.
"My days of treating my body badly are over," says Davis. "I focus on things I enjoy such as European travel, language classes and beach vacations."
Staying healthy for Davis means eating in moderation and incorporating fun forms of exercise into her daily life. She no longer owns a vehicle and enjoys long walks in downtown Washington.
She's also set another goal for herself -- a second graduate degree -- which she hopes will allow her to help others.
"I'm working on my master's in public health because all of this health awareness has made me want to help other people," Davis says. "Obesity is reaching epidemic proportions and I will take pleasure using both experience and scientific knowledge toward planning and evaluating programs designed to help people incorporate healthy behaviors into their lives."
Davis is training to run a half-marathon and is running up to 6 miles. She says even though she's lost 110 pounds, she's still the same person -- outgoing, and more importantly -- happy.
She's also become an inspiration for people who desperately want to lose weight.
"If I can do it, anybody can do it," says Davis.
Heather Davis' tips
1. Never let anyone tell you "You can't." Yes, you can.
2. Get as much social support as possible. Going to the gym with others is fun and motivating.
3. You will not be the biggest person in the gym and everyone will not be staring at you.
4. Some thin people in the gym used to be really heavy and they will applaud you.
5. Lose weight for you. Not because someone else tells you to. Also, know when to stop losing.
6. If you lose your way (fall off your diet), get right back into the saddle and try again.
7. Keep a calendar. Mark off every day you exercise and eat right. You will see the days rack up, and it will make you proud.
8. When you do lose weight, save one item from your heaviest weight. Look at it when you feel discouraged and you'll see how far you've come.
9. Don't let friends or family derail you. If you don't want to eat something, it is OK to politely decline, but don't go crazy. You don't want to be "that person" at the lunch table.
10. If you want cheesecake or a sweet treat -- eat it in moderation. Don't deprive yourself of anything or you will get discouraged.
***article can be found on cnn.com**
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I decided to put this in my blog to motivate me when I hit a bump in the road- as we all do. I am determined to stay on track. I've been doing good with my healthy eating, and tonight I weigh in for the weight loss challenge. Lets cross my fingers the scale reads a LOWER number then last week! Have a great weekend!
I feel soooo much better! I was so sick, so so so sick. Strep throat kicked me in the butt. I had all last week off from work, and slept ALOT. It was nice to take the time to get better with ease and comfort. I haven't missed a week from work in years- I go back tomorrow and I'm so excited. I miss my job! Yes, yes I do. I know I'll be overwhelmed with playing "catch up" and I'm sure my email inbox is full of crazy emails and my voicemail- goodness I don't even want to know how many are waiting for me when I get back. Tomorrow's going to be a busy busy day. Plus! I got the "OK" from my doctor to be able to hit the gym again tomorrow. YAYYYYYY! I've been thinking about it for days. Kind of hard for even MYSELF to believe that I'm so eager to hit the treadmill again, but I really am. I'm in sucha' zone that I've NEVER in my LIFE been in mentally about this new lifestyle.
So good news- I lost 8 pounds last week. I was back up to 288 which I whined about that 3 pound weight gain, and then I lost it due to me being sick and not eating over the weekend, THEN i gained like 4 back in about 2 days once I ate again- THEN I lost it again. SO I'm back at 280 as of today. WOOHOO! Whatt'a rollercoaster in ONE week.
OTHER good news- I FIT INTO MY SIZE 20 JEANS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YES YES YES YES! I haven't worn size 20 jeans in OVER a year and a half. I couldn't BELIEVE it. I tried them on JUST to see and they went on, zipped up without a problem, and there I was SQUEELING with delight and dancing around my apartment like a crazy woman all alone. Lol. I was so excited- I AM so excited! Then I tried on the other 3 pairs of size 20' s I had- and THEY ALL FIT! wooooooooooo! So- that's it- no more size 22's- they are OUT the door! I'm keeping one pair so I can always remember where I was and to never go back again. I'm givin away about 4 pairs cause they're still in good condition and from Lane Bryant- damn expensive. AND I'm RIPPING another pair JUST to serve as a SYMBOL that I will NEVER wear a size 22 in my LIFE again. EVER.
I've been doing great keeping up with my shakes and healthy eating. I started writing down all I eat- which has helped me keep an eye on my calories, cause I wasn't eating enough. Now that I have that all covered, I think that's what helped me lose those 8 pounds this past week. I know I can't get too used to big losses like that, but I just have it in my head to take it ONE day at a time and in 12 more months I'll be a whole new person.
I feel great. I'll be by to visit everyone's blogs and check up on you beautiful ladies. Missed yall!
So my water-weight loss was shortlived. It was nice being at 280- now after eating dinner and my 2 shakes yesterday I am at 284. Not bad- it's still less then I was and I'm just going to work on making my way back down the RIGHT way- not the sick-with-strep-throat-and-almost-dying way. lol...
I miss the gym. Yes, I said it. I was doing so great last week and felt amazing. The ER doctor told me to wait til I go back for my checkup and get the OK from my regular doctor to head back to my workouts. BOOO. I can't wait. That eliptical is calling my name- I hear it! Damn this strep throat. I am feeling better- my throat still itches here and there, but once I medicate I'm good for a couple of hours. The good thing is my fever is gone- thank GOD. Being at 102.7 is so scary and not normal.
Anywho. I'm off to finish my delicious shake, take my vitamins, my meds and head to my hair appointment. I have a lunch date today! With a hottie! woohoo! I win.
I'll be by to visit blogs ladies. Have a fabulous day! Be good and stay on the LIFE CHANGE wagon. We're such rockstars!
What a crazy weekend. This week it felt just like my allergies were actin' a fool- and by Friday night, I knew I had some sort of fever. Cold chills, sore throat, and a runny nose- not good. By Saturday my throat was beyond swollen- it was gross, and my neck was SOLID as a rock, swollen and in crazy pain. Me, being the big baby that I am, of course- went to my daddy. Him and my stepmom are ah-may-ZING. They took care of me as if I were 5 years old, and I love them to pieces for being so loving. Not that I doubted they would- but I try not to impose too much. I ended up spending the night there because I had taken meds and was just sleeping all day anyway. Plus Kathy's tea was great- why leave that?! By Sunday morning, I was worse. Even Jacob (my 7 yo brother) asked "Tina, why do you look so bad?" he was really concerned. lol, the honesty of a child- gotta' love 'em.
I couldn't even move my head from the pressure, it felt like my brain was going to pop out my nose (LOL sounds crazy, but oh so true), my neck was even more swollen to point where I couldn't move it, and my throat was so swollen I couldn't swallow nothing. I was freezing cold despite my 3 layers of clothes and 2 big blankets, so my daddy took me to the Emergency Room. (God bless him for being so willing even though it was football time- now you KNOW that's LOVE. I simply adore him.)
I've never been to the ER. I've always gone to the doctor with appointments set- so this was a first for me, and I was not happy about it. All you hear is there's crazy people there and it usually means you'll be stuck in the hospital for HOURS. Me being as impatient as I am, and sick as a dog- not a good combo, but I went anyway. Shit, I pay a fortune for insurance, might as well use it.
Thank God for Christus Santa Rosa- I was in and out of there within 3 hours, a LOT less then what I was anticipating. It turns out I have strep throat, and 102.7 degree fever- basically the verge of DEATH. I ended up receiving 3 shots in my booty- now I have a bruised, pained ass. You think with as much cushion as I have, I wouldn't feel it as much- not the case. But it's amazing how quickly I felt better after those shots. Not 100%, but the pressure on my head went away and I was able to swallow. I was able to make it home just in time to watch the HORRIBLE Cowboys game- my dad was thrilled, I was not. Blah...I'm rootin for the Packers and my Patriots to get to the Superbowl now. Let's all cross our fingers and toes.
Good news is I weighed this morning with Griselda and I'm down 8 pounds over the weekend! Being sick has it's Advantages! woop! I'm sure it's all water weight- I did nothing but drink water all weekend and I sweat like crazy after I got those shots. I know I have to be careful not to go crazy so the weight doesn't fly back on. Its nice to see the scale say "280"- I was thrilled. Now I want to keep it there and make it go DOWN- down-down-down.
I'm off to hit the bed, I think the Vicodin's kickin' in. HEY that rhymed! ... oh yea i'm feeling it..................................
So I just got home from the Weight Loss Challenge Meeting. I'm a little torn between being encouraged and slightly discouraged. I'm so happy about being apart of the challenge. I'm SUPER ambitious and love anything that's challenging and competitive. The ladies all seem great, a little shy but hopefully with time they'll break out of that. I'm all out there- just my outgoing-can't-shut-up-feels-the-need-to-make-sure-everyone's-included Personality! lol.
Griselda measured me to start the challenge off. We compared it to my measurements though from exactly ONE month ago. And I'm the SAME in measurements and UP 3 pounds since Tuesday. 288. UGHHHHHHHHHHH. WHAT?! In 4 WEEKS?! Nothing?!BLAH. My arms went down a quarter of an inch, but everything else is the same. So that sucked. I was hoping for SOME movement DOWN. Yes. I'm on Aunt Flow. and yes I started exercising- but she also mentioned I may not be eating enough; causing my body to retain calories instead of burn it. I can agree with this after I thought about it. Since my shakes are only 200 calories each roughly (and I have 2- one for Breakfast, the other for lunch)- that's leaving me with around 1100-1000 calories I can eat for dinner and through snacks- and maybe even push it to 1200-1300 calories since I'm working out now. I KNOW I'm not eating no where near that!
So I'm off to find some healthy dinner recipes. Anyone have any good, yummy suggestions?! Let me know! I'm open for ideas.
Blah. I feel yucky. I did not sleep well AT ALL last night and Aunt Flow's visit this month is a pain- my cramps are horrible. I stopped taking Xanax 2-3 nights ago that was perscribed to me as a muscle relaxer to stop me from grinding my teeth at night (damn stress), and I think it's giving me insomnia if I don't take it. I didn't even take the pill long at all- maybe 2-3 weeks off and on, I wasn't consistant. Last night I was up every 20 minutes, it was horrible. I kept looking at the clock wanting to CRY. "It's JUST 1:30?!" and then I'd roll over, and fall asleep for what FELT like another 3-4 hours, look at the clock "ARE YOU SERIOUS, it's only 1:55?! SHIT!!!!!!!!!!" grrrrrrrrr. I was so frustrated. After about 3 hours of this NONSENSE, I went to my sofa and crashed out there. I was able to sleep more then 20 minutes at a time thankfully, but I still was grumpy when the alarm went off at 6:30ish. Maybe it was the effects of not taking the pills, or anxiety knowing I had to be up early. Whichever it was, it sucked. AND to top it off my allergies are horrendous- watery, itchy eyes, stuffy nose, sinus headache and swollen glands-I'm officially a MESS. I pray tonight's sleep is way better (I'm already looking forward to it). I'll just be sure to dope up on drugs this time- Xanax, Claritan, and Motrin - that covers all the bases and will be sure to knock me out! haha... I can't deal with these bags under my eyes- I'm too beautiful for this! lol...Anyone have any experiences taking Xanax? That stuff makes me nervous... I think it's GIVING me anxiety even though it was not perscribed to me for that reason (I've never had problems with anxiety in the past). Either that or I gained a dependency on it quickly to sleep? Is this all in my head!? HELP! eeek.
I didn't go to the gym today since I'm working an early shift- 8-5pm. The exciting part is today I start the weight loss challenge with Herbalife. My distributor is just adorable and is so pumped about the challenge, she has me SUPER pumped with her! There are 13 ladies doing the challenge- all paid $30 to join. We'll meet every Friday- if you miss a meeting, you have to pay $5, and if when you weigh in you gain anything- you pay $1 per pound you gain. Hardcore, huh? Well she said last year the winner at the end of the 6 weeks went home with $750! That's some nice cash right there- Lord knows I need that. :) So, I'm in it to win it! I can't wait. Plus it'll be fun to have a support group that I can see face to face. I love EP and the support here- all this support is just making it all so real- this is the year FOR SURE!
Tomorrow hopefully I'll feel better and will hit the gym in the morning. Then it's off to my parents house to watch a fun full day of FOOTBALL! Wooo! Go Packers and Patriots! Those games are going to be awesome.
Have a fabulous weekend ladies! Be good and stay on the wagon! It's all going to be worth it in the end...
I'm on a ROLL! I worked out this morning and feel great, great, great! I achieved my mini-goal I set for myself! YAYYY! So I worked out 7 minutes on the eliptical, 30 minutes on the treadmill, and then another 7 minutes on the eliptical. That's 44 minutes of great cardio. Woohoo... Man, it was tough though, I won't lie. lol... especially the last 7 minutes! The final 2 minutes were brutal. It burned so bad, but I was like "You can do it, you can do it! 2 more minutes, ALMOST there." Totally just talking myself through it. But you best BELIEVE I didn't step a SECOND after that 7 minute mark. LOL. I did it though and that's ALL that matters! I had jello legs afterward, but I feel fab now and just proud of myself.
Tomorrow I'm taking a break cause I have to work an early shift at work. This will be good though, cause it'll give my muscles a little break. Plus Aunt Flow came to visit last night- YUCK- perfect time for a break. :) Saturday I will do the same workout routine- so I can build up the endurance on the eliptical. I'm so excited about it all. I have those khaki's to fit into! Gotta' stay focused.
I'm off to snack on some crackers, and browse through yall's blogs. Have a fabulous day!
I would like to announce I did 40 minutes at the gym today! Yes. 40 minutes! WILLINGLY! I was so excited and am very proud of myself. I feel great today knowing I pushed myself. This morning I just jumped out of bed without even THINKING about it- and kept saying "in the end it'll be worth it, in the end it'll be worth it," over and over again. I'm convinced this weight loss challenge is ALL a mind game and really training your brain to think a completely different way.
So I saw the elyptical's were empty this morning and it was literally calling my name. The last time I went on an elyptical machine I almost died after one minute and I never went on again. I always see ladies doing it with such ease and kept telling myself I'd try it again ONE DAY. WELL! Today was the day! I said "Just do one minute- two if you can." I ended up doing FIVE minutes straight! WOOhoo!! Afterward I did 30 minutes on the treadmill, and decided to push myself and did ANOTHER FIVE minutes on the elyptical again. YAYY!!! lol. Go me. GO me! Despite that my legs felt like jello walking out the gym, I felt amazing mentally. I was soaring and wanting to just do cartwheels- but I think at that point people would have thought I was nuts, so I refrained from actin' crazy. Lol.
What I love is the shower after a work out. It's so refreshing and really feels so much different. Today's a good day. My endorphins are flowing through my body and I love it. So lets just pray I can keep this up. No scratch that- I KNOW I can! No excuses.
Tomorrow I'm going to push myself to do 7 minutes on the elyptical straight through, then 30 minutes on the treadmill, then another 7 on the elyptical.
Have a great day ladies! I'll be stopping by your blogs for motivation and to give some encouragement if it's needed. We're all in this together!
I did not sleep well AT ALL last night and Aunt Flow's visit this month is a pain- my cramps are horrible. I stopped taking Xanax 2-3 nights ago that was perscribed to me as a muscle relaxer to stop me from grinding my teeth at night (damn stress), and I think it's giving me insomnia if I don't take it. I didn't even take the pill long at all- maybe 2-3 weeks off and on, I wasn't consistant. Last night I was up every 20 minutes, it was horrible. I kept looking at the clock wanting to CRY. "It's JUST 1:30?!" and then I'd roll over, and fall asleep for what FELT like another 3-4 hours, look at the clock "ARE YOU SERIOUS, it's only 1:55?! SHIT!!!!!!!!!!" grrrrrrrrr. I was so frustrated. 
After about 3 hours of this NONSENSE, I went to my sofa and crashed out there. I was able to sleep more then 20 minutes at a time thankfully, but I still was grumpy when the alarm went off at 6:30ish. Maybe it was the effects of not taking the pills, or anxiety knowing I had to be up early. Whichever it was, it sucked. AND to top it off my allergies are horrendous- watery, itchy eyes, stuffy nose, sinus headache and swollen glands-I'm officially a MESS. 
I pray tonight's sleep is way better (I'm already looking forward to it). I'll just be sure to dope up on drugs this time- Xanax, Claritan, and Motrin - that covers all the bases and will be sure to knock me out! haha... I can't deal with these bags under my eyes- I'm too beautiful for this! lol...Anyone have any experiences taking Xanax? That stuff makes me nervous... 
I think it's GIVING me anxiety even though it was not perscribed to me for that reason (I've never had problems with anxiety in the past). Either that or I gained a dependency on it quickly to sleep? Is this all in my head!? HELP! eeek.