Hola amigos!
As you know, it's weigh in day- and I'm smack dab in the middle of my vegan fast sooo check it out:
Weigh In Prior to Fast: 282lbs
Weigh In Last Week (1 Week Into Fast): 278lbs (-4lbs)
Weigh In This Week (2 Weeks Info Fast): 279lbs (+1lbs)
Hmmm. I'm a little annoyed but emphasis on the LITTLE b/c I'm not quite sure how this happened- I've been clocking good workouts, haven't been eating all that much, and blah blah blah. I've come to the conclusion (especially from reading the amount of weigh in blog posts I have) that there are a million different reasons as to why we get on the scale and our efforts don't seem to compute into a loss that we want to see, and to try and speculate what the reason was when I know I've done well is just...well, a waste of time. All I know is I'll get to where I want to go, I will succeed, and I am on no one's clock but mine. In fact, I am only 2lbs away from my January 31st goal of weighing no more than 277lbs- so I'm doing juuuuuust fine.
If you're beating yourself up over a 1 or 2lb gain coming off of a week where you KNOW that you've done your BEST (emphasis on doing your best, not continually chomping on candy and loaves of bread and then sulking when you don't a loss on the scale- oops, did I just say that out loud???) then hold your head high and keep on running towards what you know you will accomplish.
Ok, I'm off my soap box (I swear I have a vacation home up there!) and thought I'd share what it is I'm eating during this vegan fast- remember, I keep things simple so it's nothing fancy shmancy:
Breakfast: Amy's Vegan Honey Bunny Rabit Cereal (apparently, I'm 5 years old) w/ Unsweetend Almond Milk.
Snacks: Apples, Oranges, and Raw Trail Mix from Trader Joe's.
Lunch: An Asian Stir Fry made with: Organic brown rice, zucchini, squash, red onion, carrots, reduced-sodium soy sauce (which maybe cheating- not completely sure), and pine nuts.
Dinner: Salad (red onion, sliced almonds, & tomatoes) w/ homeade dressing & Amy's Organic Tomato Bisque Soup.
Dessert: 6 oz. glass of 100% Cranberry/Raspberry juice (I know, the sugar is a bit much but it's my only form of sweetness right now).
So yea- I'm ready for some meat and soda in my life but I am considering making soda somethig I only drink on special occasions or when I go out to eat (aka- not one for lunch every day) but who knows- this fast has definitely helped me to tie up any loose ends with compulsive eating.
SO- it has been a while since I've shared some NSV's (Non-Scale Victories) and they've become more frequent (yayyyyy!) so I thought I'd share some:
#1) How about I can totally begin to feel bones and muscles in my body that I never knew I had. Like for real- as I mentioned before, I'm mildly obsessed with my collar bone and yesterday at the gym I could actually feel the muscles in my legs contracting instead of just believing they were hidden under the fat somewhere. I love it! Same thing with my forearms!
#2) I've had numerous people at church come up to me and finally say, "Um...have you been losing weight....like, a lot of weight?" haha this is rather comforting as I've been wondering why I've lost 73lbs and some of my closest comrads haven't said anything but now I guess the cats out of the bag- and I guess it just takes longer to notice weight loss the bigger you are (at least that's what I'm hoping!) Thoughts on that?
#3) I had one of my clients ask me if I was losing weight because my pants looked like they were about to fall off...haha oh dear. Have I mentioned I'm a welfare caseworker and my clients are extremely blunt and honest? lol Either way, I definitely took it as a compliment :)
Ok, I think this post has gotten long enough, but now that I'm only writing once a week I have a lot to share :) I'm also enjoying catching up on all of your blogs (and enjoying some new readers blogs as well) so keep it coming!
Adios!
Thursday, 20 January 2011
Wednesday, 12 January 2011
21 Days of Veganism= Oh Boy!
Howdy partners!
Thanks for all the positive feedback on my 2011 goals- this is going to be a great year and I'm looking forward to seeing many of you accomplish your goals as well!
- Anything made from White Flour
- Anything containing salt or sugar (in the ingredients list)
- Eating out (yikes!!!!)
My Diet Consists Of:
Thanks for all the positive feedback on my 2011 goals- this is going to be a great year and I'm looking forward to seeing many of you accomplish your goals as well!
It has become the practice of many Christians recently to begin the new year by fasting in some sort of way in order to get focused on God and de-clutter life for a while. Many believers choose to fast food completely (and only drink water or juice), others may choose to stop eating only certain things (fast food), while others choose to abstain from some form of media. I really enjoy and regularly participate in fasting as it really does help me focus on God while keeping various aspects of my life "in check."
While I typically lean towards doing a water only/juice only fast, this year I felt that I should do something different and as of Monday I've embarked on a 21 day "Daniel Fast" which is for all intensive purposes a variation of a VEGAN diet (or at least what I understand to be one). Now, anyone that knows me (or has even read my blog for any period of time) knows that I pretty much eat Chicken at every meal (excluding breakfast) and the idea of becoming a vegetarian/vegan has never been something I would ever/have ever considered doing; however, I've taken the plunge and for this 21 day period I will be:
Abstaining From All:
- Meat
- Dairy
- Eggs
- Soda
- Candy- Anything made from White Flour
- Anything containing salt or sugar (in the ingredients list)
- Eating out (yikes!!!!)
My Diet Consists Of:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Whole Grain/Whole Wheat items
- Water
- Beans
And that's about it folks. Truthfully, this has been easier in some ways as I'm used to not being able to eat at all during fasting, but on the other hand I'm quite the veggie-virgin and have never abstained from meat or dairy IN MY LIFE. While I have absolutely no intentions of maintaining this lifestyle after these 3 weeks, I am learning a lot and think this can only be a good thing for my weight loss journey as well as my relationship with God.
Having to work with foods that I've never tried before (and with such a limited number of options) has definitely caused me to get creative in the kitchen- here are some of my latest food endeavours:
I created this semi-delicious "dessert" when I began having cravings for something sweet. It's a whole-wheat cinnamon raisin english muffin topped with a mashed up banana, vanilla, and cinnamon. It wasn't great but it did the job.
Now this was delicious! I picked up some brown rice tortillas at Trader Joes (which I was a little afraid of at first but are def decent) and threw them in the oven to create some "tortilla chips", and topped with it with Trader Joe's garlic hummus, a tomato slice, and some balsamic vinegar. I do believe I will be having 3-4 more of these tonight with a nice side salad.
I am interested to see what my weigh in will be like tomorrow- particularly with cutting out soda- I usually onl y drink diet anyways but I know my sodium levels have definitely gone down. I guess we'll have to see!
Anyways, I'll be sharing more of my adventures as a temporary vegan throughout the next few weeks, enjoy at my expense :)
Peace out girl (and boy) scouts!
Friday, 7 January 2011
My 2011 Goals!
Well, 2011 is officially underway and so far so GREAT but boy (oh boy) has it been a busy week! Some highlights from this week:
- I officially hit 282lbs this morning making for a 70lb loss!
- I took my new Polar HRM that I got for Christmas to the gym yesterday for its first test run and I love it! I really think it's going to help keep me challenged to work out at a high intensity level and allow me to leave with a sense of accomplishment (which I sometimes lack) because I'll know exactly how hard I worked out and how many calories I burned. For example, yesterday I burned 560 calories! Woot Woot! I would say that's a pretty decent number for a workout, right?
- I measured myself this week for the first time since July or so and it was cool to see some of the changes that have taken place. I had a major weight loss stall there for a few months (like four!) but I am definitely in my groove again!
- I have been fighting off some major junk food cravings that have made me feel like a bottomless pit; I'm hoping that this is due to some stressful/dramatic/depressing events that have happened recently with a friend and that as the situation continues to blow over that these wacky food cravings will subside but regardless, I've been fighting like a champ and have done pretty dang well.
- I sat down and thought about what it is I really want out of 2011 and set some goals not only for the month of January (which I'll continue to do every month), but also some weight loss AND fitness goals for the year. I am a bit of a goal-freak so this has me pretty excited!
And now I'd like to officially put my goals out there and share them with you all! I'm really looking forward to being able to encourage my bloggy friends as your goals are pursued and know that I'll be getting the same encouragment and accountability back :)
January 2011 Goals:
#1) Join a Group Fitness Class at my gym- Honestly, this is something I'm mildly terrified of. In my mind I have been able to convince myself that I'm doing pretty well fitness wise and I'm afraid my bubble is going to be burst in a major way that will result in major embarassment but I've decided I'm not living in FEAR and will be checking out one of these classes this month (probably Zumba) in order to get some variety in my workout routine.
#2) Continue my Workout Routine: I joined the YMCA in my community a few months back and have set a goal for myself of working out 4x's per week. My routine includes cardio on the elliptical, free weights, weighted balls (not sure what they are called), and lots of ab work.
#3) Weigh no more than 277lbs by January 31st: This will bring me to a total loss of 75lbs by the end of the month. I know some people do not like setting goals in the form of pounds lost but having a specific goal to work towards helps keep me focused and determined.
My Goals for 2011:
#1) I really want to leave any trace of me being an obese person behind in 2011. My current "goal weight" is set at 180lbs but for me, being in the 100's is like a DREAM. So while I'm not ready to set a specific goal # just yet, my goal is to at least have a 1 in front of my weight by December 31st. Perhaps when the time draws nearer I'll set an actual numeric goal. I have set a few different "benchmark" weights that you can see on the right sidebar- my first: To have lost 100lbs my March 26th (the date of a wedding I am in).
- I officially hit 282lbs this morning making for a 70lb loss!
- I took my new Polar HRM that I got for Christmas to the gym yesterday for its first test run and I love it! I really think it's going to help keep me challenged to work out at a high intensity level and allow me to leave with a sense of accomplishment (which I sometimes lack) because I'll know exactly how hard I worked out and how many calories I burned. For example, yesterday I burned 560 calories! Woot Woot! I would say that's a pretty decent number for a workout, right?
- I have been fighting off some major junk food cravings that have made me feel like a bottomless pit; I'm hoping that this is due to some stressful/dramatic/depressing events that have happened recently with a friend and that as the situation continues to blow over that these wacky food cravings will subside but regardless, I've been fighting like a champ and have done pretty dang well.
- I sat down and thought about what it is I really want out of 2011 and set some goals not only for the month of January (which I'll continue to do every month), but also some weight loss AND fitness goals for the year. I am a bit of a goal-freak so this has me pretty excited!
And now I'd like to officially put my goals out there and share them with you all! I'm really looking forward to being able to encourage my bloggy friends as your goals are pursued and know that I'll be getting the same encouragment and accountability back :)
January 2011 Goals:
#1) Join a Group Fitness Class at my gym- Honestly, this is something I'm mildly terrified of. In my mind I have been able to convince myself that I'm doing pretty well fitness wise and I'm afraid my bubble is going to be burst in a major way that will result in major embarassment but I've decided I'm not living in FEAR and will be checking out one of these classes this month (probably Zumba) in order to get some variety in my workout routine.
#2) Continue my Workout Routine: I joined the YMCA in my community a few months back and have set a goal for myself of working out 4x's per week. My routine includes cardio on the elliptical, free weights, weighted balls (not sure what they are called), and lots of ab work.
#3) Weigh no more than 277lbs by January 31st: This will bring me to a total loss of 75lbs by the end of the month. I know some people do not like setting goals in the form of pounds lost but having a specific goal to work towards helps keep me focused and determined.
My Goals for 2011:
#1) I really want to leave any trace of me being an obese person behind in 2011. My current "goal weight" is set at 180lbs but for me, being in the 100's is like a DREAM. So while I'm not ready to set a specific goal # just yet, my goal is to at least have a 1 in front of my weight by December 31st. Perhaps when the time draws nearer I'll set an actual numeric goal. I have set a few different "benchmark" weights that you can see on the right sidebar- my first: To have lost 100lbs my March 26th (the date of a wedding I am in).
#2) To begin running. Even at my heaviest, I have always envied runners and wanted to be one. Truthfully, I don't know that I can even take myself seriously when I say that I'm going to one day be one but there's something inside of me telling me I will and that I'll find a lot of joy and fulfillment in it. No joke- I've even been having MULTIPLE dreams at night lately where I'm running and just absolutely love it (how weird is that???). Anyways, I'd like to say my goal is to run a 5k but that pretty much freaks me out and feels overwhelming; I will say; however, that my goal is to be able to run a full mile by the end of the year. I don't think I've EVER run a mile before ... like... ever in my life. Right now, I'm thinking that I'll begin encorporating running sometime in March.
So- there you have it. I know that I've done well but I not even halfway there yet so I'm prepared to run full steam ahead throughout this year. I realize how unique this part of my life is- I'm single and don't have any kids- although my life is crazy busy now, it will be even harder when I'm having to share my life with someone else or in charge of the lives of others and I need to take advantage of this time now while I can.
I can give two years of my life to this- one down, one to go. Here's to accomplishing things I never thought possible!
Monday, 3 January 2011
Adios 2010, Hola 2011!
Happy New Year!
I can't believe that 2010 is over- time really does fly by. It seems like a minute ago that I began this blog and was gearing up for everything to come in 2010...and now, it's 2011!
The Holidays were pretty great for me- here's a short recap: I visited my family in Arizona and since I hadn't been home in a year and half it really was amazing to be home. I went home weighing 69 (but I like to say 70) lbs less and it was a great feeling. I hope all of you had a great Holiday Season with your loved ones as well :)
As many of you know my goal in 2010 was to lose 100lbs and while I came up about 30lbs short of that goal I am still very proud of myself. I (like many people), need to learn when to give myself a little "pat on the back" instead of always being so hard on myself all of the time- which is why I'm celebrating that in 2010 I:
- Dropped 10 "points" off of my BMI, going from 50 to 40! Making me only .01 percent from being just plain old OBESE instead of being MORBIDLY OBESE. Dear Lord, I never thought I would be celebrating being OBESE but you've gotta take what you can get I guess, right? lol
- Went from walking being my primary form of exercise to the elliptical trainer being my primary form. Also, starting out being only able to do 10 minutes on the elliptical to now doing 45 minutes with ease.
- Went from eating absolutely whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted (ex: 500 cal Starbucks drinks, entire bags of chips and dip, etc.) to now understanding nutrition and being mindful and in control of what I eat.
- Went from being terrified to step foot in a gym to now having absolutely no issue with it :)
- Went from having to use a seat belt extender on an airplane to now being able to just use the provided, normal seat belt, just like everyone else!
- Went from weighing 352lbs to 283lbs!! For a total loss of 69lbs :)
I surely have a long way to go in 2011 and have some pretty exciting plans in store (to be shared soon!) but I did what I set out to do in 2010... I changed my life forever.
I am proud of what I've accomplished so far- I feel like I've made the major changes in my THINKING that were so needed and now it's just a matter of staying the course, moving forward, and challenging myself to do things I never thought possible! 2011- HERE I COME!
Thought I'd conclude this post with a picture I shared towards the beginning of my blog- it is of me and my cousin Tatum the last time I was home for Christmas in 2008:
And below is a picture of me and my cousin Ashley from when I was visiting them this year for Christmas 2010 (not the best quality but it is all I've got!):
I can't believe that 2010 is over- time really does fly by. It seems like a minute ago that I began this blog and was gearing up for everything to come in 2010...and now, it's 2011!
The Holidays were pretty great for me- here's a short recap: I visited my family in Arizona and since I hadn't been home in a year and half it really was amazing to be home. I went home weighing 69 (but I like to say 70) lbs less and it was a great feeling. I hope all of you had a great Holiday Season with your loved ones as well :)
As many of you know my goal in 2010 was to lose 100lbs and while I came up about 30lbs short of that goal I am still very proud of myself. I (like many people), need to learn when to give myself a little "pat on the back" instead of always being so hard on myself all of the time- which is why I'm celebrating that in 2010 I:
- Dropped 10 "points" off of my BMI, going from 50 to 40! Making me only .01 percent from being just plain old OBESE instead of being MORBIDLY OBESE. Dear Lord, I never thought I would be celebrating being OBESE but you've gotta take what you can get I guess, right? lol
- Went from walking being my primary form of exercise to the elliptical trainer being my primary form. Also, starting out being only able to do 10 minutes on the elliptical to now doing 45 minutes with ease.
- Went from eating absolutely whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted (ex: 500 cal Starbucks drinks, entire bags of chips and dip, etc.) to now understanding nutrition and being mindful and in control of what I eat.
- Went from being terrified to step foot in a gym to now having absolutely no issue with it :)
- Went from having to use a seat belt extender on an airplane to now being able to just use the provided, normal seat belt, just like everyone else!
- Went from weighing 352lbs to 283lbs!! For a total loss of 69lbs :)
I surely have a long way to go in 2011 and have some pretty exciting plans in store (to be shared soon!) but I did what I set out to do in 2010... I changed my life forever.
I am proud of what I've accomplished so far- I feel like I've made the major changes in my THINKING that were so needed and now it's just a matter of staying the course, moving forward, and challenging myself to do things I never thought possible! 2011- HERE I COME!
Thought I'd conclude this post with a picture I shared towards the beginning of my blog- it is of me and my cousin Tatum the last time I was home for Christmas in 2008:
Happy 2011 Ya'll!
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