FIFTY-TWO

Today is a great day!  I had my weigh-in and I got measured.  Now usually I don't like to talk about those days, but today was great news.  I have lost 52 pounds AND 52 inches since June.  Wow!  That is a first grader.  I can't believe I had been carrying around a first grader all this time.  What a relief to have that extra weight gone.  So exciting!

I have also FINALLY come to the realization that I am not on a diet.  It took quite a while for me to fully grasp this concept.  I get that I have truly changed my life.  I eat healthy the majority of the time and I drink water.  I still think that giving up soda was the best thing I could've ever done for myself.  I was way too hooked.  So all that talk about "lifestyle change" finally has an effect on me.  It's a great place to be.  Although I still have more to lose, I now know I can do it.  Slowly, but surely.

Workout buddy?

Workout buddy?  I think not!  The so-called experts always say that it is best to have a workout buddy. I have made so many "appointments" with different people the last 6 months and they are never consistent. My advice is to go solo.   I set myself up for failure by depending on others and not going if my partner cancelled.  I wasn't dedicated enough to solely depend on me. If you are truly committed to a regular workout schedule, you only need to depend on  you.  No more excuses!

I hate going to the gym, but once I'm there I do what I need to do and get a great workout.  Luckily I have a son who is so concerned about when I'm going to the gym each day.  He likes to remind me that I need to go.

I love the weekends when I can go hiking and spend some time outdoors.  It is such a great time for me to enjoy some peace and gather my thoughts.  Everyone needs to find something what they love to do.

The realization I have come to this week is that I like to be with friends and socialize, but it's nice to know that all I have to do is depend on ME!

My Rachel Ray Moment

One of the things I enjoy on a day off is watching Rachel Ray and wishing I could cook just like her.   I pretend I know what I'm doing every once in a while in the kitchen.  This week on the news segment I got to cook my favorite, healthy recipe.

http://www.connect2utah.com/health/features/workouts/stories/vid_2.shtml

Taco Soup (more like a chili than a soup)
2 cans diced tomatoes
2 cans seasoned tomatoes
2 cans corn
2 cans kidney beans
2 cans black beans
1 onion
1 pound ground beef or turkey
1 packet taco seasoning
1 packet ranch

Saute the onion.  Add beef or turkey to onions.  Brown the meat and add taco seasoning.  Add each of the cans to a crock pot.  Make sure to drain and rinse the beans.  Once meat is cooked, add to crock pot.  Let simmer for 2-4 hours.  (As you can see I don't know how to write a recipe since I don't cook that often.)

Each week I dish out one cup portions to take to work for the week.  My kids add cheese and eat this with Tostito's scoops.  Without the cheese and chips this is 135 calories per cup.

A Little Bit Stronger

What a great workout tonight!  My trainer kicked my butt!  I will definitely be sore tomorrow.  It's amazing that in such a short amount of time I have more endurance and I am much stronger.  The body is truly amazing.  These are the little things that keep me motivated throughout the week.  By the time I am ready to see my trainer again I am stronger and ready for a more difficult workout.  I never thought my body would be able to handle so much so quickly.  It's a great feeling!

Weekend Woes

It is difficult to stay on track when I travel.  I went on a quick trip to SLC for a baby shower.  For some reason I have a habit of getting a treat at each stop and snacking the whole way.  It's such a bad habit.  I'm not even hungry, but driving = snacking.   Needless to say, I chewed a lot of gum.  The baby shower had those yummy chicken salad sandwiches, peanut M&M's (my favorite), chips, eclairs, and other tasty treats.  Thankfully, there were some veggies, so I just snacked on those.

It was also my brother in law's birthday.  He loves to go to Bonsai, which has hibachi style food. They cook that healthy chicken in ten pounds of butter.  Ok, maybe not that much, but a lot of butter.  The vegetables are soaked in the same delicious goodness and I did partake.  Afterward I went to the gym and worked my butt off.  

Today was the Superbowl.  Like many households, we have a variety of food out for the game.  In order to avoid all the traditional food, I made a vegetable platter and BBQ chicken.  The chicken was delicious and I was happy to see that all the vegetables were gone at the end of the game.  My kids really enjoyed them.  It is also nice not to feel guilty for overeating. 

Excuses Please?

I literally sat around thinking of an excuse to stay home tonight and not go to the gym.  The whole concept strikes me as odd.  It wasn't too long ago that I could easily come up with many excuses. 

Liars!

You know those people that go to the gym and say, "I love working out, it feels so good."  Well I think they just lie.  I know working out is good for me, but it NEVER feels great.

I met with my trainer again tonight.  She pushed me much harder this week.  I did 30 push-ups! That's a huge accomplishment for me.  They were in sets of 10 and girl push-ups, but regardless that's more than I've done for years.  I will do this same routine every other day, plus cardio every day.

I have to admit I feel good.  I have increased my endurance and flexibility, but I'm not sure I will ever get to the point that I love it.

The Beginning

My coworker had a good time making this video, so I had to share it.  I am going out to walk with students on Fit Friday at school.  I have also followed Superintendent Shumway's recommendation to dedicate a few minutes of faculty meeting to healthy tips. I'm excited to involve others in my journey.

What Was I Thinking?

This is what I have asked myself several times since I "won" as a contestant for the Gold's Gym Utah and KUTV 2 News Body Transformation.  Gold's Gym Body Transformation - Part 2

Last Spring I remember looking in the mirror and I did not recognize who I saw.  I lost myself in being a mom, working full time, and schooling.  It was at that time I decided I needed to "find myself."  Since June, I have been working on changing my eating habits and have been successful.  I gave up Diet Pepsi and started eating healthy foods.  I lost 35 lbs. and hit a plateau.  I knew I needed to increase the intensity of my workouts, so when I heard about the Body Transformation challenge I thought I would enter.   

Wish me luck!