My Mister and I had a date last night. A date to go running together. He has asked me several times in the past to go running with him, but I have always declined out of sheer terror. I never wanted him to see how out of shape I was, how little I could run, and how out of breath and red-faced I would get. I was worried that somehow, that would make him love me less.
He has recently started to try to get into shape himself. With exercising and eating a bit better. When he asked me to go running I almost declined, but instead thought I would take a shot at it with him. I told him that I hadn't been running in 3 weeks and he knew that I wasn't as fast a runner as him with my stumpy little legs. I told him again. We agreed to a half walk-half run of 4K. He isn't quite at a point where he can run the full thing either.
Off we went, running at the same pace- no idea what it was though. We agreed that if either of us needed to stop we would signal the other. We ran together to the agreed upon point- no problem, then walked, then started running again. After running and trying to stay at his pace, I thought I had to stop- I signaled, he signaled back- 3 more blocks. I slowed my pace, but pushed myself the last 3 blocks. We began to walk and I told him that he was faster than I and that I found it hard to keep up and compete with his regular pace of 6.0 (my pace is 5.0). I told him I would take a different route and meet up with him. I did. We finished off the run together and walked to cool down.
We talked during the cool down- I told him that even though I wasn't a top notch runner yet, I said I was proud of myself for actually getting out there. I said to him, "A year ago I would never have been able to run half of what I did today. I'm happy with that and the fact that I am getting healthier." A year ago, I would never have agreed to a run with him. I would have been too embarrassed. Now, the sweat, red face, and heavy breathing is all part of working hard to achieve my goal! They are almost like badges of honor- hard work!
Baby Steps. Baby. Steps.
-----------------------------------
No Weigh-In today!
:(
Tomorrow guaranteed. I was running late for a breakfast meeting this morning due to sleeping in.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Healthy Package Arrived!
My package from Amazon arrived this morning! What did it hold?
I'm so excited to try all these things out! I know a lot of bloggers use the JM dvds and seem to enjoy them, so I wanted to give them a shot and I had a gift card to Amazon. That was a bonus!
Would anyone be interested in reviews of these products? Let me know!
I'm so excited to try all these things out! I know a lot of bloggers use the JM dvds and seem to enjoy them, so I wanted to give them a shot and I had a gift card to Amazon. That was a bonus!
Would anyone be interested in reviews of these products? Let me know!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Does anyone use Twitter? I just signed up and thought it would be a fun way to encourage each other and get to know one another better!
If you use it, add me--> @thinlizzy_150
Looking forward to tweeting with you!
If you use it, add me--> @thinlizzy_150
Looking forward to tweeting with you!
Yoga- A Second Chance
My first experience with Yoga was in the Summer of 2007. I made a list of things I wanted to try and do that summer. Yoga was on the list and was very attainable since I have a good friend who has been practicing Yoga for several years and purchases a membership to a studio in a trendy part of town.
I asked her one day if I could come with her to a beginner class. She agreed, even though she was no beginner.
At this point, I had been sedentary for a few years. I did very little physical activity, I worked a lot, and ate terribly. I thought Yoga would be fun, easy, and relaxing. After all, it is just stretching!
Boy, was I wrong!
We went to a studio which was located in a very old, converted warehouse. In the middle of Summer. With NO air conditioning. This is the first step to getting a very bad first impression of yoga. The studio was sweltering and we would be stretching and holding for an hour and a half.
Being out of shape did not help. I tried to do the regular poses, but ended up doing a lot of the modified poses for beginners and for people whose bellies got in the way of a stretch- that's me!
I had no idea how strong you needed to be to do Yoga. I always thought I was strong, but when it comes to supporting your weight and holding it for an extended period- I started to second guess my strength. My body shook under my weight and told me, "we can't hold on much longer!" Internally, I was embarrassed about how out of shape and inflexible I was.
I told my friend I did not enjoy Yoga and never did it again. I limped home, more sore than I had ever been in my whole life. A deep muscle soreness that lasted for days and it hurt when I moved.
I never did Yoga again, until I bought a Wii Fit that is. I did the poses on there and turned out I wasn't half bad. However, I am in the comfort of my own home, no Yogis upstaging me, or an instructor pushing me into a pose I am not ready for.
Today, I took another step forward in my healthy living strategy and did a 25 minute Yoga video at home. I even worked up a little sweat while posing. I'm still doing some modified poses and I still start to shake under my weight toward the end, but I actually enjoyed it today much more that when at the studio- I am in much better shape than I was 4 years ago and I can really see the difference. My belly is not as in the way as before- that's my favorite thing!
I think I will stick with Yoga 2-3 times a week at home and maybe one day work up the courage to return to the studio or classes. I find that when I am posing I am only concentrating on the pose and breathing and stretching. I am not thinking about that mean lady at work, my next bill payment, or relationship anxiety. I'm just posing and that's good for me right now.
What new exercise have you tried lately? Or... what exercise have you given a second chance?
Monday, April 25, 2011
Weekly Review
Well, Sunday has come and gone and I am late with my review again!
Here I am, nonetheless...
I had a busy, yet unproductive week. I worked a lot- mostly overnights and evenings. So I did not get much accomplished. No visits to the gym, no elliptical at home. Just my usual walking to and from work and about town. Bad Lizzy!
I took some strides toward my transition into non-processed eating. I went grocery shopping and only bought 1 processed item- a box of stuffing for Easter dinner. I love Stovetop Stuffing! However, I have made my own and it is also quite good. So, I can live without Stovetop. At the grocery store, I hemmed and hawwed over cheese. In Canada, cheese is expensive- $1 or more per 100 grams. I thought, "I will just get processed slices" then I looked at my basket and thought- NO! I picked up regular cheese. I realize cheese still counts as processed, but at least I chose a lesser man-made version of an evil. I was happy with my decision and my basket looked uber healthy at checkout.
You may have read about my trip to the doctor and the praise I recieved from her! I am anxiously awaiting my blood work results. Hoping nothing is wrong, confident that nothing is wrong.
One of last week's goals was to do something for myself- I took a bubblebath and went shopping with a friend. I bought 2 tops- in size MEDIUM! Granted, they were flowy tops, but nonetheless Mediums!
This morning, I weighed in at 196.6 lbs. The 190s are going quickly! I am excited to be in the 180s soon (knock on wood).
This Week's Goals:
1) Track Calories and Exercise
2) Running Date with My Mister
3) Do at least 2 sessions on the Elliptical at home and 1 exercise video
Here I am, nonetheless...
I had a busy, yet unproductive week. I worked a lot- mostly overnights and evenings. So I did not get much accomplished. No visits to the gym, no elliptical at home. Just my usual walking to and from work and about town. Bad Lizzy!
I took some strides toward my transition into non-processed eating. I went grocery shopping and only bought 1 processed item- a box of stuffing for Easter dinner. I love Stovetop Stuffing! However, I have made my own and it is also quite good. So, I can live without Stovetop. At the grocery store, I hemmed and hawwed over cheese. In Canada, cheese is expensive- $1 or more per 100 grams. I thought, "I will just get processed slices" then I looked at my basket and thought- NO! I picked up regular cheese. I realize cheese still counts as processed, but at least I chose a lesser man-made version of an evil. I was happy with my decision and my basket looked uber healthy at checkout.
You may have read about my trip to the doctor and the praise I recieved from her! I am anxiously awaiting my blood work results. Hoping nothing is wrong, confident that nothing is wrong.
One of last week's goals was to do something for myself- I took a bubblebath and went shopping with a friend. I bought 2 tops- in size MEDIUM! Granted, they were flowy tops, but nonetheless Mediums!
This morning, I weighed in at 196.6 lbs. The 190s are going quickly! I am excited to be in the 180s soon (knock on wood).
This Week's Goals:
1) Track Calories and Exercise
2) Running Date with My Mister
3) Do at least 2 sessions on the Elliptical at home and 1 exercise video
Saturday, April 23, 2011
My Doctor Visit
I mentioned in my last Weekly Review that I was headed to see the doctor this week for a few different issues- thyroid concerns, anxiety issues, and a yearly test below the belt.
Well, I went on Wednesday morning. I was nervous- as usual. The nurse led me to the little room and as I took off my coat she says to me "ok, take off your shoes and we will take your height and weight." I was confused, "why do you need my height and weight for a pap?" Then she explains that I am booked in for a physical. So, I just went ahead with the physical as I can't even remember when I last had one.
The nurse took me out to the scale in the hallway. I began to get a little anxiety about another person knowing my weight. I didn't want to step on the scale, but I had to. She was waiting for me. Off came the shoes and I stepped on. I took a little bit of solace knowing that I was not as heavy as I was 4 months ago. I could be a little less embarrassed. Then the height. Then I was back sitting in the little room waiting for the doctor.
Besides having all the poking and prodding done, I got a chance to voice my concerns about my slow weight loss to her. I told her I felt like with the amount of exercise and the change in my eating habits, the weight should be coming off a little quicker. She assured me that I was doing really well and congratulated me on taking the first steps and sticking with it. As for the slow losses, she said, "but it took you years to put it on." Which is true. She told me it would come, but sent me for some blood work to make sure there was no problems inhibiting the work I was doing.
Somehow, having a doctor cheer you on is very validating. My doctor is proud of me. Even I am proud of me! I'm the lowest weight I have been in a very long time since I started weighing myself again. That is so cool to think about.
Well, I went on Wednesday morning. I was nervous- as usual. The nurse led me to the little room and as I took off my coat she says to me "ok, take off your shoes and we will take your height and weight." I was confused, "why do you need my height and weight for a pap?" Then she explains that I am booked in for a physical. So, I just went ahead with the physical as I can't even remember when I last had one.
The nurse took me out to the scale in the hallway. I began to get a little anxiety about another person knowing my weight. I didn't want to step on the scale, but I had to. She was waiting for me. Off came the shoes and I stepped on. I took a little bit of solace knowing that I was not as heavy as I was 4 months ago. I could be a little less embarrassed. Then the height. Then I was back sitting in the little room waiting for the doctor.
Besides having all the poking and prodding done, I got a chance to voice my concerns about my slow weight loss to her. I told her I felt like with the amount of exercise and the change in my eating habits, the weight should be coming off a little quicker. She assured me that I was doing really well and congratulated me on taking the first steps and sticking with it. As for the slow losses, she said, "but it took you years to put it on." Which is true. She told me it would come, but sent me for some blood work to make sure there was no problems inhibiting the work I was doing.
Somehow, having a doctor cheer you on is very validating. My doctor is proud of me. Even I am proud of me! I'm the lowest weight I have been in a very long time since I started weighing myself again. That is so cool to think about.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Weigh-In #14
Weight: 198.4
Body Fat %: 39.8
Hydration: 43.9
Difference: -2.2 lbs from last week
-0.1% BF from last week
Total LBS Lost = 20 exactly!
Happy Easter to those who celebrate! Happy Friday and Free Long Weekend to those of you who don't celebrate!
Body Fat %: 39.8
Hydration: 43.9
Difference: -2.2 lbs from last week
-0.1% BF from last week
Total LBS Lost = 20 exactly!
Happy Easter to those who celebrate! Happy Friday and Free Long Weekend to those of you who don't celebrate!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Cardio Playlist
Exercise is not as much fun without music. Without music you have to listen to the thoughts in your head, if you can hear them over your own panting. You also have to listen to yourself thinking, "this is hard" and "I can't do this" or "maybe I will stop". Music provides you with a buffer to those thoughts. It tricks your brain into continuing when you are spent. The right song can push you when you are losing energy. Music while exercising gives me confidence to push myself. It distracts from that pain in your side or the sweat running down your back. Good music makes exercise great!
I thought I would post my Cardio Playlist. Here it is:
I love poppy, dance songs- recently added the new Britney Spears album and it is great to exercise to. I also like to toss some rock songs in there too. Some songs really get me going (or keep me going) and I seek them out when I am running out of gas.
Do you agree with me about music and exercise? What's on your playlist?
I thought I would post my Cardio Playlist. Here it is:
I love poppy, dance songs- recently added the new Britney Spears album and it is great to exercise to. I also like to toss some rock songs in there too. Some songs really get me going (or keep me going) and I seek them out when I am running out of gas.
Do you agree with me about music and exercise? What's on your playlist?
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Weekly Review
"Sunday morning rain is falling,
Steal some covers share some skin..."
Good Morning All!
It is Sunday again. The weeks go by so quickly, don't they?
I do not have much to report for this week. Oh well.
I do want to report that I weighted in at 197 lbs this morning! Told ya Saturdays are my skinny days!
My week was hectic. I had a professional development course that took up a lot of my time. Work, catching up on sleep, and out with friends. I didn't get to the gym. I only did my elliptical once for 30 mins. However, I logged 6 hours of walking time so far this week. That is a lot more than I usually do.
With not exercising much this week, I really needed to watch my calories. I went over my calorie budget twice- which is average for me.
I read an article this week in an old issue of SELF magazine that said something about average weight loss. One to one and a half pounds is normal, but 2 is also do-able. The article said to reach the 2 lbs a week, you need to tweak your diet even more than you already have. It suggested a non-processed diet. I have thought about doing this before and it think it would be do-able for me since I like to cook and grocery shop. I have decided to try it at least for a short amount of time. I am on a mission to rid my freezer and cupboards of processed food. I'll let you all know when it officially starts.
I've been dealing with some extreme emotions and scary, life changing decisions this week. I'm having some issues with anxiety surrounding it all. My heart races, I get scared and confused, and even shake a bit as I think about the consequences of the wrong decision. It is really overwhelming. But in the past I probably would have eaten to overcome these feelings. Now, I am exploring other options. Going to see the Doc this week. See what she says about that and the thyroid thing.
Goals for Next Week
1) Track everyday, do not consume all calories burned in exercise
2) Get to gym at least once (may be difficult as I have another hectic week)
3) Do something for self-care. Something just for me not related to weight-loss and not food related
Steal some covers share some skin..."
Good Morning All!
It is Sunday again. The weeks go by so quickly, don't they?
I do not have much to report for this week. Oh well.
I do want to report that I weighted in at 197 lbs this morning! Told ya Saturdays are my skinny days!
My week was hectic. I had a professional development course that took up a lot of my time. Work, catching up on sleep, and out with friends. I didn't get to the gym. I only did my elliptical once for 30 mins. However, I logged 6 hours of walking time so far this week. That is a lot more than I usually do.
With not exercising much this week, I really needed to watch my calories. I went over my calorie budget twice- which is average for me.
I read an article this week in an old issue of SELF magazine that said something about average weight loss. One to one and a half pounds is normal, but 2 is also do-able. The article said to reach the 2 lbs a week, you need to tweak your diet even more than you already have. It suggested a non-processed diet. I have thought about doing this before and it think it would be do-able for me since I like to cook and grocery shop. I have decided to try it at least for a short amount of time. I am on a mission to rid my freezer and cupboards of processed food. I'll let you all know when it officially starts.
I've been dealing with some extreme emotions and scary, life changing decisions this week. I'm having some issues with anxiety surrounding it all. My heart races, I get scared and confused, and even shake a bit as I think about the consequences of the wrong decision. It is really overwhelming. But in the past I probably would have eaten to overcome these feelings. Now, I am exploring other options. Going to see the Doc this week. See what she says about that and the thyroid thing.
Goals for Next Week
1) Track everyday, do not consume all calories burned in exercise
2) Get to gym at least once (may be difficult as I have another hectic week)
3) Do something for self-care. Something just for me not related to weight-loss and not food related
Friday, April 15, 2011
Weigh-In #13
Weight: 200.6
Body Fat %: 39.9
Hydration %: 43.8
Difference: - 1.2 lbs from last week
- 0.1% BF from last week
Total: - 17.8 lbs
I've been a bit absent from the blogosphere this week. I had a professional development course this week and it really sucked the life out of me. Sitting in a class room for 7 hours for 3 days straight- not super fun, but I learned a lot!
As you will notice, I am above 200 today. I admit, eating hasn't been great and I haven't done much exercise besides walking a lot. I'm also have a visitor this week, so I am a bit bloaty. I assume it is mostly that. Plus, Saturdays seem to be my skinny days!
Hope your week has been going well!
Body Fat %: 39.9
Hydration %: 43.8
Difference: - 1.2 lbs from last week
- 0.1% BF from last week
Total: - 17.8 lbs
I've been a bit absent from the blogosphere this week. I had a professional development course this week and it really sucked the life out of me. Sitting in a class room for 7 hours for 3 days straight- not super fun, but I learned a lot!
As you will notice, I am above 200 today. I admit, eating hasn't been great and I haven't done much exercise besides walking a lot. I'm also have a visitor this week, so I am a bit bloaty. I assume it is mostly that. Plus, Saturdays seem to be my skinny days!
Hope your week has been going well!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Weekly Review
Sunday always seems to come around so fast. Here we are again. Time for another weekly review.
Overall, I had a great week!
One of week's goals was to track calories and not consume all calories burned in exercise. I have tracked everyday so far. I went over my calories only one day. As far as not consuming all calories burned by exercise- I did a pretty good job of this for 4/6 days thus far and I'm under this week by 1368 calories. I track all this on the Lose It! app.
My second goal for last week was to try a new recipe from the cookbooks I took out from the library. I tried strawberry stuffed french toast. I pictured it in my Friday post. It was delicious and super filling. I will be making it again- maybe today as a matter of fact!
Last goal was to exercise everyday for 30 minutes. Most days I hopped on the elliptical for those 30 minutes. I went to the gym once and a couple days I just did some walking outside.
My session at the gym felt great. I ran a strong mile but did not shave any time off my best. But I feel like it was stronger than the last mile because I was consistently going between 5.0 at my slowest and 6.0 at my fastest. During my circuits I was lifting heavier weights than I have been in the past. I was really trying to push myself this week.
Yesterday I hit a milestone for me- under 200 lbs. I haven't been under 200 in a long time. I remember years ago when I stepped on the scale and it said 235 and I was in total shock at what I had been doing to myself. Now, I am still in shock but in a good way! That 203 point has always been my "give up and go home" moment. Now I am past it!
I must thank all of my lovely supporters out there! Your comments and encouragement mean the world to me! I felt so good inside to hear the words "congratulations", "achievement", "WOW" from all these people I know through my blog and how happy they are for me. The word "inspiration" really hit and stuck with me. I'm an inspiration to people? Wow. I never really thought about it, but I have 15 people who consistently read my blog and must think my story is worth following. Thank you all. Much love! Let's hope the story only gets better from here :)
Next Week's Goals:
(1) Track and don't consume all calories burned in exercise.
(2) Take note of the types of calories consumed- fat, carb, protein
(3) Stay under 200- buy myself a reward!
Overall, I had a great week!
One of week's goals was to track calories and not consume all calories burned in exercise. I have tracked everyday so far. I went over my calories only one day. As far as not consuming all calories burned by exercise- I did a pretty good job of this for 4/6 days thus far and I'm under this week by 1368 calories. I track all this on the Lose It! app.
My second goal for last week was to try a new recipe from the cookbooks I took out from the library. I tried strawberry stuffed french toast. I pictured it in my Friday post. It was delicious and super filling. I will be making it again- maybe today as a matter of fact!
Last goal was to exercise everyday for 30 minutes. Most days I hopped on the elliptical for those 30 minutes. I went to the gym once and a couple days I just did some walking outside.
My session at the gym felt great. I ran a strong mile but did not shave any time off my best. But I feel like it was stronger than the last mile because I was consistently going between 5.0 at my slowest and 6.0 at my fastest. During my circuits I was lifting heavier weights than I have been in the past. I was really trying to push myself this week.
Yesterday I hit a milestone for me- under 200 lbs. I haven't been under 200 in a long time. I remember years ago when I stepped on the scale and it said 235 and I was in total shock at what I had been doing to myself. Now, I am still in shock but in a good way! That 203 point has always been my "give up and go home" moment. Now I am past it!
I must thank all of my lovely supporters out there! Your comments and encouragement mean the world to me! I felt so good inside to hear the words "congratulations", "achievement", "WOW" from all these people I know through my blog and how happy they are for me. The word "inspiration" really hit and stuck with me. I'm an inspiration to people? Wow. I never really thought about it, but I have 15 people who consistently read my blog and must think my story is worth following. Thank you all. Much love! Let's hope the story only gets better from here :)
Next Week's Goals:
(1) Track and don't consume all calories burned in exercise.
(2) Take note of the types of calories consumed- fat, carb, protein
(3) Stay under 200- buy myself a reward!
Saturday, April 9, 2011
One-derland?!?
Oh how I have missed you!
This is the smallest weight I have been at in a long time. I can't believe I am seeing a one in the front of that number on the scale. This is such a weird feeling. I feel proud, relieved, and excited that I am actually doing it this time!
Friday, April 8, 2011
Weigh-In #12
Weight: 201.8 lbs
Body Fat %: 40
Hydration %: 43.7
Difference: -.4 lbs from last week
-0.3% Body Fat from last week
Total: 16.6 lbs
A loss is a loss. It has been pretty slow going around here lately with the weight loss. I guess I can't really complain because the scale is moving in the right direction. There is just something about wanting it to happen faster. With all the work I am doing in and out of the gym and the reduced calories, I would think that the pounds would come off a lot faster than they have been. It's difficult and I suppose that is why I have always quit the numerous other times I have tried to do this.
I have an appointment with my doctor in a couple weeks. I'm going to ask her to check my thyroid gland (just with her hands- you can perform an at home test, I'm just not sure what I'm looking for). If she feels like there is anything to be concerned about then I will get it tested. I'm just feeling like less than 20lbs in 4 months is not normal. When you think about it, it is 1 lbs a week, but I have been busting my butt and haven't gone out of control with my eating.
Anyway, enough gloomy talk...
I photographed (most) of my eats yesterday! Here they are
Body Fat %: 40
Hydration %: 43.7
Difference: -.4 lbs from last week
-0.3% Body Fat from last week
Total: 16.6 lbs
A loss is a loss. It has been pretty slow going around here lately with the weight loss. I guess I can't really complain because the scale is moving in the right direction. There is just something about wanting it to happen faster. With all the work I am doing in and out of the gym and the reduced calories, I would think that the pounds would come off a lot faster than they have been. It's difficult and I suppose that is why I have always quit the numerous other times I have tried to do this.
I have an appointment with my doctor in a couple weeks. I'm going to ask her to check my thyroid gland (just with her hands- you can perform an at home test, I'm just not sure what I'm looking for). If she feels like there is anything to be concerned about then I will get it tested. I'm just feeling like less than 20lbs in 4 months is not normal. When you think about it, it is 1 lbs a week, but I have been busting my butt and haven't gone out of control with my eating.
Anyway, enough gloomy talk...
I photographed (most) of my eats yesterday! Here they are
Breakfast
French Toast with Strawberries, Ricotta & Almonds (new low cal cook book try)
Lunch
Minestrone Soup
Sundried Tomato Tuna with some field Greens
1/2 serving of Mary's Crackers
1 1/2 servings Swedish Fish
After Workout Snack
1/2 serving of leftover Minestrone
Serving of cheese
4 Strawberries
7 Grape Tomatoes
Mandarin
Dinner
My Own Pasta Creation- tons of veggies, ricotta, marinara, bowties
(about 450 calories)
Late Night
Cup of Tea
3 cups of Air-Popped Popcorn (not pictured)
Workout
10 minute Warmup on the Elliptical
20 minutes on Treadmill- ran and mile and then walked on a 5% incline
22 minutes of Strength Workout on the Arc Trainer
20 minutes on the Circuits
=742 calories burned
Have a wonderful weekend!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
To Pay or Not to Pay
I'm in the midst of a difficult decision.
The 1 year contract with my gym is up. I am no longer under obligation to continue going and paying for a membership. I can tell them whenever I want to stop taking my money and go on my merry way.
Now, you would think that this would be a no-brainer. Working out and exercising is essential to losing weight. It is an essential step to meeting my goal. However, there is more to this... I've been trying to save money this year for a potential move across the country. If I ditch my membership I will save $51 per month. The drop-in fees at my gym are just unmanageable though- $15 per drop in. That isn't an option for me.
I have a number of things that I can use as an at home gym- elliptical, Wii Fit, Kettlebells, resistance bands, videos, and running outside. I'm just not sure if all that will give me the burn I need to lose the pounds. Or I may feel less motivated to workout if it is all at home exercise. But, lately I have not been feeling the gym either. I'm going about once a week at this point and really feel like I am wasting money.
But, is it wasting my money if it gets me off the couch for one or two workouts a week? That is one or 2 workouts that my body needs. Those couple of hours are helping me get to my healthy self. I suppose I could just go more often to make the $51 a month seem more worthwhile, but lately I have been lacking motivation in the exercise department.
Do any of you ladies have a gym membership? For those of you who do not, what sort of equipment do you have at home to keep you going?
How does everyone stay motivated to keep exercising when you are feeling blah?
The 1 year contract with my gym is up. I am no longer under obligation to continue going and paying for a membership. I can tell them whenever I want to stop taking my money and go on my merry way.
Now, you would think that this would be a no-brainer. Working out and exercising is essential to losing weight. It is an essential step to meeting my goal. However, there is more to this... I've been trying to save money this year for a potential move across the country. If I ditch my membership I will save $51 per month. The drop-in fees at my gym are just unmanageable though- $15 per drop in. That isn't an option for me.
I have a number of things that I can use as an at home gym- elliptical, Wii Fit, Kettlebells, resistance bands, videos, and running outside. I'm just not sure if all that will give me the burn I need to lose the pounds. Or I may feel less motivated to workout if it is all at home exercise. But, lately I have not been feeling the gym either. I'm going about once a week at this point and really feel like I am wasting money.
But, is it wasting my money if it gets me off the couch for one or two workouts a week? That is one or 2 workouts that my body needs. Those couple of hours are helping me get to my healthy self. I suppose I could just go more often to make the $51 a month seem more worthwhile, but lately I have been lacking motivation in the exercise department.
Do any of you ladies have a gym membership? For those of you who do not, what sort of equipment do you have at home to keep you going?
How does everyone stay motivated to keep exercising when you are feeling blah?
Monday, April 4, 2011
Weekly Review
Well, I am late with the review this week. Working late evenings for the next month.
I thought this week went rather well. I'm getting on track and staying on for most days. I'm happy with that.
This week's exercise was decent. I went outside for my first outdoor run! Finally! It was very interesting and a lot harder than running on the treadmill. I think I may try to get outside for runs at least once a week at this point. It is very dirty in my city right now from the sand used on the winter roads and puddles of water all over. It's not fun to dodge all those things in my pretty purple trainers.
A am also happy to report that I used my elliptical this week when I didn't feel like getting to the gym. I headed to the gym only once this week, but it was an awesome workout. I spend an hour and 20 minutes there doing the treadmill, arc trainer, strength, rowing, and some elliptical work.
I improved my mile time while at the gym. I pushed myself and obtained an 11:52 mile. Eight seconds faster than last week. If I can improve my fitness level each week, I will be happy.
As for food, I did good. I tracked everyday and went over my calories only a bit on one day out of 7. The only reason I went over was because I went out to a bar and had 3 light beers which are just over 100 calories each.
I didn't get a chance to make a low cal meal from the cookbooks I checked out this week. Hopefully this coming week.
The W.I. this week was not what I was hoping for, but at least it was a loss.
My goal for April is to be under 200 and stay there. I would like to lose at least a pound a week because that seems to be my limit.
Goals for this week:
1) Keep tracking calories- do not consume all the calories burned in exercise
2) Try a new low cal recipe
3) Workout everyday for at least 30 minutes- gym, outside, video, elliptical, anything active for 30 minutes
I thought this week went rather well. I'm getting on track and staying on for most days. I'm happy with that.
This week's exercise was decent. I went outside for my first outdoor run! Finally! It was very interesting and a lot harder than running on the treadmill. I think I may try to get outside for runs at least once a week at this point. It is very dirty in my city right now from the sand used on the winter roads and puddles of water all over. It's not fun to dodge all those things in my pretty purple trainers.
A am also happy to report that I used my elliptical this week when I didn't feel like getting to the gym. I headed to the gym only once this week, but it was an awesome workout. I spend an hour and 20 minutes there doing the treadmill, arc trainer, strength, rowing, and some elliptical work.
I improved my mile time while at the gym. I pushed myself and obtained an 11:52 mile. Eight seconds faster than last week. If I can improve my fitness level each week, I will be happy.
As for food, I did good. I tracked everyday and went over my calories only a bit on one day out of 7. The only reason I went over was because I went out to a bar and had 3 light beers which are just over 100 calories each.
I didn't get a chance to make a low cal meal from the cookbooks I checked out this week. Hopefully this coming week.
The W.I. this week was not what I was hoping for, but at least it was a loss.
My goal for April is to be under 200 and stay there. I would like to lose at least a pound a week because that seems to be my limit.
Goals for this week:
1) Keep tracking calories- do not consume all the calories burned in exercise
2) Try a new low cal recipe
3) Workout everyday for at least 30 minutes- gym, outside, video, elliptical, anything active for 30 minutes
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Restaurant Review- Kelsey's
A friend asked me out to lunch yesterday and we had to choose between two restaurants- Kelsey's or Montana's. I chose Kelsey's since I had never been there before. I didn't expect much from a chain family restaurant. I expected mediocre food, blend into the background decor, and average service.
When I know the restaurant I am going to for a meal, I always try to look at their website for a menu beforehand so that I can plan a healthy meal for myself and not be tempted by all the burgers and deep fried potatoes that reside in the full-fat kitchen.
Of course, I went to the Kelsey's website to click around and hopefully plan a decent meal for myself. I went straight to the section called Dinner Salads. They have a selection of 4 large salads which are very substantial with grilled chicken, various cheeses, and other add-ons like nuts and seeds. The salads come with pre-decided dressings. I was in the midst of deciding when I spotted something on the left side of my screen- Download Our Menu Nutritional Information. What?!? You have got to be kidding me!
Of course, I took at peek at it! Thinking that maybe they only had a few items listed. But, no. They have their entire menu listed including sauces and optional add-ons. I was VERY IMPRESSED! This really helped me make my decision and helped me steer clear of the burgers and various other goodies they were offering.
Here is the description from the menu:
Mixed greens topped with seasoned grilled chicken, red peppers, grape tomatoes, crumbled Feta cheese, croutons, raisins, mixed seeds and nuts. Served with our spicy Honey Citrus dressing.
Sounds good and it rings in at 550 calories including the dressing. High for a salad, but not for a restaurant salad.
D'oh!
I forgot to ask for the dressing on the side!
It came out and I was not disappointed. Tons of mixed field greens, a small chicken breast (not those crazy over-sized monster chicken breasts), not a mountain of cheese- just a sprinkle, and enough little extras to make me happy. It didn't come with bread- and that is a plus! Because I would be tempted to eat it and that would be an extra 100-200 calories. The dressing- it was barely there. It didn't drench the leaves to sogginess. If anything- I could have used more dressing! There was just enough to make the leaves taste a little spicy with vinegar.
All in all, I was impressed with the overall experience with Kelsey's website and food. As far as I know, including the nutritional info on websites is not common unless they are touting low cal content- like Applebee's. Obviously nutritional information will vary with the people making the food and any modifications that the customer makes, but it gives you a ballpark figure to play with instead of making a wild guess. I hope more popular restaurants follow Kelsey's lead and be upfront about calories and fat content in the food they serve.
Rating:
/ 5
I was not paid for this review. All thoughts and reviews are my own.
When I know the restaurant I am going to for a meal, I always try to look at their website for a menu beforehand so that I can plan a healthy meal for myself and not be tempted by all the burgers and deep fried potatoes that reside in the full-fat kitchen.
Of course, I went to the Kelsey's website to click around and hopefully plan a decent meal for myself. I went straight to the section called Dinner Salads. They have a selection of 4 large salads which are very substantial with grilled chicken, various cheeses, and other add-ons like nuts and seeds. The salads come with pre-decided dressings. I was in the midst of deciding when I spotted something on the left side of my screen- Download Our Menu Nutritional Information. What?!? You have got to be kidding me!
Of course, I took at peek at it! Thinking that maybe they only had a few items listed. But, no. They have their entire menu listed including sauces and optional add-ons. I was VERY IMPRESSED! This really helped me make my decision and helped me steer clear of the burgers and various other goodies they were offering.
I decided on the Chicken Sonoma Valley Salad.
Mixed greens topped with seasoned grilled chicken, red peppers, grape tomatoes, crumbled Feta cheese, croutons, raisins, mixed seeds and nuts. Served with our spicy Honey Citrus dressing.
Sounds good and it rings in at 550 calories including the dressing. High for a salad, but not for a restaurant salad.
D'oh!
I forgot to ask for the dressing on the side!
It came out and I was not disappointed. Tons of mixed field greens, a small chicken breast (not those crazy over-sized monster chicken breasts), not a mountain of cheese- just a sprinkle, and enough little extras to make me happy. It didn't come with bread- and that is a plus! Because I would be tempted to eat it and that would be an extra 100-200 calories. The dressing- it was barely there. It didn't drench the leaves to sogginess. If anything- I could have used more dressing! There was just enough to make the leaves taste a little spicy with vinegar.
All in all, I was impressed with the overall experience with Kelsey's website and food. As far as I know, including the nutritional info on websites is not common unless they are touting low cal content- like Applebee's. Obviously nutritional information will vary with the people making the food and any modifications that the customer makes, but it gives you a ballpark figure to play with instead of making a wild guess. I hope more popular restaurants follow Kelsey's lead and be upfront about calories and fat content in the food they serve.
Rating:
I was not paid for this review. All thoughts and reviews are my own.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Weigh-In #11
Weight: 202.2 lbs
Body Fat %: 40.3
Hydration %: 43.6
Difference: -1.4 from last week
-0% Body Fat from last week
Total: -16.2 lbs
- < 1.2% body fat
Well, I didn't hit my March goal of 199.9 lbs. It is kind of disappointing, but also expected. I lost my focus this month. My workouts were slack or missing. My eating was not good!
Something to be happy about though- this is the lowest weight I remember being in a long time. I usually hit 203 and start to slowly creep back up. I'm excited that I have not yet become bored with this whole lifestyle change yet. If anything, I have a renewed sense of accomplishment and determination.
I'm heading out to lunch with a friend today. We are going to a restaurant called Kelsey's. It is a chain, so that means they have a website, which means I can plan my meal ahead of time. I've decided on a salad with grilled chicken, dressing on the side. It also comes with a lot of high calorie nuts, seeds, and dried fruit- so I may order it without some of those too.
For the weekend, I will leave you with these words. I think they are important to remember in our battle.
Have a wondrous weekend!
Body Fat %: 40.3
Hydration %: 43.6
Difference: -1.4 from last week
-0% Body Fat from last week
Total: -16.2 lbs
- < 1.2% body fat
Well, I didn't hit my March goal of 199.9 lbs. It is kind of disappointing, but also expected. I lost my focus this month. My workouts were slack or missing. My eating was not good!
Something to be happy about though- this is the lowest weight I remember being in a long time. I usually hit 203 and start to slowly creep back up. I'm excited that I have not yet become bored with this whole lifestyle change yet. If anything, I have a renewed sense of accomplishment and determination.
I'm heading out to lunch with a friend today. We are going to a restaurant called Kelsey's. It is a chain, so that means they have a website, which means I can plan my meal ahead of time. I've decided on a salad with grilled chicken, dressing on the side. It also comes with a lot of high calorie nuts, seeds, and dried fruit- so I may order it without some of those too.
For the weekend, I will leave you with these words. I think they are important to remember in our battle.
Have a wondrous weekend!
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