Holiday Fat becomes a New Year of Fit

Okay--I'll admit it. I was a bad girl this holiday break (slap hand)...

Part of the reason was on December 20th I came down with a horrible cold, fever, cough, etc...which had me out of commission most of the break. I could barely breathe without coughing which gave me no motivation to go running...or getting out of bed/off the couch. And although I did not each much the first part of the week I was sick, I paid absolutely no attention to tracking what I was putting in my mouth.

At first that was fine, because again, I wasn't eating much, but as I got better I did not get back into my groove. I got back into the fridge. I may be exaggerating a bit. I wasn't completely out of control. But I really threw it all out the window and in combination with not exercising at all (save one ice skating session and one all night walk through NYC), I was feeling lethargic and sorry for myself most of the two weeks I was home.

Actually, I'm surprised I didn't gain more than 1.2 lbs. But it was a sad sight to see that number bordering so close to my first weigh in on the new program a month ago...199. Ugh.

Side note--for any of you Weight Watchers regulars, beware this next two weeks. I got to the center to find a line wrapped around the entire reception area of people looking to weigh in and register. Ah, January. Surprisingly the gym was pretty empty when I went afterward.

Anyway-Now that I've finally gotten out of the house and am stepping back into a normal routine, I am getting back into gear. Most of that is the fear of preparation for my upcoming training run with Team in Training (TNT). 6 miles!! 6 miles!!! I've never run 6 miles!!! I've barely run 4...so back into training I go...

For my nitty gritty training & workout log, check out my fitness blog: http://livetofittolive.blogspot.com/

I also finally invested in the Nike+ system and got a pair of compatible shoes & the Nike+ Sport package for my iPod. I wanted the bracelet system, but it's more expensive and less available. I have a complicated relationship with my iPod. I love it, but I hate the fact that I don't really have a computer capable of freely using it. So to use the Nike+ system for the iPod is a little frustrating because I don't have iTunes loaded on any of my computers at home or at work other than my old one in storage. Anyway--once I get it up and running it will be a great tool for me to track my progress and push myself to become a better runner. :)

Anyway--even though I didn't have the most productive of holiday breaks, I am looking forward to kicking off 2011 the right way!

Until next time

Mardi Gras & Lent

Oh it's definitely Fat Tuesday. More like lazy Tuesday. Following lazy weekend. Oy. Missed a few days at the gym (my Twitter whine on Saturday ended up getting the best of me-no gym), and I am dragging. Eating wasn't outrageous this weekend, but Evil Nemesis Laziness was definitely doing his dirty deeds with my motivation.

But tomorrow is Ash Wednesday and the Lenten season begins. Now trust me--I am not someone who normally pays any attention to this, but this year I'd like to use it to my advantage. A few others in the blogging world have committed to doing the same. Laurel at Bare it All and LisaMarie, aka The Broad Broad not to mention countless Twitter peeps have posted their Lenten sacrifices, so I-not one to pass up a good bandwagon, will do the same.

Lent to me though is not only about sacrifice, but about looking at your life to improve it. So I'm doing two things--a sacrifice, and a healthy addition. It's a leap of faith to do either of these for me

So for the next 40 days and nights my Mardi Gras Challenge will be as follows:
-Absolutely no food that's not a meal. I was going to make the goal no food after dinner or a particular time, but I have been known not to eat dinner until 9pm on certain nights. And since my goal is to combat my mindless eating habits like sitting in front of the TV with a bag of chips or cookies or something, this would be a good practice to help me plan my meals and stick to them. I can have planned snacks or desserts so I don't feel deprived, and it will force me to plan my meals when I eat out too.
-No elevators. Only excuses for an elevator...carrying something which requires an elevator, no access to stairs, assisting someone who needs to take an elevator.
-(At least) One activity a day. Of course with training I should be running 4-5 days/week, but I do realize that sometimes that won't be possible. But even if it's a short walk or climbing the stairs at work, or pushups, I want to continue to incorporate exercise into my life on a daily basis.

I am also going to start a jar that for each day I successfully complete this, I put money in. (I figure 25 cents each goal, $1 for a complete set) At the end I can use that money to celebrate. I have to figure out logistics on this. I should donate it or invest it, but most likely I will use it to buy an outfit or something. So I could potentially have 40ish dollars to do something fun with (because apparently there are more than 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter).

Anyway--there's the plan. Today however IS Fat Tuesday and I WILL be going out to celebrate. Beads anyone?

Until next time

Laziness WILL be defeated

I dont' know if it's just this week or I'm getting lazy again in general but I can't seem to get myself out of bed for morning workouts anymore. I haven't been at all this week before work.

I did manage to go after work on Tuesday and Wednesday, and I'm planning on the same for tonight, but the workouts also seem harder at the end of the day. I fight with myself to not just go home and veg out.

So what has changed and what can I do to not fall into my usual trap of letting the lazy side of me win?

Well for one, I have my event goals of the 5k (SUNDAY!!) and the 1/2 marathon (21k). That's the number one reason I can't start losing momentum. There's no way I'll make it through 13 miles if I'm not training regularly.

Secondly my accomplishments of getting myself to reach new distances, times, and speeds should be motivation. I was ecstatic that I was able to run the 3 miles last week, and each time I try to step it up a bit-either running outside, or on an incline, or just pushing myself a little extra longer. By the end of the month I want to be able to do 5 miles.

Also, even though I haven't been losing big numbers since I started training, I am definitely seeing a difference in my body in the past month. Seeing the difference and feeling the difference again in my clothes should definitely be huge motivation for me.

And lastly--I don't want to be a quitter. I don't want to let laziness win this time!! I want to for once, accomplish a goal I've set for myself without letting life get in the way.
Laziness--that evil demonic weight loss villain has ruled my life for so long

along with it's sidekicks...
Procrastination and The Excuse


Well, this time, they will not win. Why?

Because I am...

K--I did not choose that name. But I love the costume :)

Okay, that seemed to work. Now I'm pumped and off to the gym!
Have a great weekend and FIGHT EVIL!

Until next time

I'm back...

she said sheepishly.

I haven't been a very good blogger. Nor have I been a very good healther. (Seriously the only the word I can think of at the end of the day).

Happy New Year by the way!

Let me quickly recap the last month. My last post was December 15th after a gain at weigh in. Well that was dumb, letting myself gain after all my goals and progress in getting back on track. And instead of getting back on the wagon, I drove the wagon off a cliff. So after three weeks, too many cupcakes and not remotely enough exercise, I have gained another 4.4 lbs, putting me way back up at 194.6. This week last year I was 196.8. I have managed in one year to lose exactly 2.2 lbs. Pardon my language but WHAT THE DUCK?

Seriously. What the hell happened in the past few months that I completely undid all the hard work I did this year??? Why can't I seem to stick to the plan anymore? Why am I so out of control with food? Why can't I live up to my own goals and expectations?

Well it was an odd year. Literally. I do much better in even numbered years, and 2009 was not my favorite. Sure, lots of great things happened, but there was some definite obstacles, mentally, physically, emotionally etc that I let get in my way.

I am determined that with the fresh year comes a fresh start and a fresh state of mind. I start this year over, not looking back except to learn from my mistakes. I start this year focused. With a plan, and the will to stick to it.

I spent my winter break inside. With food. I even made food in order to binge on it (cupcakes are my new enemy). What's worse was as I sat there, in front of my computer, listlessly watching movies and entire TV series, with my only exercise being trips to the fridge or the bathroom, all I did was feel sorry for myself. Good grief, I didn't even read any blogs as I avoided the reality of what I was doing to myself. All I did was remorse that I was allowing myself to revert to all my bad habits I'd lived with until I joined Weight Watchers. But I did nothing. I let it get worse. And now I'm starting from scratch.

Starting from scratch is fine though. I'm okay with that. It means leaving behind an old frame of mind to move forward. Learn from the past and emerging stronger.

I'm back, and watch out world, I'll be better than ever. This year, 2010, WILL be the year I take charge of my life.

Now I'm going to catch up on your blogs :)

Stay strong my friends.

Until next time

Results, recap & confession.

Let's start with the confession first. I honestly wasn't going to blog about this week's results. I thought about skipping it, using the "oh gosh it's been so busy" excuse...Or I thought maybe I'll just skim over it & post a blog about some other weight loss topic.

But seriously--what good is that going to do me?

So here it is, my results: I gained this week. I have no one to blame but myself of course. I gained 2lbs. Most of that was from the weekend. All week I did well with eating, but I didn't get in too much exercise & when it came to the weekend, I did not hold back much. So my goal of "not gaining in December"...FAIL. But I'm not losing hope. Motivation is a different story...

Recap:
Food goals: Increase water intake. Stay within daily points 3/7 days. Limit night time snacking to one (portion controlled) item. Keep meeting healthy guidelines. Plan meals, bring from home. Track 5 days.
Results: Water was o-kay. Stayed within points 2 days and only .5 over on a 3rd day. The nighttime snacking thing was fine after Monday...that is until the weekend hit. I underestimated points values and definitely overindulged in snacks instead of having real meals. Bringing meals from home was o-kay until the end of the week as I began to run out of food. I did have a great shrimp & orzo dinner one night. Saturday night I ate beforehand and was able to resist getting food at the restaurant I went to. I stuck to basic drinks (vodka tonic).
Exercise goals: Kicked ass last week--keep it up. At least 30 minutes moderate activity each day, 14 APs. Ice skating this weekend.
Results: Did not kick ass this week. Only had three days of activity and those were not as focused as they should have been. Did not get up early to work out at any point. Allowed evening plans to get in way of workouts at night. No ice skating.

Moral...I do not follow directions very well.
Lesson...I need to find some way of keeping myself on track when the going gets tough or when I get lazy. What's it gonna take? What's gonna be my wake up call?

I don't really know the answers, but if I"m gonna make it to goal, I need to figure these things out. This week's goals to come.

Until next time

Choose wisely & reap the rewards

Last night I was watching the Biggest Loser and at the end when I was watching the transformation "after" of the contestant who got kicked off, something struck a chord with me. In a motivational speech she was giving, she said "You can choose differently." In our darkest hours, you have control over your life and it's the choices that you make that affect the outcome. You can choose differently.

Now this is neither my darkest hour nor is it anything remotely close to the circumstances she was referring to, but it is applicable.

Our choices shape our lives. They shape the outcome. They shape our energy and our relationships and our day to day events.

Lately my choices have been dismal. My eating choices, my lack of inactivity choices. They are thoughtless choices, but choices nonetheless. Returning to old habits out of laziness and not thinking how the food I'm eating or buying will affect me are all choices I've been making lately and then regretting. I've had ample opportunity to start making good choices but have continued this route of bad decisions, while making every excuse in the book as to why I'm making these choices. And the lack of inactivity has been a big drawback as well. Usually if I'm active, I tend to think twice about what I'm eating, knowing that I'm putting hard work into my exercise and I don't want to waste the effort. And I keep whining about it--without doing anything about it.

I have disappointed myself. I have hidden in denial from the truth. I have only blogged sparingly knowing how pitiful these choices and excuses seem. Yet I have not chosen to do anything differently.

Today I am revisiting my goals and motivation asking myself what's in it for me.

What do I want?

• To get back on track
• To get to my goal weight
• To feel healthy again
• To feel motivated again
• To feel fit again
• To hit those Feats of Strength with a smile of accomplishment
  
• To incorporate healthy living into all aspects of my life
• To stop making excuses!

Why do I want this?

• Because I'm turning 30 in 7 months and I want to start the next decade of my life healthy.
• Because I want to wear those skinny jeans and look GOOD in them
• Because I want to wear a bikini on the beach
• Because I want to achieve those fitness goals and keep striving for more
  
• Because I want to not have to think about weight for ONCE in my life!

When do I want this?

• By the end of the year I want to hit my goal of 165
• Six weeks of maintenance = Valentine's Day (mid Feb)
• By April 21 (2 year WW anniversary) I want to have maintained my weight and be comfortable in my body, my habits, and my life.

How will I do this?

• Making the right decisions starting today
• Tracking & being aware of food point values
• Committing to exercise
• Leaving behind old habits & developing new healthy habits
• Stop making excuses

I need to hold myself accountable. I need to stop being lazy. I need to change my life. It's not going to be easy, but I need to do this for me. I will do this for me.

I'm starting this by weighing in tonight. Yes, I skipped Monday's weigh in. Shamefully so. There was no reason for me to stay home, but I did because for the first time I was afraid of what the scale was going to say. I don't know why, I've had plenty of gains in the past. I've gone into the meeting knowing I was going to gain and still weighed in. But this week I was a coward.

I'm going tonight.

It's not about baby steps. It's about one steady step at the time. I'm not putting my foot down unless I know where it's going to land and that where I put it is the right place.

This is it. This is my choice.

And I choose to take action.

So bear with me as I regain my footing in this journey, accept my faults, and move past these missteps towards a better version of me.

Now the work begins.
Until next time.

Confession

I didn't run last night. I didn't walk. Even though it was gorgeous out & I got home early.

I ate. Useless stuff too.

I watched lots of TV. And then I went to bed.

I was just tired. And lazy.

But tonight I'm going running. And the rest of the week will be productive. I needed last night.

Thanks for all the responses yesterday for my milestone! It does feel great. Which is why even after last night I'm ready & raring to go!

Until next time

Too damn hot

I love the summer. I hate the heat. Heat like this should be outlawed. I don't want to do anything in this heat & it puts a damper on any motivation to do anything healthy like be outside walking or go food shopping which I desperately need to do. Haven't ridden the bike yet. And with no healthy fruits or veggies in my fridge, my week & weekend were simply sad. Not that I had any major binges, but I ordered out both days and got a very large unhealthy slice of pizza on Saturday (10.5 pts), and a lovely order of Sesame Chicken on Sunday (about 14 pts for the chicken alone). And I barely had any fruits or veggies.

I'm not expecting today's weigh-in to be good. This week although wasn't bad on points was not good on exercise as I had previously mentioned. I got minimal amounts in. Nothing like it had been in previous weeks. Part of it was the weather and part of it was laziness. I don't know if I'll gain anything (though I've been feeling grossly large lately), but I am not expecting a drop either. I'll be happy with any fraction of a lb loss really.

So we'll see what happens, but I'm not discouraged. Just gotta hop back in the saddle. And go food shopping. And start walking again. And...stick with the program!!!

Until next time