Week 7 Results!

Sorry this is later than normal today. My parents are here right now, so this really will be short this week. Good job everyone!

This week's top spot goes to me --

1. Jenn           -1.44%
2. Mary          -1.24%
3. Tiffany        -1.09%
4. Jenny          -1.04%
5. Andy          -0.81%
6. Melyssa      -0.74%
7. Ann            -0.54%
8. Alicia           0.0
9. Aaron          +1.07%


And overall results --


1. Jenn          -9.51%
2. Jenny         -7.66%
3. Andy         -7.45%
4. Tiffany       -7.16%
5. Melyssa     -5.72%
6. Ann           -5.66%
7. Aaron        -5.52%
8. Mary         -4.9%   
9. Alicia         +1.82%

Working in more veggies

I was telling my sister last week that I don't feel like I eat enough vegetables. With all of the delicious fruits available right now, that is ALL I want to eat! In that show Hungry for Change that I've mentioned before, one of the guys interviewed talks about how we need to eat more fruit and veggies, but then he says, "Actually, we need more veggies and fruit." -- because of all the great health benefits of veggies. That has stuck with me, because I definitely eat more fruit.

Anyway, my sister has just recently cut way back on her meat intake (to almost nothing), and she suggested I try this veggie sandwich that she makes for her family. Great Harvest whole wheat bread with hummus, pepper jack cheese, red bell peppers, red onions, cucumbers, tomatoes, sprouts, and spinach. I had this for lunch today, and I was FULL -- for a long time. I didn't eat dinner until past 7pm because I just wasn't hungry. Plus, this deliciousness has like 15 grams of protein! If you don't like the veggies shown, try some of your favorites instead -- just pile it high!

How do you work in veggies into your diet? What are some of your favorite ways to eat them?

My "Secret"

Ann asked in a comment on the last post what I think the secret has been to my success, so I thought I'd post about it. There are several things that have contributed to my success -- not just one all-encompassing secret -- and the combination of all of them has made the difference for me. This is the experience that I've had -- it's a completely personal one, and in no way am I saying everyone should do what I've done because it's the only way to lose weight. Find out what works for you! I just thought I'd share in case it helps anyone. I would love for others to post about this, too, and describe why they've had the success they've had.

I've mentioned here before that I lost weight a few years ago with some success. I lost about 30 lbs, but it took about 7 months or longer (if I remember right). I did that by eating less of the same foods and adding in daily exercise.

Here's what I've done differently this time around (not in any order of importance): 

• I've cut calories to 1200 a day. When I've told people that they act like I'm starving myself, but I promise you I'm not. At first it was hard to adjust to that number, but it didn't take long before that was satisfying. And now, I have a hard time envisioning myself eating more than that when I'm ready to maintain. I wanted to see the weight come off faster, and I believe this helped significantly.

• I think now in terms of "healthy" and not "skinny." My husband has tried to tell me this for years. Whenever I'd start to complain about my weight and how unhappy I was about how heavy I was and how I was once again (!!) determined to get thin, he would always say, "Forget about being skinny. Focus on being healthy." But, I'm not kidding, no matter how many times I heard him say this to me, I'd be thinking, "Yeah, okay. That's really just husband-speak for 'I can't wait for you to get skinny again'." But NOW I get it. He was right!

I had a heart scare when I first began this weight loss journey -- tightness in my chest, heart palpitations, etc. It freaked me out!! For the FIRST time, I realized that what I was eating wasn't just making me fat and miserable, it was making me sick. I was only 32, and suddenly I was worried if exercising was going to give me a heart attack. I had never worried about that before. At that point, I began to research foods that would be good for my heart and health -- something I really didn't think much about before. I started adding those to my diet. I continued to exercise. And I haven't had any more heart worries since that time. It was almost like it was just meant as a wake up call. It definitely did the trick!

I believe putting the focus on health rather than weight is essential to not just losing the weight, but keeping it off -- which I am determined to do. It will also help you feel happy even during weeks when the weight doesn't come off as quickly.

I have had acne problems almost my entire life, but my skin is by far the best right now that it has been in years. I've heard people say that diet doesn't actually effect your skin -- yeah right! That has been added motivation for me to get the right foods in my body every day.

• Limited or no sugar. I don't mean just no candy bars. I mean that and all of the processed junk that comes loaded with high fructose corn syrup or other addictive crap in it.

• Dedication and consistency. My dedication level is much deeper than it was a few years ago (mostly because of the health aspect). We went out to dinner with some friends a couple months ago, and Andrew ordered ice cream for dessert. He was sharing with the kids and telling me how amazing it was and wouldn't I like to try just a bite? I just shook my head. His friend looked at me, somewhat bewildered. Andrew turned to his friend and said, "And that's how you lose 25 lbs." His friend raised his eyebrows and nodded. "Ahh, so that's how it works."

I've gone to church functions that were chocolate night or ice cream night, I've gone out with family to ice cream shops or pizza places, and I'm always the only one not eating. At first I felt weird and out of place, and I felt like people thought I was self-righteous or something for not eating the chocolate or whatever. But it was all in my head. I have a very real addiction to sugar. When I have sugar, I want more. When I want more, I have more. And then I feel sick and depressed. So, for me, it made more sense to cut out the depression, the fat, and the acne all at the same time. And to be honest, it is not even tempting anymore, because I feel so much better and happier now. Last time around, I would have cake when it was offered and brownies if it was there, and the weight just didn't come off as quickly as I wanted. And because it was never all the way gone from my system (was still eating processed foods loaded with sweeteners), I always craved it, and I would still feel deprived if others had it and I didn't. I don't feel that way at all now.

• I am also very consistent with my workouts. I exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, every day -- except Sunday. I've found that, while it takes time I sometimes feel like I don't have, my energy level is much higher, and I am actually more productive throughout the day.

43.8 lbs down to date. 9 inches off my waist and 7 inches from my hips.
Started this journey March 1, 2012


(Now, clearly the Oct. 2011 pic is not a flattering one, and I was wearing more than one layer...but I couldn't find a recent picture that really showed much of me. I don't have very many pictures of myself!)

I am currently about four pounds away from what my dream goal was when I started. I don't really know why it's continued to come off steadily -- everyone says it should go slower when you have less to lose (I have actually lost less than normal these past 2 weeks...). I've just stuck with the same plan the whole time, and it's worked for me. Now that I've made it this far, I realize I would like to lose even more (going for 10 more). I'm not going for super skinny -- I just want to be super fit! I've never had a six pack in my life, and I still can't imagine having one -- but wouldn't that be fun? Why not go for it? :)

Week 6 weigh-in results!

All right, the results are in for week 6! We improved this week and saw some better weight loss than the past couple weeks. We lost 11.5 lbs as a group, and we've lost 85.8 lbs since we started!

The first few spots were close, but this week's top spot goes to Aaron! Great job!

1. Aaron     -1.69%
2. Jenny      -1.37%
3. Ann        -1.34%
4. Andy      -1.31%
5. Jenn        -1.14%
6. Melyssa  -0.49%
7. Mary      -0.23%
8. Tiffany     0.0  (out of town)
9. Alicia      +1.82%

Overall results -- I'm still in first, but Jenny and Andy are tied for #2! Way to go, ladies!

1. Jenn        -8.19%
2. Jenny       -6.69%
    Andy       -6.69%
4. Aaron      -6.53%
5. Tiffany     -6.14%
6. Ann         -5.14%
7. Melyssa   -5.02%
8. Mary       -3.7%
9. Alicia      +1.82%

(By the way, the percentages for overall weight loss last week and some earlier weeks were slightly off, though not enough to change rankings significantly. The ones posted today are correct. Sorry for the confusion. I have a better way to do it now. Sorry!)


Hope you all have a great, healthy week!! Hope you'll keep sharing your thoughts/questions/concerns on the blog. I love to hear how you are all doing!

Periods

I apologize to our one male participant! This post only applies to the women here. Is anyone else RAVENOUS during or around the start of their period? It happens every time to me. I want to eat everything in sight. Not junk, necessarily, just FOOD! I'm calorie counting and normally if I stick to my daily goal, I'm fine. But, when I'm starting my period, I feel like I'm starving! A month ago, I failed during that week and ate way too many calories. This time around, I'm doing the same thing. Anyone have any great ideas for fighting the hunger? I'm hoping to do better when I have my period next month. And, at least for today, I'm trying to drink more. Hopefully that helps!

Week 5 Weigh-in Results

Okay, this will be quick today. I took Andrew to the airport way earlier than I am used to being awake, and I am too tired for much writing right now. Hopefully I'll have the energy to workout by tonight...hmmm.

We improved from last week, losing 9.6 lbs as a group. That brings our total weight loss to 74.3!

So here are this week's results!

Congrats to Melyssa for coming in first this week!

1. Melyssa               -1.45%
2. Tiffany                   -1.38%
3. Jenn                      -0.99%
4. Aaron                   -0.73%
5. Jenny                    -0.68%
6. Ann                      -0.53
7. Andy                    -0.15%
8. Alicia                     0.0
9. Mary                     0.0   (out of town)


And overall results --

1. Jenn                     -7.01%
2. Tiffany                  -6.21%
3. Andy                    -5.48%  (tied for third)
    Jenny                    -5.48%  (tied for third)
5. Aaron                   -4.96%
6. Melyssa                -4.6%
7. Ann                      -3.81%
8. Mary                    -3.48%
9. Alicia                     0.0%  



THIS WEEK --

Just remember that your mind is in control of your body. Put your body in its place! :) Treat it right with nutrients, rest, water, and exercise, and you will feel and see a difference.

This is the best picture I could find today, okay? I'm tired! :)

I used to feel SO out of control with my body. I'd find myself alone in a gas station parking lot scarfing down a chocolate bar I had just bought after the kids went to bed because I NEEDED it. I would feel better afterwards -- for a few seconds anyway. That lack of control permeated every layer of my life! -- My emotions were all over the map: anger, depression, anxiety, FEAR etc, etc. I can't control the people or most of the things that just happen in life, but I decided that I will do my best to control myself -- in every way that a person can. And what I put into my body was the perfect place to start.

Get control of your body, fuel it with what it actually needs, feel better permanently, and you will have a new level of confidence you may never have experienced before.

Well, this wasn't as short a post as I had planned. Anyway, good luck! I'm rooting for all of you!

My negative thought for the day. ;)

So, if I'm being honest, I don't like weekly weigh-ins. They remind me how bad I'm doing. Maybe one of these Fridays my poor numbers will be the catalyst for a successful subsequent week. Sigh.

A cherry smoothie to keep!

After trying several "pretty good" cherry smoothies, I finally found one that is REALLY good. I used frozen cherries and a frozen banana for a thicker, more ice cream like smoothie. YUM.

The Banana Berry Cherry Smoothie

This one is going into my meal rotation for sure!

Self sabotage

So, I can start a diet great and be all gung ho, but eventually, I fall into a category that I call self sabotage. It typically starts with a bad weight, or a disappointing loss. Then, although I tell myself that I'm still all for it, a part of me begins to fall apart. I'll start eating things that are not healthy, in much larger quantities than I should, and then be mad and grumpy with everyone because I hate what I'm doing to myself. And while I know it's wrong, and can say I'm going to quit it, it's like this huge rut and the sides are so high that I can't seem to get out. so, I found myself in that place last weekend. It's frustrating and angering, because I don't know how to keep myself from going to that place. On Sunday, after two days of feeling like this and hating myself (I can't ever decide if I want to scream or break down and cry), I found myself sitting in church only casually listening to the speakers. My daughter was playing on my phone and I'll admit that I was paying more attention to her... She was scrolling through my pictures and all of a sudden, came across the picture of the scale from when we first started our venture. I realized that I didn't want to go back to that place. I'm not that far from it, but just don't want to go back. And all of a sudden, I realized that I have the power. Monday morning, I began a new step to my workouts, to change up my routine, and I'm hoping that it will help me focus. I don't expect to lose this week, since I have to pay for my "costly weekend". But I am better than I give myself credit for and I just have to remind myself of that daily.

Avacado bean salad

Here is one of our favorite recipes!  It is good with tortilla chips, but we've been using it lately as a taco salad topping and it is great.  You can also eat it just as is and it's yummy!  It does make a lot so if only one or two of you are eating it then I suggest you half the recipe (or make a batch without the avacadoes and only add them in as you eat your portion). I also don't put in as much seasoning as the recipe directs.  I usually just make up the dressing and put in 1/2 or 3/4 of it.  It gets a little soupy otherwise.  You can substitute Italian dressing from a bottle if you want.

AVACADO BEAN SALAD

1 Can black beans (rinsed & drained)

1 can black-eyed peas (rinsed & drained)

1 can sweet corn (rinsed & drained)

3 or more tomatoes chopped

2-4 avacadoes chopped

1 small bunch fresh cilantro chopped, if desired

Good Seasons dry Italian mix (2 packets); sold by the salad dressing bottles.

Mix all produce ingredients together.  Prepare one Italian mix according to directions on the back.  Add partial or full second package for seasoning.  Pour over the chopped ingredients.  Serve as salad or with chips.  Can serve sour cream & salsa on the side.

Week 4 weigh-in results

Well, this wasn't everyone's best week so far...we only lost 6 pounds as a group, which brings our total weight loss up to 64.7 lbs since we started.

But no matter what your weight loss experience was like this week, do NOT get down on yourself! Sometimes seeing a small weight loss or even a weight gain one week is enough to get you moving again the next week. Refocus, go back to your plan if you got away from it, try something different if what you are doing isn't getting results, but don't give up!!

I had a slightly higher weight loss than normal, which gave me the top spot this week for the first time (yay!), and I've moved into first overall. Who's coming for me next week?? ;)

Just remember, we still have 7 weeks to go! We're not even half way through. Our overall percentages are so close, it is anyone's game.

This week  --

1. Jenn        -1.93%
2. Jenny       -1.67%
3. Aaron      -0.52%
4. Andy       -0.29%
5. Tiffany     -0.15%
6. Mary       -0.11%
7. Alicia        0.0%
8. Melyssa    0.0% (out of town)
9. Ann         +1.08%


Overall --

1. Jenn         -6.02%
2. Andy        -5.33%
3. Tiffany      -4.83%
4. Jenny        -4.80%
5. Aaron       -4.23%
6. Mary        -3.48%
7. Ann          -3.28%
8. Melyssa    -3.15%
9. Alicia          0.0%

So if you had a bad week, dust yourself off and get ready for the next 7 days! They can be as good as you want them to be! Good luck! 

"Pretty in Pink" Smoothie -- Yes, please!!

(Photo credit: Angela Liddon)

I LOVE smoothies (I've only started making them regularly the last few months since I started my weight loss journey), and I have been trying lots of different kinds lately. I recently got a bunch of cherries from a neighbor's cherry tree (I didn't steal them, I swear!), and I tried a few different cherry smoothies (haven't quite found a keeper yet, though). Summer is the best time!! I love all the fresh yummy fruits available.

Anyway, this smoothie combined 3 of my favorite fruits and ones that people are likely to have around during the summer (no cherries in this one, actually -- unless you put it on the glass like the picture shows...). This was super easy, refreshing, and tasty. I got it from the Oh She Glows blog, which has yummy, healthy (vegan) recipes.


Pretty in Pink


Ingredients:
3 cups watermelon, seeded and chopped into large chunks
1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
1 large peeled, frozen banana
Directions:
Add all ingredients into blender and blend until smooth.
Yield: 3 cups


Anyway, here is the link to the actual recipe with commentary --  Pretty in Pink -- There's another smoothie recipe on that same page that I'm going to try this week. It has basil in it! I can't help but be curious how that one tastes. I'll let you know how it turns out.


Enjoy!

Help!

Happy Fourth of July everyone! I'm on vacation right now and I was doing perrrrfectly with my diet & exercise, but the longer I'm away from home, the harder it's getting to stay focused. I've made some poor food choices yesterday & today. This is bad!!! I need a kick in the pants from all of you! Remind me why I'm here! Sigh. Thanks.