Hi there, did you miss me. I know I've been a bit MIA the past few months and I apologize. I need to get back to the swing of blogging, but just haven't found the energy nor the mind-blowing posts in order to do so.
That's about to change because I've decided to challenge myself monetarily. In this economy everyone needs to to try to save as much of the green as possible. I've been pretty good about managing my money, however; these past few months I've been spending it like it were growing on trees. That is about to stop.
I am challenging myself to a grocery budget of $25/week. Can I do it? I hope so. I will be shopping around for the best deals, finding coupons and basically just buying only what is needed for the week. Since it is just me I am responsible for, it shouldn't be too difficult, right? I hope not.
I've never been good at coupons. I am definitely not an extreme coupon-er. Nor do I ever want to be. Why would anyone want 100 bottles of spaghetti sauce? It's beyond me. In my opinion extreme coupon-ing (while impressive) can actually be pretty wasteful. Certain things have an expiration date and I'm pretty sure if you have 150 cans of soup, chances are 2/3 of those cans are going to expire before you've had a change to use them.
I will use some of their techniques in my plight for cheap eats, but will not set up stock piles in my living room.
I go shopping today, stay tuned to see how I did.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Dear Self:
Dear Self:
Quit sabotaging your progress. You've been the same weight since October and although a few weeks or even a month of a plateau is perfectly acceptable, 8 months is not. You have great ideas - like cutting out carbs, but come on, get serious.... you might be able to say no to that slice of bread today, but tomorrow - that's all you're going to think about until you cave in. And then once you cave in, it's a snowball effect and you'll want another piece, or a cookie, or a chocolate brownie, or all 3, at one time.
I'm so proud of you for running two 5k's so far, and actually waking up at 5:30a.m. to run 2 miles as often as you've been. But running alone isn't going to help you achieve your goal. Remember, diets don't work, you have to change the way you view food. You know the secrets and you know exactly what to do, you just have to put forth the effort and do it. No one said it was easy.
You did so well last year. You were unstoppable and managed to lose 50 pounds. Don't stop now. Keep going. Get back on track and succeed. You can do it. Remember what dad always says, "You can do anything you set your mind to do" You just have to believe he's right.
I have faith in you, have faith in yourself too.
Sincerely,
Me
Quit sabotaging your progress. You've been the same weight since October and although a few weeks or even a month of a plateau is perfectly acceptable, 8 months is not. You have great ideas - like cutting out carbs, but come on, get serious.... you might be able to say no to that slice of bread today, but tomorrow - that's all you're going to think about until you cave in. And then once you cave in, it's a snowball effect and you'll want another piece, or a cookie, or a chocolate brownie, or all 3, at one time.
I'm so proud of you for running two 5k's so far, and actually waking up at 5:30a.m. to run 2 miles as often as you've been. But running alone isn't going to help you achieve your goal. Remember, diets don't work, you have to change the way you view food. You know the secrets and you know exactly what to do, you just have to put forth the effort and do it. No one said it was easy.
You did so well last year. You were unstoppable and managed to lose 50 pounds. Don't stop now. Keep going. Get back on track and succeed. You can do it. Remember what dad always says, "You can do anything you set your mind to do" You just have to believe he's right.
I have faith in you, have faith in yourself too.
Sincerely,
Me
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Goodbye Carbs....
Yesterday I began a 30 day kick start to get me out of the rut and back on the wagon. I was doing so well with Weight Watchers up until they decided to completely change their points system. At the point, I lost complete interest, stopped tracking my points and kept yo-yoing back and forth 5 pounds since October 2010. If I would have kept with the program completely and honestly I would probably have met my goal by now, or at least be a heck of a lot closer than I am right at this moment. I decided something had to give. I could go back and learn Weight Watchers all over again – afterall I am still paying for it –
However, I need something in addition to Weight Watchers in order to push me out of the rut and get me back on the losing streak. That’s when it hit me. My boss lost a bunch of weight in a short amount of time by cutting out whites. She cut back on carbohydrates, ate more protein and fiber and it was like the pounds literally just melted right off. She gave me a plan – no dairy and only 35 grams of net carbs (you take the total carbs and subtract the fiber to get the net). Sounds doable right?
But… Did you know that an apple has 15 grams of net carbs? Just 1 tiny little apple… and almost ½ your net carbs are done for the day. This will be difficult. I’m sure my body will go into shock. I imagine those cartoons where a character is famished and they look over a tree or something else and see a complete smorgasbord of yummy goodness… There might be times when I will look at something and see mouth watering buttery biscuits, French fries, rice, waffles and pancakes. I keep telling myself it’s only 30 days. I can do it because my dad has always told me I can do anything I set my mind to do…
So I woke up yesterday (Monday) morning excited to start my 30 day kick start and what happens? Well one of my coworkers decides now would be a good time to bring in this amazingly delicious almond toffee that we only get once a year. I mean this stuff is absolutely divine and seriously addicting. But, I was so proud of myself because I did not even have a sliver of it. I know it will be around for the rest of the week, but hopefully I can continue the will-power. Also, last night I went to Kiku’s (an hibachi style restaurant) with my roommate and her parents. My plan was to only get the meat and vegetables and no rice or noodles – and surprisingly enough I DID IT and did not even miss the carbs.
But why is it when you start a new “diet” (I hate that word by the way) there is always tons of temptation lying around? I just don’t get it. It’s like the Universe is just trying to sabotage my progress….
On a side note – I woke up the past 2 mornings at 5:30a.m. to run....
Saturday, April 2, 2011
#58: Do a 5K
About 2 months ago I started running. I started at a mile. My goal at first was to complete a mile without stopping. I did it the first time. I did it again the second and third time. The fourth time I decided to go for a 1.33 miles. I did it and then the next time said, how about 1.5 miles. Done. NO problem.
Then about a month ago, my roommate tells me about this inaugural 5k downtown. I think oh we will definitely be ready for it in a month - lets do it. So we sign up. We continue running regularly 1.5 miles, then we bump it to 2miles. Never running over 2miles.
I decided to drive the course one day after work and well, umm since when was FL hilly? This course is nothing put uphill, downhill, uphill, downhill. We've only ever ran on flat ground. Not even a gradual incline. Now I'm starting to freak out. Will I be able to do this?
My roommate and I decided we better at least walk the course once before the race, just so we are semi-used to the hills. Then it starts to rain, and rain, and rain, and rain. Our plans of walking the course before the race were crushed. I was kind of freaking out.
But... we had a plan of attack. We'd stay with each other - we'd encourage each other to push it and if we needed a break to walk, we'd break to walk. This was just our first race - we were just getting our base number our goal to beat next time. And there will be a next time.
Last night we went and picked up our bib number, t'shirts and random other items. Since we had never ran in a 5k before, I went online and researched proper etiquette (yes I'm that girl). I found that you shouldn't wear the race t'shirt the day of the race or you look like a rookie. You should stay towards the back if you don't know your pace so you aren't in the way of the faster runners, and I also learned how to properly take water from a volunteer (though I didn't practice it today).
We woke up bright and early this morning and set out for the race. We warmed up by running up the first hill - but the time we reached the top I was done, so we changed our focus and decided to walk the first hill, run, walk the second hill and then run as much as we could the rest of the time. My goal was to just run across the finish line no matter how long it took me to get there.
All in all the experience was amazing. I ran in my first 5k. There is no stopping me now -I'm a runner. This time last year I couldn't say that. I am so proud of myself for even trying. I look forward to the next 5k (which just so happens to be next month) Time to beat 42.44. Wish me luck!
Then about a month ago, my roommate tells me about this inaugural 5k downtown. I think oh we will definitely be ready for it in a month - lets do it. So we sign up. We continue running regularly 1.5 miles, then we bump it to 2miles. Never running over 2miles.
I decided to drive the course one day after work and well, umm since when was FL hilly? This course is nothing put uphill, downhill, uphill, downhill. We've only ever ran on flat ground. Not even a gradual incline. Now I'm starting to freak out. Will I be able to do this?
My roommate and I decided we better at least walk the course once before the race, just so we are semi-used to the hills. Then it starts to rain, and rain, and rain, and rain. Our plans of walking the course before the race were crushed. I was kind of freaking out.
But... we had a plan of attack. We'd stay with each other - we'd encourage each other to push it and if we needed a break to walk, we'd break to walk. This was just our first race - we were just getting our base number our goal to beat next time. And there will be a next time.
Last night we went and picked up our bib number, t'shirts and random other items. Since we had never ran in a 5k before, I went online and researched proper etiquette (yes I'm that girl). I found that you shouldn't wear the race t'shirt the day of the race or you look like a rookie. You should stay towards the back if you don't know your pace so you aren't in the way of the faster runners, and I also learned how to properly take water from a volunteer (though I didn't practice it today).
We woke up bright and early this morning and set out for the race. We warmed up by running up the first hill - but the time we reached the top I was done, so we changed our focus and decided to walk the first hill, run, walk the second hill and then run as much as we could the rest of the time. My goal was to just run across the finish line no matter how long it took me to get there.
All in all the experience was amazing. I ran in my first 5k. There is no stopping me now -I'm a runner. This time last year I couldn't say that. I am so proud of myself for even trying. I look forward to the next 5k (which just so happens to be next month) Time to beat 42.44. Wish me luck!
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Epcot Comparatives
Now that my roommate and I have rekindled our love for all things Disney we decided now was a good time to go back and recreate some photos we took almost 4 years ago when we were much (read: MUCH) heavier.
Today we went to Epcot and let me just say, "WOW" I"m only going to post the photos of me as my roommate said she wants to blog about her own progress thus far. So if you want to see how much she's changed and believe me she's a completely different person, keep checking her blog for the post.
Now on to the good stuff:
I love looking back on these photos and seeing how much I've changed in almost 4 years. It makes me proud of the accomplishment. I will recreate these same photos again in a year as I continue to go full-speed ahead on the weight loss journey.
I am excited to see what the future holds!
Today we went to Epcot and let me just say, "WOW" I"m only going to post the photos of me as my roommate said she wants to blog about her own progress thus far. So if you want to see how much she's changed and believe me she's a completely different person, keep checking her blog for the post.
Now on to the good stuff:
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| I can't believe I am actually posting this photo! Wow! This was taking in October 2007..... |
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| WOW! Talk about MOTIVATION!!! Wow! I am in shock and so proud of myself.... This was taken today..... |
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| To think, I thought this photo was cute back in 2007. It was my profile photo on facebook for awhile even... wow! |
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| I think I look taller..... |
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| I also thought this photo was cute back in the day.... |
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| WOW! |
I love looking back on these photos and seeing how much I've changed in almost 4 years. It makes me proud of the accomplishment. I will recreate these same photos again in a year as I continue to go full-speed ahead on the weight loss journey.
I am excited to see what the future holds!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Exciting moment
I haven't been shopping in a long time. I'm in the process of losing weight so, I'm wearing clothes until they literally fall right off of me. My roommate is about a size smaller and also losing, so when she drops to the next size, she gives me her hand-me-downs. It's been a blessing for a gal on a small budget.
Anyway, enough about that - I got my tax refund money and it was seriously burning a hole in my bank account. I knew that I really needed to get some shirts and pants that fit and my roommate isn't quite ready to part with some of her awesome outfits just yet, so I decided to take a few bucks from the tax refund and go shopping.
This time last year I was wearing a 1X (almost 2X) in plus sized shirts at Kohl s. I went to Kohl s Wednesday night after church and decided to buy just 1 shirt - more of a spring/summer shirt and maybe a pair of black pants and jeans. I went to the plus sized section, because in some ways I still feel large-r. All of those clothes were WAY too big. I went to the normal people section and tried on a few XL's - still too big. At this point I'm thinking, surely I'm not a L in normal people clothes yet....but I decided to try on a shirt anyway... and viola a shirt that FITS.... a LARGE in normal people clothes - not big people clothes. a LARGE!! not an Extra Large, but a LARGE! I was shocked - I actually have a waste now... it was an eye opening experience. I can't even begin to describe it!
Now I just need to find a pair of black pants that fit... these are kinda big....
I still have a long way to go before I am where I want to be, but I'm no longer embarrassed about going shopping - I can actually wear clothes that normal people wear! This is a big step for me because I have been plus-sized for so long....
Part of me wishes I kept my big clothes for a comparison photo at the end when I reach my goal, but at the time I was so ready to get rid of any indication that was enormous that I just donated them all. I think I will keep a few of the outfits I have now and store them in the back of my closet so when the time comes I have a little bit of a reference point....
Anyway, enough about that - I got my tax refund money and it was seriously burning a hole in my bank account. I knew that I really needed to get some shirts and pants that fit and my roommate isn't quite ready to part with some of her awesome outfits just yet, so I decided to take a few bucks from the tax refund and go shopping.
This time last year I was wearing a 1X (almost 2X) in plus sized shirts at Kohl s. I went to Kohl s Wednesday night after church and decided to buy just 1 shirt - more of a spring/summer shirt and maybe a pair of black pants and jeans. I went to the plus sized section, because in some ways I still feel large-r. All of those clothes were WAY too big. I went to the normal people section and tried on a few XL's - still too big. At this point I'm thinking, surely I'm not a L in normal people clothes yet....but I decided to try on a shirt anyway... and viola a shirt that FITS.... a LARGE in normal people clothes - not big people clothes. a LARGE!! not an Extra Large, but a LARGE! I was shocked - I actually have a waste now... it was an eye opening experience. I can't even begin to describe it!
Now I just need to find a pair of black pants that fit... these are kinda big....
I still have a long way to go before I am where I want to be, but I'm no longer embarrassed about going shopping - I can actually wear clothes that normal people wear! This is a big step for me because I have been plus-sized for so long....
Part of me wishes I kept my big clothes for a comparison photo at the end when I reach my goal, but at the time I was so ready to get rid of any indication that was enormous that I just donated them all. I think I will keep a few of the outfits I have now and store them in the back of my closet so when the time comes I have a little bit of a reference point....
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
RUN FOREST RUN...
I never considered myself a runner. In fact, I don't think I had ever even ran a mile nonstop in my entire life, until this past Thursday. I didn't think I could do it. I was sure I would hurt myself...
I ran with a friend and her 2 boys last Thursday - it wasn't too bad. I was able to run a mile without stopping - they continued on for the other 2 miles and I had to take a breather and walk a bit. I ended up running 2.1 miles in the end and was entirely proud of myself.. I DID IT! for the first time in my life I ran a mile. I didn't die. I felt great... I slept like a rock that night...
I convinced my roommate to go running with me on Saturday morning. It was 48 degrees outside,- but beautiful. iPod shuffles in hand we hit the pavement. We both ran a mile without stopping. We ended up walking the remaining 2 miles around the lake and back home.
Fast forward to yesterday - we ran again - another mile. It's getting easier...I'm feeling great and we have set up a schedule for running and gym time: Monday, Thursday and Saturday are our "running" days and Tuesday and Friday are our gym days...
When I run I have to have something upbeat to listen to. I have been playing around with my music collection for the perfect play list to sync to my iPod. Here is a snippet of what on my running playlist for now - it will probably change periodically...
Everything's Right = Matt Wertz
Falling for you = Seth Philpott
Move = Mercy Me
Dance Your Life Away = Jon McLaughlin
You Make My Dreams Come True = Hall & Oates
Joy to the World = Three Dog Night
Down = Jay Sean
Brighter Day = Nathan Angelo
Where the Boat Leaves From = Zac Brown Band
This is How a Heart Breaks = Rob Thomas
Random collection, but my entire iTunes library is completely random anyway ...
What is on your workout playlist? I'm always up for suggestions on music to workout too... or even tips.
I ran with a friend and her 2 boys last Thursday - it wasn't too bad. I was able to run a mile without stopping - they continued on for the other 2 miles and I had to take a breather and walk a bit. I ended up running 2.1 miles in the end and was entirely proud of myself.. I DID IT! for the first time in my life I ran a mile. I didn't die. I felt great... I slept like a rock that night...
I convinced my roommate to go running with me on Saturday morning. It was 48 degrees outside,- but beautiful. iPod shuffles in hand we hit the pavement. We both ran a mile without stopping. We ended up walking the remaining 2 miles around the lake and back home.
Fast forward to yesterday - we ran again - another mile. It's getting easier...I'm feeling great and we have set up a schedule for running and gym time: Monday, Thursday and Saturday are our "running" days and Tuesday and Friday are our gym days...
When I run I have to have something upbeat to listen to. I have been playing around with my music collection for the perfect play list to sync to my iPod. Here is a snippet of what on my running playlist for now - it will probably change periodically...
Everything's Right = Matt Wertz
Falling for you = Seth Philpott
Move = Mercy Me
Dance Your Life Away = Jon McLaughlin
You Make My Dreams Come True = Hall & Oates
Joy to the World = Three Dog Night
Down = Jay Sean
Brighter Day = Nathan Angelo
Where the Boat Leaves From = Zac Brown Band
This is How a Heart Breaks = Rob Thomas
Random collection, but my entire iTunes library is completely random anyway ...
What is on your workout playlist? I'm always up for suggestions on music to workout too... or even tips.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Photo comparison
3 years ago my roommate and I went to Universal. This was before we had annual passes. She is a teacher and occasionally would get a ticket and a "bring a friend" pass at a discounted rate. We took advantage. We also took lots of photos while we were there. That was 48 pounds ago. I'm a completely different person now. We have annual passes. We weren't doing anything yesterday so, we decided to go to Universal and recreate at least a few of the photos we took when we were much heavier. The result is astonishing. I've done before and after posts before - but this was incredible. The absolute BEST motivation for me is seeing how far I've come. Here's a snippet. I'm sure as the year moves on we will be recreating a lot of photos to catalog our progress. She is also on a healthy lifestyle change and has lost quite a bit of weight as well. We are both on a mission and by this time next year - you won't even recognize us...
I love these kinds of posts. They really show the progress even if I can't always see it in the mirror!
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| 2008 |
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| 2011 |
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| 2008 |
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| 2011 |
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| 2009 |
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| 2011 |
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| 2008 (and no, we aren't sisters) |
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| 2011 (You can really see it in our faces) |
Friday, January 14, 2011
Update
This Monday will be my 1 year anniversary of this blog. I went back to my very first post and read it. I've come a long way since that first post and I must say - I feel very proud of the progress I have made. Here were my 2010 goals and the outcome of those goals:
1. Quit using food as a comforter, find another way to release emotions - go for a walk, a run, go to the gym, something active. That chocolate chip cookie may seem like the answer but in the end it just ends up on the hips and makes me feel even worse than before. I think I am most proud of myself for sticking with this goal. In 2010 I lost 45 pounds. That's more than my 4 year old niece weighs! I lost a small child. There are still days i use food as a comforter, but I am getting better at finding different more health conscience ways of releasing emotions. I found that I love to run. I don't run very often - but when I do, I really enjoy it. I also love being outside when the weather is nice. I love to go on walks and thoroughly enjoy the gym - I feel great, look better and am well on my way to being the person I was meant to be....
2. Be content - easier said than done, but realize that this life was given for a purpose and a reason and at times it may seem like there is no hope - remember to be content. This is still a work in progress. I am learning to be content - every day is an exercise. I am becoming comfortable....
3. Save.save.save. - I'm in the perfect place to be able to save so much. I'm living with my parents rent free- there is no reason I shouldn't be able to save the majority of my pay check for a house. Keeping in mind that it will take time and although living with the parents my seem daunting and not ideal - it IS truly the best situation for saving. And in this economy saving is key. While living with my parents was great for my financial situation, I kind of felt like I was reverted back to high school days - I missed my independence and although living rent free has it's perks, having my independence back feels even better. I'm still able to save money (not as much as before) but I love my apartment and my roommate is not all that bad either....
4. love.learn.listen - Love is such a simple word with such a complex meaning. Love is easier said than done, but love is the key to happiness. It's the Greatest command. Jesus told us to love our neighbors - and our neighbors could be anyone and everyone. Love. Learn - learn from others, learn from myself just learn something I didn't know before. Listen to God - meaning - read the Bible - open my heart to God's plan - I am still struggling in this area. I like things my way and learning to let go and let God is very difficult. i know that God has great plans, has great timing and will always provide for my needs. I just need to let go of self more and listen to His plans for me....
1. Quit using food as a comforter, find another way to release emotions - go for a walk, a run, go to the gym, something active. That chocolate chip cookie may seem like the answer but in the end it just ends up on the hips and makes me feel even worse than before. I think I am most proud of myself for sticking with this goal. In 2010 I lost 45 pounds. That's more than my 4 year old niece weighs! I lost a small child. There are still days i use food as a comforter, but I am getting better at finding different more health conscience ways of releasing emotions. I found that I love to run. I don't run very often - but when I do, I really enjoy it. I also love being outside when the weather is nice. I love to go on walks and thoroughly enjoy the gym - I feel great, look better and am well on my way to being the person I was meant to be....
2. Be content - easier said than done, but realize that this life was given for a purpose and a reason and at times it may seem like there is no hope - remember to be content. This is still a work in progress. I am learning to be content - every day is an exercise. I am becoming comfortable....
3. Save.save.save. - I'm in the perfect place to be able to save so much. I'm living with my parents rent free- there is no reason I shouldn't be able to save the majority of my pay check for a house. Keeping in mind that it will take time and although living with the parents my seem daunting and not ideal - it IS truly the best situation for saving. And in this economy saving is key. While living with my parents was great for my financial situation, I kind of felt like I was reverted back to high school days - I missed my independence and although living rent free has it's perks, having my independence back feels even better. I'm still able to save money (not as much as before) but I love my apartment and my roommate is not all that bad either....
4. love.learn.listen - Love is such a simple word with such a complex meaning. Love is easier said than done, but love is the key to happiness. It's the Greatest command. Jesus told us to love our neighbors - and our neighbors could be anyone and everyone. Love. Learn - learn from others, learn from myself just learn something I didn't know before. Listen to God - meaning - read the Bible - open my heart to God's plan - I am still struggling in this area. I like things my way and learning to let go and let God is very difficult. i know that God has great plans, has great timing and will always provide for my needs. I just need to let go of self more and listen to His plans for me....
While I haven't necessarily made any resolutions this year, I do have the above standing goals that I hope to continue to perfect this year.
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