Relavance is key here.

So... I have been at this game for 3 years. Through those years I have tracked my weightloss in every way possible for the most motivation. When I didn't lose pounds (and I was really trying) I could see loss in inches or body fat percentage. I have never (on this blog) posted my complete results from the beginning. If you're a long time reader you know how scared I am to reveal my actual weight (I haven't decided if I will share it yet).

**Sometimes it is hard to be organized and I delete things. I am mad right now that I deleted my 2010 note, which contained all my 2010 (ie. starting) numbers. Hmpf. Richard is working on retrieving it, but its a challenge. Sorry!

***When he is done being cranky he said he would help me.
*** FOUND IT!

As you can witness I am going in the right direction. Yes I lose more through the year, but I always gain a little near the end. I am ok with that because I am human. I indulge when I need too (read: want too). The best part of tracking annually is no matter how crummy you feel it all feels better when you look at the big picture... a hard task, when you caught up on a .5lbs gain.

Another interesting revelation today... I am happy to be 204, even proud of myself. Now that is up 6 pounds from my lowest weight, but I am still had to see the scale declining again. The first time I hit 204 (in early 2011) I celebrated my loss, the second time I hit 204 (in late 2011) I cried a little at my failure, and the third time I'm celebrating. I always find it interesting how the same number can be interpreted in so many ways. I like numbers a lot more on the weigh down, but didn't think I would celebrate them the third time around. I also wonder if any of that rambling made sense.

I am thrilled to have lost 9 inches from last year (even more from 2010 if I could find it!),  29 inches overall and 9% body fat (from 2011-12, because I didn't have a good scale for 2010)... which is awesome! I think I may even be 'overweight' now... not obese. woo! (Another weird reason to celebrate). As for actual weight loss... just over 15 pounds, plus the 25 from 2010 means I am down 40 pounds. Which is awsome. Another 20 to go and I will have to stop writing my blog *sniff* because I will be happy with my weight and not trying to battle the bulge anymore. Although I can't imagine a day when I am not trying to lose weight... its been my thing for 25 years.

Although next years review should be weird... hopefully there will be a bun in my oven, so I can't begin to fathom where my weight will be, but good news is... the blog wil be back in running order to lose the baby weight. Aw... relief.

Ha!

That's it... I will up date with my original stats as soon as I have them.

Love!

Pounds to Lose: 19

OMP House of HORRORS!

BOOT CAMP Circuit: 45minutes
ABS: 10minutes
Calories: 500+

Again today I didn't feel like going to the gym. I have a LONG weekend (not because of actual length, but because of busy-i-ness) a head of me and frankly working out is an inconvenience. Lucky for me… its now routine and I feel weird sitting at my desk from noon to 1. So I grabbed my bag, full of fresh gym clothes and headed downstairs. I have NO plan. I get down there and stand in line… I don't know what for, but it’s a long line of fit people so I stand. When I finally get to the head of the line it’s a sign-up sheet for BOOT CAMP with BAMBI! AH!


I am NOT ready for this, but with a pizza lunch. I had NO choice.


I walked into the empty 'class room' it was cold and dark. The lights weren't on. I got a chill up and down my spine. The goose bumps on arm had goose bumps. Side note: The FINISH word for 'Goose Bumps" directly translates to 'Chicken Skin'… or at least that's what Uncle Manfred for me… He's from Finland). Slowly wary gym goers trickle in, all with a look of panic. They knew what was a head and they looked panicked. I knew I was in over my head. I knew I was in for a work out.


Finally someone speaks…


"I am not ready for this" Said the little hairy man (who would later bump me out of my spot, but literally standing in my spot).


"I haven't been in two weeks and I am still sore" Said a slim woman in full Lulu gear.


Aimlessly we wandered around the room. Trying to keep warm, to prepare ourselves for what was to come.


Suddenly the lights flick on and there is BAMBI.


ha Ha HA!



She smiles so wide and looks so innocent, but quickly gets to work setting up the circuit of death.

Station #1 - Non-stop push-ups

Station #2 - Plank

Station #3 - High Knees

Station #4 - Backward lunges

Station #5 - Step Ups and squats

Station #6 - Backwards row

Station #7 - Hopscotch (Hopping from corner to corner)

Station #8 - Wall Squats (Sitting on an invisible chair with 10lbs in each hand… above your head)

Station #9 - Sprints

Station #10 - Lateral raises

Station #11 - Jumping Jacks

Station #12 - Balance on the Exercise Ball (on your knees)

Station #13 - Jump Ups (Jump on the step, squat and jump off)

Station #14 - Bicep Curl with Forward Lunges

Station #15 - Fast Feet

And finally…

Station #16 - Burpies

All seems feasible, but you rotate every 60 seconds. By station three my muscles are shaking. Beads of sweat trickle down my back and she smiles and she screams 'HARDER'. Each time the whistle blows you breath a small sigh of relief before the next punishment. She is ALWAYS watching. Every pause for a breath she sees and demands more. Every hesitation she catches and pushes you further. It's all a game and she's making the rules.

Terrible words fall my lips as I try to keep pace. Sweat stings my eyes. I push on.

Finally it ends. I collapse in a pile on the floor. I am sweating, shaking and moaning. I am tired. I am exhausted. I am fulfilled. I love her class. I love it so much even with nothing left I stay for ABS.

Now I sit at my desk, full of pizza wondering if it was all worth it.

Happy Halloween everybody!

Love!

*** I weighed in, but with the time of the month I am not logging it. I didn't gain. As for push-ups. I did 42 last night.

Apparently NORMAL is out of the question this week...

Step Class: ONE HOUR
Calories: 690+

Wow! I think I died. I don't know why this week I am feeling SO rebellious, but I haven't done anything normal. They say its good to shake things up, but I STILL don't know who 'they' are. I haven't craved the gym like I normally do. I have pushed myself to go, even on the bad days. I suppose that in its self is progress, but why can't I just take it easy??? Today again I intended to spin and again Peter was teaching the class. I opted out and went to the noon class... today it was a one hour STEP class with Angela.

I have never bounced SO much in my life. As I wrote to my Aunt...

" I went to a step class today and realized my limbs are NOT organized enough for this.


The class starts off slow... I step on the step, I step off. I don't completely understand the directions, but the people in front of me seem to be pros' so I follow their lead... until all hell breaks loose and its a... knee up repeat, shuffle, side lift, knee up, march, k... stomp, meringue... WTF?! I am sweating more than I intended and I can't figure out what my feet are doing... my arms aren't even working together... one is up while the other is down... I punched the girl in front of me... twice. I knee'd the girl on the other side of me and fell over my step MORE THAN ONCE.


I was a sweaty ball of nothing when I was done and I still feel hot and gross. Hot and Gross and accomplished. What a class... I wish I had been more prepared. Hopefully it gets my metabolism going..."
 
She had a nice chuckle at my expense so I thought you should as well. I barely survived the entire class, but I did better than most and that's good enough for me. I think I might attempt her class again next week and make it more of my routine. It's like a swift kick in the gut I need once a week, plus weigh in is tomorrow and I want to be on target. I am still trying to drop the pounds from the cruise.
 

On the health front... I went downstairs to ask Dr. Dave (we have a Doctor's office in our building for staff only... yea, I am spoiled) about my chapped lips. They are really bad and have been since my dentist visit. I thought maybe it was an allergic reaction. Anyways, I only go to this doctor when I can't get to my family doctor. The left time I went was for my DVT (deep leg thrombosis... the thing that caused all the weight gain and now weight loss). So he asked me about it. I filled him in on the last year and he made me do blood work. Turns out the dry skin on my lips isn't just chapped lips... its a symptom of hypothyroidism i.e my meds aren't working again. This could explain the lull in my weight loss.

 

So on top of doing a stupid-ridiculous-step class... I had blood taken (it took 3 tries - OW!). I am feeling a little dizzy, but I am following up with my standard chocolate pudding. Mmm...

 

So I think you are completely up to date on all that ails me.

 
Sorry about the long post. I have more to say, but it will have to wait. Let's just save there is something savoury simmering in my slow cooker RIGHT NOW. Mmm...
 
Ok.
 
Love!

Pounds to loose: 14(-10) - Body Fat: -1% - Inches Lost: 7 - Push Ups: 0

Alright kids... here it is.

The much anticipated BEFORE and DURING (I don't have a REAL after, because I am not done).

Please keep in mind I am ready for bed and not wearing any make-up, but I liked my outfit and I felt good so I took the picture. The BEFORE picture is in Vegas and yes, that is Elvis with me. I was in a competition for 'fast-talkers' (sidenote: unoffical second fastest talking in Canada RIGHT HERE) and this was after my performance. Please keep in mind in this picture I THINK I look good. I THINK the weight is all in my head and if I suck it in JUST right, no one will notice the extra pounds I packed on.

Sad really.

Ok. Judge me all you want... I have 13 pounds to hit my first goal and another 30 after that. I can share this TERRIBLE picture because I decided to make a change. I can share this picture, because the girl in the picture isn't me anymore.

Love!

WEIGH IN!

BOOT CAMP: 60minutes
Calories: 1000 ish

I am here... sitting front of my computer with only 12 pounds left to loose -- 12! I can not believe I am here. Less than a year ago I was the 'fat' girl. I didn't want to go out, because my clothes didn't fit. I avoided cameras and mirrors (hence the struggle to find before and after pics). I felt sad and alone. I didn't think I would EVER get to this point... let along 12 pounds from now. WAIT for that blog... it will all be in capitals.

So this morning... before the sun came up, I weighed in. I have lost 12 pounds since the re-start, 33 overall. I lost another 2 inches this week bringing my total to 7.5 inches lost (25.5 total).

AND the best part... I can share everything with Richard. There is no secret about what I am doing... usually talking weight loss is taboo. It's like saying I lost 40 pounds implies at one point I had 40 pounds to loose -- that is something to struggle with, but at every victory I get a hug and a high five.

I can't wait for the wedding... I love getting dressed up, especially now that things fit better. I am comfortable as me. Don't think this is the end... I won't give up yet. I have another 12 to loose this year and another 25 next year.

Ok... I have lost ALL focus!

Have a GREAT weekend!

Love!

Pounds to loose: 12(-12) - Body Fat Percentage Decline: 0.5% - Inches Lost: 7.5

The BIG 3-0!

Boot Camp: 60minutes
Calories: 1000 (ish)

Yup! Hit the BIG 30 pounds today! I have lost 30 pounds - WOO! It feel so good. I can't wait to keep going! My body feels better and I am noticing more flexible and comfort in everyday things.

My biggest 'I-can't-wait' moment is this Saturday when I see all my girlfriends that I haven't seen in months! I can't wait to walk in 30 pounds lighter and get the looks.

I feel like I have hit a milestone... to think 9 months later I am still working at it. I typically give up around 4months. I have 14 pounds to go until I hit my FIRST goal and make my New Years resolution a reality!

As for BOOT CAMP... it was a GREAT session and I feel like I went out on a high note. I won't be going back Monday, but I will jump in for the next 4 week session late September. I think it will push me over the edge and get me on target for October... according to Loseit! I will reach my goal weight in October.

Off to an exciting weekend... dinner with family tonight and a bachelorette on Saturday!! Can't wait.

Love!

Pounds to loose: 14(-10) - Body Fat Percentage Decline: 0.4% - Inches Lost: 5.5

Yay! Out of RESTART mode... back at original goal!

Boot camp: 60minutes
Calories: 1000 (or so Carrie says)

Why am I not MORE excited? I am the lightest I have been in years. I am out of the re-goal (to loose anything I had gained over holiday) and back on track. Yet I am in a FOUL mood this morning.

The important stuff is... I am down 8 pounds (29 in total). I measured quickly and didn't bring it with me, but I think I am down at least another inch. And the scale wouldn't give me body fat % this morning. See... everything isn't going well and its not even 9am.

I just get so involved with the drama in my house... its like house school, but with adults. It is exhausting... some one is always cranking AND I planned a night away, by myself. I organized with my Aunt and cousin to have a relaxing night in. That blew up when people wanted to invited. The very people I am trying to get a break from. Looks like Melanie looses out again and her night off is now about some one else. Its just upsetting because I was SO excited.

I guess that is what rained on my weight-loss parade.

Although this blog is about fitness and drama at home doesn't burn calories so I shouldn't even be discussing.

BOOT CAMP! Carrie has returned and in traditional fashion beat us up last night. I love BOOT CAMP... honestly I hate it while I am there, but I give 100% and love the results. We ran all over the place last night....  did a million sit-ups and squats. I am not sore today, but will be tomorrow.

Lots of work to get done.

Love!

Pounds to loose: 16(-8) - Body Fat Percentage Decline: 0.2% - Inches Lost: 3

Back from the LONG weekend!

BOOTCAMP: 60minutes (with a TRUE drill Sargent!)
Running: 45minutes (35 run-9run/walk-1walk)
Calories: 1317

It's Tuesday!! And offically August, that feels SO odd. I can't believe how quick this year is flying by... We just finished the AUGUST long weekend and it was uneventful, but fun. I don't have any clever antidotes.

I made it out for a run on Sunday... Friday was - well... I hate running on Fridays. Saturday we were on the bikes ALL day and it rained, but I hit the pavement Sunday and did the HARDEST boot camp ever on Monday. I feel good about it. I made a small victory on the scale this morning so I am GOOD. I am BACK at the weight Loseit! thinks I am... i.e. I RE-LOST everything I gained in June (over my holiday) and good Christmas it has been difficult!!

I have to start looking at food (mainly BAD foods) in a new light. Is it worth ALL the work to burn it off? 9 times out of 10 it is not. I am getting better, but have to remind myself constantly of the pain I felt in BOOT CAMP. The stress and pressure of running ALL the time. I need to make a change and I am hoping I have finally hit that wall that will push me into a healthy lifestyle. I have 17 pounds to go until I am HAPPY and then another 25 to be successful.

The POLL closed and apparently Bridal Showers ARE a scam!

I also want to send out a CONGRATULATIONS to... me! I posted the most I have ever posted in July! Yay!

Love!

PS - Check out this recent post from Cake Wrecks: http://www.epbot.com/2010/07/what-starts-with-die.html. This is my FAVORITE bloggers take on dieting. I enjoy it.

Pounds to loose: 17(-7) - Body Fat Percentage Decline: 0.2% - Inches Lost: 3

Helpful weight loss rumors that confuse me!

So I have been thinking... I hear (and read) a lot of weird things when it comes to getting healthy. I don't know what to believe as some advice contradicts other advice and if you follow ALL the rules you are forced to break others. I thought I would share all my little pieces of knowledge... I don't know which are true and which are not. Some may even be a trend that came and went. I thought I would share, because some are JUST silly, but I catch myself doing them ALL the time.


I don't want to miss out on the secret of weight loss, but I am exhausted following all the rules!

Let me know which rules you know of (fact or fiction) and anymore you might have....

The LIST...

1. When drinking water swish it around your mouth before swallowing. The enzymes in saliva help break down food.

2. Never drink with a meal

3. Take a sip of water between each bite (huh?!)

4. Drink a bottle of water 30minutes after eating to help digestion

5. Eating Pineapple after steak breaks down the meat and fats faster

6. Drink Chocolate milk after working out, it replenishes all the energy (and stuff) lost during a work out better than anything else

7. CLA will help you loose belly fat

8. Always rub your face with a dry towel (or clothe) after touching it to prevent the oils from your hand clogging your pore (not weight-loss related, but weird health advice)

9. A cob salad has MORE calories than a burger

10. You should eat 5 small meals a day

11. Don’t eat after 7pm

12. Working out in the morning on an empty stomach burns MORE fat

13. Working out heavily without eating enough protein is worse than not working out at all… because your muscle look for fuel and smaller muscles are more satisfying than fat.

14. Interval running burns more calories (what are intervals???)

15. Sweet potato fries are good for you

16. Drinking HOT liquids burns calories as your body works to cool them down (and vice versa with cold liquids)

17. Green Tea helps you loose weight

18. Cravings are your body telling you what you need

19. If you’re craving sweets eating a dill pickle will stop the craving without all the calories

20. You burn more calories sleeping than laying down watching TV

21. Making love burns even less

22. Women gain (on average) 15 pounds at the start of a new relationship

23. You should NOT wash your hair daily (another random health tip)

24. Apples are better at waking up in the morning than coffee

25. You need to do a ‘cleanse’ at least once a year

26. Women should be taking a gender specific multi vitamin everyday

27. Multi Vitamins in solid tablet form don’t work… they are too hard for your body to break down and get all the nutrients from. Gel Capsules are best.

28. Milk is bad for you

29. Yogurt is not

30. Soy is bad for you

31. Women should not drink water from plastic bottles. Especially if they sat over night… the heat from the car melts the plastic and chemicals are released into the water.

32. Your thyroid controls EVERYTHING in your body and a dysfunctional one can explain anything that ails you… including weight gain.

33. Working out and not working your legs is NOT working out. Your ‘thigh’ muscle is the biggest in your body and burns the most calories…

34. Women you have more of a wiggle while they walk are LESS fertile.

35. You should be consume one gram of protein for every 2 pounds you weigh – excess protein is good and does note convert to fat

36. You need to eat after a workout (within 30minutes).

37. Celery has negative calories because it takes more energy to digest it, than it contains.

38. You need to rest 24hours between work-outs

39. You need to fit in 5 cardio sessions and 3 strength training sessions a week to successfully loose weight

40. When measures yourself you should always suck-in and pull the tape measure tight for accurate results

41. The rate you loose the weight is the same rate you will gain it back, that is why loosing weigh quickly is not recommended.

42. Being Dehydrated makes you GAIN weight

43. The average woman gains 3 – 5 pounds during their period

44. Exercise can reduce headaches and alleviate pain because of magical endorphins.

45. Drinking Hot water with Cinnamon and Honey before bed will help you loose weight, by breaking down food as you sleep.

46. Cinnamon is more addictive than caffeine.

47. Adding spice (especially hot peppers) to any meal will burn MORE calories, because it raise your overall body temperature.

48. Butter is better for you than margarine, because it contains natural ingredients NOT chemicals.


I can't think of anymore right now, but I will add them as they come to me.

If anyone can shed some light on any of these I would appreciate it. 

Love!