Friday, March 30, 2012

Our Journey TTC

Has it really been 15 months since my life changed forever?
 15 months ago we were blessed with the most a.m.a.z.i.n.g little boy. 
Last night Andrew looked at me and said, "I know everyone says it but...what DID we do before we had Connor?" and I said I had absolutely no idea.
 I've wanted to be a mother since I was 4 years old. I was the type of little girl who preferred to play "house" with my Mom's old dresses and a ton of baby dolls. I couldn't wait to have a family of my own someday. My Mom said the conversation went something like this..."This'll be the deal Mom, you HAVE the baby, but once it's born it will be MY baby and I will take care of it." 

Andrew and I started dating in high school (11 years ago!). We flirted with the idea of having a baby before we were even married. I really really wanted a baby. But in the long run we realized that is not what we wanted for our child. We wanted to be married first, a family. 

So the time came...our wedding night. Literally. I waited 8 years to marry Andrew, I wasn't waiting 1 more stinking minute to have a baby. 

So, we tried. 

And tried. 

And tried. 

And nothing happened. 

Months passed with negative pregnancy test after negative test. I was starting to fear what I think every woman fears when trying to get pregnant, "What if I CAN'T get pregnant?!"  

After almost a year of nothing, we signed up for Kaiser's "Introduction to Infertility Class". D.E.P.R.E.S.S.I.N.G. But at that point I just wanted answers.  Why aren't we pregnant yet? Can we get pregnant? Are we doing something wrong? Is it him or me?

To say we were nervous for that class is an understatement. The class was a guide to what Kaiser offers, what your insurance covers, and what steps you need take in order to start the process of elimination. 

The first step was to have a semen analysis done (all the men groaned) and then I had to have blood drawn periodically throughout my next cycle to check hormone levels. While we were doing that, we had to chart, which entails the woman taking her temperature every morning before getting out of bed, when the temperature spikes, it means she ovulated.

A friend had sent me a book (Taking Charge of Your Fertility) all about charting a few months before we attended the class so I was already on my 3rd month of charting. 

So Andrew did his semen analysis, although he made ME drive it to Kaiser and drop it off at the lab. I guess dropping something like that off falls in the same category as buying tampons? MEN! Then we waited for the results. I was half hoping that they said the problem was his sperm because that meant it wasn't me. But on the other hand I was PRAYING that it was normal. 
  
As we waited, I was at the end of one of my cycles, which meant it was time to test. So I took a test, 3 days before my period was even due. Yes, I was one of those woman obsessed with peeing on pregnancy tests! I set the test on the counter not expecting much and started getting ready for work. As I was brushing my teeth, I saw it out of the corner of my eye... a tiny shadow of a second line. Now if you're a serious TTC'er (Trying To Conceive) then you know that false positives are pretty much non existent. If you're not pregnant, then you don't have the hormone required to produce the second line. SO, a shadow meant....A SHADOW MEANT I WAS PREGNANT!!!!
 But of course I thought I was imagining it. After a year of staring at negative tests, I was sure I was seeing things. So I ran over to my neighbor Christyn's house crying. Her poor husband answered the door and said she was in the shower and asked if I was alright. Um...NO I MIGHT BE PREGNANT! I said yes, but to have her get in touch with me ASAP! (Sorry Jim!)

So I drove to work with my hand on my tummy the whole way sobbing. I was praying aloud, "Baby, if you're in there, I love you so much and I can't believe you're finally here. You stay put and grow strong. Please please PLEASE be in there!"

Luckily I work with my Mom. I was still crying when I came in and begged her to tell me she saw the line too. My Mom always told me, "When you miss your period for 3 months in a row you'll know you're pregnant." She thought I was crazy for all the pregnancy tests. So although she agreed she saw a very very faint line, she didn't quite believe it the way I did.

So I immediately left and went to Kaiser to have a blood test. Since the results wouldn't be ready until the next day, I took a digital test on my lunch break. After the longest minute of my life, the most beautiful word in the world popped up...YES! 

 I was finally pregnant!

 We found out 3 days before our 1 year wedding anniversary. Almost a full year of trying to conceive. It was a Wednesday. On Friday the results of Andrew's semen analysis came in....normal. :)   

Now that beautiful faint line is a the sweetest, energetic, beautiful, amazing 15 month old little boy. 
  You were SO worth the wait sweet boy. I love you so much!
XOXO

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Weight Loss - Week 12

Start Date:  Jan. 5, 2012
Starting Weight: 198

Today's Date: Mar. 29, 2012
Current Weight: ???

Week 11: ???
Total Loss: 9.5
 
As hard as it was this morning not to weigh in, I stuck to what I said last week
and skipped it. I am the type of person who can easily get discouraged and give up when I feel like I'm putting in work and not seeing the results I want. So in order to avoid that, I decided to stop weighing in. I'm not sure for how long yet. 

A few people have encouraged me to take my measurements. It's another way to see my hard work pay off when it's not necessarily showing on the scale. Although I haven't done so yet, I plan to over the next week.

Sharing my actual starting weight was very hard but I'm still glad I did. However, I don't think I will share all my measurements. But I will share how much they change.

This week wasn't great for me at the gym. I wasn't able to go at all. At the beginning of the week Connor was sick with a fever and the last few days we have had appointments in the morning every morning and by the time we're done, it's Connor's nap time. I suppose I could have gone at 8pm after he went to bed but who am I kidding? I'm too tired to work out at the end of the day. That's the whole reason I pay extra for an expensive gym that has childcare. :)

Even though I wasn't able to work out, there were still some great things about this week. First, as I've mentioned a bunch of times, drinking water is very hard for me. A friend of mine said I'd probably be more successful drinking water if I stop buying other drinks at the grocery store. Why didn't I think of that!? DUH! Thanks Erin! :)
So because I didn't buy any Diet Peach Snapple or Diet Soda...
I DRANK A TON OF WATER! It wasn't as hard to do when water is your only choice. So for the first week since starting this journey I can say I drank water every.single.day this week! Yay!!!!!
  
I'm not a huge fan of cooking dinner. By the time Andrew gets home from work and we decide what we want for dinner, it's either too late to make it, I don't have all the ingredients or I forgot to defrost the meat. So this week I set a menu. It made cooking dinners SO much easier! I didn't even mind making dinner because I knew I had everything and there weren't any decisions to make. And on top of that, we started eating dinner much earlier. We ate between 5 - 5:30 every night instead of 6:30 - 7. AND it solved my lunch time dilemma. I was getting SO sick of turkey sandwiches! Now I just eat left overs. YUM! 

So even though I was not able to make it to the gym, I was still committed to making healthy choices. And to be honest, a break from the scale and the gym was nice. Took some of the pressure off. I look forward to going back to the gym on Monday though.  

A huge thank you goes out to all my family, friends and readers. After a very disappointing week last week, all of your encouraging comments on my blog and facebook meant so much to me. It made me feel so much better. You guys helped keep me going. xoxo


THANK YOU
 
 

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Weight Loss - Week 11

Today was not what I expected when I stepped on the scale. 

Start Date:  Jan. 5, 2012
Starting Weight: 198

Today's Date: Mar. 22, 2012
Current Weight: 188.5

Week 10: gained 2.2 lbs
Total Loss: 9.5 (down from 11.7)
 
I don't know what to say. I am so disappointed, I feel discouraged and like I want give up and just accept that I'm always going to be overweight. There were times I may not have chosen the best things to eat but I didn't think it was bad enough to gain weight. I still worked out at the gym on my normal days, and on one of those days I drank 4 bottles of water. And we all know how hard it is for me to drink water. 
 
It's been 11 weeks now and I've been trying to stay positive and not get discouraged despite what the scale says. Today I'm not able to do that. I really want to pout, eat a bunch of candy and watch chick flicks and feel sorry for myself. But I'm not going to do that, I definitely can't lie though, this is crushing after working so hard for 11 weeks!!! 
 
I'm not going to give up. I'm going to continue going to the gym, I'm going to try and make the best food choices I can and more importantly...
I'm putting the scale away for awhile. Although it's great to see a loss, it's very discouraging for me when that loss is not as much as I think it should be or even worse, when it's a gain.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Don't Give Up On Me

Lately my posts have pretty much only consisted of my Wordless Wednesday's and my weight loss check-in for that week. 

Between going to the gym 3 times a week, play dates, errands, housework and having a 15 month old, I just can't seem to find the time to blog. Okay, let me be honest...I can squeeze time in here and there but in those moments, I much rather take a shower, catch up on some trashy TV, read a book, or SLEEP. 

So here I am, begging asking you not to give up on this blog. Not yet. I have a ton of things that I just haven't had a chance to write about yet.

Thanks for sticking with me. 

3/14/12 Happy 15 months sweet boy!

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Weight Loss - Week 10

Start Date:  Jan. 5, 2012
Starting Weight: 198

Today's Date: Mar. 15, 2012
Current Weight: 186.3

Week 10: 0
Total Loss: 11.7

I'm not surprised that I didn't lose any weight this week. It wasn't for a lack of trying, I just expected it because I had such great losses the last 2 weeks

I went to the gym on my normal days (Friday, Monday and Wednesday). Working out has definitely become something I enjoy, I never thought I would be able to say that! I can feel my body changing and getting stronger. It's such a great feeling and super motivating. 

I still struggle with drinking water everyday. I know...it's ridiculous. I have no idea why this is such a hard thing for me. Anyone else struggle and have some tips?????

 

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Weight Loss - Week 9

Start Date:  Jan. 5, 2012
Starting Weight: 198

Today's Date: Mar. 8, 2012
Current Weight: 186.3

Week 9: Lost 1.8 pounds
Total Loss: 11.7 pounds down!!!! 

 I was really scared to step on the scale this morning for 2 reasons; I wasn't able to make it to the gym as much as I normally do because Connor was sick earlier this week and...how do I say this nicely? My "friend" is here this week. So you know what that means...bloating and sugar cravings.

I cannot even begin to explain to you how excited I was when I weighed in!!! This is my second week not tracking points using Weight Watchers and I've lost at least a pound both weeks! That's after being on Weight Watchers for 7 weeks and the last 3 weeks of following the program I didn't lose any weight. 

And if that's not exciting enough, today I realized something that I missed last week! When you first sign up for Weight Watchers they set some weight loss goals for you. The first is to lose 5% of your weight, I didn't even realize that last week I hit my 5% goal of 9.5 pounds! What a satisfying feeling! 

The next goal is 10% which is 19 pounds. That's only 7.3 pounds to go. Wow, that doesn't seem as impossible as it did when I first started this journey.

Even though I am down 11.7 pounds I've yet to see a huge difference. I wear a size 14 in jeans and right before I started this journey I had bought a pair of 16's because my 14's were getting too tight. Well I definitely can't wear the 16's anymore. My 14's fit perfect. I can't even tell you how bad I want to drop a size. I've been in a size 14 for yeaaaars. I wonder how much more weight I'll have to lose in order to be down to a size 12 jeans???

So even though I am not counting points, I'm still trying to make healthy choices and more importantly, eating healthy portions. I really believe that the most important thing to losing weight is portion control, even above working out. 

As I mentioned, I wasn't able to go to the gym on my normal days because Connor was sick. But I did go on Friday and today, and I'll be there tomorrow. Now that Connor is feeling better, next week I plan on getting back on my gym schedule of going every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. 

I'm exciting to see what the scale says next week!!!!   

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Wordless Wednesday #17

This may be the most important Wordless Wednesday I ever post. 
He's been kidnapping kids and forcing them to kill others, including their own parents for 26 years and no one is doing anything to stop him.
Until now.
Please watch this.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Weight Loss - Week 8

Last week after my Weight Watchers meeting I was 99% sure that I would be cancelling it. (In case you missed that post, read it here)  

On Saturday while Andrew, Connor and I ran some errands, I picked up a Weight Watchers scale from Target. As soon as I got home I weighed myself because I wanted to see how it compared to what I weighed at my meeting. It said 190 and at my last meeting I weighed 189.6 so I'm excited and confident that the scales are so close that I won't have to adjust for weighing in on a different scale. I had no idea how I was going to figure it out if the new scale said I weighed 5 pounds more. Would that count as true gain or??? Luckily I don't have to think about that! Yay for accurate scales! HA! 

So these posts will be a little different now. Since I'm not truly counting points because I'm not tracking, I won't be writing how many points I used and how many points I earned. But I'm still using all the skills they taught me and eating healthy portions.

So here's how week 8 went...

Start Date:  Jan. 5, 2012
Starting Weight: 198

Today's Date: Mar. 1, 2012
Current Weight: 188.1

Week 8: Lost 1.5
Total Loss: 9.9 lost!!!!

I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am! The last 3 weeks I was getting really discouraged after not seeing results. This is just confirmation that I can do this and even better, I can do it by myself!! It's also exciting because I feel like everything I lose from here on is real weight and not water weight. 

So here is what I did this week...

Friday - worked out 1.5 hours. 

Monday - worked out 1.5 hours.

Wednesday - worked out 1.5 hours. 

When I go to the gym I do 15-30 minutes of cardio on the elliptical. But the elliptical I use is one like this that can also be used as a stair climber.  
Then I do 120 sit ups on the exercise ball. (side and front ones) Then Jayme and I will do a few of the following: squats on the balance ball, kettle bell squats, walking lunges, planks, free weights, we throw a 10 lbs medicine ball back and forth, ride the bike, play basketball, swim laps, and sometimes we do some of the machines. I'm finding that I like free weights better than the machines. With the machines I don't feel like I'm working as hard, it's like the machine is doing some of the work for me. But with free weights, I'm using my whole body instead of just the one muscle. (thanks Jayme for teaching me!) 

This was my 3rd week working out at the gym. I always go on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Depending how I feel on Tuesday, sometimes I will go and do some extra cardio. 

Because I had a pretty big loss this week I expect next week won't be as big. But I'm hoping to still see a loss!  

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Goodbye Weight Watchers

 When I decided to start this journey to lose weight, I chose Weight Watchers. I had heard nothing but great things about it, and still do. 
 I've been on the program now for 7 weeks and lost a total of 8.4 pounds. However, Weight Watchers is not cheap. It's $45 a month and that of course does not include food.

Losing 8.4 pounds in 7 weeks isn't bad. But considering my age (27) and overall fitness level, 8.4 pounds isn't that great either. I try really hard and just haven't seen the results I want, which are very realistic goals. I'm not trying to lose 5 pounds a week or anything crazy like that.

So since I'm not losing as fast as I think I should, I joined 24Hour Fitness 3 weeks ago and have been going at least 3 times a week and I LOVE IT. I feel fantastic. I can feel my body changing and getting stronger. I leave the gym feeling so accomplished.

You may be wondering why I chose 24Hour Fitness. There are a few other gyms in my town that are much cheaper than 24Hour Fitness is, however they don't offer childcare. I tried a gym that was only $10 a month, and although it didn't have half the amenities that 24Hour offers it was a nice gym, clean and had plenty of machines. So I tried working out there at 8pm after Connor went to bed. A couple times of doing that and I realized it was a losing battle. I'm exhausted at the end of the day, after taking care of Connor all day, household chores, errands, cooking dinner etc. I have 0 energy left for the gym.

So I had to find a gym that offered childcare. There are only 3 gyms in my town that do. And the monthly dues are all about the same. So I picked the one that fit my needs the best. However that came with a hefty price tag. You see, the monthly dues aren't that crazy, I got a great deal and only pay $44 a month! Not bad!! There's only one tiny problem, that is not including childcare. Childcare is almost as much as my monthly dues. OUCH.

So you add the gym + Weight Watchers = outrageous for this family living on one income. (Quick shout out to my AMAZING husband who works so hard so that I can stay home and raise our son!)  So, I had to make a decision....

Give up Weight Watchers or give up the gym?

Well it was a no brainer for me.

I cancelled my Weight Watchers membership. I have learned SO much from the program over these 7 weeks that I am confident I can continue following the program on my own. The gym however gives me much much more than Weight Watchers. I am getting stronger and healthier. The gym isn't just about weight loss, it's about being a better me. Working out is good for everything, your heart, your brain, your muscles, etc. It's also amazing for anxiety which I suffer from.

So in my eyes, I do not see this as quitting or giving up, it's a sacrifice I have to make for my family. If I could afford both I would. But diapers aren't cheap people!!! 

So you will no longer see me at Weight Watcher meetings but you can bet your ass you'll see my ass in the gym. :)

I'll continue to weigh-in on Thursdays and keep writing about what is, and what's isn't working.

Monday, February 27, 2012

March of Dimes

Most of you reading this know my son Connor was born 6 weeks premature.

But for those who don't...

Connor was born at 34 weeks gestation (a normal pregnancy is 40 weeks). He weighed 5 pounds 8 ounces and was 19 inches long. He was immediately taken to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) due to complications related to his prematurity. He stayed there for 11 long days until he was strong enough to come. Which happened to be Christmas morning, what an amazing gift we'll never forget.

Connor is now 14 months old and is an absolute joy. He was hospitalized for 6 days when he was 7 weeks old because he contracted RSV. (Respiratory syncytial virus is a very common virus that can become serious in young babies, especially to those in certain high-risk groups, like those born premature.) Other than that and a few colds here and there, he has been healthy and shows no health issues related to his prematurity. We are thankful everyday that he is healthy.

 Something you may not know is my best friend Jayme also has a son who was born prematurely. 

Zackary was born at 33 weeks, 7 weeks early. He weighed 5 pounds and 11 ounces. He was also very fortunate and only had to stay in the hospital for 6 days. Zack is now 11 years old and one of the sweetest kids you'll ever meet. He was also fortunate enough not to have any lasting health issues related to his prematurity. Jayme went on to have 2 more children and she carried both of them to full term (40 weeks). That gives me hope that I too can carry baby #2 (who we will be trying to conceive this summer) to full term.
:::FINGERS CROSSED:::
The doctors do not have any explanation for why Zack and Connor were born early. Neither Jayme or I went into preterm labor. Both of our waters (the amniotic sac the baby is in) ruptured spontaneously. 

Jayme and I are so grateful, our boys are happy and healthy. Unfortunately, a lot of babies are not as lucky as they were, they either have lifelong health issues or don't make it home at all.

Jayme and I are walking in our local March of Dimes fundraiser. We started the '4Zack&Connor' team in honor of our amazing sons. We hope to raise at least $500. 

Here's a little about March of Dimes...


 ...Every year in the United States, more than half a million babies are born too soon, 53,000 of them right here in California....

In one year in the California Bay Area:

68,482 babies are born
7,002 babies are born prematurely - 10.1% of all births in the Bay Area
10,463 pregnant women receive late or no prenatal care
4,746 babies are born at a low birth weight
2,105 babies are born with a birth defect
326 babies don't live to see their first birthday

What:

March of Dimes March for Babies is the longest-running and most widely recognized walking event in the nation, generating more than $1.5 billion for the March of Dimes over its 42-year history. The fundraiser incorporated thousands of volunteers participating in a fun-filled day of walking to raise money to support lifesaving research and programs to make sure every baby gets a chance for healthy start in life. Each walker raises money from friends, family, and business associates, and then enjoys the festivities at one of our many California locations. Marches range from 1 to 10 miles, most are about 6 miles.

Who:

More than 53,000 participants throughout California are expected to raise over $9 million. Participants represent more than 900 companies, organizations, and schools.

Why:

Money raised through March for Babies enables the March of Dimes to continue its ongoing investment in lifesaving research and programs so that every parent will know the joy of a healthy newborn. Seventy-eight percent of every dollar raised goes directly to support the mission of March of Dimes.

(Source March of Dimes)

Here's how you can help...

1. If you're in our area, join our team and walk with us! It's a beautiful 4 mile walk around Spring Lake. Enjoy the festivities after the walk with us!

2. Donate to this amazing cause in honor of Zack and Connor, or in honor of someone you know born prematurely.

3. Tell your friends, family, co-workers to join and donate.

THANK YOU!!!

Friday, February 24, 2012

Weight Watchers - Week 7

 Start Date:  Jan. 5, 2012
Starting Weight: 198

Today's Date: Feb. 23, 2012
Current Weight: 189.6

Week 7: Lost .2
Total Loss: Back to 8.4
 
Well I lost the .2 pounds that I gained last week although I expected a little more. Even though I used a lot of my 49 extra for my birthday, I worked out really hard at the gym, so I expected at least a pound. I have to admit, I almost cried. But my amazing husband reminded me that it took years to put the weight on and even though 7 weeks sounds like a lot, in reality, it isn't. It's going to take my body time but with some perseverance the weight will come off.
 
Note: My Daily Point Limit is now 31 points down from 32 because I've lost 8.4 pounds. You also get an additional 49 points a week to use however you want (a little everyday, all at once, or not at all). You also earn points for the activity that you do. 

 Day 1: Used 33 points. (Used 2 of my 49 extra)
Earned 4 points for 45 minutes on the stationary bike 
Earned 1 point for 15 minutes on the elliptical  

Day 2: Used 59 points. (Used 28 of my 49 extra ~ Hubby took me out for dinner and drinks for my birthday)
 
Day 3: Used 30 points. (1 point remaining) 
 
Day 4: Used 31 points points. (0 points remaining)
Earned 1 point for 20 minutes of misc. weight machines
Earned 2 points for 25 minutes on the elliptical
 
Day 5: Used 33 points. (Used 2 of my 49 extra)
Earned 3 points for 30 minutes on the stationary bike
Earned 2 points for 20 minutes on the elliptical
Earned 5 points for 60 minutes of spin class. (This was so hard and I was so proud when I made it through the 60 minutes!)
 
Day 6: Used 32 points. (Used 1 of my 49 extra)
Earned 2 points for 20 minutes on the elliptical
Earned 2 points for 30 minutes of weights, squats, sit-ups
 
 Day 7: Used 33 points. (Used 2 of my 49 extra)

49 Extra Weekly Points Used: 35
Activity Points Earned: 22 VERY proud of this number. (Didn't use these for food)
  
 Week 8 Goal:
Same as last week: Drink more water a day, go to the gym at least twice, STOP SKIPPING BREAKFAST (which I didn't AT ALL this week) and I'm adding stay positive and keep going despite the scale!
 

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Breaking Up

Dear Coffee Table,

I'm sorry but I have to break up with you. You've been so good to me. Always there when I need to rest my tired feet, helping me organize and fold the laundry, and the countless games we've played on you.

However you are too big a threat to my sweet boy. You see...he recently learned how to climb onto the couch but hasn't yet learned how to get down. Today he fell off the couch and was this close
 to cracking his head open on your corner. I know it wasn't your fault and you didn't mean it.

I promise we'll meet again one day and I will again treat you to things like Clorox Wipes and Pledge. But for now your new home will be the storage closet in the backyard with all the other dangerous household items. Don't worry, I'll make sure Andrew makes a nice spot for you so you don't get damaged.

I'll miss you.


 

Friday, February 17, 2012

Weight Watchers - Week 6

I just got back from my meeting and all I have to say is after not losing any weight last week, this week officially sucked.

Start Date:  Jan. 5, 2012
Starting Weight: 198

Today's Date: Feb. 16, 2012
Current Weight: 189.8

Week 6: Gained .2
Total Loss: 8.2 (WAS 8.4)
 
I have no idea why I've had 2 bad weeks in a row and I have no words of encouragement. And to be honest...I don't have much hope for next weeks weigh-in because this weekend is my birthday and I have 3 dinners to go to (2 out to eat and 1 a home cooked meal).  It is what it is, I guess. Tonight I just want to sulk, and I'm going to let myself. Tomorrow though, is Day 1 of week 7 and I plan on hitting it HARD at the gym. 
 
Note: My Daily Point Limit is now 31 points down from 32 because I've lost 8.4 pounds. You also get an additional 49 points a week to use however you want (a little everyday, all at once, or not at all). You also earn points for the activity that you do. 

 Day 1: Used 31 points. (0 points remaining) 

Day 2: Used 34 points. (Used 3 of my 49 extra)
 
Day 3: Used 34 points. (Used 3 of my 49 extra)
 
Day 4: Used 23 points points. (8 points remaining)
1st day at the gym!
 2 points for 20 minutes on the bike
 1 point for 10 minutes of weight lifting
3 points for 35 minutes on the elliptical. 
Total: Earned 6 points 
 
Day 5: Use 44 points. (Used 13 of my 49 extra)
 
Day 6: Used 40 points. (Used 9 of my 49 extra)
2nd day at the gym!
2 points for 30 minutes of weight lifting 
3 points for 30 minutes on the bike
3 points for 30 minutes on the elliptical
Total: Earned 8 points
 
 Day 7: Used 38 points. (Used 7 of my 49 extra)

49 Extra Weekly Points Used: 35 (They say you can still lose weight when using your 49 extra points. I know everyone is different but I'm seeing that the more of the 49 I use, the less weight I lose.)
Activity Points Earned: 14 (Didn't use these for food)
  
 Week 7 Goal:
Try to drink more water a day. Go to the gym at least twice. My husbands goal for me...STOP SKIPPING BREAKFAST
! 

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Friday, February 10, 2012

Weight Watchers - Week 5

Another week down. Has it really been over a month since starting Weight Watchers?

Last weeks goal was to go on a walk 3x and drink 24 oz of water a day. I didn't walk at all this week. Connor was very sick (104.6 fever kind of sick) so we stayed home. He's much better today, just a nasty lingering cough. I also didn't drink water everyday but I definitely drank more than I did last week. So that's a step in the right direction, right? Right!

Start Date:  Jan. 5, 2012
Starting Weight: 198

Today's Date: Feb. 9, 2012
Current Weight: 189.6

Week 5 = Maintained last weeks weight.
Total Loss =  0 

Although I would have loved to lose weight this week I wasn't expecting a loss. Even though I stayed within my points plus allowance, I made poor choices. I was PMSing (sorry TMI) so I had major cravings for junk food and I let myself have it. I have said from the start that this is not a diet and I will not restrict myself from the things I want. If I do that, I will fail. I just try to make healthy choices and eat healthy proportions. 

The fact that I ate like crap, thanks a lot hormones maintained my current weight and did not gain, is success in my eyes. 

Next week (which starts tomorrow) is a whole new week and I'm all in! Our Brand.Spanking.New 24HourFitness opens on Saturday and I can't wait to start working out on Monday!

Note: My Daily Point Limit is now 31 points down from 32 because I've lost 8.4 pounds. You also get an additional 49 points a week to use however you want (a little everyday, all at once, or not at all). You also earn points for the activity that you do. 

 Day 1: Used 38 points. (Used 7 of my 49 extra) 

Day 2: Used 28 points. (3 points remaining)
 
Day 3: Used 31 points. (0 points remaining)
 
Day 4: Used 32 points. (Used 1 of my 49 extra)
 
Day 5: Use 32 points. (Used 1 of my 49 extra)
 
Day 6: Used 31 points. (0 points remaining)
 
 Day 7: Used 38 points. (Used 7 of my 49 extra)

49 Extra Weekly Points Used: 16
Activity Points Earned: 0 <--- That's disappointing
  
 Week 6 Goal:
Try to drink more water a day. Go to the gym 2x this week.


PS. Thank goodness I didn't have to move a rock from my 'Pounds Lost' jar back to my 'Pounds to Lose' jar, THAT would have been depressing.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

DIY Motivational Weightloss Jars

Since I'm on this journey of losing weight I decided I need to have something that I see everyday to help me stay motivated.

A lot of people hang up a picture or a bikini as motivation but I needed something more, something that not only helps keep me motivated but lets me see my progress. Thanks to Pinterest I found the perfect thing!

I'm not sure what they're called but I'm calling them "Weightloss Jars"

Here's what you'll need:
  • Marbles or glass rocks. 1 for each pound you're trying to lose. 
  • 2  jars or vases. Make sure they are big enough to hold all the marbles/rocks.
  • Something to write on the jars/vases. I used Glitter Glue but you could use stickers, paint, or anything else that will write on glass.
That's it! I purchased all of these things at my local craft store for around $25. I'm sure I could have shopped around for vases that were better priced but with a 1 year old  sometimes it's easier to just pay the extra so you can just go to 1 store. ;)
My friend Danielle is making these too so in this picture there are enough for 2 sets. 

1. Decide what you want written on your vase. For Example: Pounds to Lose vs Pounds 2 Go. Then practice writing it.
 Danielle practicing on a paper plate.

2. Verrry carefully write this on your vase, or paint it on, stick the stickers on or however you decided to do it.
Note: If you went with Glitter Glue and you mess up, use Windex and a paper towel and it wipes right off. :)
You can't see it in this picture but my hand was shaking so bad! 
 
3. Determine how many pounds you must lose in order to achieve your goal weight. Count out that many marbles/glass rocks.
43 rocks = 43 pounds to go. 8 pounds of which are already gone!

4. Put your rocks in the "Pounds To Lose" vase. If you're like us and have already lost some of the weight, move 1 rock per pound to the "Pounds Lost" vase. Ahh doesn't that feel nice!? 

  Now as you lose weight you will see the first vase slowly empty and the second vase fill up! And imagine how good it will feel to move those rocks over to the "Pounds Lost" vase!? I can tell you, it feels awesome! It's also a great motivator because the last thing you want is to gain and have to move a rock back to the first vase! AH scary thought!

For me, this is much more motivating then hanging a silly bathing suit on the wall. You can actually see your progress which is so inspiring. Not to mention they are cute and look great on a bathroom sink. :)