Wordless Wednesday #16

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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.

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!!!

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! 

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.

 

Wordless Wednesday #15

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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! 

Wordless Wednesday #14

When will we learn? What is it going to take? 

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.

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. :)

Wordless Wednesday #13

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Weight Watchers - Week 4

 Week 4 done! I can't believe in a couple of days it will be a month since I started weight watchers. It's gone by so fast! 

Usually when you're trying to lose weight it seems like time slows down. This is probably because usually you lose weight by dieting AKA eating gross foods and hardly any of it. So you're hungry and grouchy and can't wait for it to be over. But since weight watchers isn't a diet, I've just been living my life normally. Yes I track everything I eat on my IPhone app but that takes only a few minutes out of my day. 

It almost feels like I'm cheating because I'm still enjoying things like; white bread, pasta, ground beef, sweets, regular mayonnaise, and chips. You name it and I can eat it, just a healthier portion and not all on the same day. ;)

Wow I'm starting to sound like a Weight Watchers commercial! HA!

Last weeks goal was to go on a walk 3 days and drink 24 oz of water a day. Well I walked 2 times and drank water 4 out of 7 days. The water intake is still a struggle for me, but I'm not giving up. Hopefully if I stick to it, drinking water will just be part of my normal day and I won't have to force myself.

So here's how this week went...

Start Date:  Jan. 5, 2012

Starting Weight: 198

Today's Date: Feb. 2, 2012

Current Weight: 189.6

Week 4 = LOST 1.2 pounds

Total Loss = 8.4 pounds gone!
 

HELLOOOOOO 180's!!!  
I'm pretty excited!! I know I've said it before...but IT'S WORKING! The pounds are coming off, slowly but surely. I cannot WAIT to join 24 Hour Fitness in a week! I'm excited to add working out 3 days a week to my schedule. 

Note: My Daily Point Limit is 32. 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 36 points. (Used 4 of my 49 extra) 

Earned 6 points for a 90 minute walk. 

Day 2: Used 29 points. (3 points remaining)
 
Day 3: Used 30 points. (2 points remaining)
 
Day 4: Used 24 points. (8 points remaining)
 
Day 5: Used 43 points. (Used 11 of my 49 extra)

Earned 6 points for a 90 minute walk.

 
Day 6: Used 30 points. (2 points remaining)
 

 Day 7: Used 31 points. (1 point remaining)

49 Extra Weekly Points Used: 15 
Activity Points Earned: 12 (I did not use any of these points for food.)
 
 Week 5 Goal: Drink 24 oz of water a day and go for a walk 3x. (This will continue to be my goal until it isn't a goal anymore and is just part of my routine) 

Here are 2 meals I ate this week...

4 oz Homemade Meatloaf {6 pts}
1 cup spaghetti noodles with Kraft parmesan cheese, country crock margarine and garlic salt {7 pts}
1/2 cup Del Monte Gold and White canned corn {2 pts}
1/2 cup Del Monte Green Beans {0 pts}
Diet Peach Snapple not pictured {0 pts}
TOTAL: 15 points

5 oz Chicken Piccata {5 pts}
1 cup spaghetti noodles with fresh parmesan cheese and garlic salt.. yes this is one of our favorite sides :)    {7 pts}
1 cup mixed cauliflower and broccoli steamed {0 pts} 
2 tsp mayonnaise {2 pts}
Diet Cherry 7 Up {0 pts)
TOTAL:  14 points

This was at Sunday Dinner and it was my Mom's first time making Chicken Picatta and it was FABULOUS. One of my new favorites! Thanks for the recipe Ashley!

Wordless Wednesday #12

Hours of fun with just a box! :)

Thanks Auntie D!