Day 88 - Barb Says Go Hungry

Do you like that?

My attention getting headline up there...

HaHa.

Uh Oh. It might just be one of THOSE kinds of days. YAY! Just keepin' it interesting, folks.

ANYway...

Barb didn't say starve. And she didn't say go hungry all the time. Here is what she said, really. You know, her usual FAB Friday Fitness tip:


Cut Off Eating At Least Two Hours Prior To Bedtime

To help get a good night's sleep, stop consuming food and caffeinated drinks at least two hours prior to bedtime.  This will allow your body time to process the food.  During the night, your body will be able to refuel more efficiently.  You'll be less apt to wake up during the night with stomach issues or gas.  Also, when you consume calories late at night, they are harder to burn.  By adopting an eating schedule, such as three small meals and two snacks, you won't have such an urge to eat late at night.  If you do feel hungry, drink a glass of water or a cup of herbal tea. 

Well isn't that just one more brilliant tip?!!!

Yes. It is.

Barb states that in order for your body to process the food from the day AND to refuel efficiently while you sleep, you must stop eating at least two hours before bedtime.

She's right, ya know. Going to bed "hungry" (not ravenous and ready to chew your arm off) is a great way to aid in your weight loss success. I know this one works. I've used it the last two days - as I am BACK ON TRACK, People - and it just feels better. I'm not going to bed with a too full belly. I'm waking up rarin' to go, and I am loving my scale.

So give it a try. Plan your daily routine (another FAB tip from Barb), keep a glass of water by your bed (ANOTHER fab Barb tip), and wake up ready to eat a healthy breakfast to start the new day (Yes, you guessed it, one more FAB Barb tip).

Whoa. That's a FAB Barb tip for today and 3 extra FAB Barb tips; she is AWESOME. YAY!

Okay. Gotta jet. Busy busy BZZZZY today. I get to walk all 16 floors of my apartment building handing out fliers for our next Paparazzi Accessories Open House. Yes, I'm excited about that. It's exercise. Then I'm off to the Library (walking) and then to get approval on another flyer and...wait. YOU don't need to know all this.

Hope your day is just as fun-filled and FABULOUS as mine!

Till next time!

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Our Virtual Trip(s)

Michele: 10.5 miles

Anna: 210 miles

Sandi: 140.70 miles

Debbie: 85 miles

Kathy: 129.74 miles

Stephanie: 172.43 miles

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My October Goals:

Walk 130 miles - 39.2 = 90.8 miles to go!
Swim 20 hours - 2 hours, 30 minutes = 17 hours, 30 minutes to go! The pool is HEATED!
Post Daily at My Fitness Pal - YES!
Eat at home 25 dinners - 8 down, 17 to go!
Hit 50 pounds down - 12.4 pounds to go!
Reward with the much coveted compression suit - Only 12.4 pounds to go!

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Starting Weight: 306.4

Goal Weight: 150

Today's Weight: 268.8

Total Lost to Date: 37.6

Me and My TOES :) 

PS: Today is day 88 and if you know me, then you might know that 8 is my FAVORITE number. And yes, I wrote about it once!

Eight Fun Facts About the Number 8

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Remember, all links contained within my blog will take you to pages I personally have visited and/or they are my own (e.g., former blog posts, articles at Yahoo!Voices, other blogs I LOVE, etc.). You may click each and every one with confidence. Cheers! 

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Day 86 - Beginning is Easy - Can You Finish?

On Monday I wrote a long post about the struggle I've been having over the last month. Yesterday it certainly was reflected in the numbers I posted. I am - over all - doing pretty darn good. But that darn third month of my weight loss journey was hard and I did a lot of things that were not on the list of getting to healthy.

Because of that post, a friend of mine left a comment that got me thinking. Here it is:

San,

Sometimes I think we all sabotage ourselves. Really, I know I have. I know that I am a person who always starts out strong and then just never finishes.....you should see all the craft projects I've started and never finished. And the worst part is.....all these things can be beautiful......including myself.....if I would just FINISH them. I don't know what it is about some of us that just switches off when we are doing so well. But I do know that this time I HAVE TO PUSH THROUGH IT!!! I can't give up! This isn't only for losing weight and getting healthy.....it's for everything. I need to finish what I start. I'm so bad about it, I do dishes every day, but always seem to leave the silverware until I have to do it, or take hours to do 15 minutes worth of dishes. I have started pushing myself to FINISH my dishes, wash dried and put away before I walk out of the kitchen. It may be a small thing......but I have to teach myself to FINISH.....it doesn't matter what I finish.....I just need to finish, finish something to make me feel like, Okay, I finished this, so now I need to finish something else. 
I need to do a blog post on finishing things so I don't hijack your blog. But I think you can see where I'm going with this. We have to learn to finish what we started and not give up before we finish.
Great post and it really got me to thinking. Thank you so much.

Debbie

She then followed it up with a post on her blog and it is definitely worth the read. Expanding on what Debbie said here, she really hits the finishing point hard and well. Please, go read her post here and then hop back over for my two cents about finishing what you start. 

...see, I told you it was worth it. Okay, let's finish...

When I read Debbie's initial comment it struck me like a ton of bricks. Oh Em Gee. I suffer the same disease. 

I am a starter. 

Much of the time and ALWAYS in regard to my weight loss, I am NOT a finisher. 

WOW. What a revelation THAT was. 

And, much like Debbie, there are plenty of craft projects left unfinished (ex. my sweet little nephew's baby blanket - he's turning 2 in January), and plenty of times that I've washed and dried but took days to fold and put away, dishes that get washed but not unloaded from the dishwasher...the list is seriously endless. 

This finishing (or lack of) is a real issue. 

As I read her post yesterday, I realized that I don't want to NOT finish this. I cannot NOT finish this. I have NOT finished this so many times that it borders on stupid...

...okay, it is stupid. 

There, I said it. 

Soooo...

What's a girl to do?

Finish, of course. 

I have made strides toward finishing - now a days, laundry is done all at once (thanks for the multiple washers and dryers in our building and that I simply can't stack clothes, folded or not, on the dryer), crafty projects now have more to do with my jewelry business and must be completed to ensure the word gets out in regard to parties and events, and as far as my weight loss journey goes...

I am finishing. Every darn step I take is a step closer to the finish line and I refuse to do anything but get there. I am 111.2 pounds away from reaching the finish and I will get there. One step at a time. 

Thanks again, my dear friend, Debbie, for recognizing something in yourself that needed addressing. You gave me the insight to see where I'm at and that is a beautiful thing. Let's get to finishing what we started!

Till next time!

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Our Virtual Trip(s)

Michele: 10.5 miles

Anna: 210 miles

Sandi: 129.60 miles

Debbie: 79 miles

Kathy: 122.63 miles

Stephanie: 160.81 miles

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My October Goals:

Walk 130 miles - 28.10 = 101.90 miles to go!
Swim 20 hours - 30 minutes = 18 hours, 30 minutes to go! The heater is still not right!
Post Daily at My Fitness Pal - YES!
Eat at home 25 dinners - 6 down, 19 to go!
Hit 50 pounds down - 11.2 pounds to go!
Reward with the much coveted compression suit - Only 11.2 pounds to go!

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Starting Weight: 306.4

Goal Weight: 150

Today's Weight: 267.6

Total Lost to Date: 38.8

Now I will celebrate - Love those 260's!

Day 85 - Three Months In, Let's See Those Numbers!

It is so crazy to think that 3 months ago I weighed more than 300 pounds. 306.4 to be exact. I had reached a place in my life where I knew that it was time...

Time to get myself together and to stop SAYING I was going to do this, to stop saying I was GOING to lose weight, to get healthy, to change my life...

It was time to DO.

And so I did.

For the last 3 months I have been traveling a road that has been bumpy and smooth, curvy and straight.

AWEsome and not so...


And here we are. 3 whole months in. Where am I at?

Month 3 RECAP - drum roll please:

Month One:

Starting Weight: 306.4

Pounds Down: 17.2

Inches LOST: 12.5

My Month One Done Weight: 289.2

Month Two: 

Starting Weight: 289.2

Pounds Down: 13.4

Inches LOST: 13

Total Inches LOST: 25.5

My Month Two 'n' Through Weight: 275.8

Month Three: 

Starting Weight: 275.8

Pounds Down: 5.2

Inches LOST: 11.75

Total Inches LOST: 37.25

My Month Three Look at ME Weight: 270.6

WOW!

In 84 days I have lost an amazing 35.8 pounds and 37.25 inches all over. I am slightly off my 1/2 pound per day loss but I'm still pretty stoked.

Month three was hard for me. (As we ALL know, because I whined about it enough, lol. But seriously...)

I took some time over the last few days to really think about what I'm doing and how far I've come and WHERE I want to be in 9 months and guess WHAT?

I feel that pride again. I feel like I've DONE something. I KNOW I can DO this.

As I head into Month 4, I am re-focused, re-energized, and re-committed to reaching the end of this healthy - mind, body, and spirit - journey.

I have had an amazing roller coaster ride so far and I yes, I can actually see down the road a bit as it is straight and true.

I do also hope the same for you, going forward. May we all live healthy and happy. There is simply no other way to be.

Till next time!

...where it'll be a fun WORD of the DAY type of post, YAY!

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Our Virtual Trip(s)

Michele: 10.5 miles

Anna: 210 miles

Sandi: 126.27 miles

Debbie: 76 miles

Kathy: 122.63 miles

Stephanie: 157.56 miles

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My October Goals:

Walk 130 miles - 24.77 = 105.23 miles to go!
Swim 20 hours - 30 minutes = 18 hours, 30 minutes to go! The heater is still not right!
Post Daily at My Fitness Pal - YES!
Eat at home 25 dinners - 5 down, 20 to go!
Hit 50 pounds down - 14.2 pounds to go!
Reward with the much coveted compression suit - Only 14.2 pounds to go!

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Starting Weight: 306.4

Goal Weight: 150

Today's Weight: 270.6

Total Lost to Date: 35.8

Not to Shabby, Much Less Flabby, YAY!

Day 84 - Dear Diary and Friends...We Need to Talk!

Today is the last day of the first three months of the rest of my life.

TECHNICALLY.

I really WANT to count it at day 90 but if we're going month by month, today is the day that marks the end of of those first three months.

And while a LOT of good things have happened in these past three months, I do believe it's time we all had a little chat.

I don't want to call anyone out or bring anyone to task for what they have or haven't done...I'm merely going to share what I've been going through much of the last month and if any of it applies to you, you'll know and then maybe we can work that much harder to get our s**t together - together.

When I began this last weight loss journey - as in, this is the LAST TIME I'm taking this particular journey - I had just returned from Philadelphia, where I had tried out for Season 14 of the Biggest Loser.

As we all know, I did not get chosen for the show but while in Philly, I made a vow - I would not remain in this body another minute longer. That no matter what happened with BL14, I would begin my (last) journey and unlike so many times in the past, I would reach my destination: HEALTHY - mind, body, and spirit.

To that end, I came home and hopped right on it. The first month was AWESOME. I was focused and true and hit some pretty great goals. The second month I was still on track and averaging 1/2 a pound a day, lost.

The inches were falling off too and I was feeling good.

And then???

We started the third month. And I lost my mind (it happens to me a lot, so no worries, I always find it again).

I began to de-rail and fail and sabotage and screw up and do stupid things and...

Just pure STUPIDITY.

I'm not making excuses. Rather admitting that for all my awesomeness in the previous two months, I was completely ruining the success.

I've talked in the last several posts, about WHY, exactly...

New living space downtown. New distractions. Not working out. Not eating at home. Not holding myself accountable. Not focusing on the MOST IMPORTANT piece of my life:

GETTING MY LIFE BACK!

And now we are here. almost 3 whole months in and I am tired of this last month. I am tired of all the crap I did, some on purpose, some by idiocy, ALL with no regard to what I originally intended.

Healthy - MIND, BODY, and SPIRIT!

And I KNOW there are others who are struggling too. It's why we've stayed fat all these years. We start out and ROCK it OUT and then we start to slide.

The slide turns into a free-for-all and the next thing you know, we are right back where we started or HEAVIER for losing control.

WE can NOT allow this to happen.

We have come too far in our journeys to allow this to happen.

We must remain focused.

We must remain accountable.

We must lean on each other to guide us through on the right path.

We MUST do this. We are saving our lives and we ARE worth it.

As I finish this third month, I am reflective of all the things that got me HERE and how much further I could be if I had stayed on the path. I will continue (today) to work through that and tomorrow, I will enter into the new month with renewed focus and strength.

I am DOING this.

And so are you.

There's just no reason not to.

Till next time!

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Our Virtual Trip(s)

Michele: 10.5 miles

Anna: 170 miles

Sandi: 123.69 miles

Debbie: 76 miles

Kathy: 122.63 miles

Stephanie: 157.56 miles

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My October Goals:

Walk 130 miles - 22.19 = 107.81 miles to go!
Swim 20 hours - 30 minutes = 19 hours, 30 minutes to go! The heater is still not right!
Post Daily at My Fitness Pal - Slacked a bit this weekend. Ugh. This morning? Done!
Eat at home 25 dinners - 5 down, 20 to go!
Hit 50 pounds down - 13.4 pounds to go!
Reward with the much coveted compression suit - Only 13.4 pounds to go!

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Starting Weight: 306.4

Goal Weight: 150

Today's Weight: 269.8

Total Lost to Date: 36.6

yay...I'm in the 260's. No, I am not ready to celebrate it just yet!

Day 81 - Barb's Tip? Eat Your Wheaties!

Okay, maybe not Wheaties, per SE, but Barb's tip today is one of THE ALL TIME MOST IMPORTANT AND EXTREMELY ESSENTIAL TO YOUR OVER ALL SUCCESS tips EVER!

Ohhhh.

Sorry about the yelling.

BUT...

I am seriously serious and that's a fact. Here's your FAB Friday tip, go ahead, pay close attention!


Start Your Day With Breakfast

Eating a healthy breakfast is the best way to provide fuel to your body for the day's activities.  Try a bowl of oatmeal with raisins and chopped apples or whole grain cereal with fresh blueberries or strawberries.  A quick breakfast could consist of a slice of whole wheat toast with natural peanut butter and a glass of juice.  Don't feel like eating in the morning?  Try a fruit smoothie made with yogurt, fruit and ice.  Sip on it throughout the morning.  Studies have shown that by eating a healthy breakfast, you'll be more alert during the day and will be able to think more clearly.

Barb says it, right there in the first line - "Eating a healthy breakfast is the BEST WAY to provide fuel to your body for the day's activities." 

The experts say it, Barb says it, I'm sayin' it, go ask your own doctor...

BREAKFAST is IMPORTANT! Perhaps the most important meal of the day. Breakfast is what gets your body going in the morning and helps keep you accountable all through the day.

Imagine skipping breakfast (and we've ALL done it a time or three). By mid morning your tummy is rumbling and depending upon where you are, sky's the limit when deciding what to feed your face.

BAD IDEA.

You can't make up for breakfast.

Trust me on that because for the last two weeks (at least) I've been testing that theory. Yah. I'm admitting another truth. Even though I know the importance of breakfast (I even wrote about it once, yah, go ahead, act surprised and then go read THIS), I have been seriously sucking at it lately. I start with tea in the morning - green tea - and THAT'S good. But then I might go several hours, depending upon when I wake up, before I have a bite.

OR...

I don't eat enough. Yah, a fat girl who doesn't eat enough. Please...it happens. I have been going back and forth between 2 hard-boiled eggs and 2 tablespoons of peanut butter. NOT enough.

What I need to do is get back to what I was doing in the beginning. Eggs and Bacon. Granola, milk, and a banana - today's breakfast, by the way...

Remember? What we were ALL doing in the beginning and how it was WORKING!

It ALL starts with breakfast.

So go on, EAT. Your body will thank you, your scale will thank you, your BRAIN will thank you. And most importantly, you will be establishing good habits that will carry you on the rest of your new and improved and HEALTHY life.

Breakfast - YUM!

Till next time!

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Oh and yes, I did weigh in yesterday, even though I did not blog. I was feeling under the weather AGAIN and by the time I got to the computer, I just didn't feel like blogging. So here are TWO scale pics for your enjoyment.

Starting Weight: 306.4
Goal Weight: 150
Today's Weight: 271.6
Total Lost to Date: 34.8

10.4.12 Scale 'n' Toes!

10.5.12 Scale 'n' Toes!

I'm also not blogging tomorrow, as I have a PARTY to throw, WooHOO! But I will be here on Sunday. I'm thinkin' it's time you and I had a talk...

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Our Virtual Trip(s)

Michele: 10.5 miles

Anna: 170 miles

Sandi: 112.84 miles

Debbie: 70 miles

Kathy: 114.57 miles

Stephanie: 146 miles

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My October Goals:

Walk 130 miles - 11.34 = 118.66 miles to go!
Swim 20 hours - the pool with re-open tomorrow, YAY!
Post Daily at My Fitness Pal - Yes!
Eat at home 25 dinners - 4 down, 21 to go!
Hit 50 pounds down - 15.2 pounds to go!
Reward with the much coveted compression suit - Only 15.2 pounds to go!

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