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    4月29日

    Day 3 of the Bike

    I have a bunch of weight loss blogs and spaces that I keep up with and I've noticed a huge trend where people start to lose weight and then they start doing the couch to 5k program or start training for a long walk or a half-marathon and some even train for a full marathon.  I love reading their stories and following their journey, so yesterday I went in search of people who set cycling goals or used cycling to get in shape.  I found nothing. Zip. Nada.  I found some great cycling sites with some info for beginners, but I haven't been able to find any blogs or info on someone who tracked their progress.
     
    Maybe I can start a new trend. hahaha!!
     
    Today was day 3 on my bike.  Last night I rode to a friend's house and then she drove me home.  Wink  I could say it was because we were in a hurry and we needed to get to the store to buy her bike, but the truth is I planned it that way.  It was pretty much downhill to her house, which means it was all uphill the other way.  I only had to go up a couple of little hills on the way there and I had to walk up one of them. 
     
    This morning I rode around the parking lot at church while Josh was in seminary.  I was kind of surprised by how chilly it was.  I never even considered that it could be colder than walking.  Ooops.. I survived and I warmed up pretty quick.  The parking lot gave me a decent workout today and I believe it will work well for a week or two.  Then I'll have to venture out a further into the neighborhood.  Hopefully my rear end will be a little less sore by then. LOL.
     
    11:19 | 添加评论 | 阅读评论 (1) | 固定链接 | 写入日志
    4月28日

    I Bought a Bike

    I was a little nervous and overwhelmed when I first went to look at a bike.  Thankfully my son was with me and he helped me.  He steered me away from the $69 bike at Walmart. Open-mouthed  Even I knew it wasn't a good idea, but I had no idea you could actually find one that cheap.
     
    I had a limited budget, and to be honest, I was afraid of spending a bunch of money until I found out if I was going to follow through.  What if this sounds great in my head, but doesn't work out so well in practice?  In the end I found a bike on sale at Target and it ended up being the exact same bike my son has (the girl version).  I felt much better about it when we figured that out.  He's had his for a few years and it has held up really well.
     
    But then it came time to actually RIDE the bike....As soon as we walked out the door of Target, Josh hopped on and rode all over the parking lot.  He changed the gears, checked the brakes and gave it the once over.  Then it was my turn.  I was so nervous and wobbly, but I rode it around and I didn't fall, so it looked promising...
     
    Well, yesterday I took the bike out for it's maiden voyage; a little tour of Lindo Lake.  Laura and and I rode around the lake twice and by the end I felt completely comfortable and I absolutely LOVED it.  Now I know why they say "it's like riding a bike."  Today I feel pleasantly sore and cannot wait to ride again!!!!!
     
    The best part is that all of a sudden a ton of my girlfriends are into it!!  Some of us talked about it ahead of time, but some were pure coincidence.  Now we have a large group of people to pull from to coordinate riding together.  I am soooo excited.
     
    Last night I could hardly sleep.  I was brainstorming different places that I could ride to.  I think I've mentioned before that I live in a very hilly area... so it takes some strategic planning to figure out where to ride without encountering killer hills.  And some of the areas are a bit deceiving;   they are a long, slow, gradual grade. 
     
    Perhaps I've finally found something I can do without killing my foot. 
    11:03 | 添加评论 | 阅读评论 (1) | 固定链接 | 写入日志
    4月25日

    Independence Day Challenge

    First Off - Woo Hoo!  I rode my recumbent bike for 10 minutes this morning.  I would've ridden longer, but 10 minutes is all I had.  I actually enjoyed it more than I have in the past so that's a good sign. 
     
    I walked around walmart last night and checked out the bikes and bike racks.  My son even pulled one of the bikes down so I could test it.  The bummer is that just balancing the bike as I put my feet on the pedals, hurt my ankle.  I guess it's going to take a while for all those ligaments/muscles to get better.  Of course, it probably would've been fine if I had been wearing my ankle brace at the time...eh hem
     
    Independence Day Challenge
    Since I am in need of motivation and I'm just a wee bit competitive, I talked my friends into doing an independence day challenge.  Why independence day you ask?  Oh it's another selfish reason.  I leave the following Thursday for a family reunion, fly back Monday and then head off to girls camp.  Both activities will be a lot more fun if I'm in better shape and a few pounds lighter.
     
    I believe we're going to hike Cowles Mountain for our final hurrah... but in the meantime we are doing little mini-challenges.
     
    First up...we have to exercise this week.  20 minutes a day.  I tried to talk them into giving up soda or chocolate or chips, but that was a no go...
     
    We're also going to set a date for a DDR showdown.  I lost last time so you can bet I'll be ready for it this time!!!! (I also lost on singstar and there's just no helping me on that one.  I really should provide ear plugs when it's my turn.)
     
    So anyone want to join us for the fun?  Feel free to leave me a challenge in the comment section.  I'll try to do it and I'll check in with you.  Please note that I have to adjust some of the workout challenges for a while, that's why we said "20 min. of exercise."  I can change it to whatever my feet can handle... and 20 minutes get's you up and going...
     
    I'm planning to weigh-in and take my measurements to see how much I can change in the next 11 weeks.  My overall goal is to drop 2 sizes in clothes.
    10:28 | 添加评论 | 阅读评论 (1) | 固定链接 | 写入日志
    4月24日

    A New Plan!!!!

    I'm feeling much better today.  I listened to Ali on Jillian's radio show again this morning.  I don't usually listen to them over and over, but I particularly loved this show and Ali said so much, so quickly, that you almost have to listen to it a couple of times before you get it all.
     
    Something clicked inside of me when I was listening to the show this morning.  I have been struggling and complaining because I can't seem to find that same motivation and can do attitude that I used to have.  Even though I can rationalize it because of my injuries and the pain that I'm in, it still makes me mad and it's this great big stumbling block in my life.  I will psych myself up and say "I'll just push through the pain because being lighter will help," but honestly there's this little voice in the back of my head that knows I absolutely can't tolerate that kind of pain again.  It's not that I'm afraid the pain will come back.  The pain has never left entirely, so I know that it will come back.  Every time I do just a little bit more, it flares up.  I walked around the mall yesterday and it was sore when I woke up this morning.
     
    So, back to my epiphany.  I can't visualize and push myself in the same ways I did before, because I am not the same person.  I have to change.  I have to adapt.  I have to find a new way to exercise.  I have to stop saying "walking is the only thing that fits my schedule."
     
    I have a birthday next week and hubby has been hounding me about what I want.  Today, I figured it out....  I want a bike and a bike rack.  I used to ride a bike everywhere, but I live in a very hilly area so it's hard to get started.  Having a bike rack means that I can put the bike on the car and...
     
    take a ride around campus after work
    drive down the street one mile and ride around the lake
    ride my bike while Josh is in seminary
     
    The more I think about it, the more I know that it will help me get through this next phase of my life.  I can see myself riding the bike.  I can see it so clearly that I can already feel how sore my rear is going to be. hahaha!!!
     
    Now that I have a plan, I can set some mini-goals.  I don't know how soon I will be able to actually get the rack and the bike, but I can start building up for it by riding the bike at the gym and at home.  I can even visualize me doing my crunches and strength training because now I feel like I have a plan for the cardio.  Cardio has always been my favorite.  It gives me that "high."  Not being able to do it has made it hard for me to find the energy and will to do anything else.
     
    Oh my gosh...... my mind is literally reeling....I keep thinking of more goals and more opportunities...
     
    I can set a goal to do a spinning class!
    I can ride the bike around the bay!
    I can call my friends and see if they would like to join me!
    I can take it to stamp camp in the mountains next month!
     
    Ok, I'm off... I need to do some research on bikes and bike racks.
     
     
     
     
     
    9:22 | 添加评论 | 阅读评论 (3) | 固定链接 | 写入日志
    4月23日

    Need Help!

    Ok, as promised, I'm checking in today.  Sadly I'm checking in and saying I did not work out this morning.  I was absolutely miserable.  I woke up at 2:45 am and then every 1- 1 1/2 hours after that with horrible cramps.  I hate to use that as an excuse, but I was literally sitting in my car in the parking lot this morning contemplating turning around and going back home.  I thought I was going to die. 
     
    Thankfully diet pepsi, 600 mg of ibuprofen and two ding dongs later, I'm feeling pretty good and I don't think the world is going to end and that I will never work out again and that I am the world's biggest failure and.....
     
    (Guys, the woman's mind is a crazy place to be sometimes.)
     
    And so now I'm regretting those ding dongs that I inhaled and I'm regretting missing the opportunity to work out and I am so sick and tired of making excuses and dealing with injury and it is in these moments that I most miss my husband.  I just realized that as I was typing this.  I started to say that I need someone to work out with or someone to be accountable to or... when I realized that what I really truly miss is having my husband at home.  I miss being hugged and comforted.  Yep, most days I am "miss independent" and I can do this and I can be a support to him by taking care of the homefront, but today... today I would give anything to have him home with me.  Sadly he will be gone for 5 more weeks....so I'm going to have get back to being miss independent.
     
    So I'm putting the call out there.  Do you have a secret desire to be Jillian?  Want to tell someone to suck it up, get over it and get moving?  If you can dish it out, I can take it.  Bring it on.....
     
    ***********
    Speaking of Jillian.  Her radio show/podcast this week was absolutely amazing!!!!!  I could listen to Ali for another hour.  I loved her enthusiasm and her energy and her drive and her visualizations.  And Bernie!!!  Love him even more.  Great show.
    11:02 | 添加评论 | 固定链接 | 写入日志
    4月22日

    Accountability

    Just a quick note to check in and stay accountable.  I haven't been feeling well the last couple of days and I haven't written down what I've been eating.  I didn't totally blow it, but I just haven't been as dilligent.  I figure checking in and admitting it will help me let it go and move on. 
     
    Life has also been crazy busy and our schedules have been non-existent.   Generally we are out the door every morning at 5:50am, but Josh's early morning seminary class is based on the local high school schedule (which he does not attend).  Anyway, they have a crazy testing schedule and their start times change every day...early, late, early, late... So instead of Monday 7am, Tuesday - Friday 6am for seminary.  It changes every other day...6am, 7am, 6am, 7am....  Annoying!!!!  I can only walk/workout when he starts at 6am.  All that to say that tomorrow is the day!  I'm planning to walk and/or put an exercise dvd into the laptop.
     
    I'll check in tomorrow and let you know how I did.
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    4月18日

    WW Weigh In

    I hate that my weigh-in is as the end of the day, but that's the meeting that best fits my schedule.  Home scale loss = 2.8 pounds.  WW loss = 1 pound.  I don't starve myself, or avoid water on weigh-in days, so sometimes I gain a couple of pounds mid day.  This must've been one of those weeks.  Oh well, a loss is a loss and whether I drink a ton of water or not, it has to show up eventually.   Maybe next week will be a BIG loss. Open-mouthed  Those are always fun.
     
    Life is good, fun and crazy.  I've been officially tracking my points all week long, not just adding and subtracting in my head.  Even though we have been running around like crazy and have had to resort to fast food a couple of days, I've made good choices.  I had a Carl's Jr. bbq chicken sandwich for 7 points one night and a chicken salad another night. 
     
    My ankle is getting stronger each day.  I logged 3800 steps last night, just walking around and around Lowe's.  I'm going to start wearing my pedometer again.  I figure that will give me a good way to monitor how I'm steadily increasing my exercise.
     
    And here's just a little shout out to Lowe's!!  My son is working on his Eagle project and they very generously gave him 50% off his supplies.  Way to go Lowe's!!!!
    10:40 | 添加评论 | 阅读评论 (2) | 固定链接 | 写入日志
    4月15日

    Foot brace and xylitol

    I tried to update this morning, but live spaces seemed to be having issues.  Let's hope it works this time.....
     
    And so.......
    I went to the fracture clinic today and I got the official ok to work out.  Woo Hoo!!!!  I graduated from a big giant equalizer boot to a heavy duty lace-up ankle brace.  I actually like it.  My ankle is still a little sore and this gives it comfortable support.  I have lots of PT to do, but I get to do it on my own.  I could've gotten a referral, but life is so hectic with Josh's eagle project, prom, graduation and his upcoming knee surgery....that I thought I'd find more time to do it at home.  The doctor was very enthusiastic when I asked about working out and gave me a bunch of things to do at home.  He seemed downright gleeful to find out I have a wobble board.  (Maybe he wouldn't have been as excited if he'd known it was because I sprained the other ankle before and I kind of know the drill.  Practice makes perfect. Wink)  Now if I can keep the other foot healthy enough we'll be good to go.
     
    Xylitol...
    Today's food find is xylitol.  After hearing Jillian talk about it many times on her podcasts, I finally bought some at one of our local produce/health food stores.  We tried it for the first time by sprinkling it over strawberries.  It was delicious.  It had absolutely no aftertaste.  It tasted just like sugar to me.  The crystals are larger, so it's not the same texture.
     
    After buying it, I checked out the xylosweet website (the brand I bought) and found out that it actually helps prevent cavities and other interesting stuff.  Then I checked the gum section at 7/11 and sure enough they have Trident gum, sweetened with xylitol. 
    16:35 | 添加评论 | 阅读评论 (2) | 固定链接 | 写入日志
    4月14日

    Back to gym and Breakfast recipe

    Overall, it was a very good weekend!  I went to the gym and rode the recumbent bike.  I have a recumbent bike at home, so when I go to the gym, I generally avoid it.  It's not my favorite.  Well imagine my surprise when I realized they got all new bikes.  I didn't completely figure out how to run programs on them, but they each have their own fan.  The bike is still boring, but at least the air is moving!
     
    My ankle and the bike were very good to each other and it didn't hurt at all.  My ankle and the elliptical aren't too friendly yet.  I did ok on the higher incline, but when the program switched to the lowest incline, I had to get off.  It hurt.  I got 6 minutes in and it felt good.  I'll try it again after I get the ok from my doctor tomorrow and I'll just keep it on the higher inclines.
     
    And the bad news.... I wore my croc mary janes to church yesterday without my orthotics.  One day and my stinkin plantar fasciitis is totally inflamed.  I got a cramp in my foot when I went to stand up at home and it has hurt ever since.  I iced it and it feels ok in my shoes today, but it is extremely depressing!!!  One foot heals and the other one flares up.  It looks like pain will be my friend for a while. 
     
    Food News:
    I listened to a fat to fit podcast the other day and they were sharing their tips for making meals ahead of time.  To be honest, their meals sounded disgusting, but it gave me the info I needed to do my own and I'm rating it a huge success!!!
     
    Here's what I did:
    1 carton costco eggstarts
    2 eggs
    chopped orange and red bellpepper
    4 Tbsp. Feta Cheese
    2 Boca Burgers
    Red pepper flakes
     
    Points per serving = 3
     
    I cooked the boca burgers and the bellpepper together and then broke the burgers up into small pieces.  Added eggs and then added the feta cheese at the end.  I split into four portions and refrigerated.  Now I can just heat up a portion in the microwave and add a piece of sprouted bread, or a whole wheat low-carb tortilla.
     
    I add a variety of things to my eggs, depending on what I have in the house.  I love to add mushrooms!  Sometimes I'll treat myself and bake a potato, chop it up, sprinkle a no-salt spicy blend on it and then fry it in the pan (using a non-stick spray).  Anything to mix it up and make it interesting.
     
    This morning I ate it with a piece of whole grain sprouted bread - and it was a very yummy and filling 5 point breakfast!  Way better than a 9 point McD's meal!!
     
    Loved all your snack ideas!  Feel free to share your favorite breakfast!
    10:07 | 添加评论 | 固定链接 | 写入日志
    4月11日

    Snack Ideas? and WW weigh in

    I got off work yesterday, walked out to my car and saw a big giant SRT tractor and trailer in the parking lot.  My heart skipped a beat.  I knew hubby was coming to California, but he wasn't supposed to be coming through San Diego.... I almost ran up to the truck, but something just wasn't right.  He can't keep that good of a secret.  Sadly, it was not his truck.  As I got closer, I saw the truck number and knew it wasn't him.  How cruel.....  I was pretty bummed and upset but I still went to WW.  A little part of me just wanted to keep driving home... but I faced the music and the horrible weigh-in, so next Thursday should be a much happier day.  Even if hubby's truck isn't in the parking lot at work. Sad 
     
    Yummy Snacks!!
    I listened to one of Jillian's podcasts and she mentioned making your own air-popped pocorn in the microwave.  1/4 cup popcorn in a paper bag for 2 minutes.  What a great idea!!  She suggested spraying a few sprays of butter (1 calorie per spray) and seasoning of your choices; cinnamon, chili powder, etc.
     
    I finally tried it out and I am hooked.  I cooked mine for about 2:45.  After it was done I sprayed some I Can't Believe It's Not Butter on it and sprinkled what I thought was my white cheddar popcorn seasoning, and it was absolutely delicious.  Turns out, I accidentally sprinkled butter buds on it.  No wonder it was so good.Open-mouthed  Double Butter.  Even though I used two kinds of butter, it was still very low cal.  Butter buds is only 5 calories for a teaspoon.  (The white cheddar is 8 calories.) 
     
    So what are your favorite Yummy Snacks?  Please leave me a comment to share your favorites... because I'm back to counting points and I have a great weigh-in coming my way next Thursday!
     
     
     
     
    9:06 | 添加评论 | 阅读评论 (5) | 固定链接 | 写入日志
    4月10日

    Walking?

    Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy.....
     
    This morning I walked for a few minutes!!  Shhhh.... don't tell.... haha... I didn't have my walking boot on.  I officially get it off on Tuesday.  My foot feels good and strong.  It still has a bit of swelling and it will probably take a while longer for the ligaments and muscles to heal completely, but it feels good.  I'm pretty sure I'll be able to go back to walking and/or the elliptical on Tuesday after I see the doctor.  Woo Hoo!!!  The end is in sight.
     
    I'm trying to build myself up so that I can endure my ww weigh in today.  Even though I've lost 4 pounds, I'm probably going to show a 4-5 pound gain on their scales today.  Ouch!  I just don't want to see the look of pity on the receptionist's face. :-) I keep reminding myself that if I'd weighed in last week, I would be seeing a loss this week....so if I weigh in this week, I'll probably be excited to weigh in next week.  At some point I have to face the music!
     
     
    9:11 | 添加评论 | 阅读评论 (2) | 固定链接 | 写入日志
    4月9日

    Biggest Loser Thoughts

    I absolutely loved last night's BL episode!!!!  I cried when Ali ended up being the BL on campus.  I was a little upset when the guys pulled such big numbers and I started crying foul and saying it was impossible....but then it looks like whatever caused the big numbers....they all did it.  I guess that makes it fair??
     
    I'll be the first to admit that Dan used to drive me crazy with all of his self-confidence.  I got tired of hearing him toot his own horn.  Of course I chalked it up to his age.  Being the mom of an 18 year old, I know they still think they own the world... and really, who wants to take that away from them.  It's kind of endearing in a way.  I suppose I'd much rather that my son has strong self-confidence and self-esteem, with a little dose of humility thrown in, than suffer from insecurity. 
     
    In contrast, I am inspired and motivated when I hear Ali's quiet determination.  I have been a team pink fan from the beginning and I remember that moment when Ali professed that she would be the biggest loser.  She wasn't the first and she won't be the last to say it, but there was something so strong and determined in how she said it, that I believed it.  And I believe it now.  I loved that moment between her and Jillian when she said she was going to do it.  It gives me chills thinking about it.
     
    And Kelly??  How can you not root for her?  She has beaten the odds over and over again.  There were so many times that I thought she would be gone and she just dug in her heels and kept going.  I cannot wait to see her on the finale!!!!!
     
    Roger - Sorry... I could take him or leave him.  He has made amazing progress, I just don't relate to him.
     
    Mark - I know I'm not the only one to notice the emotions. LOL.  Poor guy.  Last night I told my son "I think Mark had a bunch of emotions stuck in his fat cells and they are all being released."  I went through a period of time when I was dealing with something difficult and I cried over EVERYTHING.  I was a mess.  I had to go on meds for a few months to get my chemical balance corrected and now I'm soooo much better.  I'm thinking Mark might've hid behind his jovial "fat guy" self (the fat shelf! too funny!) and may be dealing with a bunch of stuff.  Sure hope he gets it all worked out because he seems like he's on the verge of a breakdown. 
     
    I'm not really voting for Mark to be the biggest loser, but he just might be the one who has made the most changes in his life.  Sometimes it's hard to really examine who you are. 
     
    9:46 | 添加评论 | 阅读评论 (1) | 固定链接 | 写入日志
    4月8日

    No Cravings!

    Ok, so all four pounds were still gone this morning, so it's looking like it was a real loss.  Sometimes it just amazes me how our bodies work.
     
    I've been doing GREAT on the water today.  Every day I've been trying to cut back more and more on the diet pepsi by adding in a little more water.  Today I've already drank 48 oz. of water.  That's just huge for me.
     
    I've also noticed that I haven't been craving chocolate or ice cream or any junk food for that matter.  I'm not sure what changed that.  Maybe I finally detoxed myself by staying away from the sugar.  Either way, I'm happy.  There was a birthday in the office today and lots of yummy treats to choose from.  I enjoyed the hummus and completely avoided the amazing brownies.  I eyed them a couple of times, but I didn't indulge and I truly don't feel deprived.
     
     
     
     
    17:04 | 添加评论 | 阅读评论 (1) | 固定链接 | 写入日志
    4月7日

    YOU on a Diet

    I weigh in every day.  It keeps me accountable.  I knew I wasn't doing well when I stopped weighing in...  So, if the scale is to be believed, I've lost 4 pounds!!  I'm hoping it's not one of those crazy fluctuations.  I actually think it's kind of fun to watch the scale.  Some days it will drop several pounds, bounce back up and then settle back down again.  At the minimum, I'm sure I've lost a couple of pounds.  Maybe not 4, but we'll see.
     
    I'm one of the people that the diet industry loves.  I love to read books and magazines and to try new workouts.  I'm not looking for a "quick fix."  (I don't buy the diet drugs or supplements.) I just find that it keeps me focused when I concentrate on things like that.  I think I have a short attention span, so I have to keep finding new things to keep me focused.  That little part of my personality is in direct contrast to the part that is tired of having too much stuff in a tiny house.  I have been purging and cleaning and thinking about the things I purchase.
     
    One of the first things I decided to give up, when thinking about being "green" and purging my house... was magazines.  I stopped buying them.  I love them.  I love the articles, but they end up being clutter in my house and the landfill, so it was an easy thing to give up.  I also haven't bought any new books or dvd's or anything like that....
     
    until... this weekend.... I bought Dr. Roizen and Dr. Oz's book "You on a Diet."  I am soooooo glad that I did.  It's witty and interesting and realistic.  I have really enjoyed reading about the body and how it works.  I haven't even skipped ahead to the "diet" and the "exercise" program.  I've just enjoyed reading all the info about the stomach and the intestines and fat.  So far, I highly recommend it!
    10:39 | 添加评论 | 阅读评论 (1) | 固定链接 | 写入日志
    4月4日

    Went to WW

    Woo Hoo!!  Today I am really proud that I looked at my schedule and chose to do the things that were best for me.  Last night I had three different obligations.  Initially I opted to go to my first obligation, but as the week wore on, I really thought about it and prioritized and decided that it was not the best choice... so I skipped it and went to the other two.  Not only did I get home earlier and finally got a good nights sleep, but one of the two things I added was.... my ww meeting!!!!  Woo Hoo.. .Hallelujah...
     
    I chose not to weigh in..but at least I went!
     
     
    17:16 | 添加评论 | 阅读评论 (3) | 固定链接 | 写入日志
    4月2日

    Still plugging along...

    I'm still plugging along and drinking more water.  I've cut most of the junk out of my diet and I already dropped two of the pounds I gained while feeling sorry for myself and eating easter candy. Wink  It's a little depressing to see how much I gained though!!!  I knew my clothes were feeling tighter, but that was a real awakening.  I'm still in a smaller size though...so at least I took control before I had to move back up a size.
     
    I'm still trying to figure out how to add some exercise back in while I'm in my cast/boot.  I had grand plans of doing the exercise bike, but hubby was home for almost a week and it was much more fun to hang out with him.  He's back on the road so I'll be back to my "normal" schedule soon.
     
    I loved Biggest Loser last night!!! I think it was one of my favorite episodes.  I cried watching them complete the challenge.  It is so amazing how far they have come, physically and mentally.  I loved how they each chose things to motivate them throughout the race.  It truly seemed like completing the race was a much bigger reward for each of them.
     
    Well, I better run... just thought I should write to keep myself accountable!
    16:33 | 添加评论 | 阅读评论 (2) | 固定链接 | 写入日志