Poundage

My two year anniversary is February 8th, which is a Wednesday. I weigh-in on Monday's, so by February 6th I have 1.8 pounds to lose if I want to hit goal on my anniversary. I have two weeks. These last two weeks I lost exactly 1.0 lb each. One whole pound is quite a lot to lose at my current weigh in just one week. In order to hit my goal by the date I want, I've got to average a .9lb loss these next two weeks. Not quite a whole pound.

I don't doubt that I can do it. However, the only hesitation I have is that it is still quite a bit of weight to lose in one week - almost an entire pound. At 126.8 lbs, one pound is a lot. So what do I have to do to reach my goal of 1.8lb in two weeks?

Exercise. Duh.

I have really been utilizing my EA Sports Active game for the PS3. It has me on a 9 week program where I have 4 days on and 3 days off. This has proven to be working for me since I've shed 2 whole pounds in 2 weeks.

My schedule right now if a bit hectic in the beginning of the week so the 4 days on, 3 days off is perfect.

Since I weigh-in on Monday evenings, my pre-weigh in "ritual" consists of little food during the day and no liquids after 3pm. I have enough time to flush out any liquid I intake during the day before 7pm. We all have our weigh-in rituals. That is what works for me. Since I eat less than normal for breakfast and lunch and don't drink water after 3pm, I don't workout on Monday.

Tuesday's are my busiest day. I work from 7:15-3:00pm and then I lead my WW meeting at 6:30pm. I have thought about working out in the school fitness room in between 3:00-4:30pm, however, I'd have to shower and get ready for my meeting anyway - so since I've been working I don't workout on Tuesday. I don't get home from my meeting until 8:30pm, and by that time I eat dinner and head to bed.

Wednesday after school I get home and wind down for about 30 minutes or so before we head to my in-laws for dinner.

Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday are my PRIME TIME for workouts. I find that this works best for me. Since the weekend is the time I would typically use my extra weekly PointsPlus values, the vigorous exercise pairs nicely.

Last week I had nearly perfect days as far as eating on plan went. Wednesday night was the only night I went a little over what I normally would eat. I made a promise to myself that I would not slide down throughout the rest of the week - which sometimes is the case. With the weekends freeing up now that the holidays are winding down, they are easier to manage.

Ironically, yesterday I started having jaw pains. After a little research and chatting with others, we think it's a possiblity that I have TMJ. I have a pain that starts in my left cheekbone and goes to my left ear and then runs down my face. I cannot open my mouth entirely or chew properly without excruciating pains. Last night while I was eating broccoli, I must have opened too wide and a horrible feeling came across my face that immediately made me break down in tears, it hurt that bad. This morning it was very tender, it seems to have eased up a little now but still very sore. It was a difficult task to eat lunch without wincing with every bite.

Perhaps this will help me with my poundage this week...? I certainly won't be eating as quickly as I typically do, thus becoming full quicker...? Also, for dessert I usually will snack on frozen WW mini bars that are a bit chocolatey or caramel flavored - I can't imagine they will be easy to chew.

Changing the topic...

...I have a lot of activities planned for this spring/summer.

First up - March 25th - Shamrock Shuffle 8k.
Next - June 16th - Warrior Dash
July 21st - Great Urban Race
Finally - November 22nd, my New Year's Resolution - Half Marathon Turkey Trot

I am really looking forward to participating in these events and I welcome anyone to join me!

I've Said This Before...

Cheers to a group of FABULOUS women!

...and I'll say it again.

I believe you are a product of your environment.

I was just thinking about this post because last night I expanded my friendships with some new women that are absolutely fabulous. I was raving to my husband how great it was to go out with a group of women, knowing that although some know others better than some (I was the newbie), we all have everyone's best interests in mind and all felt like part of the group.

No one felt silly having special instructions to meal in front of the group (i.e. - dressing on the side, no cheese, please!). We all enjoyed out SkinnyBee Margaritas (only 5 PPV for two!) and just laughed and enjoyed each others company. If only I had stayed for the Wii dance after party, I could have danced off those two margaritas in no time! I was thinking last night as I was sitting at the restaurant - if I were with anybody else, I would make a poor choice just to "fit in". But these women inspire me and I know that we are all on the same journey, together.

In 2012, I will lessen the relationships that are venomous to my lifestyle and develop the ones that allow it to flourish.

I'll cheers to that!

Believe and Achieve

I made the personal decision this holiday season to loosen my mostly strict dietary ways. I reminded myself of last holiday season when I did not fully enjoy myself and was strict enough that I lost weight throughout December. That is where I was though, in 2010. I was still in the phase of needing to lose at least 25-30 more pounds and it was more important to me not to eat that cookie or have an "adult" beverage. In 2011, I have made it so close to my personal goal of 125 pounds and I am so proud and confident of the way that I look now that I made it my decision to enjoy these holidays, guilt-free.
The last time I weighed in was December 12th. I weighed 127.4 lbs. Today I weighed in, after barely tracking my food intake since December 12th at 131.6 lbs. A gain of 4.2 pounds. You know what? I own it. It was a personal decision and I knew I'd gain and I am absolutely, 100% okay with that. Quite honestly, at 131.6 lbs I'm still so proud of the way I look and feel.

I was rockin' the new bod on NYE...if this is 131 lbs, I can't wait for 125 lbs.



I was keeping in mind the saying, "It's not what you eat between Christmas and New Years that matters, but what you eat between New Years and Christmas."

That was my motto for this holiday season. Although I didn't go crazy, I did eat one too many cookies and I indulge in some mid-week drinks that I otherwise wouldn't, and I enjoyed them! And it's O.K.! I remember a year ago when I was very conscious of my holiday choices and I'm glad that I was like that. It makes me appreciate that I've built a lifestyle for myself in the past two years that allow me to enjoy the 2 weeks of the holiday season in December. And I know that once it's over, I get right back on track.

This year, I'm not going to obsess over the numbers like I have. I look great. I feel great. That is what is important and what I need to embrace. Not the small gains or small losses on the scale...although still important until I hit my goal, I'm not going to get down on myself for being 6 lbs from goal.

I am starting off 2012 right. I made a huge pot of fresh vegetable soup and stocked the fridge and freezer with veggies and my "go-to" foods. I'm ready to take 2012 and make it my year! February 8th marks my 2nd anniversary of living a healthy lifestyle. This is just the beginning.

I'm not one to make resolutions because they are typically meaningless and are forgotten by the second week of the new year. But I have a few goals for 2012...

• Hit goal by Feb 8th
• Maintain another year in a healthy lifestyle
• Run a half-marathon

Simple goals. Obtainable goals.

2012 is the year to believe and achieve my friends.