Pushing yourself and enjoying the rewards

So, I decided (somewhat spontaneously) that I would reward myself for doing this bootcamp.  It's not really the fact that I'm getting up to workout- but more that I'm getting up to workout when I probably have every excuse in the book not to.  And instead of making excuses left and right, I'm just doing it.  And that is 90% of the battle with this weight loss stuff.  It's such a mental game.  And the beauty of waking up early to get your workout in is that you're done for the day!  Excuses do not have an opportunity to creep in.  It is the first thing you do.  Now, whether you get the most out of your workout is up to you.  But if my arse is getting out of bed at 5:30am every morning, then I'm going to push myself and make it worth it.   

So then what was my reward??  A massage!  And not only did I get to enjoy a massage, but I think God threw in an extra treat and my massage therapist happened to be a guy who works with athletes and does these intense stretches to help increase flexibility and strength.  It was amazing.  Sort of hurt at some points, but felt great.  I was so tight when I went in and now I'm loosey goosey.  

Some thoughts on staying OP....

I hadn't realized how much stress I carried with me throughout the day just thinking about staying OP.  Instead of just doing it, I'd think about it and feel overwhelmed.  And then I'd just give up before I even tried.  Not productive.  Frankly, it came down to shitting or getting off the pot!  Because it's not worth thinking about it if I couldn't follow through.  And following through got easier and easier the more of a habit it became.  Making it a habit was the initial challenge.   Every day, at every meal I have to choose.  And it can never be about one week or one month or "I have to lose weight by this date" kinda thing.  It has to be hourly.  It has to be broken up into small, bite size pieces or else you'll just choke on the whole thing.  

100% honesty is the other kicker.  I confess that there are days I've come on here saying I've been doing good and staying OP.  When, in reality, I've been upping my portions and sort of half assed tracked my points.  And the funny thing is:  I'm not fooling anyone but myself.  And by not coming clean with myself, I'm not giving myself the opportunity to get back on the horse.  Because I'm trying to convince myself that I was good and I don't know why I'm not losing?When it's all just bull shit.  If I'd stay OP, I'd lose.  End of story.

  Can you relate?

Owwwwww

I.  Can't.  Move.

Man, today's boot camp kicked my butt.  Shepherd is teething and up often during the night (like 7-8 times!!!).  Last night was an all night teething fest.  The poor kid is just drooling and gnawing on any and everything.  Poor guy.  So it didn't help when the alarm went off at 5:30am this morning.  And today was Friday....the hard day.  The day we decided to "push it" since we'll have two days off.  But, nonetheless, I showed up.  Thankfully Katherine (my partner in crime) was extra peppy and doing lots of yelling and pushing.  I pushed myself as hard as I possibly could given the circumstances of my lack of sleep.  It was hard.  Here I was telling everyone to push themselves and give more than they think they can and felt like I wanted to puke and fall over.  LOL But I'm glad I did it.  No excuses.  If it had been a gym class, I know I would have bailed.  But knowing that those other girls are counting on me (as I am them) makes me wake up.  

I'm getting stronger.  I can't wait until it's been a month or too and I can see noticeable difference in my strength and stamina. 

But, despite having a hard morning due to lack of sleep, I do feel generally good about getting up early.  It's definitely setting the pace of the day and I'm noticing that I'm making better choices in regards to food.  I'm generally eating about 6 small meals a day.  Upping the protein and drinking lots of water.  

We're going back to Boone on Sunday or Monday.  Picking the older kids up and taking some of our friends (with their kids) with us.  Should be fun.  Hoping to get some runs in on the trails.  Maybe go to Grandfather Mountain.  :)

Day 1 of Boot Camp

Phew!  I was worried I wasn't making it hard enough.  But I did!  It's interesting how hard you push yourself when you're the one leading something.  It was great.  Some gals from our church came out and we kicked butt for a solid hour.  

Here's what we did:

Warm up: run around block (1/2 mile)

Sprints down a hill and up the other side- three times

Lunges around perimeter of tennis courts (10 push ups in each corner)

Toe taps for 3 mins (with squats in the 30 second break in between) (OWWWWWW!)

Tricep dips

Biceps, lateral, shoulders with bands

Circuit with agility ladder, crabby walks, and inch worm (no, not the break dancing move), then ANOTHER sprint down, up, down up hill

Abs (crunches and planks)

It was a big challenge my hair was completely soaked in sweat.  SOAKED.  I was dripping.  But I loved it!  I can't wait for tomorrow morning!  I think it's going to be the "thing" I've needed to get my fitness back on track.  Consistent, close and time is right.  

:)  

I'll take some pics tomorrow of the girls working hard and post them.

Boot Camp

So you all know how much I love my Heat classes.  It's a Boot Camp style class that challenges you and makes you hurt a lot.  But then once you finish, you feel so good.  And then if you keep going, you eventually get addicted.  My problem with getting to those classes are the times and childcare.  It just felt like I had to really work my day around it to make it work.  

So then I considered Operation Boot Camp.  But at $350 a month, I could own another Odyssey. Plus, I'd have to get up early AND drive somewhere.  Just not practical for my life at this moment.

So, I had an epiphany.  Why don't I just start a Boot Camp?  I know plenty of ladies that would be up for it and I've been going to the Heat classes for two years.  I know how to put the exercises together and Lord knows I'm bossy.    So, that's what I did!   My friend Karyn said she'd help and we started a Boot Camp for the ladies from our church.  And the best part is that it's going to meet in a park in my neighborhood!  Granted, it's at the butt crack of dawn, but I think that's the best time to get it in anyway.  I can walk to it and be back in time for man child to hook back on the boob.  :)

So, that's my new fitness plan.  Monday through Friday!  I'm hoping this will help me break the 160's.  And there's just something about boot camp style stuff that makes me feel young again.  Reminds me of being an athlete and challenging myself.  

Down 5 lbs!

I'm considering bulimia as an effective tool to get to goal. 

I kid.

So we made the drive out to Boone and then the stomach bug hit us.  Fischer puked 30 mins from our destination in the car.  Then several more times when we got there.  Poor kid had a bowl in his lap until bed time.  Then around 9pm Ed puked.   Around 11pm I puked my brains out.  Then around 1am the baby woke to nurse and about 5 mins into nursing him I had to toss him back in the crib and run to the bathroom.  Then on the way back from the bathroom I felt like I was going to pass out.  And I did.  And the rest of the night was a blur of nursing the baby and having a fever.  Not fun.  

But, on the upside- I got on the scale and it said 160 lbs!  LOL

Hello!

I have not forgotten about this blog.  I have not.  I.  Have.  Not. 

Life has been busy lately.  I've fallen a bit off the wagon, but picked myself back up.  Progress, not perfection.  Moving forward.  

Tomorrow is the kid's last day of school.  Then we are immediately driving to Boone for Memorial Day weekend.  I'm excited to see family and mostly excited to a break from being solo mom.  Ed has been slammed, which means I'm slammed.  But I'm not complaining, he's getting a paycheck and that's a huge blessing.  BUT, it does mean I'm relieved to have some extra hands around.  

Now B is Boone and my Big Butt normally.  It's a trigger for me.  I tend to eat a lot.  Which is silly really because I should be less stressed and more relaxed.  So my goal is to let go and relax.  Take each meal at a time and enjoy myself.  Eat flavorful, nutritious foods and allow a few indulgences.  Back off on alcohol!  My mom and sis bring the drink fun out in me and I know that alcohol is full of hidden points.  

I've been running around and not drinking enough water today so I'm a bloated mess.  Feeling icky and not so skinny.  But tomorrow is another day and I'm looking forward to making good choices and feeling good about it all. 

:)

I'll post more in Boone! 

New Hairs!

It was time for a change and boy am I glad I went for it.  Chopped the rug off and highlited.  Throw on a pair of 6 jeans and call me happy!

Did I mention I'm playing softball?

So my church has two leagues for summer softball right now and I signed up! I have not played softball in 12 years. I was on varsity in high school- playing fast pitch. I was very competitive and loved it, but I have to say, I'm absolutely worried I'm going to suck big time. I'm going to do my best and practice my ass off.   I bought some cleats tonight and a bat. My dad is meeting me tomorrow to give me an old glove my sister used in high school.  Mine are long gone.  Tonight some friends and I are meeting at a field to practice hitting. I hope I don't embarrass myself.

:)

Today was a good op day. 

Size 6!!

I just went to my friend's house who is pregnant and wanted to lend me some of her nice jeans since I'm literally wearing the same pair of 8's over and over again. They were size 6's and I figured I'd wear them in a few months. But for fun I tried them on.

THEY FIT!

OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG

I'm never taking them off.

Granted, I still need a "tuck" to get my chicken skin muffin top from spilling over the jeans, but STILL!!!

I'm sucking in for dear life in these pics.

Happy Mother's Day!

Today I woke up and swiftly drove to Pike Nursery to get some plants for the front yard and begin my day of yard work. Yes, I like to get dirty and work in my yard for fun. It was the perfect Mother's Day gift. No interruptions from the kids (unless they wanted to be my helpers, which they did periodically). I think I burned 1000 calories. I sweat all day. I cleaned out my day lily beds, divided them up and transplanted some in the front fence. Pulled an unbelievable amount of weeds in all the flower beds. Planted a climbing rose bush along our fence. Created a new bed in one of the corners with some plants and some sunflower seeds. Planted some rosemary around the mailbox (I love rosemary- I put it everywhere). And bagged all the muck up and put it out by the curb. Phew!

I also got a new Flip camera! So, I thought I'd leave you with a little video of my daughter.....

Lunch at Tiny Bistro

When I run in my neighborhood I run to the local coffee shop and back.  Well, next to the local coffee shop a little bistro opened.  Tiny Bistro!  So we loaded the kids up and went there for lunch today.  The portions are not so tiny.  I got "half" a cuban sandwich and some broccoli salad.  The "half" was a "whole" by anyone's else's standards.  But since it was called a half I ate the whole thing.  

Today's agenda is to chill out.  My boy was up all last night (a major difference from sleeping 9 hours straight the night before).  So I'm absolutely exhausted.  I want to get in a nice run at some point this weekend.  That would be my mother's day wish.  Just some time to get away and move.  

Been a busy but good week. 

I've taken a break from going to the Y this week to help my baby get on a more of a routine.  Poor thing lives in his carseat and is now needing more solid naps in his crib to get him through the day.  And the better he sleep during the day, the better he sleeps during the night.  SO you can see why I prioritize that!  :)

Anyway, today was nice.  I took the younger two to our play group and then came home for naps and chill time.  Then we had a birthday party this afternoon and then I mowed the lawn and bags up some yucky "muck" that coated the back half of our driveway.  Basically leaves that had mixed with water and just turned to ....muck.  So that was a work out.  I was sweating my butt off for a good hour.  

****Disclaimer- I am a control freak and when I get something in my head, I do it.  I enjoy mowing the lawn and that's why I do it.  My husband is not a loser.****

Tomorrow I have "Muffins with Mom" at the kid's school, then a play date then book club at my house.  Busy day, but a fun day.  

Here's my tracker:

Breakfast:

Luna bar: 4 pts

Mocha: 3 pts

Lunch:

3 pieces of sushi: 3 pts

pita chips: 3 pts

hummus: 2 pts

Snack:

Decaf

Biscotti: 2 pts

Dinner: (party food)

Hot dog: 8 pts

Chips: 4 pts

Cupcake: 5 pts

Snack:

Bowl of fruit salad: 1 pt 

APs: 

Mow the lawn: +2 pts

Total: 33 pts used

What are your trigger foods?

Ya know- the ones that make you want to eat so much that you have to unbutton your pants and then as soon as you can you get the elastic yoga pants on?  

Mine:

Chips/salsa!   I could continually eat chips and salsa until the mexican restaurant kicks me out.  And I'm not kidding. 

Luckily I met Ed the other day for lunch and I demonstrated self control.  I alloted myself 14 chips (a serving size) and then savored them.  And I really did feel satisfied!

So what are your trigger foods?  Do you eat them or try to avoid them all together?

Good Day

It was busy as usual, but good.  Did I mention I moved my Flex renewal to Fridays?  I don't know why I never thought of that before, but that makes so much more sense for me.  That way weekends are full of FLex.  :)

I could not go to Heat today due to a well visit for Fischer and two parent/teacher conferences at their school.  But tomorrow my plan is kickboxing!

Here's my tracker:

Breakfast:

Luna bar: 4 pts

Mocha: 3 pts

Snack:

Banana Loaf (Starbucks) 10 pts (I was in shock)

Lunch:

Cup of Black Bean soup: 2 pts

14 chips: 4 pts

salsa: 0

Cheese dip: 3 pts

Snack:

Mocha (I had one in the frig left over): 3 pts

fruit salad : 1 pt

Dinner:

Half a cuban sandwich: 7 pts

Cucumber and carrots: 0 pts

1 small piece of dark chocolate with raspberry filling: 3 pts

41 pts (Used 9 flex)

I'm ready to come back

So for 2 months now I've been flying by the seat of my pants.  Listening to my  hunger cues, losing weight, holding steady, etc.  I needed to walk away from Weight Watchers for a while to figure out how to just "be" as far as eating goes.  I was so sleep deprived (still am) and the idea of figuring (though I have most every food item memorized) out another point nearly made me want to scream.  I'm so grateful I quit.  I'm so grateful I learned a lot about why I eat when I'm not hungry and why I feel the need to go back for seconds when my muffin top is about to rip my jeans wide open.  I learned invaluable tools that are going to take me all the way to my goal.  

But...

I do feel like it's time for me to pick up my old notebook and write down my points again.  It just something I need to do.  It feels like it's the right time.  I knew I'd probably come back to WW's, but I needed to sort of find myself and my determination again before I tried to implement a "plan."  Sort of like like riding a bike with training wheels in a race.  I didn't have the gusto to push myself forward.  But now I do.  And though I did lose weight (10 lbs, thank you!) not dieting, I do feel WW's can help me get some new balls rolling (that's what she said).  

So, here I am- counting points again.  I'm actually excited.  I'm the type of person that loves change.  When you get bored, change it up.  That's always been my solution to life in general.  

I've got some great new recipes I'm going to try this week.  I'll track them down and post them for you here soon!

My food tracker

Trying to get back in the mode of writing down my food for you guys...

Breakfast:

1 hardboiled egg

1 Nonni's biscotti

Snack:

Coffee/cream

Lunch:

Whole wheat penne pasta with tomatoes, olive oil and mozzerella cheese

Snack:

Mocha

Nonni's biscotti (can you tell I like it?)

Dinner:

Zucchini/Tomato Bake

Sweet Potato with butter and Splenda brown sugar

Recipe for Zucchini/Tomato Bake:

3 Zucchinis

3 Tomatoes

1 small size lite sour cream

1 80z package of shredded Parmesan cheese

Oregano

a little whole wheat flour

salt, pepper, garlic powder and cayenne pepper

Slice the tomatoes and zucchini.  Put zucchini in a bowl of water.  Heat a skillet up with olive oil.  Light dredge the zucchini in whole wheat flour and place in skillet.  Brown both sides and place in one layer in a baking dish.  Place tomato slices in one layer on top.  Add salt, pepper and garlic powder on top.  Mix 1 tbsp oregano into the small container of sour cream.  Spread on top of zucchini/tomato layers.  Next put cheese on top.  Sprinkle with some cayenne pepper for some spice.  

I love this dish.  It's a nice side or you can top it over whole wheat cous cous as a full meal.  

Food Injuries and other related events

You know you're a foodie when you can't get a peanut butter jar open and injure your wrist pushing yourself beyond the limits to get to the buttery goodness.   Ouch.  It's been two days and my wrist is still sore.  But the toast with peanut butter and honey was worth it.

I think I'm going to register for a race soon.  Something small and fun.  Nothing extreme.  But I need some fitness goals I think.  Something to work towards.  And running is such a meditative thing for me in a lot of ways.  I'm excited to start again.  

Okay- that's all for now.  Ed just arrived with pasta, and that means Seacrest Out!

Productivity on crack

That's been me lately. I've been obsessively cleaning out stuff. It all started with my closet.

Then my frig.

Then my laundry room.

Then my utility closet downstairs.

Then the baby room.

Then the older kid's room.

Then my garage.

I'm on a roll. I get a high, a true high, when I get stuff organized. It makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. Like that episode from 30 Rock where Liz Lemon has two full bags from the Container Store and glows with the thought of life changing possibilities.

Mmm.....Container Store.....

What was I saying? Oh yeah, Ed installed hooks in our garage. I'm excited to get some shelves up (that have been sitting there, ready to put up for months) so I can get all the outside toys up and off the floor. I want my garage to look like Jon and Kate's (Plus 8) garage (minus the crazy, controlling woman).

Food front is going good. Focusing on portion sizes. Keeping it fresh. Haven't worked out since Tuesday. But I've definitely burned calories with all my work. :)