Still going strong :)

--Trisha
I keep my personal weight loss blog updated daily :)  Trisha Weighs In
I also keep my thankful blog the same! Who's Got Talk?

I am surviving the holidays and kicking bootie :)

ONEDERLAND!! I have now officially entered it!

--Trisha

I can't even begin to tell you how I feel today!! Here's why:

I am now under 200 pounds!! I cannot even remember the last time, but I think it was like 8 years ago! ALL I HAVE TO SAY is don't let the door hit you on the big butt, 200s!!! I won't be seeing you around again EVER! I still can hardly believe that mid-June I weighed close to 250!!

Stephanie here...

I have been battling the binge and I am winning.  I have some handy tools which I use every second of the day and I am so far doing okay.  I eat at certain times of the day and I only eat what I bring.  Now when the lady from the office brings in her super incredible best fudge in the world in, I hope I have strength to make it through...

I weighed in at 185.  So got through the holidays without a gain...so I am a winner there!!  I watched portions and drank a ton of water.  And coffee! :)  And tea... :)

My kids have been keeping me plenty busy and we are making crafts and getting gifts sent off for our craft swaps.  My daughter is finishing that up this week.  I am finishing up a stocking swap! :) 

So my goals for this week are very similar to Trisha's....water, water, water.  15 minutes of movement a day.  and of course, no binging.

Update, update, update!

--Trisha
Hello! I am letting you know that you can keep up with my progress on my weight loss journey on my personal blog :)

As well, I have revived another one of my blogs, and I am making it into a thankful blog.

You can check it out right here! I totally cannot guarantee that I won't blog about everything and anything else, but no matter what, I will find one thing each day for which I am thankful :))

Maybe we will come back to this blog, maybe next summer...We will see! Thanks for coming along for the ride!!

A LOSS!!!

--from Trisha

I lost 3 pounds this past week! YEAH :) SO, I now weigh 206.2!! This is especially awesome because last week I had that 1.4 gain. I am getting so excited, because at this pace, I will be under 200 in three weeks!!!! That is my goal!

You can check out more details at my PERSONAL BLOG :)

Not a diet...

First and foremost, Stephanie…you hit the nail on the head, it’s NOT A DIET! It shouldn't be a diet. DIETS DON'T WORK!!! Maybe part of the reason why this is working for me this time is because, it’s NOT A DIET for me!

I have had several conversations with several people lately, as so many people have asked me, “What are you doing?” or “What diet are you on?” Some of them have been genuinely bummed when I tell them, “What am I doing? It’s called LIFE! I am not on any special diet. I eat what I want when I want, I just made CONSCIENTIOUS choices, rather than letting my emotions rule what goes in my mouth. I try to move. I don’t move as much as I would like to move, but I do some moving!” And, I always tell them about how I write everything down. That is the key for me, being 100% honest with what I eat and how much I eat, no matter what it is.

Stephanie...No one expects you to give your family time away. I ALWAYS choose my family first in everything I choose to do, and I know that I always will do that. I know that if I wasn’t choosing my family first, I would downward spiral into who knows where, but it wouldn’t be a good place. For sure if given the choice between being with my kids or working out, the family will always win. You have made choices for you. You are moving!! You walk and do Zumba, and you are right to not feel guilty to choose your family over your treadmill!! It’s all about balance. Life is crazy for most people. I think we all feel overwhelmed in our own situations, and it's just about truly figuring out what works and what doesn't.

As far as this blog goes, I don’t really care if we keep it going, unless we get to a place (maybe next summer) where we want to do some physical challenges or even just do some things together physically, like ride our bikes—you, Sarah and me. Or, go for hikes or walks or whatever. The blog could take on different topics, if we wanted to let it evolve into hobbies or parenting tips or healthy recipes, or whatnot. Though, I kinda feel like we both do that on our own blogs, as it is already. So, maybe it's come to an end...or, maybe we keep it around and just blog once a week or every couple of weeks to keep updates going.  

Response to Trisha...

Stephanie here, and I wanted to give my two bits on your subject:
Here we are at a milestone, indeed! Now I am curious where we are going to go with our blog from here, as certainly our challenge has changed quite a bit. We both face our own personal battles with the scale, with an entirely different focus for each of us. Do we keep blogging here? Do we keep blogging about the same topics? Is this blog growing and changing and morphing into something new? Or, fading?


What are your feelings, Stephanie?

You know, I have been thinking and I think we have learned a lot about ourselves through this challenge/blog.  I almost feel like it is fading.  I think we are at different places, good places, but different.  We really aren't "challenging" each other anymore, in fact the real challenge is within ourselves and I think we are both winners there! :) So I will let you decide if you want to still keep this going.  I kinda don't want to let go yet, but I feel that we have grown to something different now...

Checking in!

Well I took a hiatus from dieting. Or at least the word dieting.  I am dealing with my issues and life.  I didn't have time to let "dieting" consume me. I had a husband who I basically didn't see and my kids.  When my husband is working crazy ranch hours, it makes "dieting" hard.  I basically don't sit with my family during the week unless they sit at the kitchen table, which my daughter does, until the weekend.  I am busy picking up and cooking, doing homework, folding clothes, talking baby talk to my boy, having girl talks with my girl, packing lunches, making coffee, making breakfast, reminding others of their tasks, changing diapers, making sure my boy isn't eating something he shouldn't or pulling the dogs hair! :) I wake at 4:30 and I go to bed by 8.  I leave the house at 7 and get home at 6.  When my husband is home, the house runs more smoothly because he keeps me calm and takes some chores so I don't have to do everything and I get to sit or at least breathe.  Last week, I was exhausted.  I run on auto pilot and when a moment of quiet passes, I see that I need to sit and breathe.  I know that making time for myself is the key to this journey and making myself a priority, but seriously folks, unless you have the support and a nanny, exercise is hard to fit in!!! Yes, I know you can incorporate moves in when playing, but I am talking about jogging on the treadmill or doing a DVD.  After making sure everyone was on track and had eaten and had clean clothes and homework done, I just wanted to spend any moment I could with my family, not with the treadmill.  So I didn't have a loss, but I did have a gain...a gain of not feeling guilty over spending time with my family over exercising my butt off.  I did do my walks and such during the day, but nothing extra.  And you know what...I'M OK WITH THAT!

New week, thank goodness!!

--Trisha
Last week was a tough one for me. I had a few tough days, and then a few days that were OK, and then a few more tough ones. BUT, thankfully it's over!! This week has been FAR better, and I feel back to normal. You can read more about it over at my personal blog!

So, my weigh-in this week was a gain. That hasn't happened, except for maybe one other time on this journey. Though I was not surprised.

Last week: 207.8 this week 209.2 = 1.4 gain :(

100th POST! How cool is that?!

--Trisha

Here we are at a milestone, indeed! Now I am curious where we are going to go with our blog from here, as certainly our challenge has changed quite a bit. We both face our own personal battles with the scale, with an entirely different focus for each of us. Do we keep blogging here? Do we keep blogging about the same topics? Is this blog growing and changing and morphing into something new? Or, fading?

What are your feelings, Stephanie?

BED update

Stephanie here...I updated my personal blog about my journey through Binge Eating Disorder (BED).  You can check it out and see what I am doing on my quest to conquer this addiction of mine. 

Super Duper!

--Trisha
Last week 209.8, and today...207.8!! That's a two-pounder! I did NOT expect that, but I will take it. I know that TOM is any day now, and I am so glad that I weighed today before the all-day Halloween eating at school than if I woulda weighed in tomorrow!! I might actually weigh tomorrow, just to see the damage, LOL! Normally I wait all week...

And, something else I am totally proud of myself about: I got up at 5:30, and I went to the gym! I ran a 12-minute mile today, THE best I have ever done :)) I cranked the treadmill up to 8 mph for 90 seconds, and I did that TWICE!!! I will admit that I was a little terrified of falling on my face and off the back of the treadmill, but in reality, I am a lot stronger than I give myself credit for being!! My goal is to be able to do 10 mph for 30 seconds. I am going to go for that on Wednesday!!! Stay tuned...

This workout also helped me not feel so guilty for the sweets I ate today. I did write EVERYTHING down that went in my mouth :) I did eat small portions!!!

I have a plan to workout Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings at the gym, jogging on the treadmill, maybe some elliptical, and I would love to get the weights started, though that may be a little more down the road. I felt RADICAL all day, full of energy, that I don't think was just the sugar! Then through November, I have Zumba on Tuesdays, plus I have my Zumba dvds.

I also have re-focused my water goal, and I am on several days in a row of back to 100 ounces at least! I can totally feel the difference. I feel so much better when I drink enough water :))

I am so excited for this next month!! On October 3rd I weighed 215. So, I lost 7.2 pounds this month. IF I were to do the same this month, I would be right close to the 200 mark!! THAT is some SUPER motivation!!!

response to your "Journey for Sure" post

Trisha,
You nailed it!  This has been a huge turning point for us!  Without this challenge/blog, we wouldn't have the relationship we have built.  It is crazy to me that life hasn't let us be friends and not only are we battling the bulge, but we are building a friendship.  We are strong and determined women with obstacles to work around and combining our knowledge and strength, we will overcome it ALL! 

Thank you for all your inspiration and kind words.  There is a light at the end of the tunnel...and I am so proud of you!

PHewwww! I made it through!

Last week wasn't my best week in all aspects of my life.  It was very emotional and just tough.  But today I have renewed spirit.  I have a different outlook on life!!!  It is once again a new day, a clean slate. 

I weighed in at a 195 this morning.  That is a gain I can totally handle.  I did lots of exercise and I didn't eat like a champ.  I didn't eat horribly either.  I was totally aware of what I was eating with my journal, the good and the bad. The one thing that I did do differently this last week was beat myself up over every little thing.  That could be why my weekend was so super fun packed and why today I feel so good!!!

I have been doing Zumba like crazy! Then this weekend, I did yard work and played with the kids.  Today is a whirlwind day...got a Halloween party to go to at the school and a lunch party at work.  But I will make good choices and watch my portions!! 

To a new day.....

Lots of updates!!

--Trisha
Check out my blog! I have found a heart rate monitor I am buying t his week!! SO EXCITED :) Also, I learned a lot about EPOC!!

Time is flying, and so is the fat!

--Trisha
I have updated my winter workout and weight loss goals over on my other blog! I can't believe we have been doing this since mid-July! 3 1/2 months :))

A journey, for sure!

Stephanie,
Thank you for having the courage to share your condition. I just wanted to say a few things about this challenge. I truly believe it's grown to mean so much more than just a challenge to each of us. I feel like it has pushed your struggle to the surface, and now you are able to focus on healing. And, holy smokes, you have been exercising for 3 1/2 months now!! So many benefits there, as well as where would you be physically right now without it?

I believe that this challenge, which has really turned more into a motivational blog between two unlikely people, has definitely made things better between us! Our entire readership does not know of our recent stress between our two households, but I believe that it healed much more quickly than it would have back in the day.

The bottom line is that neither one of us wanted to give up on all the progress we have made, in large part due to this blog!!! Is everything perfect? Of course not, but I feel like we can see things differently now, and that through this blog, we haven't just viewed one another based on our roles in a little one's life! Rather we see each other as women, as real people!

I look forward to seeing where our journey continues to take us :)

Please read....

I know I haven't weighed in yet.  But I did a post on my personal blog and I am going to link it for you all to read.  I have done something I am not proud of and it was harder than H E double hockey sticks to talk about. there...it's done and said.

Trisha's Weigh-In

I had lots of exercise this weekend :))
I had lots of food experiences, too!!
You can check it all out on my other blog.

Today I was nervous when I stepped on the scale, but ALAS!!! I weigh 209.8!!!!!!!!!!!!! So, I lost 2 pounds this past week :))) And, I am now officially--albeit not by much--out of the 210s!! WOO HOO :) I can't hardly believe that I now have less than 10 pounds to pull under 200!!! TALK ABOUT MOTIVATION :)

I gave Stephanie back the Health magazine she gave me. The crazy thing was that I had bought the same magazine(for the first time) right before she gave it to me!! I also gave her a Women's Running magazine, which was also the first time I bought it.

Weigh in

Last week: 183.3
This week: 184

Sooo tired of the roller coaster!!!!  I need to shake this!!!  I have been journaling food, and exercising.  But I think I need to amp it up a bit.  I need to double check my portion sizes.  And I need to move even more. 

I will do this.  I have to do this.  I can do this.

YES, YOU CAN! I am so proud of your exercise!! Remember that you are making changes on the inside, both healhty heart-wise and healthy head-wise :))) YAHOO!

OMG TRISHA!!!!

YOU ARE THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING WOMAN!!!  I am so proud of you! I know how hard this is!!!  You have made such a HUGE change!!!  You are an inspiration!  I love reading what you write every week and I look forward to the next post from you. 

Good job Trisha!!! 

Gimme some knuckles!!!  KNUCKLES :)))

CRAZY busy week this week!! SIGH. SO, just wanted to thank you for your positive comments and generous feedback :) It's very much appreciated. I also wanted to tell you how you are an inspiration to me, as well! I am so proud of you for all of your exercise!!! I have had several people mention to me that they saw you walking up Kermel grade :)) I always get so excited!!! YOU GO GIRL!!!

Trisha's weigh-in :))))))

So sore today! Wow, I am REALLY feeling that jumprope workout!! And, my friend gave me her ZUMBA dvds and even the little shaker sticks!! WOO hoo! Excited to try it tomorrow morning :) Plus tomorrow afternoon we ZUMBA!

Weigh-in time:
I weigh 211.8, so down 1 pound from last week! I so want to work hard this week and drop 2 full pounds.

How about looking at the big picture?
Started at 235.4 which equals 23.6 pounds lost during challenge or10%!! That's a milestone for sure!

Or, even the bigger picture?
244 at the beginning of summer which equals 32.2 pounds lost in four months or 13.2% :))

Update on the inches

--Trisha

July 13                            8/24                10/15              Total
Hips- 52 inches                 50                      48                 -4
Waist- 46 inches               43.5                    40                 -6
Chest- 49 inches               46.5                    44                 -5
Thighs-24 inches               23.5                     23.5             -.5
                                        Arms- 13              13                 0

THAT'S -15.5 inches off of my body!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Definitely jives with the changes in clothing sizes!!!

Love, love exercise

I really do love exercising :)

Read all about my INTENSE jumprope workout that I did today! Thanks, Stephanie for the jumprope!!

I am loving ZUMBA, and I will get to do it twice this week!!! Maybe more. I ZUMBA each Tuesday with my cheer squad, and this week is a free try it out class, and we have THE best teacher, Lydia, and I invited Stephanie to come :)) As well, my friend Tina contacting me and is GIVING me her ZUMBA dvds :) HOW AMAZINGLY cool is that?!?

3 months is a BIG difference :)))

July 13



Oct 16

I realize the clothes are a bit different, but I can tell you this. The shirt in the first pic is a 2XL and fits tightly (as you can see), and the shirt in the second pic is XL, and it has a loose fit. Which btw, it is one of my all-time favorite shirts, and I was sad when I couldn't wear it because it was too tight!

I do have a LONG ways to go to get my goal, but it feels good to have this much accomplished in three months! I can't wait for the next three :))

Trisha Weighing In

Last week 215, today 212.8 down 2.2!!! I am so freaking excited!! I can't believe that 3 more pounds, and I will be into the 2 single digits...209. I am now officially 13 pounds from being under 200!!!!! For this challenge, I am 20 pounds lighter. Plus, I am  down from 244 at the beginning of summer, so that's a total of 31.2 pounds!!

Today I had 5 different people comment on how good I was looking :))) And, people that didn't even know what I am doing.

I need to take another picture :) And, I need to do my measurements again!


I do feel like this is the inspiration to re-focus! I need to drink more water. I am drinking water, just not my goal of 100 ounces.

And, I wanted to start lifting weights this month, which I have not. I even wrote up a schedule, but I haven't made it happen. Actually I have only been working out two to three times a week, which is far under my goal. Now that I can see the light,I feel like going towards it!! I want to work out at least 15 minutes EVERY day. I don't feel like that's too much, especially when I want to power through and reach my next goals (under 210, and then under 200)!!

I definitely have the eating down, and the writing everything down is making a HUGE difference :) I feel so in control with my calorie intake!! Now, I just need to find the same commitment to my calorie output! And, I know I can do it :)

And...

I have a magazine that I am working on to share with Trisha!!! ;)

I LOVE THE HEALTH magazine :)) That was the first time I ever read it!! I will be giving it back next week :))) And, I have one that I just finished reading and need to get sticky notes in it, too!! It's been such a crazy week...

I broke down...

and I bought a set of Zumba DVD's! :)  I can't get to a class and I soooo badly want to try this and do this!!!  I sure hope I like them!!! I get them next week!

Crusted Tilapia

Fish is a favorite at our house.  I try to come up with interesting ways to cook it and this crusted way seems to be a favorite. 

4 oz. fillets of tilapia (prepackaged cut already :) )
3 sheets of phyllo dough
fresh dill (or dry)
diced garlic
lemon pepper (or sometimes I just squeeze some lemon on)

you take your 3 sheets of dough and light spray some olive oil cooking spray on each sheet as you layer them.  Cut the sheets in half and place one fillet on each half.  Sprinkle your seasoning on and fold the fish with the sheets and lay seam side down on a sprayed cookie sheet.  Spray a little more spray on top, it helps make the crunch!  Just light sprays, though!  And feel free to put more dill on top!

Bake in the oven at 375 until golden brown! 

These little crispy pockets of goodness are heaven!!!  And they taste great the next day cold for lunch! 

I don't know if there is an actual recipe for this, because I just did this on my own one day. :)

Total calories per 4 oz fillet: 200

Stephanie's weigh in and highlights

Stephanie here...

last week: 184
This week: 183.3 :) 

This was a crazy week for me.  My baby wasn't feeling good.  He was up every hour to hour and a half for two days. So I had total lack of sleep.  And sleep is a very important task for me.  I get sick and grumpy and just not a happy camper when I lack sleep.  My focus gets all messed up!  Speaking of focus, I am in the process of writing a blog post about mental hurdles and the little light bulb that I had light up this weekend!

This whole process has been such a learning experience for me.  More than I could have EVER imagined...

Tastes like a caramel apple :)

--Trisha

I made one of my favorite yummy salads tonight to take over to our friends' home for dinner!

It normally has snickers cut up and mixed in, but I left it out tonight, and it was still awesome!

Choose your favorite apple, slice and dice it up. I used Golden Delicious tonight.

Choose a favorite SF, FF Jello pudding. Tonight's choice was butterscotch! I do love chocolate, white chocolate, and even coconut!!!

Then you take one tub of LIGHT cool whip.

You mix it all up, and there ya be! YUMMY!!!!! And, it feels like such a dessert :)

Oh me oh my!

Where have I been?  Is it seriously already Wednesday???  I have had a ton of fun this week and have been busy with my kids and hubby! 

First, weight in:
last week: 185
this week: 184
loss of 1lb.  :)  I will take it! 

So the 5K came and went and I am excited to keep at this jogging business and get form and breathing figured out better and next year conquer the course jogging the whole thing!  I did my run alone and I finished in 41 minutes.  I could see Trisha the whole way! :)  I could have done better I think, because I don't think I pushed myself hard enough.  I got a side ache after the second water station, so I didn't drink anymore after that! It was fun to pass by people I knew that knew this was a challenge for me and they would knuckle bump as we passed by each other! I really enjoyed myself! But for the next three days, I was SORE!!! My shins felt like the bone was bruised and my ankles hurt.  I kind of felt crappy afterwards too, but I think my allergies are to blame there.  And just like Trisha, I wheezed into the night and part of the next day!  I use to use an inhaler for anything exercise related but haven't had to for years.  Well I could have used a puff after the race!!!  So I think I will see about a refill!!!  Maybe that is part of my problem with breathing while I jog, I am just not getting enough oxygen.  Trisha, if you get diagnosed with EIA, you will totally see a difference after a puff of the inhaler! The only thing I didn't like about it was it gave me the shakes. But I would rather have the shakes than not being able to breath!

Yesterday I exercised at lunch.  I did the bleachers at the school and a long walk afterwards.  It felt good to use different muscles.  But again, I got lightheaded and felt icky, so again, I wonder if it is EIA???  We will find out after I get my inhaler!

I gave back the magazine that Trisha shared with me and I have to say it was a good magazine!  It has some good workouts in it and interesting articles.  But like Trisha put on a sticky...too many ads!  So now it is my turn! 

Yummy and healthy recipe!

I love this recipe! I first made it while visiting family in Texas many years ago. It's easy, cheap, low calories, and DELICIOUS!! It's from the Texas Rangers (as in the law enforcement, and specifically eating out on the trail) Cookbook!

 It was perfect for today, and the weather!

Texas Ranger Casserole

Head of cabbage= 290- Cut up and place in dish.

1 can of tomatoes with garlic, oregano, basil = 87.5 - Pour on top of cabbage.

1 large can of Rotel –tomatoes with green chiles (spicy--a favorite of us Texans!)=  150- On top of cabbage.

Mushrooms – 60 - whole fresh mushrooms, but you can use sliced mushrooms, if you want.I just put them on top of the cabbage.

Ground chicken – 1 pound- 859- I use turkey sometimes, too!

Spices--oregano, basil, garlic,etc. and 1 cup of water, can add more, if you want to make it more soupy :) I have even added tomato sauce before, when I wanted it especially soupy!

TOTAL = 1446.5 for total  or 241 calories for 1/6th of the dish, which is really a lot of food, and quite filling!

Trisha's Weigh-In and maybe TMI

Last week: 215.6
Today: 215
Down .6

I am OK with that, considering how absolutely bloated I feel...TOM started yesterday afternoon (so appreciative it wasn't the day before during the race!?!). That got me thinking...since I have been eating healthy and exercising, I am back onto a normal schedule (which is abnormal for me), and if that holds true, I will be TOM the day of my half-marathon in Vegas. THAT could be a problem, because I have TERRIBLE cramps and feel very nauseated the first day of TOM. I think that's an age thing, as I wasn't that way until only this past year :( I am curious how regular joggers deal with those sorts of things.

Best dinner ever. I wasn't feeling hungry at all :( So, I decided to try Stephanie's pumpkin oatmeal for dinner, and it was perfect, and exactly what I needed!!!! A new favorite comfort food for me :)

AWESOME POSSUM!

--Trisha
I had a fabulous weekend :) I am excited to weigh tomorrow morning!

I did jog/walk the 5K this past Saturday, and I had a big SURPRISE during the race. You will have to read about that over on my other blog, OH LORDY!

I am SOOOOO PROUD of both Stephanie and I for doing this 5K!!!! Yahoo :)

Now, I want to do another, and I found World Run Day, which I don't know exactly what I am going to do, but I figure if nothing else, I could walk/jog the same course we just did!

I have also had a HUGE happy moment of smaller pants today! I definitely need to do my measurements this week!!!

On a not-so-happy note, I did figure out that I have EIA :(  But, I am going to go to the doctor this week, and I have read a lot about it, so that I can manage it!

I also found a super cool calculator. You know for being a words kind of girl, I love all the cool calculators you can find online. SO, I found a weight loss target calculator! Seriously, I entered in my info, and it tabulates and gives me a date for when I will hit my target weight based on how many calories I consume a day!! VERY COOL!!!! If I eat 1600 calories a day, I will weigh 160 pounds on April 5th! How cool is that?! It's fun to play around with it,  and try different weights, like being under 200, etc.!

I am looking forward to this week, and my new exercise schedule. I am starting my third week of writing my calories down :) I actually wrote up an exercise calendar of what and when I am going to exercise this month!

QUICK, easy, cheap, yummy!

--Trisha
This reminds me of veal parmigiana, only with chicken :)

The other night I tried a new recipe, and everyone liked it, and it was low calorie, and YUMMY!

I layered thin chicken breasts, with mozzarella cheese slices, and then I used two cans of tomatoes with garlic and basil to mix up with chicken stuffing, and a little bit of hot water, that I then added to the top of the cheese covered chicken. Then I baked it at 400 degrees for 30 minutes! YUMMY :)))))) OH my goodness!! I used fresh basil, oregano, and garlic, too!

chicken dinner for one serving: 359 calories (which is totally doable for dinner! We coupled it with salad and other veggies)

chicken= 164
tomato with garlic,basil-1/2 cup = 35
stuffing ½ cup = 100 calories
mozzarella cheese-1 slice = 60

Healthy recipe swap!

I love new recipes! I am a recipe book junky!!  And then to take something and tweak it and make it your own!!!

So yes, I am in for a healthy recipe swap!!!  I got an oatmeal recipe that I do in the mornings that is great!!! 

Pumpkin Oatmeal:

Make your oatmeal as usual.  (I do old fashion oats 1/2 c.)

Put in 1/2 c. pumpkin puree
1 tbs flax seed
cinnamon to taste
nutmeg to taste
1 tsp. real vanilla extract
1 tbs brown sugar (you can put more in depending on how you like it)
then add walnuts
and stir it all together!

YUMMY!

A reply for Trisha.. :)

Trisha,
Thank you for your kind and inspiring words.  I have huge expectations of myself and when I don't deliver, it bugs me.  But this is all new to me and I need to find my stride.

I went and walked a 5K yesterday at lunch and I can do it in 40 minutes.  :)  So maybe I timed myself wrong on Sunday??  I don't know but I do know that I am excited, nervous and proud that we are doing this!  This uncharted territory!

Thanks for taking this journey with me Trisha!!!

--from Trisha
I have a theory: Sometimes when I jog and walk, I feel like it takes me longer than when I just power walk. I think it's because I am working so much harder when I am jogging, and then I am recuperating when I am walking, so my walking time is much slower than normal. Don't know for sure if this is what happens, but I have had some times when I have power walked a route faster or right at what I have jogged/walked it. I also can have all different times for the exact same route for jogging/walking! I think there are lots of factors that account for that.

A post for Stephanie--from Trisha :)

Stephanie,
Don't feel down and blue! You said it, YOU are in different size pants!!!!You have to remember that you are in this for the long haul, so just IMAGINE where you will be THIS time next year! Look how much we have accomplished just since we started this. We haven't even been at it for as long as a pregnancy!!

I am so proud of you! You are hustling it :) You go for those awesome walks at lunch time!! That inspires me, and I know it inspires others!

Just remember that the 5K is just about finishing it. It's our first 5K race!! It's about starting our personal record. You will probably think this is CRAZY...when I was jogging yesterday, I would pick a point (I wasn't doing time, but distance instead), and I would seriously say in my head, "If you don't get there by jogging the whole way, you won't ever make your weight loss goals." I know that's probably negative self-talk, but it really motivated me!! In all reality, I think our bodies can do lots more than we think they can. I believe this after having a son in the Marines, and watching the people on the Biggest Loser. I think it's just as much a mental challenge.

And, remember...CELEBRATE all the good!! I am so glad we are doing this together :)

I have also been thinking...

It would be fun to share a healthy recipe once a month! I know that I love cooking, and I love learning new tried and true recipes :) Just something we could think about doing. Or, maybe we try a new healthy recipe that we review and share? What do you think, Stephanie?

Trisha's UPDATE!

Today I jumped on the scale, and I weighed 215.6, so that's a 2.4 loss! Writing EVERYTHING down that I ate has to be the answer :) And, the bottom line is that I am eating whatever I want--though mostly healthy--but, I am measuring, weighing, and counting calories!

I know I have read over and over that people who lose lots of weight and keep it off, they all track their food. Originally, I thought I would just do it for a week, but I am going to keep it  going. I truly believe this will help me accomplish my weight loss goals. I am being honest with myself--just read my guacamole/tortilla chips post. I even realized that I had not been counting the chocolate covered coffee bean that I have been eating, LOL! So, I added that today!

I have never kept a food journal for longer than a couple of weeks, so I am VERY motivated to make this happen for a long time!!

I have also been loving food!! I tried a  new recipe tonight :) It was yummy and healthy! I like to make my own dressing, too!!

The challenge results/weigh in for Stephanie

Oh the mock 5K, how you tried my every muscle, my every minute of the run.  I look forward to redoing this!!!  The weather sucked but I did it!  My muscles got tense and rock hard but I finished!  I have to say it was really hard for me.  I didn't have the positive feeling that I sense Trisha had! :) I blogged about it on my other blog.  And I can't sugar coat it, I am a hurting unit!  My knee cap hurts on my right leg, the tops of my feet are sore, like the bones are sore.  It doesn't seem like I have been doing the C25K program, I feel like I just ran for the very first time.  And while I ran I felt so tense which made it hard to jog! I did it in 45 minutes...yes, I boned it.

But I have a plan...I now know what NOT to do before the race!  I am pretty sure the winds won't be so bad.  (I got stuck in a dirt storm yesterday!) I know that I won't be eating a breakfast before, but just some toast and a banana.  I know that I will stretch a heck of a lot more!!! 

I did an endurance workout at lunchtime today...I wrote about it (with a pic!)  It felt good!  And I did this 3 mile walk in 45 minutes!!  HELLO, can anyway say "kick in gear Stephanie"?  This walk is 2 huge hills!!!! 

I am not feeling good about myself the last few days.  I think it is time to do measurements and see where I am with those.  Cause the scale...well the scale just isn't helping me!  It said I was up .4 lb.  But it is TOM but I just don't want to use that as an excuse.  I am going to buckle down this week and see what happens.  I feel like a broken record...saying I am going to do this two pound loss thing but it never happens. 

BUT...I am wearing a pair of jeans I couldn't wear a month ago! :) 

Last week: 184.6
This week: 185
Gain of: .4 

Check off the challenge!

--Trisha
I rocked the 5K challenge!! Check it all out here on my blog.  I am so excited for next Saturday's race :)

I can't wait to weigh-in tomorrow...I have been working hard on the eating end of things, so I hope to see something special for my efforts!

I feel like I need to do my measurements again, as I am wearing all smaller sizes now. And, I don't remember the last time I did my measurements. I will have to check it out!

You know, counting tomorrow's we have 15 weigh-ins left until the new year!! How cool is that?!

Weekend challenge!

Stephanie here...and I just mapped my route on Google Maps. I am so excited!!!  The road is close to home and has some hills and straight stretches, just like the 5k course next Saturday.  I blogged about my husbands thoughts on this on my other blog, he wants to do this with me now!  But he said maybe next year. 

and for the record I am on Week 4 day 2 of C25K now. 

I am loving the idea of our magazine exchange!  I LOVE magazines!!  So this weekend I will be going through and checking out the one that Trisha gave me yesterday and responding on different colored sticky notes!!!!  LOL!!  how fun!!! 

So I can't wait for weigh in on Monday...I have kept off the scale all week, no peeking for me! :)

Some new goals!

I've added to some of my health and fitness goals! Check them out at my blog!!

Our physical challenge for this weekend:

We are going to jog/walk a 5K outside and time it. This will be a great point of reference for when we do the Autumn Leaf 5K a week from this Saturday! I have only ever walked this race for the past  5 years with my cheer squad. This year we are all jogging it J

I am going to jog/walk and time the actual course, as it’s right by where I work, and I have a few things that I need to do this weekend in my classroom.  Stephanie is going to use Google pedometer and map out a road course where she lives!

Magazine Exchange!

We are doing this super cool magazine exchange! Here’s how it works: I bought a health and fitness magazine that I wanted to read, but hadn't ever yet: Oxygen. As I was reading it, I sticky-noted (yes, I just verbed a noun!) everything that I was thinking as I read it!! So, I gave it to Stephanie today, and she will read it, and sticky note her thoughts, as well as responding to mine, and then give it back to me next week!

Then she will choose a magazine and do the same! How cool is that??? It’s such a positive way to share health and fitness and have an in-depth conversation, which is strengthening our personal connection, too. What else is cool is that we are, in a sense, recycling since we are sharing a magazine! We will expand our reading horizons, and learn lots of new tips!

We are going to do this with magazines we want to read, and even share some of our favorite health and fitness magazines, too.  (I did give Stephanie a Weight Watchers--one of MY FAVORITES--magazine with a zillion sticky notes in it as part of her present for mastering the physical challenge earlier.)

Did I mention I love sticky notes? All the more reason to love this exchange! 

So long 220s...we shall NEVER meet again!

--Trisha's weigh-in and week review!

I now weigh 218! This is exciting :) I am glad to see the 220s GONE forever! That's a solid two pounds this week, and I feel like I am in a real routine now that may be (?) more lifelong instead of a diet per se?! Since I am eating normal things on occasion, or even a special thing here and there!

I did eat TWO pieces of veggie pizza on Friday night, which is the first pizza in I don't even know how long!!! I also ate a brownie and a caramel apple on Saturday. ZOOKS...that was two things that I really didn't need, but OH BOY I ENJOYED THEM BOTH :))

I did live up to my challenge, and yesterday I walked 13.6 miles in 3 hours and 50 minutes. If you are a person walking around a track, that would be 53 laps!!!! I walked a gi-normous loop up where I live. This means that I can make the deadline when I go to Vegas in December! Yesterday was quite an experience though, which you can read about over on my other blog!!

This week, I am writing EVERYTHING down that I eat and blogging it over at my other blog :) I am figuring calories, too. Depending on my icky sicky cold, I may work out in the morning...we will see if that's in my cards or not.

Stephanie's Monday weigh in!

Finally, finally, finally!!!  I am at a number that I haven't seen before!! 

Last week: 185.6
This week: 184.6
Loss of: 1 lb!!!! 

I am seeing a pretty steady pace now.  A healthy pace.  I am still "in training" for the 5K in October.  I am finding that running on the track is much much harder than on my treadmill, but I am able to go faster on my treadmill, I think. :)

I need something that tracks my pace, but then I think "do I really want to know how slow I am going?!"

Off to get more water!!

I haven't fallen off the face of the planet...yet!

Hello! I am still alive and KICKING :) You can see just how muy ocupado (VERY BUSY) my life has been this past couple of weeks on my other blog that I finally updated.

As for the challenge this week...I highly doubt I will make it happen, as it means I will be up at 4 a.m. because of meetings and other obligations I have in the morning. Next week, however, NO problem! I do have two challenges for myself next week. 1) I am going to exercise at least three times in the morning, and 2) I am going to write everything down that I eat and blog about it on my other blog (I know boring...). I have been doing a good job of eating and squeezing exercise in (YEAH for Zumba yesterday!), but I am ready to fine tune some things now that life will be on some sort of normal schedule.

This weekend, I plan on walking 13 miles at one time, and timing myself. That will be my intense exercise challenge for me :)))

I am keeping water going, and it hasn't been hard, and really it's more of a habit now :)))

It's been awesome that people are noticing that I am losing weight. I have had several people tell me so this past couple of weeks, and it's such an upper!!

I need to upload new pics and also do my measurements sometime soon!!

Stephanie's weigh in

So I got up this morning and hopped on the scale.  We all know that I have had a challenge lately of losing even with all my changes and stuff. 

last week: 186.8
This week: 185.6
Loss of: 1.2 

I was hoping for more cause I was really careful at fair and to not have the bad foods.  Although I did have a 7-up and that was the first soda I have had in so long!!  I must say it was YUMMY and refreshing in the heat of the day.  :) 

So I have signed up for the 5K Autumn Leaf Run on October 1st.  I have a challenge with myself and blogged about it here.

Also I have suggestion on a challenge this week for a challenge.  Trisha, I had read a posty in my gift bag that you wanted to get back to working out in the mornings?  That is what I want to do too so that anything else is extra!!!  And to help me train for this 5K.  So how about this week we try to workout 3 mornings? It can be for 15 minutes, 30 minutes, hour, whatever just as long as we are up and getting our health on!!!  It can be stretching, yoga, cardio, whatever gets us going.  Just to start the habit. 

I did 30 minutes this morning of week 2 day 3 of the C25K program.  Baby boy was playing and talking to me!!!  It was cute! I am proud of myself for getting it done considering lunchtime temps are to be high 90's and I know I won't get as much done after work cause it just doesn't fit my schedule. 

So now a new week, yep Trisha, a clean slate!!! :)  That is what Monday's are for, a fresh start!!! :)  Good job at fair!!! 

Trisha's weigh-in

OH Lordy what a week!!

I don't have much time to post right now, but I should be able to catch up this evening!!

SO, the news is somewhat incredible to me, as I lost a pound this past week, considering I was at fair since Wednesday. Though I wish it would be more, I will take it!!

I am now at 220, which means NEXT week I will be out of the 220s FOREVER!

I feel like I just hit the reset button this week, after two weeks of craziness. And, if I can lose during two weeks of that, then anything is possible!!

I will blog more tonight!

Finally, I am posting!

Oh what a crazy time it has been!!!  Spent a couple days at the hospital with my dad and step mom and my aunt.  It was crazy stressful and emotional!  But it also meant I slacked on exercise...and it showed.  I had a gain of a 1.8 so that means I am back up to 186.8.  It really sucked seeing that gain, but I am not letting it bring me down!  I made some yummy applesauce cake that is like 64 calories per square!!  And I didn't add the chocolate chips, so I am proud of me! It is really yummy and the hubby liked it too...I put it in my daughters school lunch so the jury is still out on that one! And for once, the gain doesn't depress me or make me want to call it quits.  I am going to go forward and continue making good choices!! 

One thing that has helped is the rockin gift I got from Trisha from last weeks challenge!!!  I got a cool tote filled with goodies like a huge bottle of SmartWater, yummy gum, a rocking Weight Watchers magazine and some good smellin, aromatherapy candles!  THANK YOU!!!! I loved it!  I really liked all the sticky notes! LOL!  I do think you have a good idea, Trisha, about the magazine swap! 

So I am moving onward!!!  :)  I will see a loss darn it!!! 

Trisha weighing in :)

This will be a shorty, as I am writing here in the morning while eating my oatmeal :)

Last week we started school again, so my life's returned to a bit of a whirlwind. I will definitely blog more this week, probably tomorrow, to catch you up on everything.

The big news:
Last week 224 (a gain of +1)
This week I weigh 221!!

Yahoo! I am super happy with that three-pound loss, especially when I feel like I am running in a million different directions all at once!! Plus we went out of town this past long weekend...and, that's normally very hard for me.

I just need to survive this week (our first time entering an animal into fair, plus second week of teaching, and our second football game on Friday), and starting next week, things should settle into a normal routine!

weigh in and challenge results for Stephanie

CONGRATS TRISHA!!! We both accomplished our challenge and it ROCKED!  I have your prize already so I just have to get it to you!  :) 

This challenge was tough.  I didn't think I had enough energy to do it but I did!  I barely have enough energy to do what I do everyday with the little sleep I get, actually the interruptions in sleep that I get! :)  But I did it and I loved it!  It makes me want to do this at least once a month too!  I can't wait for the weather to cool off a bit so I can make more of my lunch hour exercise.  Right now, I get dizzy and too hot to do too much.  Don't want heat stroke! LOL! 

Weigh in results:
Last week: 186
This week: 185.5

1/2 lb loss...not the best but I will take it.  I think that we are gaining a bit more muscle which maybe is slowing down the number on the scales????  Or is that just a justification and we really just need to work harder?  But really we need to remember to live life too and be happy.  We are healthier than we ever have been and I am so proud of us!!!  We need to be able to have a little slice of cake and some ice cream or pasta salad or a small candy bar every so often. They don't consume our lives anymore they are actually just treats now! ;)   

Recap of the last few days and what the scale said this morning!

--Trisha
To see exactly how I did on this week's challenge, check out my other blog!! I am super happy with the results of this weekend!! This was the recharge I needed, as I was feeling like the motivation flame was fanning a little :) And, I am proud of both of us for mastering our weekend challenge. Now, I am excited to find the perfect reward to give to Stephanie :))))

Now for the weigh-in...not so good news.
Last week: 223
This week: 224 Gain of +1 pound. This is my first gain :(

But, oddly enough, I am not all broken-hearted about it. It could be TOM (that's never regular, but if it were, it would be coming right now), and I know that I didn't make the best choices eating this last week. I thoroughly enjoyed my homemade pasta salad (my mama's recipe), and more of it than I knew I should. I also ate some yummy cherry chocolate cupcakes at the cheer sleepover. Truly, I am not sweating the small stuff. I know next week will be better!

As well, just yesterday I saw a co-worker who I have not seen since the last day of school, and she commented on my loss! YEAH, first person to do so :))) That was a major pick-me-up!!

I am working hard on my plan for this week--first week back to school. I will blog about it later. I am excited for school to start, and I know I will be successful with my health goals.

P.S. My calves hurt the most today...they feel like they are hard as a rock and not moving, LOL! But, I would totally do they exact same workout again. As a matter of fact, I think I might do it once a month, and see if my times change.

Check it out!

I kicked the physical challenge's butt this week! I am SOOOO glad we had it, or I would have never done what I did!!!! I feel so awesome :))

Check it out right here!!!

I know today doesn't count towards the challenge, but HOLY smokes, I rocked the OK Hill today. I admit it was a bit scary coming down. I was AlMoSt tempted to walk around on the road and back down, LOL!

It did make me want to hike more. Not just my normal walk up and down the HUGE Robinson Canyon road, but actually hike up in the mountains, like I used to all the time in Leavenworth  :)) That's something I am going to have to add to my activity list of things to do.

Love the hour intense exercise for both days...and, that it can be busted up into 30 minutes segments. Yahoo, on the water!!

I also love the idea of doing a $5 healthy gift for one another for making our challenges!! I like it being something besides coffee (though, I think we should go for coffee on our two month anniversary of our challenge!!). Let's find out a little about one another, and figure out something that we get...

Please let me know the following (and, I will share my answers, too):  Stephanie's answers in red!!! ;)
Favorite color: purple Red :)
Favorite season: summer  fall
Favorite fruit: watermelon strawberry
Favorite symbol: nautical star, American flag, horseshoe, infinity sign Texas Star, horeshoe, my family brand :)
What do you collect? water bottles, coffee cups, postcards, magnets, candles, ummmmm and a few more things, LOL! Probably why I have too much clutter! I don't really collect anything anymore, recipe books maybe! :) I do like stars tho and have a bunch of those.
Favorite domesticated animal: horse, though I LOVE MELVIN our fish :) horse, dogs, cats
Favorite wild animal: meerkat or dolphin coyotes so i can hunt them! ;)
Favorite coffehouse: UGH...couldn't say. Just wrote a blog on this!! I don't spluge on coffee very much anymore but if I go to get one I would say the Country Cabin has never done me wrong.
Favorite thing on your work desk BESIDES pictures: A New York City coffee mug that a special person gave me :) my water bottle! LOL! and my sharpie pen (not the marker)...ohhhh that could be something i collect!!!  I LOVE the sharpie pens!!! 
Favorite hobby(ies): writing, reading, riding the motorcycle crafts!!! i Love to do craft swaps on my favorite website and I love to make my lariat rope baskets.  Cooking and baking, reading and writing, riding horses, going to rodeos and horse sales, going shooting and hunting coyotes!!! 

that was fun!!!  :) 

An interesting article

This article totally got me thinking and this made sense to me.  I do see all my friends who are at a healthy weight just living life, happily, not stressing about diets.  They automatically make good choices. 

I think Trisha and I are getting there!  :)

I'll take that challenge!

Game on Trisha!!  Good idea!  Something to mix it up!!  Something intense!!! 

What about if we do an hour a day of intense exercise???  It doesn't have to be at one time but at least a 1/2 hour at a time?? 

And yes WATER!!!  125 oz sounds good to me! 

A cleansing of the soul...I need this badly!  So much is going on and about to go on that is stressful and sad and I need some good endorphins running through my body!  I feel good when I exercise and I need to remember that and stick to it.  Perfect timing for this idea Trisha!!! 

As for the prize...what about our favorite "the coffee card"!!!  :)  Or what about we spend 5-10 bucks on each other in anyway we want as long as we keep it healthy?? 

I think we need...

A WEEKEND CHALLENGE!!!!!!!!!!

When I go back and read the posts (all 47 of them), I see a difference in motivation, perhaps it's just a perception, but...

What say you Miss Stephanie?

125 ounces of water for Saturday AND Sunday
Some sort of intense exercise??? How long?

Shall we have a reward? If we both do it, we both get the reward, if not, then only one of us gets the reward from the other one?

Thanks, Stephanie!!

--Trisha
With Stephanie's lead, I decided to measure again. It's funny because just last night I was all motivated to try on other pants and shorts and even a couple of shirts that I couldn't wear at the beginning of summer that I can now wear comfortably!! YEAH :)))

Drumroll, dadadadadaadaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa...
July 15th:                            August 24th:
Hips- 52 inches                  Hips- 50 inches
Waist- 46 inches                Waist- 43.5
Chest- 49 inches                Chest- 46.5
Thighs-24 inches               Thighs- 23.5
                                          Arms- 13 *Wish I woulda done this one back in July!

Good-bye, so long, ADIOS...I won't miss you!

So, I am in a pants size smaller, and my bra is moved all the way over (it used to be on the last possible hook).

WHOOP WHOOP!!!  good job!!!  feels good huh?!  :)  Here's a high five for ya!

Tooting my own horn!!!

TOOOT TOOOOT!!! 

So yesterday I was all bummed about the number on the scale, but I totally had forgotten about the numbers I wrote down on the 18th!!! 

Check it out here!!! 

Give me some knuckles!!! 

WAHOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Considered yourself  knuckled :)) Good job!! That's so funny because last night I was trying on pants and shorts that I couldn't wear at the beginning of the summer, and totally thinking that I needed to update the measurements! THIS is exactly what I was saying about trusting and having faith in that your hard work is changing things :))))

Yes I am here.

So I couldn't bring myself to write yesterday.  I was soooo totally bummed.  I had no loss and no gain.  Still at 186.  But then I realized.  TOM.  Why or why does it have to get in the way??? 

I exercised and exercised and I am feeling good!  I did bleachers and did interval walk/jog on the treadmill.  I made sure to get it in even though I needed a nap.  I made good choices on food at the wedding I attended and watched my portions.  But at least this will pass... and it is a new week. 

So my goal is once again to lose those two pounds.  And I need to watch my water intake and make sure I am getting plenty, so I need to get back to basics and focus on that as well. 

A NSV is that I am wearing pre-pregnancy pants! :)  They are a little tight but I am wearing them proudly!

Good job Trisha!  :) 

Hey, Stephanie! I tried to leave this comment on your other blog, but it says that my accounts (including our battleofthe bulges) don't have access...so, here it is here instead!

Yeah for the CSA!! Are you doing the local 8th Street Greens CSA? Awesome!! So, you can join part way through the year then? That's cool! You should blog about the details :)
OK, so as far as the no loss (and, good job on the no gain!!), remember what my friend said that REALLY is true...you have to faith that all of your good choices are making a difference on the inside that just isn't showing on the outside yet :))))

I know I can't leave comments either...don't know what the deal is.  Yep, 8th St. Greens!  You can join anytime I believe.  Shannon (the owner) just broke down the difference and that I am just paying for what is left in the season.  I believe there is 8 weeks left and I get my first box tomorrow!!!  I will definitely share my experience!!! 

I just posted about my measurements.  That made the number on the scale seem not so important!!!  thanks Trisha!

I survived!!!!

--Trisha

Boy, howdy, what a day today has been!!! You know the old adage of needing a vacation from your vacation?? Well, I was feeling that way today, but today was CRAZY busy!!! I had a union meeting at 6:30 a.m. (who planned that for the day after a weeklong motorcycle vacation?!?!). Then cheer practice (which I worked my booty off along with the kids!) for three hours. Quick trip home for lunch with Ricky, and then down for a massage (needed that!!!!), and then off to get a cool down snack for Rick, and then to the store (absolutely no groceries since we had been gone a week), and then home. SIGH.

OK, drumroll please...I am BLOWN away and proud of myself!!! I lost 2 pounds on vacay!! That's right!!! I was so excited I was dancing around the bathroom (yes, at 5:45 a.m.!!).

Last week 225.
This week 223.
Percentage= .88%

I ate mostly healthy the entire trip, though I had a couple of yummy extras in that I ate two--not one--s'mores, some French fries during one meal, and I had a beer!! LOL!! I really just focused on portions and making the best choices possible. We ate tons of fruit :) I did have a hard time drinking all my water on the days that we had LONG rides.

I did exercise...jogging, walking, hiking, and, of course, LOTS of motorcycle riding!!

My goal this week is another two pounds. If I do that...and, then do it again the next week, I will be out of the 220s by Labor Day!!! How cool would that be?!

I am soooo proud of you Trisha!!!  GOOD JOB!!!

THANK you so much, Stephanie :))) It was really a challenge being on vacay, well, a mental challenge. In the end, it was easier than I thought.

Weigh in Monday!

Stephanie here with my weigh in.

Last week: 187.5
This week: 186.0
Loss of : 1.5  (.53%)

Not too shabby but could be tons better.  So this week I have a goal of a 2 lb loss.  I plan on more exercise and continuing on the healthy fuels for the body. 
I love seeing the scale go down!  So and steady wins the race! :)  But I have to say when I step on the scale at the end of the day, you know "just to see", and it is hardly a gain from the morning, that is something great!  LOL!  I don't do it often but I love seeing the scale stay out of the 190's!  And I can't wait to see a 179!  It's not too far away!!! 

Check out my other blog for the latest updates....

Trisha, I think this weeks challenges is to just set personal goals and go for it!  Yours is staying healthy on your vacation and mine is a 2 lb loss.  Ampin it up!!!  I know you can do it!!!  Have fun on vacation! 

Trisha's Weigh-in

Last week: 227.2
Today (a day early): 225 - down 2.2!!! Yeah, met my goal!!
Loss percentage: .9%

See ya next Monday!

Been a good week! Let's see how next week goes...

--Trisha

We are headed out on our week-long motorcycle vacation tomorrow morning BRIGHT and early, so I will post my weight, but that will be about it for the week. I am a little nervous about eating and exercising on this vacation, but I have the tools and skills to make the right choices :) I will journal everything and then come back and blog about it when we return.

I am not proposing a challenge for this week, as for me, being away for eight days and trying to keep to the program will potentially be a HUGE challenge.

You can see how this past week has been over at my other blog.

An interesting site.

Bountiful Baskets

I found this site while looking up some information about living a low-glycemic lifestyle and what it is all about.  This site send baskets of fresh produce and grains (5 loaves of bread) to a site each week and you prepay for the baskets and pick them up.  There are even different combinations of produce so you can try new things! It seemed pretty cost effective and then there is a website with recipes to use with your baskets. 

Now, I was interesting in starting a site in our area but I know that I am not always available on Saturday's.  But this would be such a good thing for our area!  Wenatchee is the closest site. 

Take a peek at this and give your two bits!  I would love to hear what you have to say!

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) ROCKS!!!! When I lived in Leavenworth, I belonged to one, as well as a separate food co-op. I saved so much money on food and really had the best of the best! Did you know we have a local CSA here in Okanogan??!!! How cool is that?! I have considered joining it, and I just haven't done it  :(  Can't say why, really. Anyhoot, local veggies, and you can add local bread, local cheese, and even local coffee. I don't think we can get into it right now...though I am not sure?? I think it's like a 23 week program, and they are like on week 13 right now. I know you can buy a half-share, or a full share. I have even talked about buying a full share, but splitting it with my mother-in-law.  So, even if it's too late to join this year, I think they allow you to come and pick at that farm by appt, maybe? I believe one of the drop-offs for our local CSA boxes is our health food store. Check them out RIGHT HERE!!  They have an additional site where you can see some more specifics regarding what they offer RIGHT HERE :) It's basically like getting Farmers Market delivered to you weekly, even when there is not a Farmers Market! I really like the idea of trying new things, and supporting our local farmers. I haven't read about the Bountiful Baskets yet, so I don't know if they are comparable in price.

What about??

I think it would be really fun, depending on our fitness levels, to have a physical challenge that we both do together at the same time. Maybe it's 10 sets of bleachers or hiking up a huge hill (like up at the Loup Loup), or...

We could set a date when we are going to do it, and then have some time to train, and then do it! It's kinda like a Biggest Loser challenge.

Any ideas? What do you think?

Stephanie here...

I think that is a terrific idea! But for some reason I am a bit hesitant and I think it is only because so far my exercise has only been done with just me! And because today I am functioning on about 3 hours sleep (baby issues) and 10 sets of bleachers or a huge hill seems very challenging and unachievable right now. LOL  But I know on a day that I get more sleep, it will seem more appealing.  Definitely would need training time! Which would be more challenging to you?  For me, because I know how hard it is already, 10 sets of bleachers at one time would be super duper hard!  A hill would be hard but for some reason I don't think as challenging. 

--Trisha
I can completely understand your hesitation, especially with your sleep-deprivation going on!!! I think the bleachers would be more challenging for me, but even a hill is tough, considering I am packing so many EXTRA pounds. I just watch the Biggest Loser, and I am always fascinated by how much they endure that they think they can't. That really pushing themselves to the limit bit. When you are ready, let me know. There is something about that having someone to go against that you can find that little extra motivation, that push that we sometimes need!

I think a fun winter challenge...to hike up the sledding hill at the Loup 10 times!! We would hike up and sled down, and then back up, etc. I have always thought it would be a fun competition to have like 10 people total compete, and they could each pay $10, with the winner taking home the total prize money.

I agree!!

Well, Stephanie, your insight resonates with me! First, I am NOT trying to offend the person who made the comment about the necessity of you losing a lot of weight quickly. BUT, I am here to say from experience...IT DOES NOT WORK. Maybe it has for some people. Maybe they have been able to maintain. But, I know that it does not work for me and for most of the people I know.

I did HCG last year, and I lost 40 pounds in six weeks. It was fast. It was easy. BUT, I also almost gained it all back this past year. I have yo-yo'd up and down with every diet imaginable. Though, I have not ever truly committed, and I mean LONG-TERM committed, to a healthy lifestyle change: Eating right and exercising regularly. I have tried to be healthy, with no gimmick diet, but I have never stayed at it past maybe 6 weeks.

I decided this summer that I would make good choices, and that I would FIGHT through the times where I want to quit. My goal is to see myself do this for a year. I am hoping that a SOLID year will allow me to really make these habits part of my life, and natural. As well, the slow loss for me is a commitment to keeping it off. My hope is an average of 2 pounds a week. It may take me more than 6 months to reach my goal, but I think that means that I will have the tools and skills to maintain. Sure, I can lose it fast, and i have done so, but I want this to be permanent. And, I feel good about his process.

The bottom line, Stephanie, is that we have to do what works for us. I see this a lot like the half-marathon I am training for. I could right now go walk the race. But, by training, I am slowly gaining the ability to jog it. In the end, I will have reached my goal by the hard work I put in for months. Then, I will be able to jog another one and another one, if I want. Nobody can take that health away from me. And, since it's not a quickie get, it's more lasting.

A little insight...

So I wanted to share some thoughts. 

I have had a lot of comments made to me, about how I am doing and they go from the good side to the bad side.  Some people say "great job! I can see your hard work is paying off!" to "I think you should find a way to get the weight off fast and then it will be easier.  In the past, this slow and steady pace didn't work for you." REALLY? Maybe the truth hurts...I don't know.  I have taken those comments and made the most of them and I really want to show them what I am made of!

I have been doing a lot of research on diets and gimmicks and such and if you look at them all in a nutshell, they all have you eating the same things...fruits, veggies, lean protein.  All in different amounts so the diets are unique, but really they are all the same.  Some diets have you eating so few calories that you can't exercise or you would pass out or feel very fatigued.  Some diets have you exercise ALL THE TIME!  Most diets want you to buy some sort of membership or merchandise.  So my common sense tells me that if you keep to a realistic calorie intake and exercise regularly, weight loss is attainable.  Do what Trisha and I are doing, stay away from processed foods, added unnatural sugars and exercise, you will win the race, maybe slow, maybe fast...all depending on your body.  I don't think that living a healthy lifestyle should make you feel like you can't participate in family functions because you can't eat what is being served.  That is where moderation comes in.  Don't eat a ton of birthday cake or a ton of spaghetti or pizza.  Maybe make some changes and eat a big salad and just a small amount of the other stuff.  Use common sense!  Make healthy choices. Pay attention to others around you that you find inspirational.  (I have noticed that people who don't have weight issues, don't eat a ton of food.  Imagine that!)  How are they eating, how are they maintaining in keeping active.  I think that sometimes with me needing to lose weight first before maintaining, I need to exercise a bit harder and eat just a bit more salad than everyone else!  I don't really have any articles to link to because I don't really want to lead anyone in the wrong direction.  My common sense may be different than others, but this is just my two bits and what I have learned so far in my journey. I am listening to my body and paying attention to what I eat and exercises I do and how it makes me feel.  It doesn't happen overnight...(how many times have I heard that?! LOL)

So Trisha, I truly believe we are doing this the right way.  :) 

Stephanie's weigh in and Review

So the scale only went to 187.5 that is down 1.3 from last week. (.69%) I wasn't really expecting too much but a little is better than none!

My water intake is great!  I haven't had to use chapstick in a long time, so I think that is a good sign!  Doing the challenge last week was hard.  I think accepting that I was feeling icky and allowing myself to rest was good for me and not something I tend to do.  Still no processed foods, well I did have a glass of wine but it was made locally??? 

I mentioned over at my other blog that I am glad for a new slate.  A fresh start.  Weigh in Mondays are great because then the rest of the week is new and exciting!  We can learn from our mistakes or our milestones reached and continue on.  Today I am taking care of me...

Trisha's Weigh-In and Review

Wahoo! I am happy with today's scale reading at 227.2. That's 1.2 down or .53%. Running total from this challenge down 8.2 pounds :))) I didn't expect a big loss or even one at all since it was the lovely extra-water-retention-time. Here's how I have been doing for the summer!

I had a really busy weekend, shocking, I know! LOL But, I have really simplified things in my life, and it makes me feel so much more lighter!

So, updates on all the challenges:
1) I ate fast food?!?! I ate Friday night at Dairy Queen. I had a hamburger and french fries and water, and I felt totally GROSS!       :(   PROCESSED and ICKY
2) I had a fabulously yummy steak salad at Corner Bistro for dinner on Saturday night.
3) I did not run or intentionally exercise all weekend, though I know all the work I did for the yard sale (going through all of storage, and then moving storage from one unit to another, loading and hauling four pick-up truck loads of stuff, you get the drift).
4) I was good for water over the weekend!
5) Did I eat fruit this weekend? I did have veggies. Oh, and does an Orange Julius count for fruit? Yeah, I had one of those yesterday.  (only 330 calories, said with sarcastic tone of voice).

In the end, I didn't overeat, and if my calories were all counted, I was still down. BUT, what I did put in my body wasn't necessarily what it needed and truly wanted. It is still somewhat surprising to me that I lost weight considering. But, I wasn't out of control.

Last week was a weird one all around.  I am curious to see if it is like this each month (if that is even regular for me)...at least now I am aware of the changes in my mood  and motivation based on what's happening hormonally.

I feel all focused and ready to go this week! We are headed down to the store to stock up. I have my meals and exercise planned for  the week. I hope this next week is a BIG loss! I am hoping for two pounds, that's the goal!! I will have to weigh-in on Sunday morning (short a day) because we are headed off on vacation on Sunday. That could be a challenge...though I am working on the plan for that right now!!

The other big challenge I am feeling is when I get back to work. I am not so worried about eating, but I am concerned with the time for exercising, though I am working on a plan for that, too.

Sweaty and good!!

--Trisha
It was a sweaty day, and a day that I am working on making my life as simple as I can! I feel tired, but a really good accomplished tired!

Sharing

--Trisha
For me today: ZUMBA!!! I had so much fun!!! I survived the challenge this past week, and what I realized more than anything is that it's not really hard to take care of myself and I am able to do good things me, and not feel guilty :)

OK, so lately I have been interested in two topics related to health. One is about rest and recovery, and the risk of over training. And, interestingly enough, today after Zumba, Lydia (the instructor) talked to me about my current program and how ABSOLUTELY important it is to have rest and recovery time, especially with my running program. I have read a TON about rest and recovery in an exercise program, be it running, weightlifting, or whatever. So, here is an article I particularly liked.

I also found this article timely given the fact that both Stephanie and I recently blogged about feeling ZAPPED of energy!

You can read about what else I am learning about regarding heart rate monitoring and exercising on my other blog!

Oh what can the matter be...

I have a summer cold. 

I totally understand your motivation post Trisha, I am having a hard time too.  Maybe we need to switch it up a little??  Or maybe we need to keep it to the basics for a week until we regroup?  Keep it to chuggin water and 30 minutes of exercise? 

I do want to say, cause for some reason I can't leave a comment on your post, your doing a fantastic job!  You are looking so good!!  All of your hard work is paying off!!! THANKS!!!! And, yeah for fitting into those pre-pregnancy pants!!!!! GOOD JOB :)))

I have an idea...what about if we spend the next couple days looking for a good article, either be Internet or magazine, to share with each other regarding diet, exercise, and/or healthy living?  Something that we might not know, or just something that means a  lot to us that we want to share.  I know that I find motivation in others with their stories of accomplishments and with articles that relate to my struggles.  I need to remember to learn as I go cause there is always something new out there!!!


So, this is not in response to your idea there, as I will definitely share a different and new article (want to find something new for me, too!), but I am wondering about your cold...I know that last year when I cut out processed foods and sugar, I got REALLY sick and my doctor told me that it was sugar withdrawal which can act like a cold or the flu and start or last anywhere from 1 week to 3 weeks! So, this time around, I made sure to eat LOTS of fruit for the natural sugar, so no withdrawal! Here's an article I found that does talk a little about SUGAR WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS. I don't know how you are doing on the fruits, as I do know you mentioned strawberries, but if your body thinks it's not getting enough sugar it can act cranky! Just a thought...or, it could just be a stinky summer cold :(

Hey, that is interesting!  I would have never thought about that!  I do a lot of fruit but maybe I need more???  I think this is an actual cold tho...baby boy has it too. :(

Trisha's 'TUDE

This week--all of two days,I know, but feels like a week already--I have been doing everything I am supposed to do (eating clean, water,exercise), but I definitely don't feel as motivated...kinda have the blahs, not the blues, just the I-don't-want-to-do-much-of-anything-and-just-want-to-be-a-bum attitude. My best friend said that it's because I have been so busy and so on the go for the entire summer that I need a mellow slow down time.

Exercise has been fun this week, but I have not, for the first time this summer, been exercising super early in the morning, like I normally do...maybe that's it?!

OK, for the challenge:
Yesterday = Massage (ahhhhhh) and Zumba class, which was a blast, even though I felt completely uncoordinated!

Today = Slept in :) And,finished reading another book because I carved out time today to read!

Hopefully tomorrow brings a reset to my get-up-and-go!

Weigh-In!!

--Trisha

Last week, 230.4, this week 228.4 down 2 = .86%    SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOo long 230s!

Running total down 7 pounds!! Yahoo :)


Let me tell you...considering the last four days...I CAN'T BELIEVE I HAVE LOST A SINGLE POUND. I did have healthy eating and exercising, but my goodness, this could have easily been a few days to derail me!

The bottom line is that by conquering these days and not feeling like I was missing anything, I KNOW I can do anything!! And, that more importantly I deserve and want this :)

OK, so now for some confessions:
1) I did not intentionally exercise on Saturday. I did miss it :( I drove my motorcycle up to Winthrop and back, and the calorie calculator says that a person who weighs as much as me burns 274 calories an hour. But, seriously that doesn't count as the same to me as my walking/jogging.
2) I did not intentionally exercise on Sunday. We did lots of walking from the parking lot to the stadium and up and down stairs, but... as well, the same calorie calculator says that you burn calories if you are driving (not riding) in a car. I drove most of the way over, and all of the way back. BUT, again...
3) I am going to double dose exercise today and Wednesday at least, since I am going to ZUMBA!!
4) I did eat some processed foods this weekend. Though, I chose SMALL portions and healthier options. The processed foods were very limited.

Things for me...our challenge. Saturday, this seems silly but if you read my other blog, you will understand...but a frozen banana. I felt like that was such a HUGE treat. Tee hee. Also, I had the choice of riding my motorcycle and going with my family to Winthrop or staying home and exercising...so, I feel like I made the choice I wanted, which was hard, because I felt guilty for not going for my walk/jog. Sunday, I bought some new running shoes!! They are Saucony brand, my favorite. I did buy them out of town, sorry Rawsons, but Rawsons doesn't carry that brand, which is perfect for how my feet are!! And, they were $80 cheaper than what I was going to buy at Rawsons.

My treats today: a MUCH needed massage, and ZUMBA class :) Can't wait!!

Stephanie's Monday Weigh In...

This morning as I rolled out of bed and headed to the scale...stepped on and it read...188.8 (.63%) that is a 1.2 loss from last Monday!

I was shocked!  It is TOM for me and I expected a gain cause I feel so bloated!!!  But I was happy freaking jumping up and down with my small loss!!  I am steadily climbing down the ladder!!!  So since the challenge has started that is a total of 5.2 pounds!  Not too shabby! :) 

This weekend the small things I did for myself was take a nap when my baby boy (who is 5 months today!) napped.  He was up most of the night Saturday night so I was extrememly tired Sunday.  I so badly wanted to snack too.  So obviously loss of sleep is a major food obstacle for me.  Also, I found out some medical issues are arising in my family that is going to be extrememly stressful and emotional for me.  I wanted to snack then too...so I see that I am a total emotional eater as well!  So seeing this happening makes me want to figure out ways to cope otherwise.  Exercise isn't always an option for relief, so I need some other coping mechanisms...any ideas? 

This morning, I did my "do something for myself".  I bought myself some fresh strawberries for the day and a desk calendar!!  I love calendars!  :)

Other coping ideas when exercise isn't an option...can you write? When I am able to write I can feel an incredible purge! Or, if you are going to snack ONLY allow yourself carrots or celery or whatever like that. And, what REALLY works for me is drinking enough water to feel like I am going to drown. SERIOUSLY, then I am so full and bloated that I can't even think about eating. I get this, Stephanie! I am such an emotional eater myself.
Feeling your pain...
--Trisha