Well, I definitely haven't lost any weight since joining Curves. But it's definitely not for lack of working out! It's probably because I am on my "holiday diet": I eat whatever I want, and whatever other people give me (no matter how fattening it is). Not a good diet to be on. Hopefully, when we stop buying and making yummy treats (and other people stop giving us yummy treats...) I will start losing weight as I work out. Other than that, I don't have much to say. I am just SO sick of food right now, especially chocolate (never thought I'd say that in my life). But the holidays this year have been just too much for even MY sweet tooth to handle. So, I'm off to Curves in the morning to burn off some of this goo that has plastered itself to my thighs. Wish me luck in this new year of working towards a smaller jean size!

Still going strong.

I've been faithfully working out at Curves since I joined. I try to go three times a week. Although, last week I only made it twice because of the jewelry show I was getting ready for. But, I've already gone on Monday and Tuesday this week. And I am finally feeling sore in my muscles, which means I am working harder than when I first started.

The difference came when I received my Curves Smart Card last Thursday. It's a small card that you insert into every resistance machine during your workout. It is specifically programmed for each person based on age, weight, blood pressure, resting heart rate, range of motion on each machine, and muscular strength. It knows, on each machine, what my maximum potential is (based on # of reps, and how hard I'm pushing). If I'm doing what I should, the display will light up green. If not, it will flash orange. The goal is to keep the light green for the whole time at each station. It is HARD! I'm not exaggerating. I've done pretty well so far at keeping it green on most of the machines. The only one I seem to have difficulty with is the inner thigh press. I can not make that one go green to save my life! My adductors need some work, apparently.

At the end of the workout, you then insert the card into the main computer to see instant results. It tells you how hard (by percent) you worked each machine, and also breaks it down by muscle group. It tells you how many calories you burned, and all sorts of other useful info. And if you come in two days in a row, it automatically adjusts your workout to be more of a cardio workout (i.e. the green light comes on easier), as to give your muscles a recovery day.

I really love this new technology. No more counting reps or putting weight plates on as I have done in past weight training programs. I love the challenge to push myself harder at each workout. And I'm really feeling the difference.

3 Workouts Down...

I've been to Curves three times now. It was VERY hard to get out of bed this morning. I almost convinced myself to stay home. But my fat cells aren't going to burn themselves off! So I pulled myself out of the house into the 24 degree freezing air at 6:30 am. And once again, it felt great!

For those of you who aren't familiar with Curves, it is basically a series of hydraulic resistance machines set up in a big circle. There are small square "recovery" mats between each machine. You do 30 seconds of intense repetitions at one machine, then move to the mat for a little cardio/aerobic movement for 30 seconds. Then you go to the next machine. It's 30 seconds on, 30 seconds off for all 15 or so machines. You do the whole circuit twice. It takes about 30 minutes total. Because of the quick pace, it is a very tough cardio workout. And at the recovery stations you can make it very intense with jumping and arm movements.

It's especially tough for me because I have no endurance built up yet. I find that during the workout, I occasionally feel light-headed. So I have to ease up a bit and just do really easy jogging-in-place between machines. And luckily, halfway through the circuit, one of the machines has a hand grip that checks your heart rate to make sure you are in a good range. The resistance training part isn't as hard, (except when I'm already out of breath), and I'm not as sore as I expected to be. So, I figure I need to do this every morning to really see results. That's a big commitment. I pray for the strength to do it!

Here it goes again...for real this time.

I have been driving past the Curves at our local strip mall for four months now, wanting to go inside and see what it's all about. So, yesterday, after not being able to zip up my winter coat over my ever-expanding hips, I did it. I walked inside Curves, and made an appointment for a consultation later that day. After the consultation, and finding out that my body fat is almost 29% (gasp), I wrote a check and signed up. The lady was shocked when I told her I wanted to come the next morning at 6:30 for my first workout. I had to schedule it with her because she needs to help me learn the routine the first time through. Somehow, this morning when the alarm went off at 6 am, I got my fat self out of bed, ate a scrambled egg, and drove over to Curves in 22 degree COLDNESS.

Let me tell you: It was SO worth it! I felt so good getting my heart rate up and sweating! I'm ready to go back on Saturday morning and do it again. She said I should try for 3 days a week at first and then come more often if I can. I can't wait to make this my daily routine. I really feel good about this plan. Trying to exercise at home was just not working out for me with my kids and having no room in this apartment. I also figured, if a little money is invested in this, I will feel more motivated to uphold my end of the deal. So here goes try #736 at losing weight. Ok, I'm exaggerating just a bit. But darn it, it better work this time!

Wow...

I guess I won't be losing 13 pounds in the next 30 days! Maybe I should set smaller more manageable goals. Like: lose 1 lb this week as I start exercising again. I did about 30 minutes of yoga and pilates yesterday, and that was plenty! It was so hard, and I'm sore from the very little that I was able to do. But, you have to start somewhere I guess.

I have recently been motivated by my new "larger size" jeans that I can't hardly button. And my older brother, who has started doing triathlons and marathons recently. He has lost a lot of weight and feels great. He said that he would pick on me about getting in shape if I want him to.

Lots to think about and work on! Wish me luck once again. I am determined NOT to give up on this, even if I try and fail a few times. Eventually, something has to work!

I am a slacker.

This diet is NOT going so well. My sinus infection/cold or whatever never really went away I think. I'm feeling worse today. Yuck! Then there was my birthday (Italian dinner, cake, etc.) Then I made chocolate zucchini bread and consumed half of it myself. Then my husband went away for a business trip on our anniversary of all days! I'm a little depressed about that. Now I'm trying to keep myself and my children alive one day at a time until he gets back.

So where does that leave me? Well, at the moment, fatter and more tired than I was when I started this thing. I will continue to post, because I need to figure out the underlying emotional issues and stresses that contribute to unhealthy eating and a sedentary lifestyle. I know that some of you might wonder why I even want to lose weight. You might see my 128 lbs and scoff because you think that I don't need to lose weight. I hear it all the time! But believe it or not, I am right at the overweight line on the BMI chart for my height and age. Not to mention, I feel horrible. That's enough of a reason for me!

So, if anyone has any advice, I would greatly appreciate it!

Bec is NOT making Sue look bad...

Ok Sue! This is NOT a competition. And, I am not nursing a baby, which makes a huge difference. I was probably eating less than I should yesterday in the morning. But I honestly wasn't feeling very hungry. But it hit me later. And then when I went to Walmart at 9:30, I passed by the Oreo cookies like five times, but only resisted them the first four times. I came home and pigged out! It was SO yummy. And, since I had eaten healthy the rest of the day, it actually kind of balanced out. (Not that I recommend this style of eating to anyone!) So, there's my explanation for yesterday.

And today is my BIRTHDAY. Do I really need to count points today?? When I was at Walmart last night, Dustin called my cell phone and told me to pick up two packages of cream chesse, buttermilk, white vinegar, and a package of red food coloring. I was like, what the heck is he making? I assumed he was planning my birthday cake. The only possibility using all of those ingredients is red velvet chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting...mmmmmm. I wouldn't let him stay up all night making it, though, so I guess he will make it tonight.

Here's food for today...Breakfast:
1 chocolate breakfast drink = 4

Lunch:
leftover chicken & black beans w/ veggies = 4
2 oreo cookies = 3

Bec is making Sue look bad

Hmmm, does really bad eating get you kicked off of the blog? I think this amounts to about 80 points...

Nurse the baby = minus a bazillion calories for all the bad things I ate today.

Breakfast: Tuna fish sandwich: 2 pieces of bread, mayo, 1 can of tuna
Cup of soy milk
1 cheese stick

Nurse the baby

Snack: Diet Coke
3 baby carrots

Lunch: 10 Nilla Wafer cookies
Breaded (high fat) Chicken sandwich

Nurse the baby

Dinner: Turkey kiebasa sausage,
1/4 of an entire cabbage.
150 calorie shake

Snack before running at 8 pm
spoonful of peanut butter (for energy, or I crash)

Nurse the baby after running

Post running:
20 Nilla Wafers

Who bought those stupid Vanilla wafers anyway?! If things aren't in my pantry, I don't eat them and if they are...well, I do eat them. I am making myself look bad here. How in the world did Bec eat an apple, some milk and a salad for two entire meals?! Okay, I did run 2.5 miles though to burn off those Nilla Wafers and nursed my baby four times today, so I need some extra calories, true, but some apple and a salad? That is amazing! I guess my meals need better planning than, "hey, I think I'll grab some of that and eat it." I can't be eating way too many calories, because my blood sugar got so low before dinner that I was shaking. Okay, Bec, tell us what you ate for dinner.

Day 18

Yeah! I am feeling SO much better now. And re-motivated to get in shape.

Breakfast:
1 cup 1% milk = 2
1 small apple = 1

Lunch:
salad with tomato and cucumber = 0
ranch dressing = 2

Snack:
3 cups microwave popcorn = 3

OK already!!! I was hoping no one would notice that I hadn't posted dinner yet...he he he. Actually, dinner wasn't bad...it was the dessert that followed.

Dinner:
1/4 chicken breast = 1
3/4 cup black beans & salsa = 3
sauteed squash & zucchini = 0

Dessert:
1 cup 1% milk = 2
7 double stuf oreos = 10 (In a moment of weakness, I bought these tonight. I was feeling a little depressed. I'm turning 31 tomorrow!!! Ahhhhh!)

TOTAL = 24 points (wow, not bad considering...)

Guest Post by: Sue.....Fast Food

Today, after returning home from the ER with my son (he may need surgery), I ate away my stress and devoured an entire two item plate from Panda Express, as well as a 1/4 of a large frosty from Wendy's. So, in light of this giant food mishap, I hereby promise, publicly, and officially, NOT to eat fast food more often than one day a week, and when I do, to eat only the amount I need. (You know, one hamburger and a small fry, instead of three cheeseburgers, a large fry, super size Coke....etc.). Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying this is a good food choice in any way, but hey, I can only promise to be good six days of the week. I bet I could lose weight on the no fast food plan without any other changes at the rate I hit the drive thrus. From now on, no fast food. Promise!

If you want to commit to no more fast food, or any other vices, please comment below. If you commit to NOT do something and then cheat, you must confess and we will be VERY, VERY disappointed in you. We will be watching. You! Put down that Big Mac! Thanks, Bec, for including me in your blogging. I can't promise good posts, but I can promise this will help me personally, so thank you in advance for letting me blog.

Day 15 & 16...

Ok, so I mentioned before that I am sick...and it continues to get worse. My kids are sick, and now my husband. I think it's some combination of allergies and a virus, if that's possible. We all have variations of sneezing, coughing, congestion, fevers, and strangely enough, nausea and diarrhea (only I got this lovely symptom...sorry, too much information!). Now I feel like eating NOTHING for a week. This could be a good thing...just kidding.

In other words, dieting and exercising are out the window for the moment! I will resume when I feel human again.

A New Goal

I started this blog almost two weeks ago and I've definitely had my ups and downs. That's perfectly ok. I didn't expect to be the perfect dieter. But I am learning a lot about myself. I am starting to realize what my body needs as far as food and exercise at different times throughout the day.

I have noticed some patterns:

Most mornings, I feel in control of my choices and it is not hard to make the right decisions. My appetite isn't huge, and I usually have enough energy for exercising. But, if I don't exercise before noon, it usually won't happen for the rest of the day.

In the afternoon and evening, I am tired and feel as though my taste buds and stomach take over my brain. It's especially worse if I didn't exercise that morning. I want to eat everything! Sue and I talked about this. We both seem to get the munchies at night time.

And then there's the three day pattern. I can usually do really well for a couple of days, then crash on the third day. I need to find a better balance. Or, I could just blame it on wacky hormones!

So here's my new goal: Continue to strive for good mornings that include exercise and a sufficient breakfast. Then later on, eat a healthy lunch when I am most in the mood for veggies and light food. When afternoon comes, stay busy with the kids or other activities that don't involve eating other than a small snack. At night, eat a filling dinner and don't stay up late enough to let my body think it is hungry again. Even though Taco Bell claims it, there really is NO fourth meal. Here's to my new goal!

Day 14

Breakfast:
1 cup 1% milk = 2
1 slice toast = 2
smidgen of light mayo = .5
tomato slices = 0
strawberries = .5

Lunch:

Oops...don't know what happened here...oh, I got sick. The whole family is sick!

Lose the Flab has a new author!

There's a new blogger on Lose the Flab! My friend Sue had a great idea today. She is also trying to get her body back after having her kids. So, she suggested that she become a contributor to this blog. She will share her own experiences about diet and exercise, and what she's doing now to get in shape. This blog will now be even more helpful for her and me, and hopefully anyone else who reads it. Welcome, Sue!

Day 13

Things have been going better the last couple days as far as exercising. I'm pretty sure that directly correlates to my better appetite control. But I haven't really figured out exactly how my mood swings work, but they are annoying to say the least. And now my kids are both sick and I am teetering on the edge. But we will survive as we always do.

Breakfast:
1 cup 1% milk = 2
1 small slice friendship bread = 2

Lunch:
leftover spaghetti = 5
1 slice french bread = 2

Snack:
m&m's (they're finally all gone!) = 4

Dinner:
Oh, how I love Thai food!!! I ate way too much take-out, but it was SO worth it.

TOTAL = 15 + ???

I guess I need to do pilates tonight...

Day 12

Weight: 126.5

Breakfast:
1 cup 1% milk = 2
1 slick banana bread = 3

Lunch:
1 slice toast = 2
light mayonnaise = 1
tomatoes and cucumbers slices = 0

Exercise:
1 hour yoga - Rodney Yee's Slow Burn Yoga

Snack:
Small piece chocolate mint brownie = 5

Dinner:
1 cup pasta = 3
pork & veggie marinara sauce = 3
1 slice french bread = 2

Snack:
Peanut m&m's (we need to get rid of these!) = 3

TOTAL = 23 points

Day 11

Breakfast:
1 cup 1% milk = 2
1 slice low fat banana bread = 3

Lunch:
1 apple = 1
carrot sticks = 0

Exercise:
1 hour - Denise Austin Pilates for Everybody

Dinner:
3" ham & turkey club = 5
3" pastrami reuben = 7

TOTAL = 18 points

Day 10

Today was a bust...so I'm pleading the Fifth. But tomorrow I will do better. And, I will start weighing myself only once a week, so as to not put too much stock in the scale.

Day 9

Weight: 127.5

I have to honestly say that I'm having a hard time. I must be at a 1-week slump or something. I can feel my motivation and resolve waning. I think the reason why is that I was lazy about food portion control and food selection. And, I did not exercise as much as I would have liked to. It remains difficult with limited space and children who require my constant attention. Otherwise, I could have seen some pretty extreme results this first week had I really overcome these obstacles.

I'll admit that I have always had an unhealthy relationship with food. I've discovered over the years that I use food to fill some emotional need that I have. I eat when I'm bored, or depressed, or anxious (like a lot of people). But most of all, I eat because I ENJOY it way too much...the flavors, the textures, are all so thrilling to me. I actually feel a kind of euphoria when I am eating. And usually I overeat because I want the feeling to continue. This is not healthy! I should not feel the emotional response to food that I do! Food should be for keeping my body alive, and that's all!!!

I haven't figured out how to correct this problem entirely. One thing I noticed in the past was when I got in to a good exercise routine (about 5 times a week), it helped me to almost defeat my emotional need for food. I lost cravings for the more fatty /sweet/carb-loaded foods and was better about eating the right amount of food. And my metabolism sped up, so I could still eat some of the things I refused to give up. I get a little resentful of diets when I feel completely restricted. Then I eat in spite of myself. That's self-defeating!

So, with all that on the table (ignore the pun), I feel like I can start this week with a new goal. The key is exercising! Five times a week! And it has to be somewhat strenuous, sweat-producing exercise. I will join the YMCA down the road if I have to, or Curves. Because if I can get the exercising routine going, the food issues I have will take care of themselves.

Breakfast:
1 cup 1% milk = 2
1 slice low-fat banana bread = 3

Lunch:
15 tortilla chips = 5
tomatoes and lettuce = 0
1 oz cheese = 3
pudding cup = 2

Snack:
green beans and tomatoes = 0
2 chicken nuggets = 3

Day 8 - Monday

Weight: 127

Breakfast:
1 cup 1% milk = 2

Lunch:
2 pieces of pizza = 8
1 slice friendship bread = 3

Dinner:
1 corn on the cob w/ butter = 3
2 slices toast = 4
tomatoes and cucumbers = 0
light mayonnaise = 1
1 cup 1% milk = 2

Dessert:
peanut m&m's = 5

TOTAL = 28

I don't seem to be doing to well with my food choices. I'm eating way too many sweets...but...resistance is futile!!!

Day 7 - Sunday

Weight: 127

I'm just doing points from now on, since they seem to be pretty much in line with the counting calorie method. And it will be much simpler.

Breakfast:
1 cup 1% milk = 2

Lunch:
3 oz. grilled chicken = 2
handful of peanut m&m's = 2

Dinner:
1.5 cups white rice = 6
1 cup beef & veggie stir-fry = 4
1 cup 1% milk = 2

Dessert:
1 slice no oil banana bread = 3
1/2 slice no oil friendship bread = 1.5

TOTAL = 22.5

Day 6 - Saturday

Weight: 127

Breakfast:
1 cup 1% milk = 110 (2)

Lunch:
1/2 PB&J sandwich = 200 (4)
1 apple = 110 (1)
1 capri sun juice = 70 (1)
1 serving cheezits = 160 (4)

Dinner:
1 cup rice = 200 (4)
1 cup beef & veggie stir-fry = 200 (4)
1 slice Amish friendship bread = 150 (4)
2 cup 1% milk = 220 (4)

TOTAL = 1420 (28)

I snuck in some yoga and pilates tonight after the kids went to bed. My abs are still sore from Wednesday's routine, but I forced them to work anyway! And I am amazed at how my body is already stronger than three days ago. Muscles are amazing!

Day 5 - Friday

Weight: 127

Breakfast:
1 cinnamon raisin bagel = 200 (4)
1 tbsp whipped cream cheese = 85 (1)
1 cup 1% milk = 110 (2)

Lunch:
Leftover taco meat = 100 (2)
tortilla chips = 100 (2)
cheese = 90 (2)
salsa = 10 (0)

Snack:
baby carrots = 30 (0)

Dinner: I'm not even going to add this up...
Osaka Restaurant - Sushi and chicken wrapped avacado = yummy.
Peanut m&m's = did I already say yummy?

Hey, I'm allowed one free day a week, even if I didn't exercise today...blah!

Day 4 - Thursday

Weight: 127.5

Breakfast:
2 whole wheat pancakes = 136 (2)
2 tbsp syrup = 97 (2)
1 cup 1% milk = 110 (2)

Lunch:
1/2 cup pasta = 100 (1.5)
veggie sauce = 20 (0)
1/2 bread roll = 85 (1.5)

Snack:
1 apple = 100 (1)
peanut m&m's = 90 (2)

Dinner:
1 tortilla = 160 (3)
sour cream = 50 (1)
cheese = 90 (2)
salsa = 10 (0)
lettuce = 5 (0)
taco meat = 80 (2)


TOTAL = 1208 (19)

Amazing!

I make a chocolate zucchini bread that is to die for. But, it's about 300 calories for a 3/4 inch slice. Yikes! But I read some reviews for the recipe and found out that you can substitute applesauce for the vegetable oil. I recalculated the recipe using 1 cup unsweetened applesauce instead of oil and the calories went down to 190 for each slice! I haven't actually tried baking it this way yet, but you know I will! I'll report back with my results. If you are interested, here is the link to the original recipe: Chocolate Zucchini Bread

Day 3 - Wednesday

Weight: 127.5

Counting calories worked out pretty well yesterday. But I'm curious to see if my calorie count equals my alloted points for each day. So I figured out the point values for all the food I ate yesterday, and it added up to 18. That's good, because my point range is 18-25/day. I shouldn't be eating less than 18 points, or around 1000 calories, per day. And I need to drink a lot more water, at least 6 cups a day.

Last night before going to bed, I was able to do about 20 minutes of light yoga. My legs are a bit sore this morning...I'm SO out of shape! But it felt great to stretch!

Breakfast: Calories (Points)
1 breakfast drink mix = 130 (2)
1 c 1% milk = 110 (2)

Exercise:
1 hour Winsor Pilates Accelerated Workout (+2)

Snack:
1/2 large apple = 60 (1)
crackers = 30 (1)

Lunch:
Leftover chicken & black beans = 200 (3)
Veggies = 30 (0)

Dinner:
1 cup pasta = 200 (3)
3/4 cup vegetable marinara sauce = 40 (0)
Last slice of zucchini bread! = 300 (6)
1 cup 1% milk = 110 (2)

TOTAL = 1210 calories (20-2=18 points)

Day 2 - Tuesday

Weight: 128

Ok, I'm trying calorie counting today just to see if it's doable...according to this calculator. Here's the options:

1. Maintain current weight w/ no exercise - 1462 cal/day (just for comparison purposes)
2. Lose weight w/ no exercise - 1170 cal/day
3. Lose weight w/ exercise 3 times/week - 1340 cal/day
4. Lose weight w/ exercise 5 times/week - 1425 cal/day (my ideal option...I still get to eat the same, but lose weight and get stronger at the same time!)

Breakfast:
1 breakfast drink mix = 130
1 c 1% milk = 110

Lunch:
1 apple = 110
10 crackers = 70
1 c water

Dinner:
1 serving chicken and black bean skillet (I posted the recipe here) = 200
1/2 cup sauteed zucchini, squash, onion = 30
1 cup water

Dessert:
1 slice chocolate zucchini bread = 300
1 cup 1% milk = 110

TOTAL = 1060

First Goal: Actually Starting

Today's weight: 128 lbs

Today's measurements (inches):
Arm: 11.75
Bust: 35
Waist: 30
Hips: 39
Thigh: 23
Calf: 13.75

Point allowance for the day: 25

This morning, before I decided to start this blog, I ate:

1 breakfast drink (1 cup 1% milk + drink mix) = 4
1 slice chocolate zucchini bread :( = 6

I haven't exercised yet today. Still trying to figure out where to do that in my small apartment. I'll report back later on the rest of my meals and exercise. I have some errands to run.

...I skipped lunch, oops. And I didn't exercise yet, but here's dinner:
1 cup pasta = 3
1/2 cup vegetable marinara sauce = 2
2 cups milk = 4
1 slice zucchini bread (I made it, I have to eat it!) = 6

TOTAL POINTS: 25+/-
Not too bad, I guess, for a first day. We'll see if I can do better tomorrow.

The Reason for this Blog:

Conversation with my 4-year-old son the other day:

Him: "Mommy, you're going to have a baby."
Me: "Nooo...I'm not."
Him: "But, your belly is fat."
Me: >Long Exasperated Sigh< "I'm not pregnant...I'm just fat."

OK, I am NOT fat, but I could be leaner, healthier, and not so exhausted all the time!

Here's my story:

Just like most women, I gained quite a bit of weight with my first pregnancy, and then didn't lose all of it afterwards. Let's see...at 5 feet tall, I weighed around 120 lbs when I first got pregnant five years ago. Then, by the time my first son was about 18 months old, I weighed 135. At that point, I finally got motivated enough to start reducing calories and exercising. I lost 20 pounds, then found out I was pregnant again. After my second son was born in 2006, I worked hard and lost twenty pounds again in about 6 months. In January of 2007 I weighed around 114 lbs and I felt great!

After that, I'm not sure what happened. Actually, I know exactly what happened. We went on a trip to my in-laws house for Christmas and I got sick with a nasty sinus infection that left me feeling quite horrible for a long time. I got out of my normal routine completely: I stopped exercising, got a little depressed, and started giving in to all those cravings for yummy things that I had been suppressing for so long. Slowly but surely the weight crept back on. Now, almost two years later, I am up to 128 lbs. Luckily, I'm not as heavy as I have been before, but I think I lost a lot of muscle mass when I stopped doing Pilates/yoga and weight training. And I seem to be collecting the majority of fat right around my waist and hips. Of course, my stretched out baby tummy likes to hang on to every fat cell it can find!

So, here's my ultimate goal: I want to lose weight, feel stronger, and feel energetic again. I did it before (twice), and I can do it again. And, my husband wants to also. Somehow, I'll get him involved in this plan, but I'm not sure how yet. His schedule is a little more complicated than mine with work and everything.

I will discuss more specifically how I will accomplish my ultimate goal with smaller more manageable goals in the next post.

I'm giving myself until the release date for the new Twilight movie to lose 13 lbs. That is about 1 lb per week weight loss, which is doable with the right amount of exercise and meal planning. The countdown for my weight loss and the movie will be on the sidebar of this blog.

My posts will track my daily weight, exercise, and food intake (based loosely on the Weight Watchers point system that I tried several years ago - it really works!). Here's to a new healthy lifestyle!