(week 25). the voyage was very bon…

enjoying our first trip away at sea.

Wow, y’all, the cruise was amazing! We had a very lovely five days aboard the Carnival Ecstasy relaxing, resting, and of course... EATING! To truly celebrate my weight loss, I didn’t count a single point all week. I kept good eating choices in the back of my mind, but this was MY TIME to indulge, if I chose.

biggest indulgence: chocolate melting cake.

To offset that, I was going to use the on-board gym. Honestly—other than the initial tour—I never made it. (I got as far as the spa and then stopped, LOL!) BUT, we used the stairs A LOT (thanks mostly to annoying kids who pushed EVERY BUTTON) and walked the length of the ship often. During our excursion, we traipsed the grounds of Mayan ruins in 100 degrees, or plowed through sandy beaches (a workout in itself!). I more than got my 30 minutes of exercise each day, I think.

That’s probably a good thing, though, because the food could have really set me back. As our cruise director pointed out, you could have 14 meals a day, and it’d all be FREE! The buffet was always open, including a 24-hour pizzeria, the dining room had extended hours, and room service was always included! We tried it all.

lobster and shrimp. ooh la la.

Oh, and the drinks?! Wow. Very fruity, very fun, and very full of alcohol. I can see why Carnival calls themselves the party ships.

resting on the beach. in a bathing suit. GOAL!

Seriously, Alex and I had a fantastic vacation, and were so grateful for the break from it all. (Though we missed our little Noah terribly!)

the bares enjoying the last night of their vacation.

As soon as we hit Galveston, it was back to business as usual. I prepared myself for a gain this week, and was pleasantly surprised when I stepped on the WW scale: I lost 3.2 pounds! Hello, 190!

The numbers are encouraging for sure, but the fact that people around me are noticing my shrinking self is awesome. I’ve really appreciated everyone’s kind words… THANK YOU!

(week 17). I’m WINNING, DUH!

Yes, I took a page from Charlie Sheen, but if he’s taught me anything this week, it’s that you should be proud of your awesomeness.

And I’m super-proud of MY awesomeness; I’m down over 23 pounds! I’ve got another pound and change to go before I hit my “St. Louis” goal, and I think I can totally do it by next week!

Oh, and I almost forgot! With me not having blogged in a few weeks, I haven’t been able to mention I hit a MAJOR milestone a week or two ago: I hit my 10% goal! That is HUGE for me! It not only shows I’ve been able to stick with something, but that THIS IS WORKING!

I ran into an old co-worker earlier this week. She hadn’t seen me since I had just had the baby, and she was completely taken aback by how I looked. LOL, she said she didn’t even recognize me! I can’t always tell that I’ve lost weight... Sure, my face looks thinner, and my arms and legs aren’t as puffy, but I still look like the me I have in my head. Make sense? Maybe my brain never adjusted to “bigger Jen”. Sure, we’ll go with that.

This whole experience has been so positive; I just need to keep moving forward with it.

Now, what are YOU doing to WIN?!

This key chain is one of my most prized material possessions at the moment.
It represents the 10% I worked so hard to lose, and holds the promise of more to come. WORD.

(week 13). make progress or make excuses.

The title of my blog is a quote we were left with in today’s WW meeting. According to my leader, she heard it from a Real Estate guru (who’s name escaped her, sorry), but felt that it applies to weight loss. I absolutely agree. I find it encapsulates my journey. Basically, “put up or shut up”... “try or fail”. I’m in this to make progress, and I need to work on not making excuses about my faults. BUT, without an excuse or two, I wouldn’t have a blog, so…

After the past two weeks I’ve had, I was pleasantly surprised to find that I was down another 2.6 pounds! (Please know, I did NOT weigh in last week)

After the last weigh-in, I was very focused on the plan. Then Noah got sick. It happened so fast, that it was hard to focus on anything else BUT him (as it should be). He was diagnosed with RSV and pneumonia, and we were admitted to the hospital for a few days (read about it here: http://mamabare.blogspot.com/2011/01/week-from-hell.html).

Now, kids, for what you SHOULDN’T DO on WW. NOTE: while I ultimately had a very successful weigh in, don’t follow this. Basically, “do what I say, not what I do”, got it?

I didn’t count at all. I tried to keep track of SOME things in my head, but for the most part, I said eff it. I managed my portions by sight, and I can tell you now that some were waaaaay off. There was a day or two where I just couldn’t eat, then I found myself wanting to snack on everything! Swedish Fish, Doritos, Crackers, Popcorn, Cookies… if it was in front of me, I wanted it in. my. belly.

I’m sure the stress of it all did a number on me, and I need to work harder on doing this the right way ALL THE TIME.

*end of the bad junk. time to tune back in*

Alex and I are talking about joining a gym, and have it narrowed down to two. We are looking for CHEAP, with child care and exercise equipment, of course… other than that, we don’t really care. Otherwise, I’ll step up my activity level with more walking and the wii. It sounds silly, but playing the wii for even 15 minutes a day can really get you moving!

I love getting messages from all of you, talking about your own experiences with weight loss or WW, so keep them coming! We can all learn from one another! That’s why I’m blogging about this now; it is not only keeping myself accountable, but it’s sharing tips with all of you, and hopefully motivating you to get healthy!

(week 11). nom nom.

This past week, my WW leader challenged us all to track our food. Of course, this is essential to helping the program work, but some get comfortable with the daily routine.

Even I skip tracking a snack or two... But this week, I was diligent with it, and it looks like it paid off: another pound (well, it was almost 1-1/2, but whatever) down!

It’s amazing to see what I end up consuming each day, especially when I compare my eating habits from a year ago. My biggest change, of course, was exchanging Dr. Pepper for his diet counterpart. That saves me up to 16 points each day! (Yes, I was ending up consuming up to 48-oz. each day) I’ve always been into fruit and vegetables, but now, I’m making a conscious effort to pile them on at (almost) every meal! Instead of running out for a hamburger or happy meal, I’m stopping for a salad, or filling up on power foods and packed lunches.

I think the key to my success has been snacking. Whether it’s popcorn, a piece of fruit or drinking a glass of water, I keep myself fueled with bits of food. I even keep point-conscious snacks at my desk, so I’m never without something to munch on.

I have been working on my self-control (one cookie, not two), and I’m succeeding more often than not. Some days get the best of me (last night’s shepard’s pie was calling my name!), but I’m working on it.

But no matter what, if it goes in my mouth, it gets tracked.

I had mentioned to someone my next over-arching goal is to lose 20 pounds in the next three months. Does that sound reasonable to you all? That’s an average of 1-1/2 pounds per week, which is something I think I can do... Thoughts?

WW is a tool I use to help me change my life. Without my drive and motivation to make it work, it wouldn’t. That’s the ultimate key here. If you don’t want it and WORK for it, it simply won’t happen. Work for it with me, people.

(week 10). do a little dance...

In my WW meetings before the holidays, I’d listen as my fellow WWers waxed on about how hard the Christmas season would be. Parties, food, alcohol... All the vices that got us here would come back to haunt in force.

Armed with tactics to get us through, we abandoned our meetings for TWO WEEKS! I promised myself that, while I would eat sensibly and maintain awareness, I would not track points or weigh myself until meetings resumed.

I think there were some moments of doing more than I should (steak and a margarita, and Christmas goodies to boot), but for the most part, I think I did well!

And the scale proved it... I lost 4.6 pounds over the few weeks away! For a girl who’s goal was to simply maintain, that is PHENOMENAL! That puts me at just about 14 pounds down in the 10 weeks, with my next goal—10%—a mere 8 pounds away!

But that’s not the only goal I’m shooting for. In three months, husband and I are going on a cruise. I’d like to see myself lose another 20 by then. Hopefully that’s a decent weight to feel comfortable in a bathing suit again. I haven’t been that size since I got engaged, I think. It’s crazy to think it’s actually attainable, as long as I stay on track!

Also, I’m happy to let you all know that the pedometer is really working out for me. The first two days, I walked an average of 9,000 steps, with me reaching about 11,000 steps yesterday! The number on the screen excites me, pushing me to (legitimately) get it higher. I hope to do 15,000 over the weekend. I can sense a long walk in Noah and mommy’s future...

I have been getting a lot of messages from friends, asking about my experience with WW. All in all, WW has been a super positive thing for me to get into. I’m learning about what I should and shouldn’t eat, all while not depriving myself (like actual diets do). I’m becoming more aware of activity, and pushing the little things I already do in my day to step it up. Most of all, I’m learning to love and appreciate who I am, all while working toward the best, most healthy me possible!

If you find yourself interested in not only losing weight, but becoming a more healthy person, consider joining. It may be hard to get used to tracking your food, but believe me, it’s so worth it. You’ll be amazed at how second nature it will start becoming. I’m not saying I’m there yet, but I’m on my way. Join me.

week 3. first milestone celebration!

I celebrated my first WW milestone today—over five pounds lost! It's a big deal for me, because this is one of the first times I've absolutely focused on weight loss fully.

I am...

• exercising (or at least amping up my activity)
• watching my food intake
• thinking about WHAT I'm eating
• conscious about WHEN I'm eating
• evaluating whether I'm hungry, thirsty, or just bored

With being sick, I think I'm doing pretty darn well.

I was recognized in today's meeting for my milestone, and my leader asked what it was like to lose the first five. I said—much to the chagrin of my WW mates, I'm sure—that it wasn't as hard as I thought it'd be... and I wasn't lying! All it takes is a bit of focus and determination, willpower and strength ... with that, you can do anything!

Next week, I am taking a road trip instead of eating Thanksgiving dinner. (No, I'm not intentionally missing T-day!) I think that being on a road that only featured McDonalds is going to be a challenge, but if I eat before we leave, and pack some decent snacks, I'll be able to stay on plan.

I'm super-excited that I can actually make this happen. According to WW, my 5% goal is 11 pounds; 10% is 22. I have the 10% in my sights for Christmas ... 16 more to go ...

I LEARNED A ...
LUNCH TIP: Add Progresso soups and popcorn to your lunch menu. The soup is only 2 points (for a whole can full of veggie goodness!) and a bag of fat-free popcorn is 1. I plan on entering that into my lunch rotation next week, which should help fill me up and slim me down.

didn't weigh in today ...

i'm trying to keep my work-out momentum going, so i am avoiding the scale until next week.

in the mean time ...

eight more miles to go by sunday!

week seven weigh-in: results

well, the time has come to step on the scale. again.

and mr. scale says: i've lost a big, fat zero! AGAIN!

despite my discouragement, the doctor told me it was normal to level out for a few weeks.

it's just time to kick it all into high gear ...

starting next week, i'm going to get SERIOUS about the workouts.

seriously.

week six weigh-in: results

well, the time has come to step on the scale. again.

and mr. scale says: i've gained a half pound (up to 199, for those who couldn't tell).

i'm glad that's all i've gained.

i didn't work out at all. (mostly because i couldn't see straight for a few days)

i had those yummy caramel eggs.

i've been in a weird funk.

oh, and i've been super-busy at work!

(enough excuses yet?)

i just have to try better next week.

now, i just have to find my motivation again.

week five weigh-in: results

well, the time has come to step on the scale. again.

and mr. scale says: i've lost a big, fat zero!

yeah, i kind of expected that to happen.

i picked up the pace the last half of the week, but i guess that just helped keep me from gaining.


oh well. i did my best.

let's go, week number six!

week four weigh-in: results

well, the time has come to step on the scale. again.

and mr. scale says: i've lost 1.5 pounds!

that's right, folks, i'm BELOW 200 POUNDS!

yay me! 198.5!!

(the side view wasn't really working out for any of us, so enjoy incredibly shrinking face shots!)

i think my gym goal should remain ... three days this week.

equipment to try? elliptical. the thing intimidates me (not to mention feels so weird to do), but i'm going to try to use it.

i'm not really noticing a difference in how my clothes fit, but i'm sure that'll come in time.

i DO notice that the weight is shifting, and stretch marks are starting to appear. i'm all jiggly now.

overall, a really good week. let's go number five!

good eats.

last night, i passed the ultimate test.

alex and i went to red lobster.

you know the place ... cheese biscuits, creamy pasta, and butter galore.

my mouth waters just thinking about it.

i wanted nothing more than to sit down with a plate of coconut shrimp, shrimp pasta, and a basket of cheesy, biscuit-y goodness, but i settled for steamed lobster, a few bites of the pasta, and half a biscuit.

top it off with yummy salad and a water, and i was set. i set boundaries for myself, and i surprisingly kept to them. yay me!

here's our lobster and crab mess:


yummy.

(best part? i didn't feel like i deprived myself!)

i wasn't surprised by the weigh-in, especially since i hadn't made it to the gym in a few days, but i'm still very pleased with my results. things are getting smaller. tighter. lovelier.

in the three weeks since starting this whole thing, i've lost six pounds. that equates to this:


wow. all in all, the burger weighs in around nine pounds, but the patty is six. that used to be in my thighs. eww.

btw, i've established a new goal for this week: actually make it to the gym three times this week (at least). oh, and remove the white pasta from my life.

here are a few goals i've already woven into my day-to-day ... try them! (but be prepared to lose, lose, lose!)

1. choose 1 cup skim milk (90 calories) instead of 1 cup whole milk (150 calories).
you save 60 calories a day. do this once a day and save 21,900 calories per year, which is equivalent to 6.25 pounds of weight.

2. choose 6-oz. light, fat-free yogurt (80 calories) instead of 6-oz. full-fat yogurt (double calories, at 190).
do this 4 times a week and save: 22,880 calories per year, or 6.5 pounds of weight.

3. eat three cups of air-popped popcorn (90 calories) instead of 3 cups microwaved caramel popcorn (a whopping 280 calories!)
you will save 190 calories per serving; do this 4 times a week and save 39,520 calories per year. this simple change is equal to losing 11.3 pounds of weight! (i don't really eat popcorn, but if i did, it'd totally be the air-popped kind)

4. take 1 teaspoon of Splenda® (< 5 calories) in your coffee/tea, instead of 1 teaspoon of sugar (16 calories).
you save 11 calories each time. do this 4 times a day and save 16,060 calories per year - the equivalent of 4.5 pounds of weight.

5. also, if you take a brisk 15-minute walk (equivalent to one mile) each day, you'll burn between 100-130 calories each time. over the course of a year, this burns a total of 36,500-47,450 calories, equal to 9.5-12 pounds of weight.

i'm on a mission, and i won't stop until i get there.

week three weigh-in: results

well, the time has come to step on the scale. again.

and mr. scale says: i've lost 2 pounds!

sorry there's no picture this week; i'm having some technical difficulties.
: (

that brings me down to 200 ... i can't wait to see it go under the terrible twos ...

week two weigh-in: results

well, the time has come to step on the scale.

and mr. scale says: i've lost 1 pound.

i know that's really good, but i still feel kinda like a failure.

there's always next week ...

and of course, the side view (i look thinner, don't i?)

results almost in.

i can tell you're all waiting with baited breath for the results. stay tuned ...

i DID go Easter dress shopping last night. big mistake.

i'm adding this to the rules: do NOT go shopping for new clothes, no matter what the reason, two weeks into the overhaul. you're just going to get discouraged and depressed.

my criteria for the dress was simple: no black. what did i come out with? a black dress. it was the only one that fit/covered me properly.

the problem is my boobs. seriously. it's rare to find anything that actually fits the way it's supposed to on my body.

i'm seriously contemplating a reduction. except it would hurt, and it'd cost money, and i'd look different ... so, maybe not.

there are so many pretty dresses out there, but they're made for women with C cups, regardless of being a size 6 or 16.

maybe the problem isn't me ... it's the stupid designers who make no allowances for women to be DIFFERENT.

yeah, that's it. it's not me, it's them.

either way, don't go shopping yet.

it's evil.

discouraged?!

i'm concerned about tomorrow's weigh in. i've done all i can do, but i'm scared it won't be enough.

i just have to get through it, and push myself to keep going.

i can do this.

things i've noticed so far about myself:

• i have sexy ankles
• my not puffy legs are pretty
• my skin glows
• my tummy has gotten (a little) smaller
• i carry myself better

even if i don't lose another pound (which is really not an option, but here's my pep-talk to self), i've made several positive changes that make this whole thing worth it.

... and the motivation is back ...

bring on the scale!

week one weigh-in: results

well, the time has come to step on the scale.

and mr. scale says: i've lost 3 pounds!!

for my first week, i think i did pretty well.

here's a picture of the side view. we have a lot to lose.

at the starting line.

being thin is something i always was, until i wasn't. looking back, it feels like it happened overnight, but i know it didn't. it took years of creeping up on me.

it really started five years ago. i was coming down off of an impressively busy year at college, while gearing up for going away to another college in texas. i went to school and worked, but never thought about working out. i ate quick meals whenever i could catch them, mostly really late at night.

i drank dr. pepper like it was going out of style. i had a love affair with chocolate.

my first year in texas saw way more than the "freshman 15" advertises. ... and it hasn't stopped.

while i tried to eat well and exercise some, i couldn't get myself on a schedule. i would eat at midnight, because that's the only time i had. i would get sad or stressed, and snacked away.

through the years, i've tried weight loss programs, diet pills, gyms, personal trainers and a plethora of diets. some worked, some didn't. when i succeeded, however, it was always short-lived. i would have a "bad day"—whether it was getting a cold, have a flat tire, etc.—and quit.

i can't quit anymore. that's not an option.

suddenly, i'm the fat girl. i'm THAT girl. i was never her.

it's taking a toll on my health, my social skills and my anxiety.

i say NO MORE!

i will take charge of my life. i will embrace all that i am, and make who i know i can be a reality.

here's how:
• cut out caffeine.
• cut out most sugary treats (although i won't say i'll do it completely)
• eat healthy
• eat on a schedule!
• more milk
• more water
• more exercise!
• constant motivation

i will elaborate on each of these in the days to come, and provide some helpful tips on how you can implement them into YOUR life as well.

i will always be honest with you, so please be honest with me. if you read, please leave feedback. i am starting this blog to get the added motivation i need to stay on track. i can't do this without you!

i leave you with the specs:
height: 5'6"
last week's weigh-in: 206
bmi: 33.1

that's not good, people. i've never been above 200. let the journey begin...