Sunday, December 28, 2008

Gearing Up

I am gearing up to restart my "get healthy" lifestyle. I've unfortunately put some weight back on over the holidays - and even though it's only about 4 -5 pounds...I can feel it everywhere! My clothes are tight and I feel less energetic. I'm amazed at how much of a difference 4-5 pounds can make in how you feel.

Though I'm not organized and ready to start this week - the beginning of next month will be a prime opportunity to get back on the horse and start riding again...which is actually only a week away.

I feel like my biggest challenge is going to be finding time to work out. The boys keep me busy all day - and evenings are tough since Will and I share a room. Turning on a work out video and bouncing around our room might interfere with his sleep. =) Not to mention, I put in most of my work hours after the boys go to bed...which really makes evenings near impossible for exercise. So - I've got to do some brainstorming in that department.

Anyway, I just wanted to start getting back into the habit of blogging. I'll repost starting pictures and such when I officially begin. I'm hoping my official re-launch will be January 5th.

Here's for trying again! =)

Friday, December 12, 2008

When was the last time I ate something healthy?....

I know I've been terrible about blogging here. It's probably because I've been doing a terrible job with my healthy living quest. I have a gazillion excuses...and some of them actually sound pretty good! Hahaha!

Regardless, I really do want to get back on board with learning how to live a healthier and more active (by active I mean exercise- the boys keep me plenty active!) lifestyle. There's no way I can put any more pressure on myself right now so I don't feel like this would be a good time to restart. However, I am thinking to start next month.

So - that's my tentative plan. I really do hope to start blogging a bit more regularly again then. In the mean time, I do continue to check your healthy living blogs! I hope all is going well for everyone!

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

I'm back...I think! =)

Hey ya'll! So it's been a really long time since I last posted. Sorry....=)

Right now I don't have a plan set in place to re-start my "healthy living" attempts, but I thought I would at least post the progress since my last post.

I'm now weighing in at 125. It's been really exciting to pull on jeans that haven't fit for 2 years!

Though I'm at a happy weight, my body isn't at exactly a happy place. I would never ever trade in my boys for a perfect body, but pregnancy has really done a number on my body. I hope that a bit of exercise will help - but I know that I just need to learn to be happy with my post-pregnancy body...because it's here to stay...short of plastic surgery...which I can't afford! =)

So I'm learning that I just need to wear/buy clothes that work to my benefit - and get rid of past clothes that I love, but will never be able to wear again...because my body shape is WAY different than it used to be.

So, a brief overview of where I'm at right now: I'm happy! I really am. There is still work to do, but I'm happy.

Hopefully I can post on a more frequent schedule...but I gotta run for now...Luke is calling for me and Will just woke up screaming from his nap... =)

Monday, July 28, 2008

Then and Now

I was looking through some pictures on my computer the other day and ran across the beginning weight loss journey pictures I had taken back in April. I thought I would take new pictures today and see if progress was being made. Though I don’t really feel like I’ve gotten very far on this “losing weight and getting in shape” journey, I guess there is a bit of a difference. I have to admit that all the weight I’ve lost is only due to illness or stress. Neither of which are preferable ways to lose weight. My body has somewhat maintained around 130ish now for quite some time…though I think my scales weigh low…I’d say a true weight would be mid130’s. Anyway, just thought I’d post some “then and now” pics. Hopefully one of these days I’ll find the motivation to start working out and eating right again…hopefully its one day soon!




Then: April 16, 2008...........Now: July 28, 2008




Then: April 16, 2008..........Now: July 28, 2008

Thursday, July 24, 2008

My Personal Trainer...

Will is putting me to shame…

Here are his newest yoga positions…



And he’s doing push-ups too!


I guess I should take the hint from him….=)

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Wow - the saddle seems really high...

I think I’ve had better luck at changing my blogger templates lately than actually losing weight. I really like this 3-column layout though. There are a few more things I want to add to the columns, but I’ll get to that later.

Soooooo – healthy living eh? Not happening here. I’ve actually gained weight. Though it doesn’t register on my scales (they’re sketchy at working anyway…been through to many moves) it really shows in my stomach and face. My face is the first place you can see weight gain/loss – and it’s showing a gain!

So today I am posting before I go to the grocery store in hopes that it will keep me accountable to making wise food choices. The truth is – the worse I eat, the worse I feel. The less I exercise the less energy I have. I know this in my head – but actually
doing something about it is a whole other matter.

So here I go again – attempting to do better this week. I plan to make healthy food choices at the store – and maybe tonight make a reasonable exercise schedule. Even if it’s sit-ups and strength training in front of Sesame Street in the mornings. I gotta learn to work with my resources! =)

Alrighty – I wish you all a wonderful and productive week!

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Trying to plug the holes in my sinking ship...

Wow, I feel like I’m not getting anywhere on my plan. I just can’t seem to get back on track. There has just been so much going on – I haven’t really been able to commit to cooking healthy and getting out for some exercise these last few weeks. But – I should keep trying – though I’m tempted to push it all to the back burner for awhile. So this week I will once again attempt to get back on track. Here are my goals:

1. Walk 4 times
2. Only one small portion of dessert after supper
3. No Evening Snacks
4. More Water

About the only goal I accomplished last week was the water goal. It used to be really hard for me to drink water, but now I guzzle it. I suppose succeeding in one goal is better than none at all! Hopefully I can motivate myself to stick with these goals this week.

I’ll try to blog more frequently – maybe that will keep me a bit more accountable. =)

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Starting Over...

Sooooo…I’ve done really horrible on my “getting healthy” plan. It just seems like one thing after the next comes up and I just can’t get myself back on track. We’ve dealt so much with sickness the last 5 months that it’s really made it hard to stick with a plan.

Now that all of us are on the mend, it’s time to really focus. There’s a lot going on this week, so I plan to start fresh on Monday. Here are my Start Fresh Goals:

Healthy Eating Goals:

1. No Evening Snacks
2. Less Sweets
3. More Water

Exercise Goals:

1. Walk 3 times a week
2. Sit-ups 5 times a week

I’m setting next weeks goals relatively low. If I exceed them, then that’s great. I just don’t want to set myself up for failure and expect too much while I’m trying to get back in the groove of things.

I’ve got to start small again. It’s been an INCREDIBLE challenge to try to cook healthy AND exercise. I have joined Monica in walking with PWOC, so that should help keep me accountable to walking a few times a week. I think once I get into a groove – it’ll be a bit easier to stay committed.

I really miss running. I mean REALLY miss it. Back in the day, I’d run in the evenings with Riley. It was amazing cardio, a great stress reliever and it made me feel really great after accomplishing a few miles. I might be able to pick up an evening run again once I get back to the states and see if Guka and MeMe can keep an eye and ear on the boys while they sleep (the boys sleep that is.) Pretty please Guka and MeMe? With Splenda on top? =)

Alrighty, I know this post isn’t much, but it’s all I have the energy for right now. =) You ladies are doing REALLY REALLY GREAT! Keep up the amazing work!

Thursday, June 12, 2008

MIA

I feel like I’ve been spinning my wheels these last few weeks. So, this week is my attempt to get back on track. =) I’m sorry I’ve been MIA for so long. Sometimes life throws you some curve balls and you gotta chase them down. Ok, that didn’t really make sense – hahaha! =)

So this week I have started exercising again. Yesterday I realized how terribly out of shape I really am. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever been this out of shape in my entire life. Tuesday I did some strength training – abs and legs. Wednesday I decided I better do some cardio. So I put in my new Cardio exercise DVD and I was wore out within the first 2 minutes…and that was the warm up!!! I made myself stick with it though. It was a good workout even though I am to out of shape to give 100%. I think I’ll try to do this DVD 3-4 times a week and then do strength training or Pilates on alternate days.

As for the diet. I have been trying really hard to exercise portion control. After I was sick, I couldn’t eat much, but now that my appetite has come back I feel like a hungry bear! I am trying to eat until I feel satisfied instead of until I feel stuffed. And the hardest thing…no evening snacks. That’s a work in progress. I can usually do fairly well during the day, but once evening strikes, I want to eat everything in sight! What’s with that?! Anyway, that’s been the toughest habit I’ve been trying to break of late.

I still have to constantly remind myself to eat breakfast. It’s not that I’m not hungry in the mornings – it’s just that mornings are so busy with getting the kids up and dressed and fed – that it’s usually almost lunch time when I realize that I could eat a house and that I forgot to eat breakfast. I’ve been trying to make a conscious effort to remember to eat – even if I can only get a few bites of cereal in all the craziness of the mornings – it’s better than nothing!

Little Changes:

I decided to try out organic peanut butter. Luke loves peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, so we usually have that for lunch (with some fruit.) I decided since we seemed to be consuming so much of it, that we should try the natural peanut butter and see what it was like. Here is what I have learned:

When you first buy organic peanut butter, you will open the jar and find all the oil has settled on the top. Stir it and refrigerate. This will take care of that problem.

Because there are no “smoothing” ingredients in the peanut butter (and because you have to put it in the refrigerator) you will find it much harder to spread. I have started putting a dollop on the bread – letting it sit for a few minutes while I get the rest of our lunch ready and the coming back to spread it once it’s warmed up a bit. Sometimes it works better than others. =)

I personally really like the taste and will continue to use it since we do eat a lot of peanut butter. It’s not for everyone, but it works for us. =)

Alrighty – here are my exercise goals for the week:

Tuesday: Strength training – abs and legs
Wednesday: Cardio – 30 mins
Thursday: Strength training – abs, arms and legs
Friday: Cardio – 30 mins
Saturday: Pilates
Sunday: Off

Sunday, June 8, 2008

8th Weigh-in

Okay, I don’t really even think I should be weighing in right now because not a lick of the weight I’ve lost over the last few weeks are due to working hard and eating healthy. It’s all due to being sick and stress. Blah. Which probably means the weight will be coming back to cling on even tighter. Eeeeek! Tomorrow I MUST start back on the right track. I’ll have to come up with my exercise schedule tomorrow – I’m way too tired tonight – plus I gotta get some pics up on the other blog of Luke’s B-day!


Sunday, June 08, 2008: 133 lbs
Start Weight (April 14, 2008): 147 lbs
Pounds Lost this week: ? lbs
Pounds Lost to Date: 14 lbs

Monday, June 2, 2008

Not a weigh-in...

I don’t even want to count this as a weigh-in. I had a bad bout of the stomach flu this weekend and got pretty dehydrated…so I lost a lot of fluid weight. 7 pounds to be exact...Ick - I want my fluids back. Anyway, once my fluid level equalizes, I’ll see where I stand.

I’ll post more later!

Saturday, May 31, 2008

Two things...

Just had to share two things real quick:

1. I was able to fit into a pair of size 10 capris today! Waahoooo! =) Granted, they’re baggy capris, but they were tight on me just 2 weeks ago. I still think I’m a size 12, but I’m slowly moving back down to the size 10 range.

2. Luke and Will both napped at the same time today so I took advantage and did some housework. As I was cleaning I was getting hot, so I put on a pair of shorts. When Luke came out from his nap he came over to me, pointed to my legs and with a frown on his face said….”cwows” (clothes.) I guess he thinks I need to keep these pale legs covered up! LOL! Too bad for him! We have no air conditioning here, so I’m gonna be wearing shorts regardless of what these legs look like! =)

Alrighty, Will is yelling, so I must run!

Friday, May 30, 2008

Yoga Mat

I finally got the yoga mat I ordered ages ago in the mail the other day. I used to be able to do all kinds of exercise on the floor without much pain – but boy howdy do I feel it now-a-days. I don’t know if it’s the extra weight I’m carrying or that I’m getting older, but whatever the case, I needed some padding for my poor back and hips. So this is what I ordered. I’ll let you know what I think…Luke likes it already as you can see!


Luke is attempting a sit-up here...this is proof that I've actaully done them - if he knows how!


Also, Amber has started an Accountability Blog (yay Amber!) (http://banishingbabyweight.blogspot.com/) I’ve also linked to it on the left side.

I love all of the blogs – it’s a great way to support, encourage and motivate one another. I also really value the comments and advice everyone who reads this blog leaves. You all rock!

Alrighty – I should check on the boys…=)

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

New Blog!

Barb has started a blog too! Yay Barb! =) Here’s the link: http://fabfitfocus.blogspot.com/.

It’s been a rough few days in the Scott household, so I don’t have much to update as far as my diet and exercise plan. Right now I’m just trying to survive the roller coaster of continuous sickness in this house. I pray next week brings some health - then I should be able to get back on track.

Keep up the awesome work ladies – you’re doing fabulous!

Monday, May 26, 2008

7th Weigh-in...

Luke was sick with a nasty case of the stomach flu yesterday, so this is late. I did manage to weigh-in yesterday morning, so here are the stats. I haven’t really done anything towards exercise or dieting the last few weeks – but I haven’t gained any weight, so that’s good. =) I’ll write more later, but for now, here is my 7th weigh-in:

Sunday, May 25, 2008:142 lbs
Pounds Lost this week: 0 lbs
Pounds Lost to Date: 5 lbs

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Unofficial Weigh-in…

Just a really quick update. The kids and I have been sick…again! This time it was enough to warrant a trip to the local Krankenhaus (German hospital) on two separate occasions. We’re on the mend now thankfully. I praise God that Chris’s mom was here!

Needless to say – there was no exercising or dieting. There was one day between Luke being sick and Will and I being sick that we went to Bad Kreuznach and walked around the whole day…I would say that counted for one day of exercise! =)

I’m not going to plan out a schedule this week. Mom Judy is here for another week (Yay!=) ), so we’ll probably just go with the flow exercise and diet wise.

I don’t really want to count this weigh-in as “official”…I lost a lot of fluids when I was sick, so it’s registering on the scales. When I regain the fluids, my weight will be back up. So I’m not counting this week’s loss in my total weight loss. If it’s still off in a few days, then I might.

I’ll attempt to update my regular blog in the near future…though we will probably be staying busy this week. Maybe next week?

Alrigihty, gotta go!

Sunday, May 18, 2008:142 lbs
Pounds Lost this week: 3
Pounds Lost to Date:

Sunday, May 11, 2008

5th Weigh-in

Just a very quick update:

Here’s the tally on the rest of my exercise from this week:

Thursday: crunches, leg exercises and 2 mile walk
Friday: crunches and arms
Saturday and Sunday: took off for Mother’s Day weekend

I didn’t do good with the dieting aspect, but I was very happy with the exercise routine we’ve established. Like I've said in my previous posts, I’m taking baby steps...very small baby steps! =) hehehe!

Luke got a fever yesterday. =( So it doesn’t look like we’ll make it to the track today. I still need to make myself do my crunches and leg exercises. Maybe I can get in an exercise tape?

MeMe is here!!! It’s SOOOO wonderful! She’s on the weight watchers point program, so we’ll be making a menu for the next week’s meals off that. That should help with the dieting part of the plan this week.

Alright, I gotta run, but here the stats…not very pretty. =( Oh well!

Sunday, May 11th, 2008 - 145 lbs
Pounds Lost this week: 1
Pounds Lost to Date: 2

At this rate, I won’t make it to my goal until right before Chris get’s home!!! LOL!

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Mid-week check in...

Just a quick update. The boys and I have been at the track every morning. Yay! Here is a quick recap of our exercise so far this week:

Monday: crunches and 1 ¼ mile walk
Tuesday: crunches, leg exercises and 1 ½ mile walk
Wednesday: crunches, arm exercise and 1 ¾ mile walk

I’m finding that the mornings are the only times I can manage to squeeze anything in. Luke is usually content to watch Blue’s Clues or Sesame Street and Will is content in his Jumperoo – so I can take the few minutes then to do my strength training.

Though we’ve only been going to the track a few days, Luke is already getting restless in the stroller. I let him walk with me on my cool down (though it can take forever to get anywhere when he decides he wants to say “hi” to and pick up every rock and flower along the way!) =) As long as I remember a pacifier (forgot one on Tuesday) Will is usually fairly content. I just hope they won’t kick up too much of a fuss in the future– I really think this routine works…at least for me! =)

Alright, that’s all I have time to write for now. Chris’s mom is flying in tomorrow and I have tons to do before then.

Keep up the good work ladies! We can do it! We CAN do it!

Monday, May 5, 2008

First track attempt

This morning (after the normal morning routine with the boys) I started getting ready for our first track walk. I got the double stroller in the trunk, got Will bundled up, got Luke’s shoes and jacket on, got Will in the car seat…and was just about ready to leave when I realized Will would need to eat in a few minutes. So – out of the car seat came Will to nurse. After checking all the diapers, I put Will back in the car seat, put Luke’s gloves on, got his sippy cup and out the door we went. We drove to the outside track only to see that they were still using it for PT! Eeeeek! So back home we drove to wait until PT would (hopefully)be over. While waiting (Will fell asleep on the way back – yes!) I ate breakfast (Luke had already eaten earlier) and did some crunches. Then it was back to the track. When I arrived (again) there were some ladies walking with their strollers – whooohoo! So I walked 5 laps (1 ¼ miles I think – (Chris do you know if it’s a ¼ or ½ mile track?)) It was great! Will fussed a bit – but eventually fell asleep. Luke got restless at the end, so on my cool down, I let him walk with me – he loved it! I know it wasn’t a rigorous workout or anything, but I’m really proud that we got out there and did it – yay me (and Luke and Will)! LOL!

Alright, the boys are awake, so off I go!

Sunday, May 4, 2008

4th Weigh-in and strollers

Alrighty – I’m back on track with my weigh-in. I haven’t lost anything since my last weigh-in – but since that was Wednesday, I’m not sweating it. Since I've only lost but 1 pound so far, I’m not really sweating enough all around I guess! =)

I was able to get out and walk on Friday. I put the boys in the double stroller and off to the post office we went. The walk there is the hardest since its all uphill. You would laugh if you could see me huffing that huge double stroller up these hills. Sometimes I feel like I’m not even moving even though I’m pushing and walking with all my might!

On our way to playgroup on Friday morning, I caught sight of some women walking on the outside track with their strollers – YES! I was really afraid that I’d get kicked off the track if I brought the stroller in – but apparently it’s ok to do. So I’m hoping that I can start walking the track with the stroller. I just hope the sun stays out and the weather stays warm!

So here is what I’ll be working on this week:

1. Eating Breakfast
2. Cutting down on the sweets
3. No pop (soda for those of you who know it by no other name =) )
4. Walking or Cardio 3 times this week
5. Strength training 2-3 times this week – 10 minute sessions

I’ve been very excited to find fresh garden green beans at the commissary the last two weeks. I’m trying to get away from canned veggies and fruits and go with the fresh. It’s not always easy to find fresh produce at the commissary, but we’ve been making do. As I was snapping green beans the other day, I was trying to remember how long it had been since I had snapped fresh beans…I think it was like 15 years ago!

Alrighty – both boys are sleeping…at least for this minute, so I’m signing off to do as many sit-ups as I can fit in before Will or Luke...or both wake up screaming! =)

Sunday, May 4th, 2008 - 146 lbs

Pounds Lost this week: 0

Pounds Lost to Date: 1

Man - Luke just woke up screaming! This is why I don't get anything accomplished...

Friday, May 2, 2008

3rd Weigh-in

I must say that I’ve been totally encouraged and motivated by all of your comments and e-mails. Thanks guys! =) I’ve gotten really fantastic advise and insight from you all – keep it coming– it’s so appreciated and very helpful!

So this week didn’t go as planned…at all. We all got sick – and the weather was touch and go. Though, wouldn’t you know that the days the boys were way too sick to go outside, the sun shone ever so brightly! Maybe it just looked brighter because we were all stuck inside. =)

I weighed myself today and I haven’t gained anything but I haven’t lost anything either…but I really didn’t expect too. One of the things I’ve come to realize is that breakfast is essential. I find myself so caught up in the morning busyness that I totally neglect my own need to eat. I don’t know how I fell out of the habit of eating breakfast…when I was pregnant I HAD to eat or I’d throw up…and this was all 9 months. So how did I so quickly fall out of eating breakfast? Whatever the case, I have decided that no matter what – I need to make sure I eat. Not only will this help with weight loss, it’ll give me the energy I need to make it to lunch!

I'm trying to eat on small salad plates...sometimes...=)


Secondly, I tried to cut out all the sweets – but it was just too much too fast. I don’t know if it has anything to do with breastfeeding, but I crave chocolate like you wouldn’t believe. I was the exact same way with Luke too. So I’ve decided instead of dropping it cold turkey – I just need to moderate myself…though this can be easier said than done. =)

We managed one walk this week. I strapped Will in the Moby, put Luke in the stroller and off to the post office we went. I’m so out of shape that the little walk plumb wore me out! =) I do think I need to make my exercise schedule a little more realistic for our circumstances. Finding that much time to exercise is just impossible. Then when I fail to meet my goals within the first few days, I just give up because I know I can’t even begin to catch up.

So – my plan is to walk again today. Maybe even get some sit-ups in! And here’s the plan for next week:

Monday: Either a walk or 20 mins cardio
Tuesday: crunches and arm exercises (10 mins)
Wednesday: Either a walk or 20 mins cardio
Thursday: crunches and leg exercises (10 mins)
Friday: Mom Scott arrives – YAY!!!!
Saturday: Walk?
Sunday: Off

I think that seems better…though looking at it – it still seems like a lot to cram in. If the weather cooperates – the walks are the easiest to do since the boys do it with me. So let’s hope for sunny skies!

Once again – thanks so much for all of your support, encouragement and insight! You all rock! =)
I’ll weigh-in again in a few days…gotta get back on schedule!

Wednesday, May 1st, 2008 - 146 lbs

Pounds Lost this week: 0

Pounds Lost to Date: 1

Sunday, April 20, 2008

2nd Weigh-in and Starting Pictures...

Eeek! Is it time to weigh in again?! Ok, so I'll be honest. I exercised once...and that was only like a few crunches and leg exercises...and then I realized how out of shape I was and wanted to eat a bunch of cookies because of it. I know it doesn’t make sense! Hahaha! Even worse, I really did eat more cookies this week then any human should consume in a year...yikes!

Alright, so this week I'm hoping the weather gets better so the boys and I can go outside and walk and play. However, this is Germany, so I can't count on that. I need a plan in case it rains or is cold. So, I looked in our video drawer and found 4 workout DVD's - two of which have never been opened - one of which I attempted once and didn't make it through any of it and the other I think I've done twice since I lived in Bradley (that was 6 years ago!) Two of them take equipment I don't have, so that leaves two possibilities for now. So here is my plan:


Monday: Pilates via Suzanne Deason's Pilates Conditioning for Weight Loss DVD

Tuesday: Stomach, Legs and Arms (Strength Training)

Wednesday: Cardio via Denise Austin's Burn Fat Fast DVD

Thursday: Stomach, Legs and Arms (Strength Training)

Friday: Cardio via Denise Austin's Burn Fat Fast DVD

Saturday: Pilates via Suzanne Deason's Pilates Conditioning for Weight Loss DVD

Sunday: Off (secretly hoping the weather will be good for a nice long walk)

The hardest part is going to be finding a time to exercise. Though Luke goes to bed in the evening and generally stays asleep – Will does not. I suppose I could get up super early…but that just makes me tired thinking about it. I’ll have to try a few different times out and see how far I can get before Will demands to be held.

Diet wise my main goal is no cookies. LOL! Ok, so my real main goal is to cut out the massive consumption of sweets. I didn't let myself buy any when I went to the grocery store (well, I did buy Luke some fig newtons, but I won't eat those.) Instead I bought oranges, strawberries, bananas and plums.

Ok, so here is my weigh-in:

Sunday, April 20, 2008 - 146 lbs (don't ask me how I managed to lose 1 pound!)

Pounds Lost to Date: 1

Before Pictures: Taken on April 16, 2008


Front:


Side:


Alrighty! I'll let you know how this week goes - it can't go any worse then last week! Hahaha!

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

The Past Body...

I was looking through some old pictures I have on our computer. We lost A TON of pictures when our external hard drive quit working last year – but we were able to salvage a few folders of pictures. As I looked through them – I was amazed at how skinny I used to be (at least skinny for me!) Though I know I may not get as tiny as in the first few pictures, I would be ecstatic to get to where I was in the last few. I know my baby bump will probably never go away – goodbye chances of ever having a flat stomach again…but just to be thin and healthy again would be amazing!




(5 wks preggo with Luke)

I have done TERRIBLE on any sort of exercise program this week – and I’ve been eating terrible as well (I guess I forgot to plan time to make meals in all the stuff we’ve been doing this week.)

I did make myself take “before” pictures and they made me cringe…I’m just not healthy right now. I’m SO out of shape. You would think lugging the baby carrier around – or chasing Luke around would help a bit…but as I attempted to do some crunches and strength training tonight I realized that I had fallen a long way down fitness wise. Maybe this is the motivation I need. I just want to feel energized and fit – losing a lot of pounds is secondary.

I think once the weather gets better (does the weather ever get better here?) that I may try to start walking again. Fresh air and brisk walking sound very appealing. I’ll probably also do some cardio/toning/Pilate DVD’s at home for awhile. As much as I’d like to join a gym, my options are a bit limited here as childcare isn’t provided at the gym on post…not to mention Luke is having a VERY hard time being left in any childcare setting again.

Anyway, my next post will be my “before” pictures. I probably won’t take pictures every week – maybe once or twice a month…unless I continue to fail every goal and I don’t change a lick over the next month….hehehehe!

Alrighty – enough of looking in the past. That’s a body I will probably never be able to obtain again…and that’s actually ok because since then I’ve had two beautiful boys and I wouldn’t trade them for the world!

I’m going to try really hard to walk past the cookies when I go grocery shopping tomorrow! Wish me luck! =)

Monday, April 14, 2008

First Weigh-in

So this morning I totally forgot to get on the scales before I consumed my bowl of ceral and 2 cups of coffee. Luckily I got on the scales yesterday morning before eating or drinking anything. So my first weigh-in weight is 147. Which is actually a lot less then I was 2 weeks ago…almost 10 pounds less. I think the physical stress of pre-deployment /deployment has equaled in the unexpected weight loss. Since 3 weeks postpartum, I’ve been sitting in the 150’s. I would go from 156 to 150 back to 154…so I was surprised to see that I had actually gotten under 150. Thought I’m closer to my goal weight, my body is forever changed from having 2 children in less then 2 years…and for carrying a 9 pounder.

So this week my goal is to get some exercise. I have to admit, I already failed my first goal which was to put together a fitness routine this past week. I’m going to give myself a little bit of a break since we’re still adjusting to the physical demands of deployment. Boy howdy am I exhausted!

So today my goal is to do some isometrics and strength training. I’m SO out of shape…in fact, I don’t remember the last time I exercised…it’s been a very long time. I will take my first “before” pictures today and post those along with an update on how my first exercise session went.

Alright, Luke is running around and Will just woke up from his morning nap – I gotta run!

Later!

First Weigh-in: Sunday, April 13th, 2008: 147lbs

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Starting the Program...in a few days...=)

Since this week has already brought on a massive life adjustment, I’m going to wait until Monday to start anything. Sometimes a girl just needs her chocolate…especially when her husband deploys to Iraq!

So Monday I plan to do a weigh-in and measurements.

Instead of defeating myself from the get-go (which I always do) I plan to start slow…taking one thing at a time. So instead of changing everything all at once I’m going to start with exercise. Diet will come in a few weeks...though I know I should probably start exercising AND dieting all at the same time. Oh well – baby steps for me this time around! =) I have a feeling the more I exercise, the more I will subconsciously (and consciously) watch what I eat.

So – for the rest of this week, I’m going to figure out a workable exercise program. Then on Monday I’ll weigh-in and start the program.

Here’s hoping for a healthier lifestyle!

Friday, April 4, 2008

Losing Weight and Getting in Shape...

I think the title of the blog says it all! I’ve created this blog site to help me stay accountable to my diet and exercise program. If I can see progress, I’m more likely to stick to the plan – so I plan to track my weight loss/get in shape progress here.

A few years ago, there would have been no way I would have posted my weight and measurements, but I think I’ll take a brave step and do so on this blog. My biggest goal is to find a weight that fits my lifestyle. At this stage of my life I just want to be healthy and have lots of energy to chase Luke and Will around.

I would like to get down to around 130-135 pounds. If I can easily maintain a lower weight, then I’d be happy with that too. We’ll see. I was about 137 before I got pregnant with Will and was happy there.

Fitness wise I would like to tone my muscles and gain more energy. Eventually I’d like to start running again – but that’s a ways down the road. Right now I plan to start some cardio and strength training.

Food wise I’d like to start eating healthier. Not only will this benefit me, but more importantly it’ll be a much healthier option for Luke and Will (and Chris when he gets home.) This may be the hardest thing for me. I loooooove my sweets and junk food! It’s a little harder to get the wide variety of health and/or organic foods here, but we’ll see what we can find. I’m just going to start with baby steps and hopefully over the next year will completely revamp the way we eat.

Alrighty – wish me luck! =)