Slacking and procrastination = weight gain

Ok, so.... my last post was August 28, 2011. Exactly 4 months ago! I have slacked off, ate whatever I wanted, drank whatever I wanted and procrastinated. I'm a little disappointed in myself. I worked so hard to lose the weight and took only 4 months to put a good chunk back on. I held the keys in my hands and I just let it go.

I have been trying to kick myself in the ass to get back to it. It's been really hard without any motivation. My thought is: why do I need motivation now? I didn't have a workout buddy before? Why is this so important? I don't know.

No matter. A new year = a new me! Nothing going to stop me now!!! I can do this... and with the help of a couple of friends, I'll do it!!

LAST BLOG UPDATE
Weight: 242.8
BMI: 36.9

TODAY 12/28/11
Weight: 259.4
BMI: 39.4
POUNDS GAINED: 16.6


GOAL WEIGHT: 170
Pounds to goal: 89.4

Major set back won't set me back!!

If you read my blog from the 14th, you will know that there was already a set back in my weight loss journey. For whatever reason, the month of August has been full of major temptation and no motivation. I ate way more than I should have and ate plenty of food that I should NOT have. I barely set foot in the gym at all this month. I believe I've gained at least five pounds, but won't know for sure until tomorrow's re-start weigh-in. 

To be honest, I am really disappointed in myself. For some time, I was gung-ho and really into what I was doing. The only person I've hurt is myself. This is the beginning of a new week and a new outlook on weight loss. It's time for me to get my ass in gear and get back to what's important,,, and that's being healthy for me and my family. 

I hate the way I've been feeling: no energy/motivation, bloated and constipated. NOT a great feeling. It's definitely time to change again!

Here's to a new start!!

Gillian <3

I'm back and better than ever!!

These last two weeks have been particularly trying for me. I've been dealing with a lot of stressful things between work, family, finances, etc. All of it together totally killed my motivation to work out and caused me to binge eat. Last week was my boyfriend's birthday and our anniversary. There was amazing home made food from one of his co-workers and his mother & sister. All was delicious and of course I overdid it. I managed to get my workout in and keep my water consumption up. My body is totally feeling the ill effects of going back to not so healthy foods.

My goal was to be at 235 by September 1. I am currently 244. I gained 2 pounds this week. :o(

I have 17 days to drop 9 pounds. I can do it as long as I keep my focus and give my all!

I can do this!!
Gillian <3

Photo Update!

For all my followers:

I almost forgot to post my photo update! The transformation to this point is quite amazing!

February 2010 - My brother's wedding 286.6 lbs.

August 2011 - Going out 242.8 pounds

NSV!

Ok, for those of you who don't know, an NSV is a NON SCALE VICTORY!

Today, I had a great NSV!!! I've been doing the the C25k program for the past several weeks and have been working the intervals like I'm supposed to. This morning, I decided to push myself and really see what I could do.

I did the 5 minute warm up walk as usual and then started to run at 5.0 mph. I got to a 1/4 mile running and then kept going to a 1/2 mile running. I was stoked!! Took a 3 minute walk and then continued to run until I reached that mile mark at 14:30! Woohoo!

There's a 5k run/walk coming up on Labor Day and I'm seriously considering it. I hope I'll find a partner and make it a reality! :)

GiLLiaN<3

I'm a joker, I'm a smoker, I'm a midnight toker... (not really)

I know I've been slacking on the posts. There has been some crazy things going on in my life that I have finally straightened out. For the month of August, I am the captain of a weight loss team and have been working hard to motivate them and run their blog. I've been working really hard to get my weight down to 235 pounds by September 1, 2011. It looks like it might happen and I'm stoked. Anyhow, here is my most recent weigh-in info!

First challenge weigh-in: 8/1/11
Weight: 247.0
BMI: 37.6

Week 1 Final: 8/7/11
Weight: 242.8
BMI: 36.9
Percentage of body weight lost: 1.7%
POUNDS LOST: 4.2


I'm afraid this number will go back up. Not because I haven't been working hard but because there was a lot of water weight lost, so I'm prepared for anything.

Commitment

I have been heavy as long as I can remember. I remember being 12 or 13, starting middle school, already shopping in a plus size store with my mother, unable to find clothes that were "in". All through middle school and high school I was picked on for my weight. Usually, I didn't let it get to me.

We are preparing for our 10 year high school reunion and have a group on Facebook. We all post on there, reminiscing about the years past. One classmate in particular started posting on there about typical "high school" stuff. Who was your crush? etc... Several people posted about him being a nice guy and a gentleman. My ass!

One year, in my year book, he actually told me to "lose a little weight". You want to talk about embarrassment and devastation? Yea! So now that I'm looking back on this, I have a little more motivation. I want to go back to my reunion, half the woman I was in high school. Not really half, but you get my drift.

I will walk in with my head held high and a smile on my face. I'm waiting for every one to see how far I've come and then I can give them the big FUCK YOU!!! especially this dude. Let these people try to talk to me. I'm too good for THEM now. They can all bite me!

Needless to say, my reunion has been the motivation for my commitment but I've made the commitment to myself. Nothing will hold me back!

A good feeling.

Since before the start of my weight loss journey, I look in the mirror and was disgusted with what the person staring back at me. The flabby arms, big legs, fat stomach, all of it!

On the first of each month, I take photos of myself, as a progression mark, to see how far I've come. Over the last few months, I haven't seen much of a difference, but I feel it in my clothes. It wasn't until yesterday when I looked in the mirror (no camera) and flexed my biceps. The muscles are getting bigger (somewhat) and the flab is going away!!! I can actually see some definition in my shoulders in arms. There is still a long way to go in that department but any change is still a change!!! It makes me feel good to know what I'm doing is working! I've noticed fat loss in other weird spots on my body as well.

Just because you can't SEE the change, does not mean that change isn't happening!

GiLLiaN<3

The Redbull Dilemma

Hi. I'm Gillian and I'm a caffeine addict.

Well, I was. Coffee, Redbull, tea, vitamins with caffeine in them. Redbull (sugar free)especially was my vice. (There's a long story how that happened but that's for a different time.)

Since I started my "lifestyle change", I was able to wean myself off of the caffeine a little by little until I was no longer dependent on it for the energy I needed in my day to day life. I was very happy of this accomplishment until I realized what a big deal it actually was.

My loving boyfriend, Kris, came home from work yesterday in a rather foul mood. After talking with him a little, I understood why. I noticed he had purchased a 4 pack of Redbull (regular of course. ugh!). This just clarified that it was, in fact, a terrible day. He only buys Redbull for one reason, and one reason only... to go with the Jagermeister in the freezer. 4 oz. Redbull + 1 oz. Jagermeister = our FAVORITE drink... the Jagerbomb.

I had already used my last can of (sugarfree) Redbull to mix with the leftover vodka we had and was enjoying said cocktail as he walked in the door.

We had dinner with the kids (mmm. Turkey burgers...), had a few drinks (for a grand total of 2 cans of Redbull, one regular and one sugar free) and talked about buying this AMAZING house we found!! I look at the clock at it's 12 midnight! WTF!?!?! I'm usually knocked out at 10:30 - 11:00 at the latest. Needless to say I was NOT tired. UGH!! I got into bed around 12:30 am and actually fell asleep... but right around 1:30 I was awake again, found Kris sleeping on the couch and got him into bed. More sleep. My eyes re-opened around 5:50 am and had enough time to catch Kris' elbow to my face. Ugh! I finally got out of bed and showered, exhausted.

I made it through work... sans coffee and went to the gym to complete my 3 miles, not to mention having the monthly visitor. As I sit here now, 6:22 pm, I am tired... ready for bed! There's a thunderstorm going on outside and it's making it really hard to keep my eyes open.

What I now realize: Caffeine was a major part of my everyday life and I always felt like crap! Without caffeine, I feel so much better, more energetic and I fall asleep faster and sleep better. I think Redbull is thing of the past... unless I don't have to get up early the next day.

August Challenge - beginning weigh-in 8/1/11

Today starts the "Let's Kick the Crap out of August" team challenge on myfitnesspal.com. Each week will consist of different exercise challenges and food/water challenges for the individuals and teams to complete. So far, my team seems ready to go! I just hope I can keep them motivated!!


Friday of last week: 7/29/11
Weight: 248.2
BMI: 37.7

Monday of this week: 8/1/11
Weight: 247.0
BMI: 37.6
Percentage of body weight lost: 0.48%
POUNDS LOST: 1.2 in 3 days. WOW!


Anyhow, for this month, I will be doing weigh-ins on Sunday morning, so I can compile my information for the officials of the challenge. I had a weight loss between last Friday and this morning. Let's see if I can keep it going! My goal is to lose 10 pounds, putting my weight at 237. I am going to push for a loss of 12 pounds, to reach goal #2 (235 pounds).


As long as I keep doing what I'm doing, I should be just fine and I'll reach my goal in no time!
POUNDS TO GOAL #1 (250): COMPLETED!! 7/29/11
POUNDS TO GOAL #2 (235): 12 I HOPE TO REACH THIS BY THE END OF AUGUST!
POUNDS TO ULTIMATE GOAL (180):  67 POUNDS
STARTING WEIGHT: 286.6
CURRENT WEIGHT: 247
TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS TO DATE: 39.6 POUNDS!

SINCE I STARTED USING MYFITNESSPAL:


Wishing everyone the best!!
GiLLiaN<3

Gearing up for August Team Challenge on MyFitnessPal.com

I'm not sure if I've mentioned it before, but I am the team captain for Team Waistin' A-weigh on myfitnesspal.com's "Let's Kick The Crap Out Of August" team challenge.

Each week will consist of daily and weekly exercise and/or food and drink challenges. Each team mate earns points for completing challenges and weight loss. 
I set my weight loss goal for August - 10 pounds. Can I do more than that? Probably, but I wanted to be realistic. 
Here are the challenges set for week 1:


TEAM CHALLENGE: 
Log every day and not go over calories, Monday - Saturday 
Log at least 64 oz. of water, Monday - Saturday 

DAILY CHALLENGES: 
Monday - 100 jumping jacks 
Tuesday - Walk, run, or jog 1 mile (IN ADDITION TO YOUR REGULAR EXERCISE) 
Wednesday - 50 sit ups or crunches 
Thursday - 40 up and downs 
Friday - 25 pushups 
Saturday - 25 squat lunges 


It wouldn't be called a challenge if it weren't challenging. I can do it!!




Wish me luck!
GiLLiaN<3

Friday Morning Weigh-In 7/29/11

With today being the last weigh-in of the month, I want to reflect on what I have accomplished, as well as this weeks victories!



Last week: 7/22/11
Weight: 250.8
BMI: 38.1

This week: 7/29/11
Weight: 248.2
BMI: 37.7
Percentage of body weight lost: 0.99%
POUNDS LOST: 2.6

POUNDS TO GOAL #1 (250): COMPLETED!! 7/29/11
POUNDS TO GOAL #2 (235): 13.2POUNDS TO ULTIMATE GOAL (180):  68.2 POUNDS
STARTING WEIGHT: 286.6
CURRENT WEIGHT: 248.2
TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS TO DATE: 38.4 POUNDS!

SINCE I STARTED USING MYFITNESSPAL:


JULY 2, 2011 - 257 LBS.
JULY 29, 2011 - 248
9 POUNDS LOST IN THE MONTH OF JULY!!!


The month of August brings some new and exciting things for me! On Myfitnesspal.com, I have taken on the duty of being a team captain for August's "Let's Kick the Crap out of August" team challenge. My team "Waisting A-Weigh" are ready (for the most part) to kick some serious weightloss/fitness ass! There will be several challenges along the way: cardio challenges, distance challenges, food challenges, strength challenges, etc. I'm really excited to see what's in store!

Until then,
GiLLiaN<3

This week... I'm a slacker!

This week has had its ups and downs.

I've been slacking... BIG TIME!

I've been logging everything that I eat. I haven't been making the best decisions and have gone over my calorie goal two days so far this week. Why? Because I didn't really "care". Let me rephrase. I do care and I understand what that means to my weight loss, but I still did it. I had a hard time not giving into temptation. I mean, tortellini and pizza, HOW COULD I NOT? I promise myself to make the rest of this week BETTER than the last two days.

I've been working out like I usually do. Well, maybe not EXACTLY like I always do, but I've still been in the gym every day that I plan. My workouts are usually cut short because I'm tired from work or whatever the case may be. However, I have started a new habit that I am actually proud of! My normal daily routine looks like this: I go to work from 7:30 am until 4:00 pm. After work, I will go to the gym for 30 to 45 minutes and do a mix of weights and cardio. It's not a lot but it's 5 days per week! When I leave the gym, I pick my kids up from school and when we get home, I'll put dinner in the oven. MY NEW HABIT: While dinner is cooking, I'll turn on the Wii and do a quick, 20-minute Zumba workout, maybe longer depending on what's for dinner. Occasionally in the evenings, I'll go to a Zumba class in place of my Wii workout. I LOVE ZUMBA!!! Can you tell?

Also, I think I've found the sources of my workout discouragement this week. I started week 3 of C25k. It has proven to be extremely challenging with the intervals. I can get through the first 3 minute run interval and then I'm winded and have a hard time catching up again. I've tried for 3 days and usually by the third day I can get the interval but this week is discouraging. I will have to repeat next week and that's OK in my book. IT WILL NOT DEFEAT ME! I've had some aches and pains this week that I haven't experienced before. I did some work on my quadriceps that set them on FIRE!! The elliptical and running wasn't very kind to my quads and for the first time, to my right hip and left knee. Dammit!

Yea, yea. I know. Excuses, excuses!

Today, I make a commitment to myself to finish off the week stronger than I started!

Burns some calories in a sexy way!!

I started my day as I normally would. I got up and took the kids to school. I had a quick workout in the gym and went home. I took a shower and decided I wanted a quick nap beside my honey. Boy was I wrong.... I'm sure you get the picture here. So I started to think, how many calories are burnt during sexual activities. Of course I had to research it. I found an interesting article: 8 Sexy Ways To Burn Calories on womansday.com.

In case you didn't know, many sexual activities can burn calories!!

Kissing: 68 calories per hour
Undressing: 8+ calories total
Massaging: 80+ calories per hour
Having Sex: 144+ calories per half-hour
Giving Oral Sex: 100 calories per half-hour
Using Your Hands: 100 calories per hour
Romantic Dancing: 103 calories per half-hour
Making Out: 238 calories per half-hour

Who knew that making out was a GREAT calorie burner?!

With this being said, go grab your partner and get to burning calories!!!

GiLLiaN<3

Motivation/Goals

Well, I guess yesterday's blog entitled "LOST/Cheat days", was just the therapy I needed to motivate myself into this new week. Monday brings a lot of things!!

I guess when I get upset/frustrated, I like to exercise. Who knew! My children had me so frustrated but the time we got home, I sent them in their rooms while their dinner was in the oven and I turned on the Wii. Zumba anyone?

What does this Monday have in store for me?

• Work - there's a shocker! Hey, it's a way to burn plenty of calories!
• C25k: Week 3, Day 1 - No big deal. I'll treat it as I have every other C25k day, with my iPod and a bottle of water.
• Bodybuilding Total Body Transformation: Week 1, Day 4, Lower Body - I lumped my two rest days together so days 3 and 7 are out. Lucky for me, I can substitute my C25k workout for the "running" portion.

My motivation for this week:

1. The scale and the continuous and steady weight loss. I am excited to get up every Friday morning and step on the scale, which used to be my worst enemy. Even a half a pound is still a victory.
2. Getting closer to my ultimate weight loss goal. I see every weigh in as a victory and realize that my final goal will be here before I know it as long as I stay true to myself and continue what I am doing. 
3. This might sound a little funny, but I want to weigh less than my boyfriend. That gives me my next 38 pound goal. It's motivation for me so I can say HA! I finally weigh less than you do. 

My goals for this week:

1. MY FIRST WEIGHT LOSS GOAL!! When I first started losing weight, I was at my heaviest ever: 286 pounds! First weight loss goal: 250 pounds! I will reach that this week! 
2. Complete week 3 of C25k 
3. Complete week 1 of my weight training 

(I like listing out my goal and motivation for the week. I will begin to use that in my Monday morning posts.)

I'm not fully ready for my day, but I will get there after a hot shower and some breakfast! For those of you who are reading this and on the weight loss journey, remember: You can do it. You have to put your mind to it and stay true to yourself. Don't cheat yourself or sell yourself short. If you want it, you can achieve it! Or as the old saying goes:

If I can do it, you can do it!

GiLLiaN<3

C25k - Week 3

I thought the last two weeks of C25k were challenging. Week 3 is proving to be EXTRA challenging for me. I have been working hard to get in shape and increase my endurance with running. I am not sure I'm looking forward to this week of training, but I know I can do it!

Here's what's in store for week 3:

For this week, the intervals are a little different than before. After the warmup walk, I will be running for 1 1/2 minutes, walking for 1 1/2 minutes, running 3 minutes, walking 3 minutes and repeat., followed by a cooldown walk. I am intimidated by the 3 minute run, but I will push through and complete this week!

Wish me luck!

GiLLiaN<3

LOST/Cheat days

No, we aren't talking about the television show (that I never saw one episode of). I'm referring to my motivation to work out these last couple of days.

You would think that seeing the number on the scale go down would be motivation enough, but right now it's not. Weekends are hard for me to make it to the gym. I work later. I get home later and I really don't feel like going to the gym at 8 o'clock at night. Nor do I feel the urge to wake at 4:30 - 5 o'clock in the morning to get up and go. During the week, I have the time between work and picking the kids up and that's when I usually go. Working out 7 days per week... is that too much? Maybe I will stick to Monday - Friday and leave Saturday and Sunday to rest. I think that I am expecting too much of myself and I get burnt out, hence the lack of motivation. I guess it is quite possible.

I haven't been blogging as often. This too could be cause for my lack of motivation.

While I'm yammering on about motivation, I'm also going to touch on "cheat" days. You should allow yourself one day per week where you can "cheat" on your diet. If you want the greasy bacon cheeseburger (like I had last night) or the big piece of cake and ice cream, you can indulge on one specific day. Set which day will be your cheat day and keep it the same every week. Not only does it give you something to look forward to (like weigh-in), but it will keep your cravings from causing a binge. When you do cheat, make sure you still track your calories. You still have to hold yourself accountable. Once you see what your cheat calories look like, it will make it that much easier to hold onto your intake goal for the remainder of the week. My cheat day last week had me at DOUBLE my calorie goal for the day and this week I was only 401 calories over. I made better choices but still indulged in that bacon cheeseburger and delicious potato salad that I love so much.

Of course, you may feel guilty about indulging. I know I did. You just have to remember that it is one day and you are allowed to have it. Otherwise, you will drive yourself crazy wanting what you "can't" have.

Now that I've written out my feelings here, I believe some of my motivation has come back. I am not motivated to get up, take a shower and get ready for work! BAH!!

GiLLiaN<3

Friday Morning Weigh-In 7/22/11

Ok, even though I had a MAJOR slip up last Saturday, I was able to bounce back and lose more weight than I anticipated! Another excitement is that this coming week brings MY FIRST WEIGHT LOSS GOAL!!!! I am super stoked! It's been amazing to see all of the hard work pay off! There are a few things I'm going to tweak, just to see if I can maximize my weight loss and fat burn. I think since I'm starting to train with weights, I will really see the fat disappear now! I'm so excited for the weeks ahead!


Last week: 7/1/11
Weight: 253.2
BMI: 38.5

This week: 7/15/11
Weight: 250.8
BMI: 38.1
Percentage of body weight lost: 0.94%
POUNDS LOST: 2.4

POUNDS TO GOAL #1 (250): 0.8 WHAT?! 
POUNDS TO ULTIMATE GOAL (180): 70.8 POUNDS
STARTING WEIGHT: 286.6
CURRENT WEIGHT: 250.8
TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS TO DATE: 35.8 POUNDS!



SINCE I STARTED USING MYFITNESSPAL:

Created by MyFitnessPal - Free Weight Loss Tools

No pain, no gain!

Today was Week 1, Day 1 of my body transformation, 12 week, weight training program.

Here is what I accomplished today:

I see this the same as I see the C25k program. It will get easier each week, but still remain challenging, if that makes any sense. Gradually I will add more weight, but the moves will get easier. This is the first time that I've really done any kind of weight training and I am still learning the moves. 

Out of today's workout set, I would say that I disliked push ups the most. My upper body is still weak and I have more weight on my body that I need. I found it rather challenging on the floor, even with bent knees. For the time being, I opted to do them against the wall. My favorite in this set would have to be hyperextensions. At first I was a little intimidated by the piece of equipment. Once I got on there and actually did the exercise, I loved it! It worked lower, lower back muscles. I've never felt them burn like that. 

To sum up the day, it was great! However, my detoids and pecs are sore. As long as the muscles are hurting, I guess it's doing the trick! You know what they say:

NO PAIN, NO GAIN!

GiLLiaN<3

I want to transform my body!

and with the help of this new program I found, I will! This new program I found is on Bodybuilding.com. It is a weight training program to help lose fat and completely transform my body. I hope that in conjunction with my C25k training, that I will see all of my goals become reality!

Here's what this entails:

Day 1: Upper Body
Pushups
Side Lat Raise
Dumbbell Bench Press
Tricep Kickback
Seated Cable Rows
Alternating Hammer Curls
Hyperextensions
Air Bike
Stairmaster

Day 2: Cardio
Stationery Bike 30 - 40 minutes at a moderate pace

Day 3: Rest
It's important to allow your body to recover

Day 4: Lower Body
Freehand Jump Squat
Plie Dumbbell Squat
Clean
Barbell Side Split Squat
Leg Press
Seated Legcurl
Leg Extensions
Seated Calf Raise
Running 20 minutes at a moderate pace (Here's where my C25k training will come in handy!)

Day 5: Cardio
Elliptical Trainer 30 - 40 minutes at a moderate pace

Day 6: HIT Full Body
Butt Lift
Push Press
Barbell Deadlift
Bentover Barbell Row
Wide Grip Lat Pulldown
Stiff Leg Barbell Good Morning
Dumbbell Rear Lunge

Day 7: Rest

From what I understand, building the muscle will help burn the fat. I want toned muscles to (hopefully) help with some of the sagging skin.

There will be before and after pictures! :)

Wish me luck!

GiLLiaN<3

C25k - Week 2: COMPLETED!!

Yesterday, I successfully completed the first week of C25k treadmill program. It was rough. I am still able to push through and complete the workout. Talking to myself (yeah, I know how that sounds), listening to the right music and looking at all the skinny bitches on the treadmill or elliptical looking like little bunnies bouncing (I wanna claw their eyes out). around helps motivate me. I thought I was going to have to repeat week 1, but I started week 2 with determination and here I am, Week 2, COMPLETE!

I am one week closer to my goal!! 

For those of you who don't know, this is what week 2 of C25k entails:

My alcohol and pizza binge is haunting me. Even though I've done good every other day and been in the gym every day, I am SURE this is going to affect my weight loss for this week. I guess we will find out tomorrow on weigh-in day! I'll hold my breath for now!

GiLLiaN<3

C25k - Week 2, Day 1

Today started the second week of the C25k program. I knew things were going to be a little more difficult than last week, but I was not intimidated.

5 minute brisk warm-up walk, per usual.
This time the jogging/running increased to 1 minute and 30 seconds
The walking was increased to 2 minutes.
Alternating for 25 minutes.

I'm pretty sure this is to build endurance, which is the key to running a 5k or any other long distance for that matter. Ha.

With it being the first day of this set, of course I was winded rather quickly. But thanks to KITTIE!!! (again), I was able to push through!

Instead of doing 3 days per week like they outline, I have been trying to do this every time I go to the gym or around 5 times per week. Every day it gets a little easier and gets me ready for the next week. Monday starts rough but by the end of the week, I've gotten it!

For any of you that have considered the C25k program, I highly recommend it. If I can do it, YOU can do it too!!

FIND ME ON FACEBOOK!

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C25k - Week 2

Now that I had my mini mental breakdown over my Saturday night splurge, here it is Monday and I am up and at 'em, ready to tackle this week head on! Thus, with a new week, comes a new challenge - C25k Week 2. For those of you just tuning in, Couch25k (C25k) is a 9-week training program designed for non-running individuals to be able to run a 5k or 30 minutes without stopping or walking.

I like this program because each week gets just a little bit harder. It's not a huge jump. This is what this week's workout looks like:

Last week I was running for a minute and walking for a minute and a half. This week, running for a minute and a half, walking for two minutes. Not much more than last week, but still a challenge all in all. What doesn't kill me will make me stronger. I can do this!

Along with C25k, I have been throwing in a mix of pilates and Zumba when I can. I have also been focusing on the abdominal muscles and upper body muscles (biceps, triceps, pectorals, deltoids, etc.).

MyFitnessPal has been and continues to be a great help and I want to thank my friends and family who have given me positive feedback, comments, motivation, and advice. Thanks, I love you all!

GiLLiaN<3

Cheater!

Since I started focusing on losing weight and exercising regularly, I have consumed maybe 2 beers. I declared yesterday to be my "cheat" day! I had muffins at work (2), pizza for dinner (3 slices) and then... the beer (5) and Jagerbombs (5). I almost forgot the extra pizza I had later in the night. (2 slices) The down side of my cheating is that I was 1,814 calories OVER my goal for the day. That's almost DOUBLE!!!!!

I am ashamed. 

The plus side: I realize that the drinking is part of what helped me gain so much weight as quickly as I did. Tracking all of the calories I consumed just in alcohol was a real eye opener. I did make a smarter choice when I purchased the Redbull. I opted for sugar free as opposed to regular. That made a difference of 45 calories per Jagerbomb... potentially 225 additional calories.

There is no excuse for this kind of "cheating" and I regret it, but what's done is done. I can at least say that I learned from it and can move on to a more positive day. I was able to hold myself accountable for what I consumed.

To end this blog, I will just say HOLY CRAP!


GiLLiaN<3

Vitameatavegamin - PART 2

I realized that Nature's Bounty vitamins were on sale BOGO at WalGreens so after this morning's original vitamin post, I thought I would take a little trip to get some of the things I was lacking. I picked up a bottle of high potency, time released B-Complex with Folic Acid plus Vitamin C... with Biotin. I also picked up a bottle of Fish, Flax and Borage with Omega 3-6-9. After adding these to my regimin, here is my current intake:

CHOLINE - none  

IODINE - none 

INOSITOL - none 

CHROMIUM - 120 mcg

B2 - none 

B3 - none 

B5 - none 

B6 - 5 mg 

VITAMIN C - 360 mg

OMEGA3 - 600 mg

OMEGA6 - 340 mg

I'm still lacking in some of these, but I will get more of them as time goes on. Good luck with your supplement search! :)

GiLLiaN<3

Vitameatavegamin?!

Hello guys and gals! Most of you know that taking vitamins is a key in maintaining a healthy life style... but what about weight loss? Sure, we take multivitamins and other little supplements, but is it enough? I decided to do a little research and see what should be taken (vitamins, supplements, foods) for weight loss support.

1. CHOLINE - Choline is taken to metabolize fat. Without enough choline, fat can get blocked in the liver. Food sources: egg yolks, wheat germ and peanuts.
2. IODINE - Iodine is taken to stumulate the tyroid for a metabolism boost. Food sources: Sea-KelP
3. INOSITOL - Inositol works with choline to aid in metabolizing fat. Food sources: soy, eggs and nuts
4. CHROMIUM - Chromium processes carbohydrates and cuts down on that hungry feeling. 
5. B2, B3, B5, B6 - The B vitamins are a help with metabolism and keeps the thyroid healthy. Food sources: wheat bran, eggs and oats.
6. VITAMIN C - Vitamin C helps convert glucose into energy and keeps the body from storing it. Food sources: black currants, broccoli, oranges and strawberries.
7. OMEGAS - The best weight loss supplements are multivitamins and multi-minerals. These should be taken in conjunction with essential fatty acid supplements that contain Omega3 and Omega6

I did a personal vitamin check. 

PUBLIX WOMEN'S MULTIVITAMINS and FINEST NATURAL GREEN TEA 

CHOLINE - none  

IODINE - none 

INOSITOL - none 

CHROMIUM - 120 mcg

B2 - none 

B3 - none 

B5 - none 

B6 - none 

VITAMIN C - 60 mg

OMEGA3 - none

OMEGA6 - none

I am going to start a hunt for a few more supplements so I can make sure I am maximizing my body's systems. First, I will find a B complex and essential fatty acid supplement. After I get those, I'll work on finding the choline, iodine and inositol. I am also considering glucosamine chondroitin for joint health. We aren't getting any younger!

I hope this has helped you as much as it helped me. Good luck in selecting the right vitamins or supplements for you.

GiLLiaN<3

CREDIT: Click here for original article

Friday Morning Weigh-In 7/15/11

Last week: 7/1/11
Weight: 257.2
BMI: 39.1

This week: 7/15/11
Weight: 253.2
BMI: 38.5
Percentage of body weight lost: 1.28%
POUNDS LOST: 2.0

POUNDS TO GOAL #1 (250): 3.2 POUNDS
POUNDS TO ULTIMATE GOAL (180): 73.2 POUNDS
STARTING WEIGHT: 286.6
CURRENT WEIGHT: 253.2
TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS TO DATE: 31.4 POUNDS!



SINCE I STARTED USING MYFITNESSPAL:

Created by MyFitnessPal - Free Calorie Counter

All you need is a little push.

I love having a non-scale related victory.

Tonight, while I was at the gym, I can say, I was victorious! I've been doing interval training on the treadmill per the C25k program. Since I've already completed the three days required, I decided to do something a little different, in preparation for next weeks activities.

Now, I honestly thought that I was going to have to repeat week one in its entirety before moving on to week two. This does not seem to be the case. The intervals are supposed to be walk 90 seconds, run 60 seconds and repeat for 20 minutes.

That got boring and I wanted my time to be over "quicker" so I began to run 90 seconds, walk 120 seconds and at the end, I pushed and actually ran for 120 seconds, 2 whole minutes! I've NEVER in my life been able to do that!!! After I did the cool down. I came home.

I was so proud of myself!

I burned 260 calories and rewarded myself with 180 of frozen yogurt goodness!

My conclusion is that I will actually be able to run a 5k in a short couple of months. I've been inspired by what my body can actually accomplish. The fact that I was constantly winded when I started is a thing of the past. I like being able to actually "run" a short amount of time without wanting to die! I'm proud of myself and I'm sure others are as well. I've set a goal, made a commitment and will achieve it!

TOMORROW IS A WEIGH-IN DAY! I'M EXCITED TO SEE MY PROGRESS. I'VE WORKED REALLY HARD THIS WEEK!!

GiLLiaN<3

Up before 6 am? Why? AND Habits.

I've heard a lot of people say that working out in the morning actually gives you energy for the rest of the day.

Since I started working out again, I keep telling myself "Yeah, so if I get up at 4:30 and go to the gym, I should have enough to work out for an hour, come home, shower and get the kids up". I've set my alarm clock for 4:30, 5:00, 5:30, just to attempt to get a little work out in, even 10-15 minutes of pilates. Here's the problem: regardless of my best intention to actually get out of bed when the alarm goes off, I just can't do it. I always seem to reset it for 6:00 and turn over to go back to sleep. I've even tried going to bed early so that I get enough sleep to get up earlier than usual.

However, today was a little different. I woke up somewhere between 5:00 and 5:30 to use the bathroom. Typical. I saw that it wasn't yet 5:30, so I got back into bed. Mistake #1. I couldn't go back to sleep, which was probably a good thing. As I lay there in the dark and complete silence (with the exception of my honey's snoring), I told myself, "You keep saying you're going to get up early and workout.... GET UP!"

I actually turned off my alarm clock (after re-setting it for 6:00) and got up out of bed, got dressed and went into the kitchen for my normal cocktail of vitamins and miscellaneous supplements.

I grabbed my kettlebell and small ball and proceeded to do some pilates in the middle of my living room. It was nice and peaceful. No Kris, no kids, no nothing.

I know they say it takes 2 weeks or 90 days or something to make a new habit. 

I've pretty much gotten into the habit of reading nutrition labels and calculating how many calories I can consume in a meal. As for exercise, I'm going to try. I want to exercise every day, again, even if it's 10 minutes of pilates in my living room. C25k only requires 3 days do there are 4 other days where I could be doing SOMETHING. I have options. I can get up and drive to the gym or I can stay home. I even take the time when I'm at work. If I have to go upstairs, I challenge myself to sprint the stairs.

After writing this, I have a few more things that I want to share:

1. Set goals. Whether you want to run everyday, take vitamins everyday or eat a salad for lunch every day for a week, set something that is attainable in the short term as a bridge to your long term goals, running a 5k, lose 20 pounds, etc.
2. Make a commitment. You have your goal set, but how will you attain it? You have to make a commitment. Get a running partner, put a note on your refrigerator that reminds you to take your vitamins or pack your salad for lunch the night before so there is no excuse for not having time.
3. Be accountable and finish what you start. If you set the goal and make the commitment, it's in your hands whether or not you succeed. Again, we know it takes time to make a new habit. Find any way you can NOT to make excuses. 
4. It's only hard if you make it that way. This is a mind game. You can do it if you just DO IT! Negative thoughts only get in the way and excuses are made. Try to keep a positive mind set. YOU CAN DO IT!!!
5. Listen to your body. Make sure you don't push yourself too hard. Your body will tell you when it's ready to quit. Listen to it! Also, if your body is craving chocolate, have some. Keep it within moderation! Don't deny yourself a special treat, but don't go overboard. You've worked too hard to get where you are and don't want to undo some of it with a pint of Ben & Jerry's, as delicious as it might be. 

And most importantly: LIVE, LAUGH AND LOVE!!! Enjoy your life as you are on the road to a healthier you! I know I am! 

Now it's 6:39 and I have to wake up the little monsters!

Have a great day!

GiLLiaN

C25k - Week 1: COMPLETED!!

Today, I successfully completed the first week of C25k treadmill program. It was rough, but Jenn's words about pushing through, really helped me today. I didn't want to go to the gym after work, but I did and got on the treadmill and did my walk/run. As much as I'd like to move on to week 2 of the program, I don't think I'm ready so I'm going to repeat week 1 again. Hopefully the second time will have me ready to move on. I have the ultimate goal to run a 5k and will continue to work at it until I achieve it! And now, I have a buddy who is going to start the program. We will run our 5k together! I'm happy about that!

For those of you who don't know, this is what week 1 of C25k entails:

I thought I would add that I have done so well this week that I am actually looking forward to my weigh-in on Friday!!!!

Inspired by "Outwitting The Lard"...

After reading a post by Jenn on her blog, Outwitting The Lard, I have thought about #4: Pick a mantra. A quote or monologue that inspires you. While reflecting on this, only one thing came to mind. As strange as it sounds, an image, not just a phrase came to mind and this is what it was:

We CAN do it! We just have to keep working hard!

To continue further on reflecting on this blog, there are other things that I love!!

1. Gaining weight is like gaining debt. Debt that's being accrued daily. Eventually you have to pay it back. Each delicious food comes with a price tag and if you choose to eat said delicious food....you have to pay it back at the gym. Or over time...with a vital part of your body (knees, ankles, feet, stomach, skin, bones, back, etc.). 

I never thought about it like this, but it is true. Calories and pounds = $$$. Like my paycheck, I am 
careful where I spend my calories and to not accrue such a a large poundage debt.


2. The weight really does come off. It doesn't happen instantly. But it comes off. Once you're so big, you start to think you can't rebound. Not true. No matter how big you are...you can lose weight. 


Another true statement! The weight comes off but you have to work at it!


3. Control. Not giving into my desires, has given me the control over them. I have the power, not chipotle. 


I love Jenn for some of the things she writes and this is one of them! Every now and then, we all have desires to go to a certain restaurant or even have that sinful dessert. We do hold the power. However, every now and then, I believe you should give in to your desire. I have to have chocolate every now and then or I will go crazy!! Everything in moderation! Pic a "cheat day" and keep it 
minimal!


5. The body is capable of so much more than the mind thinks it is. Push yourself until you think you cant go anymore and go alittle further. You'll be surprised 


I agree with this wholeheartedly! Since I started the C25k program, I get on the treadmill and I start walking, then I hit the running interval. I get through about 10 minutes and I'm ready to fall over, but I'm half way through and have to keep going. Push, push, push and as Jenn said, you'll be surprised!

Hard work hurts.

You spend hours in the gym and watch what you eat. The fat melts away and the muscles tone up. 

For me, I don't really notice it until there has been a dramatic loss, like when my pants almost fall off during a Zumba class. What gets me is the burn and soreness of the muscles after a long day. 

When you finally sit down to relax, everything just aches! Today, it really is everything! My pecs, triceps, abdominals, obliques, hips and thighs just ache!! 

That's how I know that all the time I spend doing pilates and lifting weights is being effective! 

Being a big girl, I have the "bingo wings", or underarm flappies. I also have a stomach flap. I've really been focusing on my biceps/triceps and lower abs, hoping that I can tone things up and get them to look and feel somewhat normal, like a woman my age should!

Back to it!

GiLLiaN

Friday Morning Weigh-In 7/8/11

I love Friday morning weigh-ins!!! I've decided that I will use a new blog form just for my weigh-ins.

Last week: 7/1/11
Weight: 257.2
BMI: 39.1

This week: 7/8/11
Weight: 255.2
BMI: 38.8
Percentage of body weight lost: 0.85%

TOTAL POUNDS LOST: 31.4
POUNDS TO GOAL #1 (250): 5.2 POUNDS
POUNDS TO ULTIMATE GOAL (180): 75.2 POUNDS
STARTING WEIGHT: 286.6
CURRENT WEIGHT: 255.2
TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS TO DATE: 31.4 POUNDS!


I still wouldn't be able to do this with the MyFitnessPal and the support of my family and friends! I have been heavy, pretty much my whole life and I've been through the dieting phase and the gym phase and then I give up and the weight all comes back. This time, it's over! I will win the BATTLE OF THE BULGE!! 

Happy Fat Fourth!

So... in case you haven't noticed, I took a short hiatus for the 4th of July weekend. I KNEW there would be poor choices made in the food and drink department.

I ate hamburgers, hotdogs, potatoes and pastas! I drank BEER!!!

 I know... shame, shame, shame. But not really. I've worked really hard to get where I am now. I am not going to slip back into that. I just figured I owed it to myself to indulge in some of the most delicious food I have tasted since going on my diet. Of course, it's not good for me so I love it!!

But now that the holiday weekend has ended and life has gone back to normal, so have my dieting habits. Well... not really, but at least now I am within my calorie count... and I even got to have some icecream yesterday. After work yesterday, I was definitely deserving of the rocky road goodness... oh, did I mention the 2 beers I had with dinner?

I am starting to learn that I can still enjoy some of the things I love. The key to it is MODERATION!!! I subconsciously read nutrition labels to see what the serving sizes are. Sometime I want to cry because it seems to small, but other times I get excited because I can have "that much". I've also learned to eat my dinner on the smaller plates that I use for my kids. It tricks the mind into thinking you're full since your plate is empty!

What makes it really hard on some days is the fact that I work with a diverse ethnic group of women: Hatian, Cuban and Filipino. They are all amazing cooks! We usually all bring lunch but end up sharing with each other, like a big, happy family! I don't want to hurt their feelings so I always try a little of what they have but then I have NO idea how to calculate the calories for my food diary. I guess I could always just make a guestimate and leave it at that. At least my Haitian friend only uses brown rice. Hahahahaha!

Now that my "me" time is over, it's time to wake the children and get myself ready to tackle another day of "makin' beds and scrubin' heads"

Love, peace and chicken grease!
GiLLiaN<3

Weight Loss - the beginning, the inspiration

I thought I would take a few moments to reflect on my weight loss journey so far. For those just tuning in to my blog, they can see that this has been exactly that, a journey. 

January 2009 - I lost the father of my children. I was out of work, living with my parents. I became obsessive with dieting and exercise, 2 times a day in the gym. I was down to 235 pounds, the lightest I had been in quite some time. Then... I got a job and my work out partner/motivator went to jail. I couldn't do it by myself. 

235 lbs.

Fast forward to February 2010 - My brother's wedding. Of course, as his sister, I wanted to look presentable for the wedding. My children were in the wedding and on the off chance that I had to actually walk my son, the ring bearer, down the aisle, I didn't want to look like a balloon. So much for that idea. I was up to the heaviest I've ever been. Stepping on the scale was scary. Approaching the 300 pound mark scared me to death. 290 + pounds.

Later in 2009 - I met my wonderful boyfriend, Kris.

Holidays 2010 - I wanted some pictures together with Kris and I was NOT happy with the outcome. I mean, look at this! From Thanksgiving and Christmas 2010.

Thanksgiving 2010

Christmas 2010

I started my weight loss journey again! This time I'm doing it by myself, with no one I rely on to go to the gym or whatever. Instead, I've started my blog, joined the gym again and joined MyFitnessPal. The people I interact with may not be right there to motivate me, but the pictures I post, the comments I write, I receive POSITIVE feedback and that's what motivates me the most. That and my boyfriend and kids. I am going to be successful this time. 

Why did I decide to lose weight? Simple. My kids. I want to be able to play with them and live a longer life. Of course, I want to be able to wear smaller, cuter clothes and bathing suits. I don't want to be ashamed of my body. 

Now that I have to get ready for work, I'll wrap it up here.

Starting stats:

Age: 27

Height: 5' 8"

Weight: 286

BMI: 43.5 OBESE

Jean size: 26 (OMG!!)

Shirt size: 4x

Current stats:

Age: 27

Height: 5' 8"

Weight: 257

BMI: 39.1 OBESE

Jean size: 22

Shirt size: 2x

Goal Stats:

Weight: 180

BMI: 27.4 OVERWEIGHT

They say for my age and height, I should weigh between 121 and 164 pounds. I'm sure it's possible, but right now, it doesn't feel like that will ever happen.

260 pounds, much progress

November 2010 and Present 25+ pounds lost